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Airports

Air Astana expands network of services to Saudi Arabia

Astana, 28th Aug 2024: Air Astana will launch direct scheduled flights from Shymkent to Jeddah, with a twice weekly service operating between 1st and 28th October 2024. After those dates, one of the services will be switched to a once weekly service between Shymkent and Medina. A new twice weekly service from Almaty to Medina will also be launched on 29th October 2024, which is in addition to the existing Almaty to Jeddah service. All flights to Saudi Arabia will be operated by Airbus A321LR aircraft configured with 16 business class seats and 150 economy class seats. The flight time from Shymkent to Jeddah and Shymkent to Medina will be 5hours 35mins, whilst flight time from Almaty to Medina will be 6hours 10mins. The minimum cost for round-trip Economy class tickets including all fees starts from US$ 656 for Shymkent to Jeddah, US$ 646 for Shymkent to Medina and US$ 705 for Almaty to Medina. Kazakhstan citizens are required to obtain an e-visa before traveling to Saudi Arabia. Jeddah is Saudi Arabia’s second largest city and economic capital, with a wealth of attractions including King Fahd’s Fountain, the ancient city of Al-Balad and Red Sea beaches. Jeddah is only one hour’s high-speed train ride from Mecca. Medina is the second most important holy city for Muslims after Mecca. The Prophet’s Mosque in Medina is considered to be the second holiest site of Islam after the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca.

Recent News

SriLankan Airlines Delights Samanera Monks with Special Airport Tour

Colombo, Sept 2024: SriLankan Airlines with the support of Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) hosted a large group of Buddhist child monks, or ‘Samaneras,’ with a special guided tour of the airport and their first opportunity to board an aircraft. This event coincided with the airline’s 45th anniversary on 1 September 2024, adding to its significance in the airline’s history. The group, consisting of monks aged five and older from the Ganewatta Purana Rajamaha Viharaya in Waskadubedda, Deldoova, Kalutara was accompanied by several Venerable Theros and volunteers from SriLankan Airlines. During the tour, the young monks were guided through the Bandaranaike International Airport, where officials explained various ground operations. They also had the opportunity to board a SriLankan Airlines’ Airbus A320 parked on the tarmac, giving each young monk their first experience of both the airport environment and boarding an aircraft. In keeping with religious traditions, the group of Samaneras and Theros were offered a special almsgiving (Dana) and pirikara in the airport’s Silk Route Arrival Lounge. The almsgiving was attended by SriLankan staff volunteers, members of the airline’s senior management team and senior managers from Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka).

People, Recent News

Dr. Anmol Ahluwalia appointed as Area Director – Operations and GM of Taj Mahal, New Delhi

New Delhi, 27th August 2024: Taj Mahal, New Delhi has appointed of Dr. Anmol Ahluwalia as Area Director – Operations and General Manager – Taj Mahal, New Delhi. A seasoned leader in luxury hospitality, Dr. Ahluwalia brings over two decades of invaluable experience to Taj Mahal, New Delhi, further enhancing the prestigious legacy of the Capital’s landmark hospitality destination in its new, re-imagined avatar. In addition to this, Dr. Ahluwalia will be responsible for the operations of Ambassador, New Delhi – IHCL SeleQtions, The Connaught, New Delhi – IHCL SeleQtions, and Soulinaire. Speaking on his appointment, Dr. Anmol Ahluwalia, Area Director – Operations and General Manager – Taj Mahal, New Delhi said, “I am honoured to take on the role as General Manager of the iconic Taj Mahal, New Delhi – one of the most distinguished addresses of the national capital. I look forward to working with the talented team of highly committed professionals that strive to deliver world-class services, and building upon the hotel’s rich legacy, while continuously innovating to exceed the evolving expectations of our esteemed guests with the warmth of Tajness. ” Dr. Ahluwalia joins the team from his recent position as Area Director – Operations in Goa, where he spearheaded a diverse portfolio of IHCL’s Hotels under its various brands, including the legendary 5-star luxury resorts Taj Holiday Village Resort & Spa and Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa. An industry veteran, Dr. Ahluwalia is widely recognized for his exceptional capabilities in hotel operations and leadership. His impressive career achievements include leading pre-opening teams, implementing best practices across multiple properties, and earning numerous accolades, including the prestigious Trail Blazer of the Year award. Under his strategic leadership, each property delivers exceptional guest experiences while upholding IHCL’s brand standards. His responsibilities encompass strategic operations management and ensuring the delivery of exemplary service across all facets of the hospitality experience.

Events

Inter Passenger Terminal Show 2025

The Inter Passenger Terminal Show is an unparalleled platform that will showcase the latest advancements, cutting-edge technologies, and innovative solutions in passenger terminal design, management, and operations.The event will provide a comprehensive look into the future of passenger terminal operations and travel, bringing together high-profile exhibitors who will unveil dynamic and evolving advancements aimed at enhancing the passenger experience. Date: 11-12 June 2025 Location:  Hall 4, Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai, Organised By:  Media Fusion Media Partner:  Aviation World For more info,click here: https://register.inter-passengerterminalshow.com/reg-events/gjdh0e-ipts?utm_source=MediaPartner&utm_medium=AviationWorld&utm_campaign=AW_

MRO, Recent News

Aventure Acquires 24th Boeing 737NG

Peachtree City, Georgia USA,August 24, 2024 Aventure Aviation has acquired its twenty-fourth Boeing 737NG airframe, which will be dismantled for parts in Coolidge, Arizona. This 737-700 aircraft, MSN 32934, was last operated by China Southern Airlines. This will be the second of two Boeing 737NG airframes operated by China Southern Airlines that Aventure has purchased this summer. “With the acquisition of these planes for teardown, Aventure continues to offer a substantial amount of fresh inventory to support Boeing 737NG aircraft operators,” said Ebrahim Zakaria, business development director. “We are proud to support our customers with incoming material even as supply looks more and more uncertain with the current geopolitical and economic climate,” continued Zakaria. “These additions to our inventory helps us in supplying rotable parts to airlines so they can keep their operations running smoothly.” Aventure Aviation is in active discussions with owners, financial institutions, lessors, and airlines to find revenue-generating teardown solutions for idle aircraft. Aventure will attend the Air Carriers Purchasing Conference (ACPC), taking place August 24–27 in Dallas, Texas. Representatives will be available to discuss parts supply solutions with airlines, and seek synergies with MRO shops to assist with the significant number of parts Aventure is outsourcing for refurbishment.

Defence

MoD Rajnath Singh & US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin hold bilateral talks in Washington DC

Washington DC,23rd August 2024: Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh held a bilateral meeting with the US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin in Pentagon, Washington DC on August 23, 2024. They held wide-ranging discussions on bilateral defence cooperation, industrial collaboration, regional security and other international issues. Rajnath Singh highlighted the various co-development and co-production opportunities in India in the areas identified in the India-US Defence Industrial Cooperation Roadmap, which was adopted last year. Both Ministers expressed happiness on the conclusion of the Security of Supplies Arrangement (SOSA) between India and US. The SOSA signed yesterday in Washington DC encourages the defence industrial ecosystems of both countries to work together, and enhances the supply chain resilience. They also welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between India and US regarding the Deployment of Liaison Officers. India shall be accordingly deploying the first Liaison Officer to the Headquarters Special Operations Command in Florida, US. Both Ministers appreciated the progress made in operationalising the Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness, a Quad initiative and lauded the ongoing efforts by India to enhance the Maritime Domain Awareness for the partners in the Indian Ocean Region. They welcomed the ongoing Indian participation in the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) and noted that India shall deploy Indian Navy personnel in CMF’s Combined Task Force 150 headquarters in 2025. Raksha Mantri and Secretary Austin commended the efforts of the India-US Defence Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) for establishing the Defence Innovation bridge between the two countries. They appreciated INDUS-X establishing robust networks across start-ups, industry, academia, and governments, accelerating the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and enhancing war-fighting capabilities of both sides. The upcoming INDUS X Silicon Valley Summit in September 2024 shall witness announcements of several key initiatives. The meeting at Pentagon was preceded by a solemn wreath laying ceremony by Rajnath Singh at the Arlington National Cemetery. The Raksha Mantri and US Secretary of Defense looked forward to meeting again at the next India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue.

Events

PHDCCI to host 10th edition of Global Aviation & Air Cargo Summit

New Delhi, 24th August 2024: The Global Aviation and Air Cargo Industry is undergoing a transformative period characterized by rapid technological advancements & innovations, evolving environmental regulations & shifting economic paradigms worldwide. The Indian aviation sector is also at a pivotal juncture of change, being driven by rapid growth in passenger demand & ambitious government initiatives. With a vision of becoming a Global Aviation, Air Cargo & MRO Hub, India is poised to leverage its burgeoning market, strategic location & innovative spirit to make a significant impact on the global stage. The future of the Aviation & Air Cargo Industry requires reimagining an air travel experience that is feature-rich, benefit-focused, and passenger-dedicated along with faster turnaround & connectivity for the air cargo ecosystem. To get there, five key areas that make up the aviation ecosystem need to be reimagined into an end-to-end connected aviation ecosystem that is driven by connectivity, processors, sensors, access to data and analytics & smart aviation subsystems that are able to leverage them. Focus on innovative technologies, operational efficiency & collaborative strategies will also address challenges associated with sustainable growth in the air cargo ecosystem. Eco- friendly airports, with agile and innovative solutions that boost the overall efficiency of airports along with using real-time data to reduce flight emissions as we move towards net zero by 2050 is the need of the hour. The vision of a connected aviation experience requires a new way of thinking about the aviation ecosystem. This concept visualizes an aviation industry where all participants – airlines, airports, air cargo systems, air traffic management, support services and even passengers & cargo – are seamlessly linked together, optimizing airport operations and enhancing the air travel experience. As India’s aviation sector experiences unprecedented growth, the roles of Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are also becoming increasingly critical. The expansion of the Indian aviation market presents both challenges and opportunities for MRO and OEM sectors. The aircraft leasing industry is also undeniably entering a transformative growth period characterised by aggressive demand, dynamic financial shifts, sustainability initiatives, and extended aircraft lifetimes Thus for the overall sector’s growth & successful incorporation of sustainable & innovative growth trends, the full ecosystem including the allied stakeholders need to come together to- Connect, Collaborate & Construct & form a new Connected Aviation Ecosystem The PHDCCI Aviation & Air Cargo Summit 2024, themed “Skies of Change – Shaping a New Futuristic Aviation Ecosystem” aims to address these transformative shifts and explore innovative strategies for a sustainable, efficient, and forward-looking aviation & air cargo landscape in order to achieve India’s aspirations of becoming a global hub & leader. Thus based on its previous successful editions & to showcase and discuss the latest developments shaping this sector & learn about new business growth strategies, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry is organizing its 10th EDITION OF THE PHDCCI GLOBAL AVIATION & AIR CARGO SUMMIT 2024 – themed “Skies of Change-Shaping a New Futuristic Aviation Ecosystem”. For participation, register at this link: https://lu.ma/i4zcxvde

Recent News

Akasa Air commences operations in Kuwait from Mumbai

Mumbai, 24th August 2024: Akasa Air has announced commencement of operations in Kuwait City, capital of Kuwait, connecting it with Mumbai with daily direct flights. The inaugural flight on 23rd August 2024, departed Mumbai at 1950hrs IST and arrived at Kuwait International Airport in Kuwait City at 2200hrs AST. In an event held at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport to flag off the maiden flight, a ceremonial lamp was lit in the presence of members of Akasa Air’s Executive Committee and a special boarding pass was presented to the first passenger on the inaugural flight.

Recent News

Air Astana boosts services to Phuket

Astana, 23rd August 2024: Air Astana will launch direct scheduled flights from Astana to Phuket, Thailand’s largest resort island on 26th October 2024. The new service will be operated three times a week and is additional to the existing Almaty to Phuket service, which currently operates five times a week and will go daily on 26th October 2024. The new service from Astana will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, with departure at 21:40 and arrival in Phuket at 07:45 next day. The return flight will depart Phuket on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays at 09:30 and arrive in Astana at 16:10. All times local. The flight duration is 8 hrs 5 mins outbound to Phuket and 8hrs 40 mins on the return sector. All Phuket flights will be operated by Airbus A321LR aircraft configured with 16 business class seats and 150 economy class seats. The fully lie-flat seats in business class and ergonomic seats in economy class offer passengers enhanced comfort and are equipped with individual entertainment system screens. The cost of round-trip Economy tickets including all fees starts at US$ 698. Tickets are already available for purchase on the airline’s website or through authorised travel agencies.

Airports

M. Suresh takes over as Chairman (Additional Charge), AAI

New Delhi, 21st August, 2024: Mr. M. Suresh has been entrusted with additional charge of Chairman of Airports Authority of India (AAI) with effect from 20th August, 2024. Presently, he is serving as a Member (Air Navigation Services) in the AAI and will hold this charge in addition to his current responsibilities for a period of three months or until further orders. M. Suresh has been a valued Board Member as Member (ANS) of the Airports Authority of India since 2nd September, 2021. Mr. Suresh is an Engineering Graduate in Electronics and Communication with a Master of Business Administration (HR). He also holds an International Airport Professional – IAP degree accorded by Airports Council International and International Civil Aviation Organization.He has more than 33 years of rich experience in Airports Authority of India holding the posts of Member (ANS), Regional Executive Director (North East Region) and Airport Director at Goa, Jammu and Madurai Airports. He is an Air Navigation Service technical expert and has vast experience in planning, provision, operation & maintenance of CNS facilities, airport system facilities & information technology facilities in airports in India. He has been instrumental in the implementation of NOCAS Version-2, the Building Height Clearance Software for the public, SKY REV 360 (Patent Holder), NIC CPPP Training Program, e-Office deployment and the Implementation of the Biometric Access Control project in AAI and many such initiatives. In his additional assignment as the Chairman of the Airports Authority of India, he will lead efforts to achieve AAI’s organizational goals of providing world-class airport infrastructure, top-of-the-line facilities and leading air navigation services in the world.

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

NEWSLETTER

Aviation World Magazine is India’s premier aviation magazine and has been actively supporting the development of the Indian and global civil aviation sector. We started our journey in year 2015 and its been 12 years now and the response and acceptance is really encouraging. Thanks to all our associates and writers who remained with us in our progressive journey.

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

Disclaimer

The contents published in this website are news covering Aviation, Aerospace and Defence sector. The objective is to provide news in informative form to keep our readers updated of the latest development. We also publish content featured in our print publication Aviation World.We try our best to avoid any factual errors or image displayed here but we ensure immediate corrections to any such thing brought to our notice that might have been published inadvertently. All images and contents are sourced from the relevant organisations media team.

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