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    Airports

    Logo Launch of 100 Years of Kolkata Airport

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    New Delhi, 15th December, 2024: At the occasion of 100 years of glorious service of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (NSCBI Airport), Kolkata, a logo was launched by the Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu.The event was graced by Vumlunmang Vualnam, Secretary, MoCA; Vipin Kumar, Chairman, Airports Authority of India (AAI) and other senior officials of MoCA and AAI. This exclusive logo celebrating 100 years of Kolkata Airport symbolizes the progressive spirit of the city and airport’s evolution as a sought-after aviation hub. Speaking at the logo unveiling ceremony, Hon’ble Civil Aviation Minister said, “This is a proud moment for all of us, where we are continuing the legacy built by our nation and drawing inspiration from it for future achievements. The airport has catered to crores of passengers and stood as a vital gateway for Bengal and the country through significant historical milestones. Our Hon’ble Prime Minister always says very dearly, ‘Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi’, so this is a proud moment for us.” He further added, “In the last ten years, especially for civil aviation, the way airports have expanded, the way passenger capacity has expanded, airline fleets have grown, and cargo operations have surged, all verticals related to civil aviation have pushed boundaries under the leadership of our Prime Minister. We are now the third largest domestic aviation hub in the whole world. And now, we need to take it forward, break barriers once again, level up the civil aviation sector, and achieve the goal of becoming the number one domestic hub in the world.” He also mentioned that as a part of the transformative initiatives by MoCA and AAI, a budget-friendly café named “UDAN YatriCafe” will be launched soon at the NSCBI Airport, Kolkata as a pilot project. The café will offer a curated menu with affordable pricing, ensuring that passengers have access to quality food at a cost-effective rate, enhancing their travel experience without compromising on value. A series of initiatives are also being planned including release of commemorative stamp and coin to honor the 100 years of Kolkata Airport; launch of coffee table book showcasing India’s cultural heritage reflected in modern airport architecture. Established in 1924 as Dum Dum Airport, Kolkata Airport pioneered Indian aviation by hosting the Bengal Flying Club (1929), India’s first jet service hub (1964) and opening its first dedicated airline cargo terminal in 1975. The Airport was renamed in 1995 as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport to honor the revolutionary leader. A new integrated terminal building was inaugurated in 2013 where the architectural style blends this region’s heritage with modern amenities, cementing the Airport’s status as the gateway to east and northeast India.NSCBI Airport is equipped to serve 26 million passengers annually and caters to around 49 domestic and 15 International destinations. As the Kolkata airport is set to celebrate its centenary on 21st December, 2024, it symbolizes the city’s journey through a century of growth and transformation. From its humble origins to its place among the world’s great aviation hubs, Kolkata Airport has been a bridge between people, cultures, and nations.

    Interviews

    The growth of MRO will follow in tandem with the growth of the current fleet: Joshua Ng

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    As global air traffic demand exceeds pre-pandemic levels in 2024, airlines are turning their attention to fleet expansion, according to a new report from Alton Aviation Consultancy. Despite record profits, operators need to consider short-and long-term strategies to overcome production issues and secure additional capacity. The global aviation advisory firm in its independent 2024-2034 Commercial Aircraft Fleet Forecast, offers detailed insight into current market conditions, alongside a 10-year forecast of air traffic demand and the active fleet. Alton’s projections indicate the fleet should increase from 31,000 aircraft in operation today to 41,100 by 2034, marking an annual growth rate of 2.8%. In this exclusive interview, Joshua Ng, Director, Alton Aviation Consultancy, Singapore, speaks with Vishal Kashyap, Managing Editor, Aviation World about the current industry scenario, future demand and strategies to streamline the exponential growth pattern. Excerpts: AW: Looking into the aircraft orders in this region, how do you evaluate the growth of MRO sector? JN: The growth of MRO will follow in tandem with the growth of the current fleet, which we expect will increase from 31,200 aircraft today to 41,100 aircraft by 2034, growing at 2.8% annually. This growth reflects both regional expansion and recovery in air travel demand. AW: How the supply chain issue is going to be resolved and what is the expected timeline? JN: OEMs continue to face supply chain issues as they struggle to ramp up production in the post-COVID environment and restore capacity in their supply chain. In a recent survey at MRO APAC, MRO executives were largely of the view that some suppliers have recovered, but there are other suppliers who still have major issues. Geopolitical tensions, compounded with shortage of raw materials and key components imply that OEM issues with cross-border trade and logistics will further delay deliveries in the near-term. This in turn forces operators to use older aircrafts longer and requiring more MRO activities to maintain airworthiness. Resolving the supply chain issues will require a combination of strategies, such as diversifying suppliers, investing in local manufacturing capabilities, and adopting data analytics capabilities to better manage inventory and forecast demand. While some mitigating efforts is expected to yield improvements within the next 12-18 months, full recovery may take longer as it depends on global stability and continued investment in supply chain resilience. AW: Shortage of skilled manpower is another big challenge globally. How airlines are coping up with this massive issue? JN: The post-pandemic labour environment presents structural challenges to companies and their recruitment and retention efforts. Workers increasingly prefer an environment with “work from home” possibilities, and are more open to “gig employment” as a stable source of income. To cope with labour constraints, airlines and MROs will need to make upskilling and talent retention their priority in order to do more with less. They will need to develop better training programs to upskill their workforce, redesign job processes to balance worker preferences against job activities, and invest in technologies that can raise labour productivity. Modern technologies such as drone inspections can augment labour capability while others such as using augmented realities to enable remote technician support will raise labour productivity. Such efforts to upskill the workforce and utilize of technologies will help airlines and MROs better cope operationally. AW: What steps according to you are required to be implemented for the growth of MRO sector across the region? JN: For the MRO sector to enjoy sustainable growth, further investment in technological innovation and digitalization will be key. Implementing data-driven maintenance practices, such as predictive maintenance and digital twin technology, can improve operational efficiency and reduce downtime. Additionally, creating regional partnerships and pooling resources for specialized skill development would better address both infrastructural and manpower shortages, whilst supporting ongoing innovation across the sector. About Joshua Ng, Director, Alton Aviation Consultancy, Singapore: Based in Alton’s Singapore office, Joshua Ng brings 15 years of experience in the aviation and aerospace industry. He co-leads the firm’s technology and mobility practice and supports the firm’s Asia Pacific aviation advisory engagements across the aviation value chain from airlines, to MROs, to industry investors. Joshua combines his significant expertise in business strategy development, market demand forecasting, operating model development, and financial modeling to help clients with developing and implementing their go-to-market strategies and long-term business plans. He has also worked in the transaction advisory space, helping investors and strategic clients with mergers, acquisitions and divestments of enterprises, infrastructure and assets, as well as on topics including transaction management, valuation, post-merger integration, and carve-out.

    Events, Top Stories

    Air India announces 2025 network updates for International routes

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    Gurugram, 16 Dec 2024: Air India has announced significant updates to its international route network starting 2025. The changes will see Air India deploy its best aircraft to key gateways in Southeast Asia and Europe, complementing the deployment of its flagship A350 and B777 with upgraded cabin interiors on multiple U.S. and UK routes earlier. The updates also lead to optimised flight schedules for key international routes to offer greater flexibility to travellers as well as to enable seamless intercontinental travel between North America or Europe and Australia or Southeast Asiavia Air India’s hubs in Delhi and Mumbai. Retrofitted A320neo on Delhi-Bangkok route Air India will deploy its retrofitted A320neo on all flights between Delhi and Bangkok from 16 January 2025. The retrofitted aircraft feature fully refreshed interiors across three classes: Economy, Premium Economy, and Business Class.Vista Stream, Air India’s complimentary wireless inflight entertainment (IFE) streaming service, is available on these aircraft for travellers to access 1600+ hours of rich entertainment content on their personal electronic devices. Air India will also begin operating a fourth daily Delhi-Bangkok service from 01 January 2025, increasing frequency on the route from three times daily. The new service leads to evenly spaced departures to and from Bangkok throughout the day, offering both business and leisure travellers more choice. The increased frequency connects Bangkok to several destinations in North America and Europe via Air India’s hub in Delhi. Travellers from cities such as New York, Chicago, Washington D.C., Toronto, Vancouver, London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Paris, Milan, and Amsterdam can take seamless one-stop flights to Bangkok via Delhi and vice-versa. Upgraded interiors on flights to Frankfurt and Singapore Air India also announced the deployment of the erstwhile VistaraA321neo and B787-9 aircraft on the following routes: • Delhi-Frankfurt and Mumbai-Frankfurt: Now operating on B787-9 • Delhi-Singapore:Once daily on B787-9 and twice daily on A321neo (from 01 January 2025) • Mumbai-Singapore: Twice daily on A321neo(from 01 January 2025) This optimised fleet deployment will provide the latest generation cabin interiors, including fully flat beds in Business Class and the consistent availability of Premium Economy on these routes.Air India is amongst the few airlines in Asia to offer fully flat beds on its single-aisle A321neo aircraft in Business Class.These A321neo and B787-9 aircraft offer an immersive inflight entertainment experience on HD screens across cabins as well as WiFi internet connectivity on board. Travellers to and from Singapore can also conveniently connect to various destinations in the United States, Canada, and Europe via Delhi or Mumbai. Optimized schedules for Frankfurt, Paris, Sydney, and Melbourne flights Effective 01 February 2025, Air India has optimised the schedule of its flights on the Delhi-Frankfurt and Delhi-Paris routes. The new flight times now offer both daytime and nighttime departures on each route in both directions, providing greater flexibility to travellers.Air India has also retimed its daily flights on the Delhi-Sydney and Delhi-Melbourne routes to enable seamless two-way connectivity between Europe and Australia or points in Southeast Asia via Delhi. This means travellers from London, Paris, and Frankfurt can now easily take one-stop connections to Sydney and Melbourne in Australia, and to points like Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Ho Chi Minh City in Southeast Asia via Delhi.

    Features

    Transforming Urban Spaces: A Path to India’s Greener Future

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    By Mr. Ravi Soni, Executive Director, aerpace Industries Ltd. Urbanization in India is advancing at an unprecedented pace, bringing with it challenges of congestion, pollution, and inadequate infrastructure. To combat these, innovative solutions are reshaping how we envision urban spaces. Among these groundbreaking innovations, the rise of electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, or air taxis, presents a transformative opportunity. This technology not only addresses pressing urban mobility issues but also plays a significant role in India’s journey toward a greener, more sustainable future. Rethinking Urban Mobility for Sustainability Indian cities are grappling with an overburdened transportation system. Conventional solutions such as expanding road networks and public transport are no longer sufficient. Urban Air Mobility (UAM) offers a sustainable alternative. Powered by clean energy, air taxis can alleviate traffic congestion, reduce carbon footprints, and transform the way people traverse urban spaces. By leveraging green technologies, these vehicles align with India’s commitment to reducing emissions and achieving climate goals. Air Taxis: Green, Efficient, and Revolutionary Unlike traditional vehicles, air taxis operate using electric propulsion systems, making them environmentally friendly. Their vertical take-off and landing capabilities eliminate the need for extensive infrastructure, such as long runways, enabling them to integrate seamlessly into urban landscapes. This feature is particularly crucial in densely populated cities like Mumbai and Delhi, where land is at a premium. The implementation of air taxis can significantly reduce commute times and stress levels. For instance, a journey that currently takes hours due to traffic bottlenecks could be completed in minutes via air taxis. This efficiency translates into enhanced productivity and improved quality of life for millions. Building a Greener Infrastructure For air taxis to thrive, a supporting ecosystem is essential. The development of vertiports – compact landing and take-off zones – will be pivotal. These facilities can be strategically located near transport hubs, business districts, and residential areas, fostering connectivity while minimizing their environmental impact. Additionally, integrating air taxis with renewable energy sources for charging infrastructure can further reinforce their green credentials. By doing so, we can establish a transportation model that not only serves urban needs but also champions environmental sustainability. India’s Role in the UAM Revolution India stands at the cusp of a mobility revolution, with initiatives like “Make in India” poised to bolster the domestic production of eVTOL technologies. By fostering collaboration between government bodies, private enterprises, and infrastructure developers, India can emerge as a global leader in sustainable urban mobility. Challenges such as airspace management, weather adaptability, and regulatory frameworks remain. However, continued innovation, rigorous testing, and adaptive policies will address these hurdles, ensuring the successful deployment of air taxis in the near future. Conclusion Transforming urban spaces into greener, more efficient environments requires bold and forward-thinking solutions. Air taxis epitomize this vision, offering a blend of innovation, sustainability, and practicality. By embracing this cutting-edge technology, India can set a benchmark for urban transformation, paving the way for a cleaner, brighter, and more connected future. The path to greener urban spaces is clear, and it’s soaring high—literally. (As the Executive Director of aerpace Industries, the writer brings over 23 years of rich experience and invaluable expertise in engineering goods production, specializing in Hydraulics and Pneumatics systems.)

    Technology

    Honeywell and Sino jet signs MoU to expand collaboration

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    DUBAI, December 12, 2024: Honeywell has signed a MoU with Sino Jet at the MEBAA show. Subject to the MoU, both parties expect to expand their collaboration in areas such as aviation services and new technology development, and support Honeywell’s alignment of its portfolio around three compelling megatrends, including the future of aviation. Honeywell has provided datalink subscription, navigation and terrain databases, and other connected services for Sino Jet’s fleet, along with extensive cooperation on aftermarket parts support. Under the terms of the MoU, the two companies plan to deepen cooperation in next-generation connectivity technologies such as Honeywell’s high-speed JetWaveTM X SATCOM system. JetWaveTM X is the next-generation SATCOM system designed for business aviation. It will provide customers with unprecedented coverage and data speeds by leveraging Viasat’s Ka-band network, which includes ViaSat-3 and Global Xpress (GX) satellites. The system enables access to speeds that exceed increasing passenger demands and the most data-hungry applications of the future, with typical speeds consistently greater than 30 Mbps and as high as 100 Mbps, even in the busiest flight corridors. Building upon the success of Honeywell’s JetWaveTM SATCOM system, JetWaveTM X is easy to install and provides the flexibility to connect to any Viasat Ka-band satellite. “We are excited to be further strengthening our partnership with Honeywell as we celebrate the opening of Sino Jet’s Middle East International Headquarters. At Sino Jet, we believe that innovation is the key driver behind our business growth and the digital transformation of the business aviation industry.” Said Chris Wu, International President of Sino Jet. “The advanced connectivity technologies and solutions provided by Honeywell have greatly benefited our clients, offering them significant convenience and value. We are eager to collaborate with Honeywell on the upcoming next-generation JetWaveTM X satellite communication system, aiming to elevate the customer experience in the business aviation sector to unprecedented levels while ensuring even higher standards of safety and operational excellence.” “Staying connected is critical to flight safety and efficiency. Honeywell’s satellite communications systems provide operators, passengers, and crew with reliable, consistent connectivity throughout the world,” said Jason Wissink, Vice President & General Manager, Services and Connectivity, Honeywell Aerospace Technologies. “We are honored to further deepen our collaboration with Sino Jet. With over 30 years of expertise in satellite communication, Honeywell aims to help Sino Jet achieve a safe, efficient, and smart fleet operation, providing passengers with a seamless connected service experience.”

    Recent News

    AAMAI Takes Flight: Shaping India’s Future in Global Advanced Air Mobility

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    New Delhi, 12th December, 2024: The Advanced Air Mobility Association for Innovation (AAMAI) held its inaugural meeting, bringing together key stakeholders from India and around the globe in a hybrid format to discuss the future of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). The meeting included subject matter experts from the aviation sector, leading national & International AAM technology companies, Aerospace thought leaders, researchers from premier institutions, and international representatives from the Sky Alliance for Automated Air Mobility (SALAAM).This gathering marked a significant step toward fostering collaboration and positioning India as a global leader in this transformative sector. The discussions covered critical aspects of India’s AAM roadmap, including innovation, Make-in-India initiatives,adoption by the masses, robust global supply chain , MRO facilities for rapid consumption and domain proliferation. Regulatory harmonization was a central topic, with participants exploring ways to align domestic and global standards for seamless adoption of AAM technologies for India as a pivotal player. The panels also emphasized the importance of sustainability, highlighting the role of electric and hybrid propulsion systems alongside advanced air traffic management solutions. Workforce training and skill development were also identified as vital areas to build a strong talent pipeline for the emerging AAM ecosystem. A key highlight of the meeting was the formal collaboration between AAMAI and SALAAM, aimed at accelerating global advancements in AAM. Both organizations committed to joint research initiatives, knowledge-sharing platforms, and policy advocacy to address common challenges such as regulatory barriers and technological integration. They also discussed efforts to develop unified global guidelines that ensure safe and efficient operations across friendly borders. Yvonne Winter &Corvin Huber (Founders of SALAAM)shared insights from their demonstrated experience abroad. The meeting was physically attended by Achal Sharma, Suryakantt Sharma, GS Bawa, Bharath Sriraman, Yvonne Winter, Mr. Corvin Huber, RekhaSharma &virtually by Karthigeyan R, Salil Kumar Jha,Swaminathan S, Paul Kaman, and Sean Borman. As a resultant, a unified pledge to advance the AAM sector through collaboration, innovation, and sustainable development driving INDIA to greater heights was undertaken. AAMAI and SALAAM’s partnership is set to redefine the future of air mobility, bridging regional and global efforts to unlock the full potential of advanced air mobility solutions for bridging the gap between various stakeholders and to foster a sustainable ecosystem that shall transform the future of air transportation.

    Recent News

    Def Min Rajnath Singh calls on Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow

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    New Delhi, 12th Dec 2024: Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh called on the President of the Russian Federation Mr Vladimir Putin in Moscow on December 10, 2024, on the margins of the 21st session of India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MTC). Raksha Mantri conveyed warm greetings of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to President Putin. Shri Rajnath Singh discussed various issues of bilateral defence cooperation. Both leaders expressed that partnership between both countries holds immense potential and combined efforts will pave way for remarkable outcomes. During the meeting, Shri Rajnath Singh said “Friendship between our countries is higher than the highest mountain and deeper than the deepest ocean.” India has always stood by its Russian friends and will continue to do so in future, he added.

    Top Stories

    MEBAA Show 2024 highlights bold steps towards the future of business aviation

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    DUBAI,11 December 2024: The tenth edition of the MEBAA Show 2024 continued into its second day, welcoming further discussions among business aviation leaders and innovators and more examples of industry collaboration. Reaffirming the show’s reputation as a key platform for impactful deals and announcements, day two featured further milestones poised to shape the future of business aviation. During a press conference, the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) announced the launch of its transformative Golden Package for Registering and Operating Private and Business Aircraft. Aligning with the UAE’s Vision 2031 to drive economic diversification, the new package introduces innovative measures aimed at streamlining processes, enhancing flexibility, and reinforcing the UAE’s position as a global hub for aviation excellence. The GCAA also issued the first Approved Maintenance Organization Certificate to Falcon Technic as part of its Flexibility Initiative, aimed at supporting business aviation in the UAE. Other announcements included a MOU agreement signed between SKYNA and KAMS Global to agree on future cooperation in aircraft leasing and purchase inside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and globally, while Comlux’s new state-of-the-art service centre at DWC became operational, with its grand public unveiling during the show. RoyalJet and Airbus Corporate Jets also signed a MOU that signified RoyalJet’s commitment to purchase three ACJ320neos and an additional purchase right of six of the same aircraft. Shafiul Syed, CEO of RoyalJet, commented: “The MEBAA Show has always been an important part of the RoyalJet calendar to showcase our brand of timeless service excellence to the market. This makes it truly significant for us to announce at the show our MoU with Airbus Corporate Jets, involving our commitment to purchase three new ACJ320neos. Such an achievement has been the result of all the hard work put in by all the people involved in making this happen. My thanks to all.” The BizAv Talks conference continued with insightful sessions focused on the daily theme, ‘Driving a Sustainable Future for Business Aviation’. The first session of the day saw Rolland Vincent, Creator/Director of JETNET iQ, launch the industry report ‘Future casting BizAv: Key trends and forecasts’. During the presentation, he commented: “The UAE ranks among the top 20 markets globally for business aircraft. While many countries are experiencing low growth, this region stands out with business aircraft activity being three times the GDP amount. The Middle East fleet is predominantly composed of large, ultra long-range jets.” He continued: “Global business jet departures have increased by 30 points compared to 2019. We are witnessing a strong recovery from the pandemic, with 5.1 million global business jet and turboprop flights year-to-date. Business aviation accounts for 13% of these departures. Al Maktoum Airport is the leading departure point for business jets in the region. If you purchased a plane recently, its value has likely appreciated. Currently, there is a backlog for purchasing new airplanes. Positive feedback and increased demand, especially following the US election, have driven demand up by 25 points.” Vincent then moderated a panel to unpack the key trends with global industry representatives, including Kurt H. Edwards, Director General of IBAC; Douglas Carr, Senior Vice President, Safety, Security, Sustainability & International Operations of NBAA; Robert Baltus, Chief Operations Officer of EBAA; and Jenny Lau, Vice Chair, Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA) & Founder and Vice Chair of Sino Jet. With sustainability and innovation as key themes, the session titled “What has changed in the evolving BizAv landscape?” saw David Van Den Langenbergh, Chief Industry Affairs Officer of Luxaviation Group, and Youssef Mouallem, Executive Vice President-International of Vista, discuss how market demands, alternative fuels, and emerging business models are shaping the future of fleet strategies and operations in business aviation. Van Den Langenbergh commented: “We are experiencing a remarkable period, and Dubai stands as a safe haven in these challenging times. The significance of hospitality and business aviation in the UAE is well understood. To drive sustainability, we need high-net-worth individuals (HNWI) to invest in cutting-edge technologies like Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)”. He continued, “The challenge with SAF is the significant cost. There is a demand from certain customers and on every flight we offer to use SAF. We are consistent and are investing in SAF on the production side.” The MEBAA Show will conclude with the final day tomorrow (12 December), with more BizAv Talks sessions set to offer strategic insights focused on the daily theme of ‘The Business of Business Aviation’. Partners for this year’s event include 4Air, Air BP, AIX Investment Group, DarGlobal, DC Aviation, JETEX, Lufthansa Technik, MD Onboard, Saudia Private Aviation.

    Civil Aviation

    Jazeera Airways to Purchase Six Aircraft

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    Kuwait, 10 December 2024: Jazeera Airways has announced its plans to purchase six Airbus A320 CEO aircraft, as part of its ongoing transformation and strategic growth. These aircraft are currently leased and operated by Jazeera as part of its fleet. The transition from leased to owned aircraft is aimed at reducing unit costs and mitigating supply chain challenges that have impacted the aviation industry, including delays in aircraft deliveries. This move will further enhance Jazeera’s operational resilience and cost-efficiency, especially as the airline prepares to mark 20years of flyingin 2025. As part of its transformation, Jazeera Airways plans to expand its network of routes, introduce enhanced in-flight services, and leverage cutting-edge technologies to elevate the overall passenger experience. The airline is also committed to maintaining the highest safety standards and continuing to adapt to evolving market demands in the coming years. Commenting on the development, Marwan Boodai, Chairman of Jazeera Airways, said,”Our decision to invest in six Airbus A320 aircraft reflects our forward-thinking approach to fleet management and transformation. By building a balance between leased and owned aircraft, we are reinforcing our operational resilience while ensuring we maintain one of the most cost-efficient models in the region. This acquisition also highlights our commitment to enhancing passenger experience, improving operational efficiency, and expanding our reach as we transform into a more sustainable and innovative airline. As we evolve, we will continue to stay focused on delivering value to both our customers and our shareholders.” The airline is expecting deliveries from its current order book of 26 Airbus A320 family aircraft including 18 A320 NEO and 8 A321 NEO Aircraft to begin in 2026.By expanding its fleet, Jazeera is well-positioned to expand ts network footprint and deliver lower unit costs across its markets. The airline currently operates a fleet of 24 aircraft which includes 13 A320 CEO and 11 A320 NEO serving a network of more than 60 destinations across the Middle East, Central and South Asia, Africa and Europe./div> </

    Recent News

    Thai Airways appoints Globe Air Cargo India for Bangalore and Cochin operations

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    Bangkok, 9th Dec 2024: ECS Group’s subsidiary, Globe Air Cargo India, has been appointed as the GSSA for Thai Airways in Bangalore and Cochin. This partnership, effective since September 1, 2024, aims to strengthen Thai Airways’ operational capacity and connectivity in India, facilitating access to key markets in the Far East, Europe, and Australia. Under the new contract, Globe Air Cargo India oversees daily A350-900 flights from Bangalore, each providing a cargo capacity of 15 tons. Initially operating 3 weekly flights, Cochin has now expanded to daily operations, contributing an additional 2.5 tons per flight approximately. This strategic move significantly bolsters Thai Airways’ cargo network within India, with Globe Air Cargo India now managing four of the airline’s eight major stations nationwide, and handling over 40% of its total exports from the country. The primary commodities expected to benefit from this agreement include pharmaceuticals, perishables, garments, spices, and automotive parts, supported by improved logistics and streamlined connections. Jean Ceccaldi, CEO of ECS Group, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration: “Our partnership with Thai Airways underscores the trust in our expertise and operational excellence. Expanding our footprint in India through this contract enables us to support Thai Airways in optimizing its reach and enhancing trade flows between India and international markets.” Girish Kunder, Managing Director of Globe Air Cargo India, echoed these sentiments: “This partnership marks an exciting chapter for Globe Air Cargo India as we join forces with Thai Airways to boost cargo capacity and connectivity across key routes. Leveraging our resources and experience, we are dedicated to delivering a seamless experience for our customers and positively impacting the air cargo industry in India.” Veera-Anong Pookgaman, Team lead of Cargo and Mail Sales at Thai Airways also emphasized the importance of the collaboration: “Partnering with Globe Air Cargo India aligns perfectly with our strategy to strengthen our presence in the Indian market. Their extensive experience and commitment to service excellence assure us that this collaboration will enhance the reliability and efficiency of our cargo services, meeting the diverse needs of our clients.” This contract marks a significant milestone for ECS Group as Globe Air Cargo India assumes a pivotal role in supporting Thai Airways’ expansion and operational success in India’s dynamic cargo sector.

    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!

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    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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