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Civil Aviation

Delta, Riyadh Air sign strategic agreement to expand connectivity

Atlanta, United States, July 9, 2024: Delta Air Lines and Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new full-service carrier, have signed a Strategic Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding with the goal of introducing a broad range of benefits for customers traveling between North America, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and destinations beyond. The agreement, signed at a ceremony at Delta’s World Headquarters in Atlanta, serves as the foundation for a strategic partnership that will enable both airlines to strengthen connectivity, expand their networks and drive future growth. “This partnership with Riyadh Air will further Delta’s mission of connecting the world and open an array of new choices, benefits and destinations for our customers traveling to and from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” said Delta CEO Ed Bastian. “Most importantly, Riyadh Air shares Delta’s commitment to providing an elevated customer experience, which is why we’re looking forward to building and expanding this partnership in the months and years ahead. We appreciate the opportunity to work with the Riyadh Air team and the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia as they transform the transportation economy in the Kingdom.” “We look forward to enjoying a very warm and productive relationship with Delta Air Lines, one of the largest and most successful airlines in the world. Riyadh Air and Delta Air Lines share common goals and pursue the highest standards in many areas including guest experience, loyalty, and sustainability, built upon great networks and strong connectivity,” said Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas. The agreement envisions a long-term relationship, subject to regulatory approvals, that includes interline and codeshare connectivity, as well as a deeper partnership encompassing loyalty, customer experience, digital transformation and broader aviation services such as maintenance, repair and overhaul services, ground handling and training. In the future, the airlines intend to explore an immunized joint venture to further expand the partnership and allow collaboration on network planning and growth in the region. Both airlines are committed to driving the best sustainability practices throughout their operations as they transform the future of travel. The partnership will open new destinations in Saudi Arabia and beyond for Delta customers, including future nonstop service on Delta between the U.S. and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. It will provide leisure travelers with a new region of the world to explore while creating new opportunities for business travelers to Riyadh, a G20 capital city, plus destinations beyond. And it will offer Delta’s leading North American network for Riyadh Air customers, offering convenient access to hundreds of destinations in the U.S. and beyond with Delta’s famous reliability and elevated service. The new partnership comes as large-scale, ongoing investments in the Kingdom are transforming it into a popular and attractive destination for both leisure and business travelers. Travel is central to the nation’s long-term economic growth plan, with an $800 billion investment in the tourism sector that includes development of luxury resorts on the Red Sea, the opening of the Diriyah and al-Ula historical site to visitors, and the hosting of the 2030 Riyadh Expo. Riyadh Air, which will begin operations in 2025, is committed to building a premier carrier for customers traveling to and from the Middle East, with its base of operations in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. Delta, which will mark its 100th anniversary next year, is the most-awarded U.S. airline with an industry-leading global network and an unrivaled reputation for outstanding customer service and operational excellence. “It’s fitting that Riyadh Air will begin its journey the same year that Delta launches our second century of flight,” Bastian said. “We’ll have many opportunities to learn from each other and become better airlines for our mutual customers, our employees, our investors and our communities as we fly forward together.”

Defence

Government is committed to undertake further Reforms in enhancing Domestic Defence Production: Defence Secretary

New Delhi, 10th July 2024: The Defence Secretary, Giridhar Aramane said that the Ministry of Defence is committed to undertake further reforms in Defence Production and to handhold the eco system by implementing the Industry 4.0/QA 4.0 to bolster the Manufacturing. He was delivering keynote address at a National Level Seminar on Quality Reforms held virtually by Directorate General of Quality Assurance (DGQA) in association with Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) on 9 July, 2024. He underlined the importance of achieving the stipulated goals laying emphasis on the need for achieving Atmanirbharata in defence manufacturing and the key role of all stakeholders, especially domestic Defence Industry in realizing this vision. Representatives from more than 250 Defence Industries, members of SIDM, FICCI, ASSOCHAM, PHD CCI, Service Headquarter, CMDs of DPSUs, Govt QA agencies, Start-ups and MoD officials took part in the Seminar. Addressing the participants, Lt Gen R S Reen, DG, DGQA, highlighted various Quality Initiatives and reforms undertaken by DGQA, to facilitate Ease of Doing Business and promote Atmanirbharata. Rajinder Singh Bhatia, President SIDM, shared Industry perspective on ongoing reforms and need for a collaborative approach. Eminent Speakers from the Indigenous Defence Manufacturing Sector viz., Arun Ramachandani, L&T Precision Engineering, N Raveeswaran, CEO, A&D Strategic Business, Mahindra Defence, Neeraj Gupta, MD, MKU Ltd and Vrinda Kapoor, CEO 3rd iTech,Dr. R Shivaraman, Big Bang Boom Solutions Pvt Ltd put forth the industry perspective on Quality Assurance and provided suggestions to facilitate and improve Indigenous manufacturing in the Defence Sector. The Seminar culminated with a decision to have such interactions more regularly, among Indigenous Defence Manufacturers, Government QA Agencies and other stakeholders, to facilitate Ease of Doing Business, in the Defence Sector.

Features

Aspiring Beyond the Skies: Gopi Thotakura Becomes an Ambassador of Possibilities

“My mission is to inspire every Indian to reach for the stars and witness the awe-inspiring beauty of our planet from above. Once you experience the vastness of space, your perspective will be forever transformed. If I can convey even a fraction of what I witnessed, my purpose will be fulfilled,” proclaimed Gopi Thotakura. Aviation World Magazine is highly delighted to publish exclusive cover story on Gopi Thotakura, highlighting his remarkable achievement by becoming India’s first civilian astronaut. A Lifelong Dream of Flight “You always gazed skyward, yearning to be among the stars.” Gopi Thotakura’s parents affirm that he perpetually dreamed of flight. He conquered the skies as a pilot and, in May 2024, ventured beyond, becoming an astronaut. Thotakura’s recent voyage aboard New Shepherd was propelled not only by a desire to realize his own aspirations but also to motivate others in India to set their sights higher. “In a nation of over 1.4 billion people, we lacked a civilian Indian presence in space. That has now changed,” asserts Gopi Thotakura. An unwavering passion drew him more than 8,000 miles from his native India to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach. Initially, the university was not on his radar. He commenced flying at age 14 at a flight school in New York during family vacations. An instructor there mentioned Embry-Riddle. After conducting research and receiving encouragement from his father, Gopi resolved to apply and pursue his education at Embry-Riddle, “the Harvard of the Sky.” Despite skepticism from his peers and the challenges of applying to a foreign university, Thotakura remained resolute. “Everyone in my high school insisted I wouldn’t be accepted. They require exceptional grades and are located so far away,” he recalls. After an extended wait, he received the acceptance email. “I thought, is this a prank?” He laughs. But it was genuine, and in 2011, he embarked on his journey as an aeronautical engineering student. Thotakura graduated as class president in 2015, delivering a commencement speech alongside astronaut Nicole Stott (’87). Entrepreneur, Educator, Explorer & Adventurer In 2015, he established an aviation company in India and a non-profit NGO.The later has nurtured and empowered over 500 students to achieve their ambitions of becoming pilots. “At every educational institution I visited, when I inquired about their future aspirations, no one mentioned becoming an astronaut,” he observed. “It’s an excessively lofty dream, too aspirational,” was the prevailing sentiment. However, he understood that dreams are free and that having a visible role model could alter that mindset. He has remained immersed in aviation. Over the years, he engaged in commercial jet flying, bush piloting, aerobatics, seaplane operations, and hot air ballooning. His versatility as a pilot is matched by his contributions to medical aviation. He has completed countless medical air ambulance missions, enhancing emergency medical transportation in the Indian subcontinent. He has worked in India as a pioneer in jet medical transport and rescue, being one of the first individuals to pilot a Learjet across the country and bring Indians back home as a rescue pilot. When on the ground, Thotakura is a Wellness-focused entrepreneur in the Atlanta area. He co-founded Preserve Life Corporation, the world’s first corporate wellness community—a global center for Holistic Wellness and Applied Health. He harbors grand visions for a community that integrates advanced healthcare practices and sustainable living principles to foster healthy, balanced lives. Additional entrepreneurial ventures include serving as Chief Operations Officer for Asian Infrastructure PTE and as Founder of Charlie Foxtrot Aviation. Despite his demanding career, Thotakura is incorporating personal challenges into his agenda. In 2022, he summited Mount Kilimanjaro, demonstrating a combination of determination and a love for outdoor adventure. He plans to scale Everest next. Moreover, he has another extraordinary flight on the horizon—Thotakura intends to orbit the planet and possibly stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS). On a Mission His journey to space was arduous, requiring significant time, effort, and support from numerous individuals, particularly his father. “It wasn’t a solitary endeavour. I must attribute all the credit to my father,” he emphasizes. Despite challenges and setbacks, including a two-year delay to the mission, he remained focused on his objective. His perseverance was rewarded. When he boarded a Blue Origin flight, he carried a piece of India’s spirit and his dreams in the form of his country’s flag and his representation. The flight was not merely a personal achievement but a milestone for his nation. “Now India has a civilian in space. Now you, too, can dream,” he declares.                      ” He also carried items emblematic of his Eagle status from Embry-Riddle” As part of the NS-25 mission, he joined a select crew for a suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line, Experiencing weightlessness and stunning views of Earth. This mission also highlighted Blue Origin’s commitment to sustainability, with nearly 99 percent of New Shepard’s components being reusable. The sights and sensations of the mission are indelible memories. “The weightlessness was amazing. I could not get out of my seat belt. So people should listen to training—and Blue Origin is meticulous about all its preparation,” says Thotakura. Despite the challenges of adapting to zero gravity, he embraced the experience with enthusiasm. Floating around, doing backflips, throwing some flags! The space flight was a profoundly focusing experience. “It may sound trite, but you see how tiny you are in comparison to this majestic blue ball.” The view from space reinforced his commitment to sustainability and his drive to inspire the next generation. The Shock of Re-Entry Thotakura has been inundated with interview requests and invitations to speak at high schools and colleges. He is a little overwhelmed—but clearly delighted that so much outreach has come from India. “The day news about the mission aired, hundreds, if not a thousand, queries from India flooded in overnight,” he shares. He received messages of gratitude and inspiration, particularly from young people who now see space as a destination within their reach. One message stood out to him: “Congratulations, sir, for opening up

Events

Inter Passenger Terminal Show 2025 Set to Make its Debut in India, Unveiling the Future of Passenger Travel

The 1st Inter Passenger Terminal Show is set to capture the immense underlying potential in aviation travel and passenger experience in India. • Over 100 exhibitors will showcase innovations and the latest solutions to enhance efficiency, safety, and the passenger experience at airports across the globe. • Inter Passenger Terminal show has strengthened its advisory council by on-boarding Vivekanandhan Sindhamani, Head of Sustainable Aviation & Resilience at Netherlands Airport Consultants (NACO).   Mumbai,9th July 2024: Multinational trade show organiser, Media Fusion, recently announced the debut of the 1st Inter Passenger Terminal Show, a 2-day exhibition and conference set to take place on June 11 and 12, 2025, at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai. The event promises to be the largest platform showcasing the latest advancements, cutting-edge technologies, and innovative solutions in passenger terminal design, management, and operations. In the wake of India’s remarkable resurgence in air travel, with a notable 22.5% year-on-year growth in international travel during the period of 2023-2024, our Former Union Civil Aviation Minister, Jyotiraditya Scindia, projected doubling of domestic air passengers to 300 million by 2030. In support of this rapid growth, the Indian government has committed Rs 980 billion (USD 11.88 billion) by 2025 to improve regional connectivity by constructing new airports and upgrading existing ones, with an emphasis on modern and sustainable infrastructure. With India poised to become the world’s 3rd largest aviation market by the end of 2024, the timing of the Inter Passenger Terminal Show 2025 couldn’t be more opportune. Tailored to meet the burgeoning demand in the aviation sector, the Inter Passenger Terminal Show 2025 will seamlessly integrate conference and trade show elements, providing a comprehensive platform for industry stakeholders. As India experiences rapid growth in passenger traffic and demand for premium services, industry leaders, experts, and stakeholders representing airport and airline operations, technology providers, consultancy firms, and retail spaces will convene at the event to explore cutting-edge technologies, discuss key challenges, and envision the future of passenger terminal operations. Key highlights of the Inter Passenger Terminal Show include networking opportunities with industry pioneers, insightful panel discussions led by thought leaders, and access to a vast exhibition space showcasing state-of-the-art technologies. These technologies feature IoT and AI solutions, sustainable practices for environmentally conscious terminals, and personalised passenger experiences derived from meticulous data analysis. Attendees can expect to gain valuable insights, forge meaningful connections, and contribute to advancing the aviation industry in India and beyond. The show will also feature awards for brands in this sector, providing a platform to recognise and celebrate excellence, details of which are to follow. Taher Patrawala, Managing Director of Media Fusion, noted that the Inter Passenger Terminal Show marks the first-of-its-kind globally. He emphasised, “With India on track to become the world’s fastest-growing air passenger market and aiming for the third-largest aviation market globally, the demand for innovative solutions is high. The launch of the Inter Passenger Terminal Show in India couldn’t come at a better time. With the government’s proactive investments, our mission with this show is clear: to take the lead in providing a platform for innovative solutions that continuously elevate the overall passenger experience. Moreover, in our early stage interactions with authorities including Airports Authority of India( AAI) and operators of leading private airports, we have cemented our belief that IPTS is the need of the hour for a growing India’s airport industry. ” Mr. Patrawala further highlighted the significance of hosting such an event in Mumbai, a hub of economic activity and a strategic gateway to India. He added, “By choosing Mumbai as the host city, we are showcasing India’s prominence in the global aviation landscape and providing a platform for industry leaders and innovators from around the world to converge and collaborate. This inaugural event is poised to set the stage for future advancements and elevate the overall passenger experience on a global scale, with closer involvement of the SAARC countries as well.” With a focus on capturing the immense underlying potential in aviation travel and passenger experience, this event is set to redefine industry standards and drive innovation in the aviation sector. It underscores the company’s commitment to capitalising on India’s thriving domestic market while drawing attractions from key global players in the aviation industry.

Recent News

Scandron, a Subsidiary of Magellanic Cloud, Receives DGCA Approval for Small Category Agri-Drone

Hyderabad, 8th July 2024: Scandron Private Limited has received the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) Type Certification for its advanced Agri-Drone model, SNDAG010QX8. The SNDAG010QX8 drone, certified under Type Certificate No. T0724000001Z, is a rotorcraft specifically designed for agricultural applications. Falling under the small category, this drone is set to significantly enhance the efficiency of spraying fertilizers and pesticides, crop surveillance, field monitoring, and livestock management. With this certification, Scandron Private Limited is poised to deliver innovative solutions that support sustainable farming practices and improve crop yields. Magellanic Cloud’s leadership in the Agri-Drone market is further solidified with this certification. By reducing dependency on foreign technology and components, Magellanic Cloud, through Scandron Private Limited, is committed to supporting the Government’s Make in India initiative. This move not only ensures a steady supply of high-quality drones tailored for Indian farmers but also fosters self-reliance in critical technology sectors. Joseph Sudheer Reddy Thumma, Director & Promotor, Magellanic Cloud said, “Receiving DGCA certification for our Agri-Drone through Scandron Private Limited is a testament to our commitment to innovation and quality in the agricultural technology sector. This milestone underscores our dedication to supporting Indian farmers with advanced, locally-manufactured drone solutions that enhance productivity and sustainability. We are proud to contribute to the Make in India initiative and look forward to further empowering the agricultural community through transformative technology” The DGCA certification reflects the supportive regulatory environment that is crucial for the growth of the Agri-Drone market in India.”

Civil Aviation

Tata group airlines complete harmonisation of operating manuals, processes across four airlines

Delhi,8th July 2024: Tata Group airlines have concluded the harmonisation of the operating procedures across its key functions, including harmonisation of the supporting manuals across all four carriers, reaching an important milestone in the merger of four airlines into two. Over the last 18 months, a team of more than 100 members have worked to align on the bestpractices and adopting common operating procedures. The result of this will be two separate manuals for the full-service carrier and the low-cost carrier. “This is an important milestone in the merger of the Tata Group airlines and we are grateful for the support received from the Ministry of Civil Aviation in terms of timely clearances for the merger process.We are also grateful to DGCA for their continuous guidance, systematic review and approval of the harmonized operating manuals. DGCA has guided our teams with a safety-first change management approach which is congruent with the safety-first priorities of the TATA Group. The live tracker created by the Flight Standards Directorate of DGCA with a dedicated team for continuous monitoring of the progress of the harmonisation process has been instrumental in achieving the challenging task in a time bound manner,” said Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India. Air India and group companies are initiating the necessary crew training to action the harmonized processes, which will be another step in the direction towards building the new Air India and Air India Express.

Cargo

ACFI conducts its annual conclave 2024

New Delhi, 5th July2024: The Air Cargo Forum India (ACFI) held their Annual Conclave themed “Unlocking Potential Paving Way for a Developed India” in New Delhi. The event aimed to foster collaborative brainstorming sessions to unlock the potential of international and domestic freight movements. Mohan Yadav,Chief Minister – Madhya Pradesh was the Special Guest at the event along with other dignitaries, including Dr. Surendra Ahirwar, Joint Secretary (Logistics and Trade), DPIIT (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry), Piyush Srivastava, Senior Economic Advisor, Ministry of Civil Aviation and Jivisha Joshi Gangopadhyay, Deputy Secreetary, DPIIT Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry. At the ACFI Annual Conclave 2024, the air cargo community was invigorated as all relevant stakeholders came together, including airports, GSAs, carrier partners, shippers, regulators, policymakers, and government authorities. The event aimed to collectively shape a vision spanning from shippers to buyers and other stakeholders in the supply chain ecosystem.The conclave brought together the entire Governing Board of ACFI, past presidents of the forum, and various stakeholders in the air cargo logistics and supply chain trade. This included senior government dignitaries, airlines, airport operators, cargo terminal operators, freight forwarders, sales agents, other trade associations, and express industry professionals. Sharing his views, Mohan Yadav, Chief Minister – Madhya Pradesh said, “In this globally connected world, there is a crucial need for fast and efficient delivery, especially after COVID-19 which has taught us how unpredictable the future can be. Being the nation’s heart, Madhya Pradesh has been at the forefront of the logistics sector. Under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, we have undertaken several projects in roadways, expressways, and Vande metro. Earlier, it used to take months to travel abroad, but today with the help of air cargo we are able to deliver goods to the farthest corner of the world, benefiting businesses and society simultaneously. I hope Madhya Pradesh will soon have an Air Cargo like Delhi and we have initiated work in this regard with several industries. I extend my best wishes for the conclave and hope Madhya Pradesh will be able to contribute to bringing together the air cargo industry as a cohesive force.” Speaking at the event,Shri Piyush Srivasata, Sr. Economic Advisor, Ministry of Civil Aviation said,“Air Cargo Forum India (ACFI) is dedicated to building a world-class environmentally friendly air logistics industry that facilitates business and supports the aspirations of the new and advanced Viksit Bharat. Going forward, e-commerce and express delivery cargo will drive the future, making it crucial to maintain an airline clientele that is both high-value and low-volume. Additionally, stakeholders must remain cognizant and aware of optimizing processes and reducing turnaround times. Regulatory improvements have increased the ease of doing business and I strongly believe that the government will do what needs to be done to maintain this upward trajectory. As we leapfrog to achieve a $ 5 trillion economy by 2024-25, we need to adopt the best practices as per our need for rapid and sustainable growth of the Indian Economy.” The conclave covered three business sessions, capturing the possibilities, opportunities, challenges, and strategies within the air cargo sector to catapult India to become a developed nation.The sessions emphasized key topics–”Soaring Ambitions: Building India’s Air Cargo Capacity, paving way for a Developed India”, “Collaborative Horizons: Unlocking Customer Expectations” and “Future Skies: Transforming Air Cargo Through Technology, Innovation and Sustainability.”These were moderated by keyACFI Governing Board Members Mr. Sanjiv Edward, Mr. Satish Lakkaraju,andMr. Keku Bomi Gazder. Yashpal Sharma – President ACFI said, “A developed India requires significant advancement from our current state of growth. However, it is important to remember that this growth must be unanimous, driven by elevating skill sets, job opportunities, infrastructure, and regulatory frameworks. The Indian aviation sector is poised to witness a 3X growth, leveraging the robust supply chain we have established. To fully capitalize on this opportunity, we must continuously innovate in our businesses and upskill our workforce. I truly believe that Air Cargo has the right potential and scope for empowering businesses worldwide. I am certain that this holistic approach will not only strengthens the industry’s current capabilities but also lay a strong foundation for future growth and success.” The ACFI Annual Conclave 2024 also featured a strong line-up of eminent speakers, including Peter Penseel, President, Delta Air Lines, Manoj Singh, Chief Cargo Officer, Adani Airport Holdings Ltd., Capt. Nikhil B. Ved, Managing Director, Blue Dart Aviation Ltd., Vishal Bhatnagar, Managing Director, Global Cargo Operations, Delta Air Lines, Camilo Garcia Cervera, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, IAG Cargo, Vaibhav Vohra, Managing Director, Continental Carriers Pvt. Ltd., Dr. Ajay Sahai, DG & CEO, Federation of Indian Export Organisations, Tia Bhaduri Mohan, Director – Ocean & Air Transport Planning, Electrolux,Alok Kumar Singh, Director – Global Logistics & Warehouse, VVDN Technologies,Aram Lee, Country Head, Samsung SDS, Ramesh Mamidala, Head Cargo Commercial, Air India Limited, Mark Sutch, Chief Commercial Officer Cargo, Indigo, Yashpal Sharma, Managing Director, Skyways Group, A-lAnood Al-Suwaidi, SVP Cargo for Middle East, Africa and Asia Region, Menzies Aviation, Dr. Jivisha Joshi Gangopadhyay, Deputy Secretary, DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Halit Tuncer, Cargo Director South Asia, Turkish Airlines, Soham Chokshi, Chief Executive Officer, Shipsy, Mr. Zvi Schreiber, Founder and CEO, Freightos Group, as well as Kamesh Peri, Chief Executive Officer, Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management India Private Limited. The ACFI Conclave focused on leveraging innovative technologies, integrating processes, adopting best global practices and accelerating the pace of change, and its business sessions will deliberate various opportunities, possibilities, challenges & action items for the Indian Air Cargo industry to get 10 Million MT by 2030-31. “The ACFI Annual Conclave 2024 served as a prestigious gathering of the most brilliant minds in India’s air cargo sector, offering a platform for addressing the industry’s most pressing challenges and exploring its most promising opportunities. This distinguished event showcased ACFI’s commitment to elevating the air freight industry by harnessing its inherent strengths, navigating the complexities of international

Recent News

Air India’s first narrowbody aircraft with new brand livery lands in Delhi

GURUGRAM, 7 July, 2024: Air India recived its first narrowbody aircraft in the new livery in New Delhi on 7th July morning. The Airbus A320 Neo, registered VT-RTN, landed in New Delhi’s IGI Airport from the Airbus facility in Toulouse, France, marking a significant milestone in Air India’s transformation journey. The A320neo aircraft joining the Air India fleet will feature a three-class configuration: 8 luxurious Business Class seats, 24 Premium Economy seats with extra legroom, and 132 comfortable Economy Class seats. The introduction of Premium Economy cabins on narrow-body aircraft is a first for Air India. This aircraft is expected to enter service in August 2024, operating on domestic short-haul routes. Three A320neo aircraft in three-class configurations with the old Air India livery have already started operating in the domestic network. From early next year, Air India will start offering enhanced flying experience for its guests operating new, upgraded, and refurbished aircraft – in both the narrowbody and widebody fleet.

Business Aviation

Textron Aviation to showcase next generation of military aircrew multi-engine training aircraft at the FAS 2024   

Wichita, 6th July 2024: Textron Aviation will return to the Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) as the industry leader with more than 1,700 Cessna and Beechcraft turbine aircraft based in Europe and more than 250,000 aircraft delivered worldwide. Building upon the versatile and reliable Beechcraft King Air 260, Textron Aviation is today announcing that its new military multi-engine training aircraft will be on display at the FIA for the first time, marking its debut in Europe. This state-of-the-art aircrew training aircraft was recently chosen to modernize aircrew training for the United States Navy’s Multi-Engine Training System (METS) and the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program in Canada. Specific capabilities include factory options for TACAN (Air to Air), angle of attack (AOA), V/UHF radio, digital audio system, engine trend monitoring, condition-based maintenance plus, observer/jump seat, passenger mission seats and full-face oxygen masks. The company will feature the missionized King Air 260 aircraft at the static display (Stand No: A031) July 22-26 at Farnborough Airport.

Civil Aviation

Garuda Indonesia and Singapore Airlines receive regulatory approval for commercial joint venture

Singapore,5th July 2024: Garuda Indonesia and Singapore Airlines (SIA) has received the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore’s (CCCS) approval of their commercial joint venture agreement.With this approval, the airlines will be able to deepen their strategic partnership on a wider range of commercial activities that will bring greater benefits to both airlines, as well as Indonesia and Singapore. These potentially include operating joint revenue sharing flights between the two countries, coordinating flight schedules to offer travellers more options and seamless connectivity between Singapore and Indonesia and beyond, and exploring joint sales and marketing initiatives that provide greater value to both airlines’ customers. Since Garuda Indonesia and Singapore Airlines signed an agreement to deepen their partnership in May 2023, the carriers have been working on initiatives including giving GarudaMiles and KrisFlyer members the option to earn and redeem miles on codeshare routes. They have also embarked on joint marketing initiatives to promote tourism activities. The airlines today codeshare on a wide range of flights, including between Singapore and Indonesian cities of Bali, Jakarta, Medan, and Surabaya, as well as on long-haul routes between Singapore and Johannesburg, London (Heathrow), and Mumbai. Irfan Setiaputra, President and Chief Executive Officer, Garuda Indonesia, said: “We are very pleased to receive this approval, as it marks significant progress towards our commitment to enhance service quality as well as broaden both Garuda Indonesia and Singapore Airlines’ networks through a deepening partnership. The joint venture initiative that we are preparing today has been one of the strategies to ensure extensive value creation for our loyal customers. Having regulatory approval as the first step in a commercial agreement will provide more opportunity for developing well-executed strategic ideas. “Moreover, we hope that this joint venture agreement can provide seamless services for passengers with more flight schedule options and ease in earning and redeeming mileage. Also, this collaboration may deliver concrete action to contribute to boosting Indonesian tourism activities, which will support the post-pandemic economic recovery progress,” Mr Irfanexplained. Goh Choon Phong, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Airlines, said: “The robust strategic partnership between Garuda Indonesia and Singapore Airlines has enabled us to broaden our codeshare services over the last few years, offering our customers more choices on flights. With the CCCS’s approval, we are poised to deepen our collaboration across a wider scope of commercial activities.Along with the ongoing work to strengthen the links between our frequent flyer membership programmes, this will provide our customers with even more options and enhanced value. This partnership underscores both airlines’ commitment to improving connectivity between Indonesia and Singapore and beyond, boosting both business and leisure travel, and contributing to economic growth.”

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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