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    August 19, 2026

    2026, Events

    India’s SAF mandate gains momentum; global industry to gather at 2nd India SAF Conclave & Awards 2026

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    SAF Association announces India’s largest Sustainable Aviation Fuel forum as the country prepares for the next phase of SAF implementation New Delhi, 19th August 2026: Following the Government of India’s recent indication that the country’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) mandate is moving towards implementation, the SAF Association (SAFA)—India’s leading not-for-profit industry body dedicated exclusively to advancing the Sustainable Aviation Fuel ecosystem—today announced the 2nd India SAF Conclave & Awards 2026, to be held on 28–29 September 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Coming at a defining moment for India’s aviation sector, the Conclave will serve as the country’s premier platform to bring together the complete SAF value chain and accelerate policy implementation, investment, technology deployment, capacity building and global collaboration, reinforcing India’s ambition to emerge as a leading global Sustainable Aviation Fuel hub. Positioned as India’s largest Sustainable Aviation Fuel forum, the Conclave is expected to welcome more than 1,000 delegates, over 100 global speakers and 50+ international partners, including policymakers, ministries, airlines, airports, oil & gas companies, refiners, fuel producers, feedstock suppliers, EPC companies, OEMs, technology developers, investors, financial institutions, research organisations and international agencies. As India’s leading industry platform for Sustainable Aviation Fuel, the SAF Association is bringing together every critical stakeholder to strengthen policy dialogue, foster strategic partnerships, mobilise investment, promote technology collaboration and create a globally competitive SAF ecosystem for India. Event Details: 2nd India SAF Conclave & Awards 2026 Theme:  Powering the SAF Transition Together Date: 28–29 September 2026 Venue: Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi Media Partner: Aviation World The two-day programme will feature ministerial sessions, international technical conferences, knowledge-based workshops, implementation-focused masterclasses, closed-door leadership roundtables, strategic matchmaking, B2B and B2G meetings, an International Buyers & Investors Forum, technology showcase, exhibition, knowledge report launches, strategic MoU signings and the India SAF Awards 2026. Designed as an implementation-focused platform rather than a conventional conference, the Conclave offers stakeholders an unparalleled opportunity to engage directly with policymakers, forge strategic partnerships, connect with investors and project developers, showcase innovative technologies, participate in specialised workshops and closed-door roundtables, exchange global best practices and unlock new business opportunities in one of the world’s fastest-growing Sustainable Aviation Fuel markets. Rohit Kumar, Secretary General, SAF Association, said: “India stands at a defining moment in its Sustainable Aviation Fuel journey. As the country moves towards implementation of its SAF roadmap, collaboration across government, industry, technology providers, investors and global partners will be critical to accelerate commercial deployment. The 2nd India SAF Conclave & Awards 2026 has been created as India’s premier global platform to drive partnerships, investment, innovation and knowledge exchange while positioning India as one of the world’s leading destinations for Sustainable Aviation Fuel production, technology and investment. Together, we can power the SAF transition and shape India’s leadership in the global sustainable aviation ecosystem.” The SAF Association (SAFA) is India’s leading not-for-profit industry body dedicated exclusively to advancing the Sustainable Aviation Fuel ecosystem through policy advocacy, industry collaboration, international partnerships, technology development, market development and capacity building, supporting India’s transition towards a globally competitive and low-carbon aviation sector. ——————————————————————————————————————- For more details, contact : SAF Association E: secretary@safassociation.com www.safassociation.com  

    Defence

    Ananth Technologies and BEL sign MoU for Advanced Defence & Aerospace Systems

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    New Delhi , 19th  August 2026: Ananth Technologies has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in Bengaluru to collaborate on the design, development and manufacturing of advanced electronic systems for defence and aerospace applications. Under the MoU, ATL and BEL will explore opportunities to jointly develop and manufacture advanced systems and subsystems across key strategic technology areas, including missiles, radars, satellites and navigation systems. The collaboration aims to leverage the complementary strengths of the two organisations. BEL brings extensive experience in the development and production of sophisticated defence electronic systems, while Ananth Technologies brings over three decades of expertise in high-reliability aerospace and defence electronics, satellite systems, avionics, navigation technologies and advanced manufacturing. Anurup Pavuluri, Managing Director , Ananth Technologies Said, “The partnership will focus on indigenous design and development, system engineering, electronics manufacturing, integration, testing and production for current and future programmes of strategic importance.” The collaboration is expected to further strengthen India’s domestic aerospace and defence industrial ecosystem, reduce dependence on imported technologies and support the development of advanced indigenous systems for the Indian Armed Forces and the country’s space programmes.

    2026

    BKJ Airports launches GroundSafe digital platform for real-time hazard reporting

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    Delhi,19th Aug, 2026: BKJ Airports, the airport ground handling company has launched GroundSafe, a BKJ Airports’ proprietary digital hazard and ground incident reporting platform.Through a simple QR code-based interface, employees can instantly report hazards, unsafe conditions, and ground incidents, enabling faster corrective action while promoting a transparent, proactive, and non-punitive safety culture across the organisation. New manuals strengthen safety and compliance BKJ Airports also introduced a comprehensive operational framework by launching three organisation-wide manuals—the Safety & Quality Management System manual, Ground Handling Service Provider manual, and Ground Service Equipment manual. The manuals establish standardised operating procedures, quality benchmarks and compliance frameworks across every BKJ Airports station, reinforcing the company’s commitment to global safety and operational excellence. Digital transformation and AI initiatives As part of its digital transformation roadmap, the company also showcased the implementation of SAP S/4HANA ERP, Darwinbox HRMS, digital boarding and baggage initiatives, while unveiling future technology platforms including AI-powered workforce rostering, IoT-enabled equipment monitoring, airline self-service dashboards and predictive operational intelligence. Expansion plans and new headquarters BKJ Airports, a part of JK Jajoo Ventures, currently operates across 17 airports nationwide. The company provides integrated ground handling and aviation support services. It has set a vision of expanding to over 50 airports by 2030 and 100 airport contracts by 2035.    

    MRO

    FL Technics adds 4 new aircraft approvals in UAE expanding wide-body portfolio

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    Dubai, 19th August 2026: FL Technics subsidiary FL Technics LLC, which provides Line Maintenance services across the Middle East, has expanded its approved capabilities by adding Airbus A350, Boeing 777, Boeing 787, and Boeing 737 MAX with LEAP-1B approvals. These added approvals for wide-body aircraft complement the company’s existing narrow-body capabilities. The approvals will apply at 3 major airports in the UAE: Zayed International Airport (AUH), Dubai International Airport (DXB), and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).It will also provide FL Technics LLC to service the added aircraft types across its managed outstations in the region. Adding these aircraft to its service capabilities ensures FL Technics now covers a significant part of narrow-body and wide-body types that are most relevant to international operations. Furthermore, as airlines across the region introduce new-generation aircraft, FL Technics is set up to continue supporting airlines. “These approvals represent a new chapter in our growth and an important step in the continued development of FL Technics LLC, as we steadily expand our technical capabilities to meet the changing fleet requirements of airlines in the region. Our objective is to provide airlines with greater access to capable and reliable line maintenance support across our UAE stations, while also supporting their regional operations and outstation requirements as our network continues to develop,” said Arif Alameri, CEO of FL Technics LLC. The Airbus A350, Boeing 777, Boeing 787, and Boeing 737 MAX with LEAP-1B are all now included within the company’s approved capability. FL Technics LLC already has the organisational capacity, expertise, and technical infrastructure to support these aircraft within the approved scope. “The UAE is a critical hub for airlines operating in the region and beyond. Our ambition is to further strengthen our presence here, while growing to support airlines not only at our UAE stations but increasingly across their wider network. With the new additions, our Line Maintenance capabilities now cover 11 aircraft types – and we aim to expand this range according to our customers’ needs. From daily checks and borescope inspections to 24/7 AOG support, defect rectifications, troubleshooting, flight spanner and engine changes, our experienced engineers are ready to support operations whenever and wherever needed. That flexibility has already been proven in practice: over the past two years, our engineers have completed more than 1,500 flying-spanner assignments for our customers,” added Arif Alameri. FL Technics LLC is part of the FL Technics Group, a global provider of MRO solutions and part of Avia Solutions Group. Avia Solutions Group is the world’s largest ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) provider, operating a fleet of 136 aircraft. The group also provides a range of aviation services: MRO, pilot and crew training, ground handling, as well as a variety of associated aviation services.

    2026

    Garuda Aerospace signs MoU with Australia’s Timed Automation Solutions to advance autonomous drone capabilities

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    Chennai,19th August 2026 : Garuda Aerospace has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Timed Automation Solutions (TAS), Australia, a provider of enterprise autonomous drone platforms. The MoU establishes a framework for collaboration between the two organisations to advance technical cooperation, facilitate knowledge sharing, and explore growth opportunities in the autonomous drone sector. The collaboration brings together Garuda Aerospace’s expertise in drone manufacturing and drone-based solutions with Timed Automation Solutions’ strengths in autonomous aerial operations and enterprise drone platforms, including drone-in-a-box orchestration, fleet and site control, AI-assisted image review, and enterprise integrations. Under the MoU, both companies will evaluate non-exclusive opportunities in product distribution, joint development of drone technologies, and participation in domestic and international projects. By leveraging their complementary capabilities, the collaboration aims to support innovation across applications such as agriculture, infrastructure inspection, and remote operations. Speaking on the collaboration, Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and CEO, Garuda Aerospace Limited, said: “As autonomous technologies continue to redefine industries worldwide, building strong international relationships is essential to shaping the future of the drone ecosystem. Our association with Timed Automation Solutions reflects our commitment to expanding Garuda Aerospace’s global reach while developing solutions that address evolving industry requirements. We remain focused on driving technological excellence and delivering long-term value through strategic collaborations.” “This collaboration with Garuda Aerospace reflects TAS’s vision to build a scalable, software driven UAV ecosystem in Australia. By combining Garuda’s manufacturing capabilities with our SkyStream platform, we aim to deliver flexible, cost effective, and scalable solutions for industries transitioning towards autonomous operations.” Shakil Mansoor, Founder and Director from Timed Automation Solutions added. The collaboration will also explore pilot deployments across Australia and New Zealand, supporting the evaluation of real-world use cases and operational workflows. This MoU marks another step in Garuda Aerospace’s broader strategy of driving innovation through strategic collaborations. Building on its existing partnerships across the aerospace, defence, and technology ecosystem, the company continues to expand its capabilities while creating new opportunities in autonomous drone technologies and global markets. In 2025, Garuda Aerospace also secured export licence approvals, supporting potential expansion into the Australian market.

    Top Stories

    Do228 NXT makes its African debut at El Alamein Airshow in Egypt and AAD 2026 in South Africa

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    OBERPFAFFENHOFEN, 18 August, 2026: In September 2026, General Atomics AeroTec Systems (GA-ATS) will put a major focus on Africa. With two trade show appearances, the German aircraft manufacturer is highlighting the strategic importance of the African continent for the Do228 NXT. The company will exhibit at El Alamein International Airshow in Egypt (September 8-10, 2026) and the Africa Aerospace & Defence (AAD) Expo in South Africa (September 16-20, 2026). Strategic Focus on High-Potential Market By focusing on the second-largest continent, GA-ATS underscores the importance of Africa and the Middle East as a large and growing market for the new Do228 NXT turboprop aircraft. In Africa, the Do228 has a long and proven operational history with over 30 different operators in nearly 20 different countries. To this day, the Do228 serves as a vital platform for connecting remote areas, landing at unpaved airfields, STOL operations and conducting demanding operations under harsh conditions. With the new Do228 NXT, this success story continues. GA-ATS has developed a modern and reliable aircraft that is ideally suited to the operational requirements in Africa. The Do228 NXT is capable of performing passenger and cargo transport missions, border surveillance operations, search and rescue missions, medical evacuations and reconnaissance flights. This offers operators the key advantage of being able to carry out multiple missions with a single aircraft. First trade Show Appearances in Egypt and South Africa In September 2026, the German aircraft manufacturer will make its debut at trade shows in Africa – with two appearances within a month. First, the Do228 NXT Demonstrator aircraft will be on static display at the El Alamein International Airshow (September 8-10, 2026) at El Alamein International Airport in Egypt. This will mark the first time the aircraft appears on static display outside of Europe, after it had already generated significant interest among customers, delegations and industry professionals at ILA Berlin 2026 and Farnborough International Airshow. Just one week later, GA-ATS will have a large booth at the Africa Aerospace & Defence (AAD) Expo in South Africa (September 16-20, 2026). The company will be located in Hangar 1 at Booth 1CW6. The two appearances at international trade shows in Africa mark the beginning of a broader strategic focus on the continent, where the new Do228 NXT aircraft has significant market opportunities and enormous potential for deployment.  

    FOREWORD

    Dear Readers,

     

    Welcome to the latest edition of Aviation World. This is an incredibly significant issue for us, perfectly timed to align with several prominent aviation events unfolding across the globe.

     

    Chief among them is the Farnborough International Airshow, taking place from July 20th to 24th, 2026, in Hampshire, United Kingdom. Ranked as one of the world’s premier events for aviation, aerospace, and defense, this year’s airshow arrives at a crucial moment. Against a backdrop of geopolitical turbulence, Farnborough provides an invaluable platform to engage with global leaders and gain firsthand perspectives on the future of the industry. Inside, you will find our comprehensive curtain-raiser report focusing on the show’s core themes, as well as the highly anticipated static and aerobatic aircraft displays.

     

    On our front cover, we are proud to feature Capt. Vaibhav Goutham Suresh, Director of the School of Aviation, Logistics and Tourism Management (SALTM) at Galgotias University. In an exclusive interview, Capt. Suresh highlights how SALTM bridges the gap between academia and the runway, delivering a comprehensive curriculum that ensures graduates are industry-ready from day one. Complementing this, our special feature on SALTM dives deeper into how the institution maintains world-class academic standards and a cutting-edge learning environment.

     

    We are also privileged to bring you exclusive insights from a stellar lineup of industry trailblazers in this edition, including:

    • Robin Glover-Faure, Chief Customer Officer of Acron Aviation
    • Karim Makhlouf, CCO of Royal Jordanian Airlines
    • Pallavi Joshi & Vimal Priya, the leadership powerhouse behind AirFleet Managers &Aviatrics Global
    • Wg. Cdr. Prem Kumar Garg (Retd.), CEO of IndiaOne Air

    Each shares a detailed perspective on driving innovation, navigating current market dynamics, and establishing progressive frontiers within their respective sectors.

     

    Beyond these highlights, this issue is packed with curated features and analytical pieces designed to keep you informed and inspired.

     

    Finally, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed advertisers and partners. Your unwavering support empowers us in our ongoing endeavor to make Aviation World a truly world-class publication with global reach and recognition.

     

    Happy Reading!

     

    The Editorial Team

     

    Aviation World

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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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