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April 23, 2026

Events

Nitin Gadkari emphasised multi-fuel strategy for sustainable mobility at Green Transport Conclave 2026 organized by IFGE

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New Delhi, April 22, 2026: The transport sector remains one of the largest contributors to carbon emissions, necessitating urgent and coordinated efforts to transition towards sustainable mobility. In this context, the Indian Federation of Green Energy (IFGE), with the support of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, successfully organized the two-day Green Transport Conclave: Accelerating Towards the Future of Sustainable and Green Mobility on April 21–22, 2026, in New Delhi. The conclave was inaugurated by Chief Guest Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India on 21 April, 2026. Shri Manoj Kumar Singh, CEO, UP State Transformation Commission (STC) attended as Guest of Honour in the inaugural session. In his inaugural address, Shri Nitin Gadkari highlighted that India currently imports nearly 87% of its energy requirements, underlining the urgent need to achieve energy self-reliance. He emphasized that no single technology—electric vehicles, hydrogen, or flex-fuel—can independently meet India’s growing energy demand, advocating for a balanced, multi-fuel approach. The Minister stressed the importance of biofuels, biomass densification, and alternative fuels such as isobutanol blending and DME. He also highlighted the role of organic manure derived from press mud and spent wash in improving soil organic carbon and promoting sustainable agriculture Emphasizing quality over cost, he called for increased productivity of biomass to support India’s clean energy transition and the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. Shri Manoj Kumar Singh emphasized that India’s transport strategy is evolving beyond electrification towards a multi-fuel and multi-modal ecosystem. He highlighted the integration of EVs, biofuels, sustainable aviation fuels, and green logistics, along with the need to align road transport with logistics corridors and clean energy infrastructure to create a resilient and future-ready mobility framework. The conclave enabled extensive deliberations on critical areas, including enabling policy frameworks at both central and state levels for low-carbon transport; advancement of sustainable urban mobility through electric vehicles and biofuels; decarbonization of long-haul, intercity, and rural transport across road, rail, and aviation sectors; promotion of efficient and sustainable freight movement via road, maritime, and rail networks; and the integration of advanced technologies such as automation, artificial intelligence, system integration, and fuel dispensing infrastructure in the transport ecosystem. A significant highlight of the inaugural session was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between CSIR-Central Road Research Institute and the Indian Federation of Green Energy (IFGE). The MoU aims to promote the integration of biochar and bio-bitumen in road construction and infrastructure applications, strengthening sustainable practices in the sector.   The eminent speakers addressed the conclave including Sanjay Bandopadhyaya, (IAS Retd), Chairman, Green Transport & Mobility Committee, IFGE, Former Chairman Inland Waterway Authority of India; R. Srinivas, Hony. Secretary, IUT and Former Town & Country Planner, TCPO/MoHUA and Visiting, Faculty, School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi; Mahmood Ahmad, Addl. Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India; Rajnath Ram, Advisor (Energy), NITI Aayog; Joshua Wycliffe, Director – Advocacy & Communications, Global Biofuels Alliance;Dr. Santanu Gupta, Director – Technical, Global Biofuels Alliance;Ajay Jha, Director (Environment and Housekeeping Management), Railway Board, Ministry of Railways;Dr. Virinder Sharma, Member (Technical), Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM); Dr Vidya Murkumbi, Chairman, Ravindra Energy Ltd.;Vikram Gulati, Chairperson, IFGE: Bio-Mobility Forum, Country Head & Executive Vice President, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM);Ravi Gupta, Chairperson Sugar Bioenergy Forum & Executive Director, Renuka Sugars; Sulajja Firodia Motwani, Chairperson, IFGE: Electric Vehicle Industry Forum & Founder & CEO, Kinetic Green;Atul Mulay, Chairman, Bioenergy Committee, IFGE & President – Bioenergy, Praj Industries;Prashant K Banerjee, Executive Director, Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturer (SIAM);SJR Kutty, Chief Sustainability Officer, Tata Motor Ltd.;Ashish Chutani, Vice President, Government and Policy Affairs, Maruti Suzuki India Limited;Hemant Kabra, Director, RR Global & Bgauss Auto;Nilay Ranjan, Vice President – Sustainability, Air India Limited; Vineet Bakshi, Director- Business Development, India, Lanzajet; Yash Pal Sachar, Vice President – Corporate Affairs, Ashok Leyland; Surajit Sarkar, CEO, Inlog Network & Member, All India Transporters Welfare Association (AITWA);Dr. Piyali Das, Associate Director & Senior Fellow, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI),Vaibhav Dange, Founder Director, IFGE and Sanjay Ganjoo, Director General, IFGE. The conclave was further supported by organizations such as Toyota Kirloskar motor Limited, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, Praj Industries,BGAUSS Electric, All India Transporters Welfare Association (AITWA) and Bus & Car Operators Confederation of India (BOCI),Build India, The Pioneer, Aviation World, and Bharat Energy Compass. The IFGE is a leading industry body committed to promoting renewable energy and sustainable mobility through policy advocacy, industry collaboration, and knowledge exchange platforms. ( News published on as shared basis)

2026

Saudia Launches Hajj 2026 Operations with Over One Million Seats for Pilgrims

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Jeddah, April 23, 2026 Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has commenced its Hajj 2026 operations, marking the arrival of the first flight carrying pilgrims to the Kingdom. Flight SV5807 arrived at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah from Dhaka, carrying 376 pilgrims. His Excellency Engr. Saleh Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, and His Excellency Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, welcomed the flight alongside senior officials from across the Hajj ecosystem, underscoring the Kingdom’s continued commitment to enhancing the pilgrimage experience. Saudia’s Hajj operational plan spans 75 days across both arrival and departure phases, facilitating the movement of pilgrims from around the world. The operation is supported by a comprehensive suite of integrated services, delivered in close coordination with relevant entities to ensure a seamless and efficient journey. For the 2026 season, Saudia has allocated more than one million seats across its domestic and international network, supported by a fleet of 160 aircraft dedicated to Hajj operations. The airline will serve pilgrims from 145 destinations worldwide, leveraging its full operational and technical capabilities. A dedicated workforce across all operational sectors is deployed around the clock to maintain smooth and efficient performance throughout the season. His Excellency Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, said: “Serving pilgrims is a national priority, and Saudia plays an integral role within a broader ecosystem dedicated to this mission. In alignment with Saudi Vision 2030, and in partnership with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Pilgrim Experience Program, we continue to advance initiatives that enhance the Hajj journey. As we contribute to the Kingdom’s objective of facilitating travel for 30 million pilgrims and Umrah performers by 2030, we remain committed to delivering a high standard of service at every stage, supported by disciplined operations and strong on-time performance.” Saudia continues to offer a range of services tailored to pilgrims, including the issuance of boarding passes for both arrival and return flights at international departure points, as well as domestic segments, in addition to operating supplementary flights to Madinah. The airline expects to serve more than 179,000 pilgrims through the “Makkah Route” initiative, while the “Luggage First” service is set to handle approximately 330,000 bags and 230,000 bottles of Zamzam water. Onboard, services are designed to support pilgrims throughout their journey. These include Miqat announcements made 30 minutes prior to crossing, the broadcast of Talbiyah, and a dedicated inflight channel featuring educational content on Hajj and Umrah rituals, alongside catering options tailored to diverse preferences.

Training

ALSIM installs AL42 simulator at Aviomar Flight Academy,strengthens Parma Training Centre

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Le Loroux Bottereau, France,23rd April 2026: ALSIM has anounced that Aviomar Flight Academy, based in Italy, has acquired an AL42 Diamond DA42 simulator, reinforcing the strategic development of its Parma Training Centre and its commitment to delivering professional, airline-oriented pilot training. The AL42 is an exact replica of the Diamond DA42-VI, built using genuine aircraft parts and equipped with the authentic Garmin™ G1000® NXI. It also features the latest-generation image generator (VFR-VS), a GFC™ 700 autopilot, and a force-feedback system that ensuring enhanced realism. The simulator can also be equipped with either analog or glass (EFIS) backup instruments. The AL42 model is designed for PPL, CPL and IR/ME training in compliance with current regulatory standards of EASA FNPT II, FAA AATD/FTD Level 5 and Transport Canada FTD Level 2 with IPC capability. “We are proud to introduce the Diamond DA42 simulator to our Parma Training Centre, reinforcing our vision of providing airline-focused training through advanced technology and strong industry partnerships,” said Capt. Michele Marano. “This investment supports the growth of the Ryanair Future Flyer Academy at Aviomar and confirms our commitment to preparing the next generation of professional pilots to the highest standards in Northern Italy.” The AL42 will be on display at ALSIM’s booth during AERO Friedrichshafen, April 22–25, 2026 (Booth A6-210), offering visitors with the opportunity to experience the simulator firsthand. Demonstration sessions can be booked in advance to experience the simulator live (click here). “We are honored to support Aviomar Flight Academy in this important step. Aviomar is one of the best structured flight schools in Europe, with a clear strategic vision and a strong focus on airline-oriented training. As a long-time partner of ALSIM, they have consistently demonstrated professionalism and operational excellence. We are proud to be part of their expansion into Northern Italy and to contribute to the continued development of their training capabilities.” adds Leonardo Rodrigues, Sales Manager at ALSIM.

FOREWORD

Dear Reader’s,

 

The current edition of Aviation World has covered many areas of Aerospace & Defence based on the latest development in the sector. The front cover highlights three different images, first for the Union Civil Aviation Minister ….. who is leading from the front to steer Indian Civil Aviation sector to witness one of the most interesting phases. He is also facing most tumultuous timing due to the ongoing financial stress in the Aviation sector due to ATF rising cost and long airspace restrictions resulting in mounting losses for Indian carriers. Despite of all the ground level challenges,the minister is addressing new things on regular basis which keeps the sector motivated. We have featured many such developmental works in this edition done under his guidance which will be interesting to read.

Our lead story on “ The West War” is another important feature which covers the ground level reality of the challenges faced by the Aviation sector. Its though time ahead and we believe it will pass soon .

There are features on Regional connectivity and MoCA revised rules on the UDAN 2.0 and how its going to transform the flying experience within India.

In this edition, we have covered topics on MRO,Various Policy changes,Sea Plane Operations by SkyHop Aviation, TATA-Airbus joint project on C295 military aircraft under Make In India which is expected to roll out soon and many other interesting contents which will be good to read.

We are covering Farnborough International Airshow 2026 from 20-24July 2026 in London and our next edition will be based on the same event.For features, you may contact our team on priority basis.

 

Happy Reading!

USEFUL LINK

NEWSLETTER

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We have started 2026 on a very positive note and we look forward to increase our footprints to more locations and induct many more new companies in our campaign.. Do write to us at : editor@aviationworld.in

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