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    Interviews

    The demand for small to mid-size aircraft is quite high in India, especially in the charter segment: Rohit Kapur

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    In a candid interview,Mr. Rohit Kapur, President of Sales,Asia Pacific, JetHQ briefs Vishal Kashyap, Managing Editor, Aviation World about the current status of Business Aviation in India, the projections and the much talked about fractional ownership. Excerpts: Q: Kindly brief us about JetHQ and its business presence? A: Jet HQ is a dedicated global aircraft brokerage company with a worldwide presence. Incorporated in 2012 in Dubai, it is now headquartered in the USA, with its international office in Dubai. We specialize in assisting our clients for sale and acquisition of aircraft from the pre-owned market. With approximately 40 employees globally, we have a presence in the US, Latin America, Europe, Africa, Middle East, India and Asia Pacific We also have an in-house legal and market analytics team to assist you clients with their needs under one roof. Though we specialize in business jets of all categories, Jet HQ is also active in the sale of helicopter, turbo-props, trainer aircraft and airliners/cargo aircraft, if there is a need by our clients. Our vast global network with aircraft financers, ground handling companies, aircraft management companies, aircraft insurers etc. goes a long way and helping us to provide a holistic solution for aircraft ownership to our clients. Q: How do you see the evolution of Business Jet demand in Asia specially India in the last few years? A: Business aircraft demand in India, as in the rest of the world has seen a tremendous growth in post Covid time. In fact, the demand for private aircraft started spiking during Covid, and has steadily increased after that, with 2022 and 2023 seeing very high demand for private aircraft. The trend continues in 2024, Most OEMS have struggled to keep pace with the supply chain issues due to the disruption caused by Covid, and lead times for new aircraft have reached an all-time high of two years or more. In such a scenario, the demands for pre-owned aircraft have spiked, with the pre-owned aircraft inventory seeing an all-time low in the past few years. This is a global phenomenon. Maximum transactions have taken place in the US, with similar trends in the rest of the world, including Asia and India. Q: What’s the current Business Jet Market size of Asia and what’s the projection for next 5-10 years? A: As per a recent market report published by Asia Sky Group, the Business Jet fleet in Asia stands at 1154 at the end of 2023, which has seen a 0.2% increase from 2022, after seeing a decline in 2021 and 2022, mainly due to decrease of aircraft from Mainland China. The global average growth of business jets is predicted to be 4.4% for the next five years, as per the Global Jet Capital report. Q: In terms of aircraft type, which category is mostly preferred by Indian operators? Any average comparison you would like to mention with other growing market? A: The demand for small to mid-size aircraft is quite high in India, especially in the charter segment. There is also a demand for helicopters and turbo-props in this segment. For users in the private category, especially the corporate, the demand is higher for mid-size to large business jets, and also larger twin-engine helicopters. This is a global trend. However, in the US, Europe and China, there have been a number of aircraft charter operators who provide a service with large cabin, long range jets, something which has not yet picked up in the Indian market, where charter operators are mainly catering to the domestic charters. Q: How do you see GIFT City as really transforming the leasing process of aircraft in India? A: Though a welcome step, GIFT city is still work in progress, and a number of issues are being addressed by the government. It is a good concept to facilitate Indian aircraft operators, especially the airlines. Since I am not an expert on this subject, this is best answered by the experts dealing in GIFT city matters. Q:Your views on Fractional ownership in India. How do you see it in terms of ease as well as challenges? A: Fractional ownership is well-established way of aircraft ownership in the US and Europe. It allows discerning owners to own a fraction of an aircraft, along with other people, and be available for their use, when they need it. This is very helpful for the entry level buyers for aircraft, who have limited use, but still want to fly privately and do not want to be faced with the uncertainty of looking for aircraft to charter. The aircraft management companies run the program on behalf of the fractional owners, so they are not burdened with complex operational and safety issues. This is a welcome step in India, and is long overdue. It requires a synergy between the operational and financial regulation due to the implications of part ownership. I am given to understand the process is well-underway, and we shall soon see the implementation of fractional ownership in India. We welcome it.

    Civil Aviation

    SalamAir launches inaugural flight from Muscat to New Delhi

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    New Delhi, 3rd July 2024: Oman’s low-cost carrier, SalamAir has announced the launch of its newest route, connecting Muscat to the vibrant capital city of India, New Delhi. Starting from 2nd July, SalamAir will operate twice-weekly flights to Delhi, with services on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This milestone signifies a new chapter in SalamAir’s commitment to providing exceptional service, unparalleled comfort, and seamless connectivity to passengers traveling between Oman and India and beyond. The introduction of flights to Delhi represents a significant step forward for SalamAir as they continue to expand their network to meet the growing demand for affordable and convenient travel options. This new route will strengthen connections between Oman and India, benefiting the expat community, leisure travelers, and business professionals alike.

    Recent News

    Asia Pacific Turboprop Safety Conference

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    Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) organised the first Asia Pacific Turboprop Safety Conference (APTSC) on 26-27 June 2024 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Over a hundred delegates, including representatives from some twenty turboprop operators based in Australia, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Japan, the Maldives, Nepal, Philippines, Taiwan, and Thailand attended the event. Themed ‘Empowering Resilient Growth’, the Conference aimed to enhance aviation safety in air transportation, particularly in turboprop operations. This is consistent with the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) continuous safety outreach objectives. The event provided a valuable platform for stakeholders including regulators, turboprop operators, equipment manufacturers, aviation safety organisations and airport operators to exchange insights, best practices, and innovations in turboprop operations. Key topics ranging from safety culture, advancements in technology to regulatory frameworks were actively discussed, reinforcing best approaches to aviation safety. AAPA Director General, Mr. Subhas Menon, commented, “The Conference highlights the unique role that turboprop operators play in improving connectivity to regions where accessibility is limited. Turboprops play a crucial role in bridging the transportation gaps in access to goods, services, tourism, and ultimately better livelihoods for remote communities in far flung areas. The insights and collaboration fostered during this Conference will go a long way to support safe and reliable turboprop operations.” Ensuring the highest standards of safety is paramount in the aviation sector, and this conference underscored AAPA’s commitment to continuous improvement and knowledge-sharing. The AAPA extends its appreciation to all participants and supporting partners of the Conference, including ATR, Pratt & Whitney, L3 Harris, Gallagher Speciality, CAE.

    Defence

    HENSOLDT supplies air defence radars to Latvia and Slovenia

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    Taufkirchen, 4 July 2024: Sensor specialist HENSOLDT is providing massive support for the German ‘European Sky Shield Initiative’ ESSI: As part of an order from Diehl Defence worth more than 100 million euros, HENSOLDT is supplying its high-performance TRML-4D radars, including a maintenance and training package, to Latvia and Slovenia. The radars will be deployed in the two ESSI countries as part of the IRIS-T SLM air defence system. This means that HENSOLDT currently has more than 80 air defence radars of various ranges under contract as part of the ESSI initiative alone. HENSOLDT CEO Oliver Dörre said: “The pent-up demand in European air defence is enormous. We have already made so much progress with the expansion of our production capacity that we can already supply all customers in record time.” The TRML-4D has delivered exceptionally good detection performance in Ukraine and prevailed against strong competition during live tests in Latvia. It is based on the latest AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar technology and ensures the rapid detection and tracking of around 1,500 targets within a radius of up to 250 kilometres. It is capable of quickly and reliably detecting and tracking all types of air targets – cruise missiles, rockets, drones and aircraft – and classifying them for engagement. HENSOLDT has decades of experience with radar systems for air defence and is actively driving the further development of key technologies in this field. In addition to the TRML-4D high-performance radar, the company’s portfolio includes the SPEXER short-range radar, the Twinvis passive radar and radars for securing ship and air traffic. Both the TRML-4D and the SPEXER are part of the German Armed Forces’ NNbS air defence system for close and short-range protection, which was commissioned in January. HENSOLDT also supplies radars for the German Navy’s new frigates and corvettes, for airspace surveillance and for approach control at military airfields.

    Civil Aviation

    United Now Texts Live Radar Maps and Uses AI to Keep Travellers Informed During Weather Delays

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    CHICAGO, July 4th, 2024: United now texts customers links to local, live radar maps during weather delays, as part of its industry-leading effort to give travellers as much real-time information as possible about their trip, especially if things don’t go as planned. For the past few years, the airline has used dedicated teams to write and send text messages to customers that give near-instantaneous details about a given flight – everything from gate changes and boarding times to more specifics regarding aircraft swaps, crew rescheduling and weather events – and the teams now use generative artificial intelligence (gen AI) tools to assist in giving more travellers real-time updates during flight delays. United’s latest innovation – real-time radar maps – can help customers understand how inclement weather in one part of the country can impact a flight elsewhere. United is the first and only U.S. airline currently providing its customers these kinds of specific messages, and the airline is sending them with assistance from gen AI tools. “With more people travelling this summer than ever, we wanted to give our customers an easier way to stay connected to real-time information about their flight and texting was the simplest solution,” said Jason Birnbaum, United’s Chief Information Officer. “We know customers appreciate transparency and by combining innovative technology-enabled tools with people power, we can give more people, even more in-the-moment details about their flight.” The release of these new innovations comes as United expects its busiest Fourth of July weekend on record with more than five million passengers flying between June 28 and July 8, up more than 7% compared to last year. Here’s how it works: • Specialised customer service teams sit in the network operations centre alongside the flight operations teams and tap gen AI to review flight data and write customer messages that tells the complete story of a flight change. These messages are sent to customers through text or email in an effort to provide more helpful and relevant information about why flight plans are changing. • During weather events, messages will include links to local, live radar maps showing weather details across flight paths. This helps customers stay informed on weather-related delays, including showing how weather in one part of the country can impact a flight elsewhere. Plus, customers on all flights can access links to weather maps in the United app under flight status updates, and United displays radar maps in the gate area when a flight has been delayed due to weather. Leading with Customer Transparency For years, United has led the airline industry on implementing new technologies and policies across its operation to increase customer transparency, including: • Automatic rebooking assistance: Instead of waiting in line to talk to an agent or search for new options, United’s self-service tools automatically present travellers personalised re-booking options, bag tracking information and meal and hotel vouchers when eligible if their flight is delayed or cancelled. • Real-time flight updates: United is the first and only U.S. airline to give customers real-time access to their boarding pass, gate and seat number, and countdown clock to departure time directly on their phone screens, all without opening the United app. • Free family seating: United is the first and only airline to offer a dynamic seat map feature that makes it easier to seat children under 12-years-old next to an adult in their party for free – even travellers in Basic Economy. • No change fees: In August 2020, United got rid of change fees, offering more flexibility for travel plans, and started complimentary standby travel, becoming the only U.S. airline that lets all customers in all classes of service fly same-day standby for free.

    Recent News

    Def Min holds telecon with Australian Dy. PM to review progress in bilateral defence ties

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    Delhi, 5th July 2024: Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh held a telephonic conversation with Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Mr Richard Marles on July 04, 2024. Through a post on X, the Raksha Mantri stated that a range of issues pertaining to bilateral defence cooperation were reviewed, with focus on closer collaboration between the two countries in the Indo-Pacific. “We place great value on India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” he said. Both Ministers noted the transformative progress in defence cooperation under the comprehensive strategic partnership, and appreciated the momentum achieved in the ties since the last India-Australia 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, which the two Ministers attended in November 2023. Australia considers India as a top-tier security partner in their National Defence Strategy document which was released in 2024. Richard Marles congratulated Rajnath Singh for taking charge as the Raksha Mantri for a second consecutive term, and appreciated the functioning of the Indian democratic system wherein people voted in large numbers. He also congratulated the Raksha Mantri on Team India becoming the T20 world champions.

    Interviews

    Exclusive Interview with Mr. Anupam Vig, General Manager – India,Finnair

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    In an Exclusive Interview, Mr. Anupam Vig, General Manager – India for Finnair speaks with Vishal Kashyap, Managing Editor, Aviation World and briefs about the peak summer demand of passengers to Europe, particularly the Nordic region.Finnair specializes in connecting passengers between Asia, the Middle East, North America, and Europe, and is the only airline offering year-round direct flights to Lapland. Excerpts: .   Q: What are the sectors that Finnair is operating at present in India? What about the upcoming sectors? A: We currently run up to 7 weekly flights between Delhi and Helsinki and are continually evaluating our flight network to adapt to market dynamics. While specific changes or additions are subject to ongoing analysis, Finnair remains committed to optimising its operations for the benefit of customer. Q: Which flight type is being operated, number of weekly flights and seat configuration it has from India? A: Finnair operates its A330 fleet for long-haul flights to India, offering Business, Premium Economy, and Economy Class seat configurations. Finnair is currently the only airline offering the majority of direct flights from New Delhi to Helsinki, operating up to 7 weekly flights with exceptional punctuality and reliability. The convenience of direct flights eliminates the need for layovers, making it an attractive option for travellers seeking a hassle-free and efficient travel experience. Q: What is the average return ticket price in each class configuration between Delhi and Helsinki? A: The average return ticket price between Delhi and Helsinki varies depending on the time of booking. For the upcoming week in June, the average prices are as follows – Economy Classic starts from INR 49500, Premium Economy starts from INR 96000, and Business Class starts from INR 1,47500. These prices reflect the current rates and may fluctuate based on demand and booking times. Q: How do you see the peak summer surge in demand from India? What is the year-round review in terms of pax load? A: We don’t disclose any route-specific figures, but we are witnessing a good demand fuelled by several factors such as the fascinating summer phenomenon of the Midnight Sun or Northern Lights sightings in Finland. At Finnair, we are well-positioned to capitalise on these trends by offering frequent flights from Helsinki to destinations such as Lapland in Finland and Bodø in Norway, enhancing the appeal of Nordic summer experiences. Overall, the load factors have been encouraging, reflecting the resilience of air travel demand. Q: Could you focus on the code share arrangement, and which sectors it mainly caters to? A: Finnair is part of the oneworld alliance and has a code-share arrangement with 13 of the world’s leading airlines, including American Airlines, British Airways, and Qatar Airways, among others. This extensive network of connectivity allows us to cater to a wide range of sectors, providing the highest level of service and convenience across more than 1,000 destinations in over 170 countries and territories worldwide. Through these partnerships, we ensure seamless travel experiences and enhanced connectivity for our customers. Q:Recently, Finnair completed its long-haul cabin refurbishment program. How is the pax experience with all new in-flight configurations? A: Finnair has successfully completed the rollout of its new 200-million-euro long-haul cabin renewal, with the airline’s entire long-haul fleet of A350s and A330s now refurbished. This extensive project included the launch of an entirely new Business Class seat, a brand-new Premium Economy cabin, and a refreshed Economy Class, enhancing the onboard experience for all customers. Customers can now enjoy a consistent Finnair experience on all long-haul routes between Helsinki and destinations in the US, Middle East, and Asia. Finnair was the launch customer for the brand-new concept in Business Class seats, developed in close collaboration with Collins Aerospace. Designed to maximise space, the unique fixed shell lounge seat enables a wide variety of sitting and sleeping positions, allowing customers to make the space their own during a relaxing long-haul flight. The cabin has been inspired by Finnair’s Nordic design language and warm, dark, comforting colour scheme – following the palette and design of the airline’s non-Schengen lounges, unveiled at Helsinki Airport pre-pandemic. Since its launch in 2022, customer feedback on our revolutionary Business Class seat and brand-new Premium Economy cabin has been excellent, so we are proud to be able to offer the renewed cabin on flights to all our long-haul destinations.The new long-haul experience was named ‘Cabin Concept of the Year’ winner by Onboard Hospitality, ‘Best Cabin Innovation’ winner by APEX, and ‘Best Cabin (First & Business Class)’ at the Yacht and Aviation Awards. Finnair’s product was also praised by judges at the Crystal Cabin Awards and Skytrax, the global benchmark of airline excellence. Q: For Indian transit passengers, do they require a transit visa at Helsinki? A: No, currently there is no Finland Transit Visa-on-Arrival option for Indian citizens. A Schengen visa is required for transiting to or from an intra-Schengen flight or for going to a hotel or into town in Helsinki during a long layover.

    Tourism

    Ras Al Khaimah to offer free visas for Indian MICE groups and wedding celebrations

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    Ras Al Khaimah, UAE,June 27, 2024: Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has introduced an exciting initiative tailored for Indians: complimentary visas for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) and wedding events. The initiative, which will officially launch in July 2024 and run through March 2025, will offer groups an even greater incentive to stage their wedding or corporate event in Ras Al Khaimah and experience the emirate’s breathtaking beauty while making use of its world-class facilities.Under the initiative, RAKTDA will provide free visas for Indian groups booking a minimum two-night stay in any of Ras Al Khaimah’s world-class hotels. The offer is open to groups with at least 100 guests per night, with visa costs being covered by RAKTDA, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience. Commenting on the launch of the initiative, Iyad Rasbey, Vice President of Destination Tourism Development at RAKTDA, said: “We are delighted to launch this incentive, which will enhance Ras Al Khaimah’s appeal as a premier destination for Indian MICE and wedding events.We saw a 23% growth in MICE revenue and 103% increase in wedding-related revenue in 2023 and are eager to build on this success.” Nestled in the northernmost part of the UAE, Ras Al Khaimah is a haven for those seeking stunning landscapes, world-class hotels and resorts, and state-of-the-art facilities. It has become a preferred wedding destination for Indian couples offering an array of stunning venues, from beachfront resorts like Waldorf Astoria, Movenpick Resort Al Marjan Island and Intercontinental Ras Al Khaimah Resort and Spa to desert oases like Ritz Carlton Al Wadi Desert. The recently opened Sofitel Al Hamra Beach Resortcombines the Arabian Gulf’s beauty meets French Art De Vivre and the Anantara Mina Al Arab offers luxurious Maldivian-style overwater villas. The Nature Emirate also boasts unique venues that provide breathtaking locations for bespoke celebrations. With over 8,000 keys available, the Emirate has world-class hotels and resorts including properties such as Anantara, Sofitel, Waldorf Astoria, InterContinental, Rixos, Rotana, Ritz-Carlton, Radisson, Movenpick and many others, all with impeccable MICE facilities, sprawling groundsand public spaces for outdoor celebrations. Al Hamra International Exhibition & Conference Centre is the only stand-alone and flagship venue by the beach. Boasting a capacity of 3,000 attendees and 4,500 square meters of flexible event space, it caters to a diverse array of gatherings.Al Jazeera Al Hamra – the last surviving pearl diving and seafaring town, and Dhayah Fort – the only hilltop fort still in existence in the UAE – offer couples the once in a lifetime opportunity to host their celebrations amid sites on the UNESCO’s tentative list of Global Heritage Sites. For the more adventurous bride and groom, the Jebel Jais Viewing Deck, located 1,250 metres above sea level with awe-inspiring vistas across the Hajar Mountains and Arabian Gulf, is the perfect venue for an unforgettable celebration. India has proven key to Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism growth plans, with the country consistently ranking among its top five visitor source markets worldwide. In 2023 alone, the emirate recorded a 20% increase in Indian visitor numbers, a trend that is likely to accelerate with the introduction of this initiative. Getting to Ras Al Khaimah from India is also easier than ever, with direct flights from major Indian cities like Mumbai and Hyderabad with IndiGo. The emirate’s proximity to Dubai International Airport also ensures excellent connectivity. In 2023, Ras Al Khaimah introduced new laws governing civil marriages and a streamlined wedding planner certification programme, making it easier for local and international planners to arrange wedding ceremonies on behalf of couples living outside the UAE. Certified planners can secure fast-tracked permits and arrange ceremonies at unique venues across Ras Al Khaimah.Event organisers and wedding planners are encouraged to contact RAKTDA at mice@raktda.comfor more information and assistance in planning their events.

    Civil Aviation

    Akasa Air adds Abu Dhabi to its network

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    National, 27 June 2024: Akasa Air has expanded its global presence by adding Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, as the fourth international destination to its growing network. Starting 11th July 2024, Akasa Air will operate daily direct flights connecting Abu Dhabi with Mumbai, catering to the growing travel demand between India and the UAE, and further strengthening the air travel link between India and the Middle East. Commenting on the announcement, Neelu Khatri, Co-Founder and SVP International, Akasa Air, said “We are pleased to add Abu Dhabi as the fourth international destination to our network. With its distinct tourist attractions and promising trade prospects, Abu Dhabi has emerged as a destination of choice for Indian leisure and business travellers, and the demand for air travel between the two countries continues to flourish. The Abu Dhabi Government’s visionary roadmap under Tourism Strategy 2030 will further encourage tourism between India and UAE in the coming years.” Praveen Iyer, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer further shared, “We are delighted to expand our global footprint with the addition of Abu Dhabi to our network. Abu Dhabi is known for its one-of-a-kind travel experiences while being one of the fastest-growing markets for business. Our strategically designed network connecting Abu Dhabi with Mumbai with daily direct flights will cater to a wide range of Indian travellers, and enhanced connectivity between India and Abu Dhabi will also drive inbound leisure and business travel to the country. As we rapidly expand our footprint, we remain committed to our purpose of connecting people, places and cultures with reliable operations and affordable fares.” Belson Coutinho, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing and Experience Officer, Akasa Air added “We are excited to extend the signature Akasa Experience to Abu Dhabi, our fourth international destination, known for its larger-than-life hospitality and immersive travel experiences. At Akasa Air, we have progressively introduced multiple customer-friendly offerings to ensure an inclusive, warm, and efficient flying experience. Travellers on the route can look forward to a unique culinary experience with our onboard meal service Café Akasa and a fresh in-cabin experience that offers enhanced comfort and ample legroom, backed by the signature service delivered by our crew on board and on the ground”. “Additionally, offerings like USB ports on most of our aircraft, Skyscore by Akasa and QuietFlights will further elevate the inflight experience of our passengers. Moreover, travelers can choose to plan their travel with Akasa Holidays which offers customisable and all-inclusive holiday packages at affordable prices. Our customers are at the heart of everything we do at Akasa Air, and all our service offerings are aligned to our philosophy of service excellence. We hope that passengers will appreciate the Akasa experience and we will emerge as the preferred carrier on the route.” Coutinho added.

    Civil Aviation

    Philippine Airlines partners with ViewQwest to elevate network and security infrastructure

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    SINGAPORE, 27 June 2024: Philippine Airlines (PAL), has appointed Singapore telco and MSSP ViewQwest, to upgrade its network and security infrastructure as it forges ahead with its digital innovation and transformation roadmap The landmark project will implement next-generation network and security technologies across Philippine-based sites and branches. It will also leverage a managed service framework to ensure optimum service levels vital to the seamless operation of the country’s largest international airline. The strategic enhancements will improve network performance and business resilience, forming a robust foundation for the airline’s digital transformation and continued innovation. The partnership was sealed at an executive briefing and project team assembly hosted at The Sheraton Manila. Senior technical and business leaders from PAL and ViewQwest, together with key stakeholders and project heads, gathered for the occasion. The partnership was formalized by Philippine Airlines’ Chief Information Officer, Aurea Patria Vidal, and Vice President of IT Operations, Angelique Tinsay, together with ViewQwest’s Chief Executive Officer, Vignesa Moorthy, and Chief Operating Officer, Jurist Francisco. PAL is poised to reap extensive advantages from the upgraded network and security infrastructure. The consolidated network and security operations will offer enhanced visibility, control, and security of the network. This will enable PAL’s IT teams to focus on core business operations and high-value strategic initiatives, while being assured of consistent threat protection. PAL projects that the integrated and simplified architecture, managed in partnership with ViewQwest, will deliver tangible cost advantages across its IT and network operations. By leveraging industry-leading managed services, it foresees benefits from aggregated cost savings, minimal downtime with carrier redundancy, and expedited issue resolution. Commenting on the partnership, ViewQwest CEO Vignesa Moorthy said, “We take great pride in supporting Philippine Airlines in their network and security transformation journey. We applaud their strategic foresight to construct a network that prioritizes security from the ground up as well as embracing managed services, freeing their teams to concentrate on driving business growth rather than managing infrastructure. This strategic multi-year partnership cements ViewQwest’s presence in the Philippines, and demonstrates our commitment to empower leading Philippine companies.” PAL’s Chief Information Officer Aurea Vidal adds, “Whenever possible, we will seek a tailored approach for PAL’s IT needs, so we are pleased to partner with ViewQwest whose proven track record of custom solutions perfectly align with our strategic principles. By embracing a cloud-based infrastructure that is secure by design, we can amplify collaboration, enable business agility, and ensure business continuity.” In the project assembly, the combined ViewQwest and Philippine Airlines teams affirmed their shared commitment to excellence and the success of this landmark project, marking PAL’s continued innovation leadership in the industry.

    FOREWORD

    Dear Readers,

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

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

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

     

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

     

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

     

    Happy Reading!

     

    The Editorial Team

     

    Aviation World

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    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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