Follow Us:

Facebook Linkedin

Contact Us: editor@aviationworld.in

    Author name: admin

    People

    Pieter Elbers Chairs IATA Board of Governors

    /

    03 June 2024,Dubai: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that Pieter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo, has assumed his duties as Chair of the IATA Board of Governors (BoG). His one-year term began at the conclusion of the 80th IATA Annual General Meeting in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on 3 June. Elbers is the 82nd Chair of the IATA BoG. He served earlier on the BoG between 2016 and 2022 as KLM’s President and CEO and was reappointed to the Board in 2022 shortly after he became IndiGo’s CEO. He succeeds RwandAir CEO Yvonne Manzi Makolo who will continue to serve on the BoG. “It is indeed an honor to assume this role at a time when India is emerging as one of the world’s largest and fastest growing civil aviation markets and evolving into a formidable force in the airline industry. Adhering to IATA’s legacy of aviation as a force for good, we will continue in our focus of highlighting the benefits of aviation in building connections, augmenting trade, tourism and mobility—benefits also so visible in India. At the same time, it is imperative that we persist in our commitment towards a more diverse, equitable and inclusive and also more sustainable aviation industry, creating positive change for generations to come. IATA plays a pivotal role in establishing global standards; I am eager to continue collaborating with global industry leaders, regulators, and stakeholders towards our collective goals,” said Elbers. Elbers has over 30 years of broad experience in the aviation industry. He has been CEO of IndiGo since September 2022 and has taken IndiGo on a journey of expansion and internationalization since. Prior to joining IndiGo, he served for eight years as President and CEO of KLM. He started his career at KLM in 1992 as Manager Aircraft Loading and has held various key executive positions with KLM in The Netherlands, Japan, Greece, and Italy. “I look forward to working with Pieter as we deliver the industry’s sustainability commitments, address supply chain challenges, and strengthen the global standards critical for our industry’s efficient connectivity. I also want to thank Yvonne for her strong support and leadership over the past year. She has helped us to firmly establish Focus Africa as a key initiative to expand aviation’s social and economic benefits on the continent. And, as our first female BoG Chair, Yvonne has been an inspiration for the 25by2025 initiative to improve aviation’s gender balance,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. Chair Elect and Board of Governors Appointments IATA announced Luis Gallego Martin, Chief Executive Officer, IAG (representing IBERIA), to serve as Chair of the BoG from June 2025, following Elbers’ term. IATA also published the full list of its 32 BoG members.

    Recent News

    Qatar Airways Touches Down for the First time in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo

    /

    Doha, 03rd June 2024: Qatar Airways has opened up a new gateway in Africa, connecting the DRC with Europe, the Middle East and Asia. The inaugural flight from Doha to Kinshasa landed at N’djili International Airport on Saturday, 1 June 2024, bringing the total number of African destinations served by the airline to 29. The new route promises to connect Kinshasa to the world via Qatar Airways’ Doha hub, Hamad International Airport, the ‘World’s Best Airport’ as voted by Skytrax in 2024.Additionally, this strategic move by the airline will improve air connectivity across the African continent and will forge stronger economic and business prospects as well as cultural ties. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “At Qatar Airways, we recognize the immense potential in Africa. We are dedicated to enhancing connectivity throughout the continent, enabling seamless access to business and leisure opportunities. We look forward to offering our passengers travelling to and from the DRC convenient travel options through our award-winning hub, Hamad International Airport.” The four weekly services will also increase capacity to Angola, raising the number of flights to Luanda from one to four. The addition of Kinshasa also complements the airline’s over 170 weekly flights across Africa, emphasising Qatar Airways’ commitment to enhancing connectivity throughout the continent. There has been a strong growth in the market with nine new destinations operated by Qatar Airways in Africa since December 2020. Abidjan, Abuja, Accra, Kinshasa, Harare, Kano, Luanda, Lusaka, and Port Harcourt are the African cities newly added to the extensive Qatar Airways network, while Cairo and Alexandria were resumed. In addition, Qatar Airways schedules in most of the Africa markets have been optimized in the last 12 months to ensure convenient connectivity to China. It is also the case with Luanda, and now Kinshasa with this new flight that conveniently connects with key markets such as Belgium, France, Portugal and the Middle East. Kinshasa, which is the capital of the DRC, is the third largest city in Africa, after Cairo and Lagos. Also serving as the economic hub of the country, Kinshasa presents different opportunities for investment and tourism. The bustling city, nestled along the Congo river, is also known for its cultural diversity, lively music scene and pristine nature, attracting both urban explorers and nature enthusiasts.

    Business Aviation

    Role of FBO and VIP Lounge Facilities in Business Jet Movements

    /

    By Sudeep Ssharma,Director, Safe fly Aviation Services Pvt. Ltd In the realm of business aviation, optimizing efficiency and comfort is paramount. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or a corporate executive, leveraging Fixed-Base Operators (FBOs) and VIP lounges can significantly enhance your overall experience. From streamlined operations to luxurious amenities, understanding the role of FBOs and VIP lounges is essential for maximizing the potential of business jet movements. Understanding Fixed-Base Operators (FBOs) What are FBOs? Fixed-Base Operators, commonly known as FBOs, are service providers located at airports that offer a wide range of facilities and services for private and corporate aircraft. These facilities serve as the gateway to the world of business aviation, providing essential support to aircraft operators, passengers, and crew. Services Offered by FBOs 1. Aircraft Handling: FBOs provide comprehensive ground handling services, including aircraft marshalling, towing, parking, and baggage handling. This ensures the efficient movement of aircraft on the ground, minimizing turnaround times and facilitating smooth operations. 2. Fuelling Services: One of the primary functions of FBOs is to offer fuelling services to aircraft. They provide access to aviation fuel, including Jet-A and Avgas, through self-service pumps or full-service fuel trucks. Access to fuelling facilities is crucial for aircraft operators to ensure uninterrupted travel. 3. Passenger and Crew Services: FBOs offer a range of services tailored to the needs of passengers and crew, including passenger terminals, lounges, concierge assistance, and catering services. These amenities enhance comfort and convenience, making the travel experience more enjoyable for all stakeholders. 4. Maintenance and Repair: Some FBOs offer maintenance and repair services for aircraft, including routine inspections, repairs, and upgrades. This allows operators to address maintenance issues promptly and ensure the airworthiness of their aircraft. Exploring the Role of Private Jet VIP Lounges What are VIP Lounges? VIP lounges are exclusive facilities located within FBOs or dedicated standalone spaces designed to cater to the needs of VIP passengers and crew. These lounges offer a heightened level of luxury, privacy, and personalized service, elevating the travel experience for discerning travellers. Amenities and Services Offered 1. Privacy and Exclusivity: VIP lounges provide a private and exclusive environment away from the crowds, allowing VIP passengers and crew to relax, work, or conduct meetings in a tranquil setting. This privacy fosters productivity and ensures a comfortable travel experience. 2. Luxurious Amenities: VIP lounges are equipped with luxurious amenities such as plush seating, elegant decor, high-speed internet access, and premium catering services. These amenities create a sense of luxury and sophistication, enhancing the overall travel experience for VIP travellers. 3. Personalized Services: VIP lounges offer personalized services tailored to the specific needs and preferences of VIP passengers and crew. This may include dedicated concierge assistance, expedited security screening, and customized catering options, ensuring a seamless and tailored experience. 4. Business Facilities: VIP lounges are equipped with business facilities such as private meeting rooms, workstations, and audiovisual equipment. This allows VIP passengers to conduct business meetings, presentations, and conference calls in a professional setting while waiting for their flights. 5. Enhanced Security and Privacy: VIP lounges prioritize security and privacy, with restricted access controls, surveillance systems, and dedicated security personnel ensuring the safety and well-being of VIP passengers and crew. Maximizing Business Jet Movements By leveraging the facilities and services offered by FBOs and VIP lounges, businesses and individuals can maximize the efficiency, comfort, and convenience of their business jet movements. From streamlined operations to luxurious amenities, FBOs and VIP lounges play a crucial role in enhancing the overall travel experience for private and corporate aircraft travellers. Conclusion In conclusion, FBOs and VIP lounges are integral components of the business aviation ecosystem, providing essential support and amenities for private and corporate aircraft travellers. By understanding the role of FBOs and VIP lounges and maximizing their offerings, businesses and individuals can optimize their business jet movements and elevate the travel experience to new heights. We at Safe Fly Aviation strive to provide the best possible FBO and lounges for our clients across the world for their private jet charters.

    Training

    Simaero enters India with $100 million investment, to train around 5,000 pilots over 5 years

    /

    New Delhi, 30th May 2024: International flight simulator provider, Simaero, will invest $100 million in India to train up to 5,000 pilots over the next five years. The firm will bring in the investment in a phased manner to create training infrastructure and install flight simulators to meet the growing demand for pilot training in India and the South Asian region. The move comes at a time when the Indian aviation sector is expanding exponentially as demand for air travel is increasing with rapid economic development across the Indian subcontinent. Simaero’s decision to enter the Indian aviation market is driven by the record-setting aircraft orders, which have exceeded the current active fleet. Indian carriers have over 1,200 Airbus aircraft and 470 Boeing aircraft on order. Nicolas Mouté, CEO of Simaero, said, “Our substantial investment in India reflects our confidence in the country’s strong economic foundation and the promising growth of its aviation industry. We are excited to be part of this dynamic market and contribute to its development. Khushbeg Jattana leads the team in India. His qualification, valuable aviation training experience, and knowledge of the Indian market will allow Simaero to offer tailored solutions for airlines.” Khushbeg Jattana, General Manager of Simaero India, added, “We are committed to bringing top-notch training solutions to India, supporting the growth and operational efficiency of local and regional airlines. Our new training centre in Delhi NCR will set a new standard in aviation training in the region. We are poised to meet the growing needs of the aviation industry in Asia and are committed to enhancing the simulator fleet to meet the needs of the sector.” Simaero’s $100 million investment will be strategically allocated to the infrastructure for the training centre and the development of a trained local workforce. The development of the training facility in Delhi is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2024. This centre, which is spread over 4,500 square metres, will feature eight full-flight simulators starting with A320 NEO and B737NG aircraft types. The facility will offer comprehensive training solutions, with devices certified by both DGCA and EASA authorities, and an in-house ATO covering all main pilot recurrent training programs, including initial type rating and recurrent training, with various aircraft-type simulators for airlines.

    Airports

    Alstef Group’s Strategic Expansion in India: Driving Innovation and Efficiency in Baggage and Cargo Handling

    /

      In a bold move aimed at revolutionizing the logistics landscape in India, Alstef Group, a renowned global leader in airport baggage handling, air cargo handling, and distribution automation, has recently expanded its operations into the country. With a new high-tech office and production facility in Pune, the group is poised to meet the growing demand for advanced baggage and cargo handling solutions in one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets. To delve deeper into this strategic expansion and its implications, Vishal Kashyap, Managing Editor, Aviation World had the privilege of speaking with Mr.Tennyson Anthony, Managing Director of Alstef Group(India). With a wealth of experience, he sheds light on the company’s vision, its commitment to innovation, and the significance of its entry into the Indian market.   Q: With govt. impetus on developing various categories of airports, what is the overall volume of business that your sector is projected to cater in future? A: Alstef Group, a leading player in the airport baggage handling systems market, has recognized the tremendous potential of India, the world’s fastest-growing market. In response, Alstef Group has established a full-fledged setup in Pune, India, to align with the swift pace of airport development undertaken by Indian operators. Amidst the dynamic shifts in the global aviation market, characterized by the proliferation of new airports and the expansion of existing ones in both Tier I and Tier II cities, the global Baggage Handling Systems (BHS) market has reached a staggering valuation of 8 billion USD. With our recent establishment in India, our aim is to capture approximately 20% to 30% of the global BHS market, significantly bolstering our market share in the years ahead. Additionally, we are committed to enhancing our market presence in after-sales services, complementing our focus on new projects. Q: Automated Baggage handling is the new buzzword at smart airports. How effectively the process is used and benefits associated out of it? A: Automated baggage handling indeed represents the future of efficient airport operations. By implementing advanced technologies such as self-service bag drops, bag tracking – now including inbound bag tracking, fast and efficient sortation, and AI based predictive maintenance, airports can streamline the baggage handling process, significantly reducing delays, errors, and mishandling incidents. The benefits associated with automated baggage handling are manifold. Firstly, it improves operational efficiency by enabling faster baggage processing and reducing manual intervention. Secondly, it enhances security by providing real-time tracking and monitoring of luggage throughout the entire journey. Lastly, it enhances passenger satisfaction by minimizing wait times and ensuring reliable baggage delivery. Overall, the adoption of automated baggage handling systems is a win-win for airports, airlines, and passengers alike. Q: Alstef Group’s decision to increase its presence in India signifies a strategic move. What motivated this expansion in the Indian market? A: Tennyson Anthony (TA): “Indeed, our foray into India is driven by a confluence of factors. India’s aviation sector is experiencing rapid growth, with airports witnessing increasing passenger and cargo volumes. This growth presents a tremendous opportunity for us to deploy our cutting-edge solutions and contribute to the country’s evolving infrastructure. Moreover, India’s commitment to modernizing its airports and enhancing operational efficiency aligns perfectly with our expertise in delivering innovative baggage and cargo handling systems.” Q: How does Alstef India plan to tailor its solutions to meet the unique requirements of the Indian market while maintaining global standards of quality and performance? A:Localization is key to our strategy in India. We understand that each market has its own dynamics and challenges. Therefore, we are committed to collaborating with local stakeholders, leveraging indigenous talent, and customizing our solutions to suit the specific needs of Indian airports and logistics operators. At the same time, we adhere to stringent quality control measures at our Pune manufacturing facility to ensure that our products meet the highest standards of excellence, just like anywhere else in the world. Q: Sustainability is a growing concern globally. How does Alstef Group integrate eco-conscious practices into its operations, especially with the expansion into India? A:Sustainability is ingrained in our corporate ethos. We recognize the importance of minimizing our environmental footprint and promoting responsible practices. In India, we are implementing sustainable product design, optimizing energy consumption of our products, and adopting eco-friendly production processes. By doing so, we aim to not only reduce our impact on the environment but also inspire others in the industry to embrace sustainability as a core principle. Q: Beyond business, what role does Alstef Group envision playing in India’s economic and social development? A:Our commitment to India goes beyond business objectives. We view ourselves as partners in the country’s progress. Through job creation, skill development initiatives, and technology transfer, we seek to empower local communities and contribute to India’s journey towards becoming a global manufacturing hub. By fostering inclusive growth and leveraging our expertise, we aim to make a meaningful impact on the socio-economic fabric of the country. Q: What message would you like to convey to Alstef Group’s customers and stakeholders in India and around the world? A: To our customers and stakeholders, I would like to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to excellence. We are dedicated to delivering value-driven solutions that prioritize operational efficiency, innovation, and sustainability. As we embark on this exciting journey in India, we invite our partners to join us in shaping the future of logistics and aviation, setting new standards of excellence, and driving unprecedented value for all stakeholders. In conclusion, Alstef Group’s expansion into India represents more than just a business venture—it’s a testament to the company’s vision, values, and commitment to driving positive change. With Tennyson Anthony at the helm, Alstef India is poised to redefine industry benchmarks, drive innovation, and contribute to India’s growth story in the years to come.

    Recent News

    Asia Pacific Airlines Traffic Results – April 2024

    /

    Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 28th May 2024: Preliminary April 2024 traffic figures released today by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) underscored strong demand for international passenger travel, with both business and leisure markets continuing to enjoy robust growth. Overall, a combined total of 28.0 million international passengers flew with the region’s carriers in April, representing a 32.0% increase compared to the same month last year. Traffic averaged 87.3% of 2019 volumes. Demand in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK) rose by 33.7% year-on-year, showing growth notably on longer haul routes. Available seat capacity grew by 30.4%, leading to a 2.1 percentage point increase in the average international passenger load factor to 81.6%. Higher demand for consumer and intermediate goods, contributed to the ongoing positive momentum in air cargo markets. For the region’s carriers, international air cargo demand, as measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTK), recorded a 13.7% year-on-year growth in April, while offered freight capacity expanded by 14.4%, leading to a marginal 0.4 percentage point decline in the average international freight load factor to 59.9%. Commenting on the results, Mr. Subhas Menon, AAPA Director General said, “Improving economic sentiment, coupled with high demand on major routes connecting Asia and other regions, including Europe and Southwest Pacific, drove growth in long haul travel markets, while travel demand within the region remained buoyant, underpinned by the easing of visa policies and resilient expansion in the region’s economies. Overall, the number of international passengers carried rose by 51% to a total of 117 million for the first four months of the year.” Mr. Menon added, “During the same period, Asia Pacific airlines also posted an encouraging 15% year-on-year increase in air cargo traffic volumes, with the pick-up in global demand supporting export activity from major manufacturing hubs located in the region, in particular, China.” Looking ahead, Mr. Menon said, “Positive business and consumer confidence levels are likely to support continued growth in air passenger and cargo markets in the coming months. Nevertheless, supply chain constraints and higher operating costs remain a concern, while geopolitical tensions continue to cloud the outlook of the industry. Against this background, the region’s carriers remain focused on improving operational efficiency and growing sustainably, while upkeeping safety standards.”

    Recent News

    Akasa Air commences operations from Prayagraj

    /

    Delhi, 28th May 2024: Akasa Air has commenced operations from Prayagraj connecting it to Mumbai with daily non-stop flights. The inaugural flight on 25 May 2024 departed from Prayagraj airport at 13:40 hrs arriving at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport at 16:00hrs. The new route strengthens Akasa Air’s presence in Uttar Pradesh as Prayagraj becomes the fourth city from the state to be added to the airline’s growing network. Commenting on the announcement, Praveen Iyer, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer, Akasa Air said, “Prayagraj, our fourth destination in the dynamic state of Uttar Pradesh is known for its numerous iconic landmarks and historical sites. The city has experienced a significant increase in tourism, driven by the efforts of the government to improve tourism infrastructure in the region. Our daily flights connecting Prayagraj and Mumbai will not only enhance connectivity, but also create new trade and tourism opportunities. As India’s fastest-growing airline, we continue to deliver on our promise of providing customers with seamless and affordable travel options.” Commenting on the launch, Belson Coutinho, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing & Experience Officer, Akasa Air said, “We are excited to bring the signature Akasa experience to Prayagraj, a city soaked in rich history and culture. At Akasa Air, we take great pride in our commitment to providing customers with an exceptional travel experience, and our industry-leading and customer-friendly products and services such as Pets on Akasa and the popular Café Akasa, have redefined air travel for Indians in a short span of 20 months. Moreover, our leadership in on-time performance makes us the most reliable airline in the country, today. We look forward to hosting travellers on the route and are confident they will appreciate our distinguished service.”

    Interviews

    The upcoming MRO opportunity given the fleet orders is more than $34 billion which is 8 times the current size of Indian MRO Market- Anand Bhaskar

    /

    As India’s biggest independent MRO, Air Works Group in its seven decades of presence has come a long way transforming the Aviation MRO capabilities of the nation. As the outset of 74th year of presence, Mr. Anand Bhaskar, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Air Works in an exclusive interview with Vishal Kashyap, Managing Editor, Aviation World shares his views on various key aspects related to the Indian MRO ecosystem. Q: 73 years of presence in Aviation MRO Business. Your views on the historic milestone of Air Works Family? A: Air Works was founded in Mumbai on 16th April 1951 by 2 close friends – (Late) Mr. BG Menon and (Late) Mr. PS Menon –aircraft engineers, who worked with Indian National Airways at the time and were extremely passionate about aviation. At Air Works, we celebrate this day as our Founders’ Day. And our recent Founders’ Day was indeed a poignant moment for the entire Air Works family, as we take strides towards completing 74 years next and achieving the magical 75 number. The milestone is especially important for us and for Indian aviation, considering that only a few select brands – perhaps an Air India, who’ve stayed relevant and reached this iconic landmark.Through you, I take this opportunity to express our gratitude to our customers, our employees, our partners and all our well-wishers who’ve been supporting and inspiring us over these past decades. Beginning with Dakota DC-3s and Twin-Beech aircraft of leading industrialists,we’ve come a long way, where our customer portfolio today covers every aviation segment – Business, Commercial, Cargo and Defense, supported by a pan-India network and strong logistics relationships, that ensure that our customers can rely on us 100%. Even with reference to capabilities, we have come a long way after setting up India’s first independent EASA certified based maintenance facility in 2009. Today, Air Works Group is India’s biggest independent line maintenance service provider, assuring close to 40,000 flights annually, which translates into 1 out of every 3 flights of foreign carriers taking off anywhere in India. I consider myself blessed to have been part of the Group’s journey, including also driving its destiny in part, especially during the unprecedented pandemic period. Looking ahead, the rapidly transforming civil aviation sector continues to bring attractive opportunities and by virtue of our values, we remain confident of addressing them to stay relevant for our customers and become India’s first independent MRO to eventually reach the 100 Year milestone. Q: Indian Aviation has witnessed a sea change in last few years in a holistic way. How do you see this transformation? A: The ongoing transformation driven primarily by enhancements in airport infrastructure, technology adoption, huge aircraft and engine orders, as well as the entry of larger businesses has definitely expanded the size and visibility of the sector. It has also added scale, and all this is indeed a welcome and a much-awaited change since it also heralds opportunities for MRO and other related aviation services. However, more needs to be done to become Atmanirbhar as is our overarching ambition as a country. From an MRO perspective, some of the priorities include, a strong need to expand Business aviation including enhancing the role of helicopters in our economy, reduction taxes and duty structures – for the interim – to a level that enables indigenous MRO to compete with pre-existing regional maintenance hubs and attract business as well as support capability building, increase collaboration between civil and defense verticals to realize scale and efficiencies in MRO, as well as facilitate the creation of component manufacturing and repair ecosystem within the country to realize our national ambition of Viksit Bharat. Equally importantly, we also need to harmonize our regulatory ecosystem with the prevailing global one for standardization, easier compliance and faster decision making. It is critical that India does not lose the ongoing momentum that has been created with great difficulty and with considerable effort to ensure that we catch up with the larger global developments. Q: What are the significant steps being taken by the government to strengthen the Indian MRO sector? A: I admire and appreciate the Govt. for taking several steps over the last decade to transform the sector, which to varying extent, have facilitated the sector’s evolution. Policy changes for various sub-sectors such as Ground handling/ MROs / Airlines/ Cargo operators/ NSOPs/ Security set up/ Airports/ Regulatory ecosystem/ aircraft financing/ Manpower training/ ATCs/ FAL setups/ Airspace harmonization – have all been steps in the right direction and have been welcome. The industry recognizes that Rome was not built in a day and that it does take time to change or undo historical measures that were perhaps relevant for the time when they were taken. The more important need as I mentioned above, is to continue this momentum for another decade. Given that the aviation world around us has been evolving in parallel and we’re trying to catch up with the market, we obviously have to move faster than we have done earlier, to be able to achieve what we wish to realize. Q: We often hear that Indian MRO ecosystem has still not nurtured upto its maximum capacity. What are the bottlenecks? A: India is primarily an Airframe MRO market, geared to handle maintenance of narrow body aircraft that comprise 70% of our domestic fleet, which isexpected further increase to 80% as per some reports over time.Indian MROs have sufficient capability and capacity to manage the needs of domestic as well as regional fleet from APAC and the Middle East to some extent, in that context. However, capacities and capabilities to do wide body checks – need to be added in time, as the induction of wide body aircraft gradually occurs. While the country is also good and sufficient in Line Maintenance, emerging and more lucrative areas of the value chain such as Component and Engine MRO remain outside the reach of most indigenous MROs, due to several bottlenecks, some of which include: (a) High Capex requirements,

    Tourism

    Saudi Tourism Authority launches the Saudi Summer Program 2024

    /

    May2024: In an event held under the patronage of His Excellency the Minister of Tourism, the Saudi Tourism Authority launched the country’s spectacular summer program for 2024, “Saudi Summer is Next Door.” Saudi’s summer program will run for four months until the end of September across seven destinations and includes over 550 exceptional tourism products and more than 150 special offers and packages curated for families and children across different segments like adventure lovers, those looking for luxury retreats and activities, and culture and heritage enthusiasts. Organized by the Saudi Tourism Authority and launched by His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Board of Directors, the Saudi Summer Program 2024 launch event was attended by Secretary-general of World Tourism Organization, Zurab Pololikashvili, over 250 key strategic partners from the public and private sectors, and significant media and key opinion leaders. During the event, they were given exclusive details on the Saudi Summer Program 2024 and its key components. The summer program is launched across seven destinations: Aseer, Al Baha, Taif, the Red Sea – a new destination, Jeddah, Riyadh and AlUa. This year, the program will also witness the return of the Jeddah Season and the launch of the Aseer Season with a momentum of family activities and events lined up. In addition to this, Saudi also has a line-up of the biggest and most vibrant events as part of the summer program, particularly the Esports World Cup in Riyadh being held for the first time, an annual eight-week competition featuring the world’s most elite Esports athletes, and multiple boxing tournaments happening both in Riyadh and Jeddah. At the event, His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Tourism Authority, delivered a speech to mark the launch of the Saudi Summer Program 2024. In his speech, he highlighted global tourism trends, the growth seen by the Kingdom in the tourism sector, and the record-breaking numbers of incoming tourists resulting in Saudi Arabia topping the UN World Tourism List and the G20 nations list. His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, added, “Saudi Arabia is witnessing a transformative period in tourism, driven by our vision to position the Kingdom as a premier global destination. The Saudi Summer Program 2024 is our commitment to showcasing the rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and unparalleled hospitality that Saudi Arabia offers. We invite local and international tourists to experience the diversity of our seven unique destinations and take advantage of the exceptional offers and packages designed to create unforgettable memories. This initiative, supported by our strategic partnerships and groundbreaking initiatives like the eVisa and increased flight connectivity, demonstrates our dedication to making Saudi Arabia more accessible and appealing to tourists worldwide. We look forward to welcoming visitors from all corners of the globe to explore and enjoy the vibrant experiences that await them this summer.” His Excellency the Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization, Zurab Pololikashvili, expressed his joy at attending the event, and said, “Saudi tourism is witnessing unparalleled development at all levels, achieving great leaps in recent years, which I witnessed during my multiple visits to this hospitable country. Saudi Arabia has global indicators related to the number of tourists, which has qualified it to top the UN World Tourism list of significant tourist destinations.” He added during his speech, “All of these great achievements for Saudi tourism would not have been achieved without proper planning from those in charge of the sector in the Kingdom and the great potential it possesses in terms of diverse climates, stunning natural landmarks and the generosity of Saudi people who are distinguished by their hospitality, raising the ceiling of ambitions for new achievements.” Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO and Board Member of the Saudi Tourism Authority also stated, “While temperatures in the region rise to high levels during summer, temperatures in the highlands of Saudi Arabia in the southern region decrease to the extent that we even witnessed snowfall in Al Soudah yesterday. Through the promotional campaign for the Saudi Summer Program 2024, we seek to highlight the uniqueness of our destinations and their climatic, natural, and cultural diversity, along with the exceptional events and activities happening during summer.” He added, “This year’s summer program includes more than 550 tourism products and 150 special offers designed in collaboration with STA’s partners which include attractive offers from hotels, and airlines offering free tickets for children in partnership with major travel, tourism and aviation companies and exceptional products in the Aseer Season and Jeddah Season like tax-free shopping offers and many new and exciting experiences such as private beaches for tourists and ladies’ beaches.” The campaign slogan “Saudi Summer is Next Door” embodies an open invitation to explore the magic of Saudi destinations and their diversity. This diversity is expressed with simple words that reflect the uniqueness of each destination such as “Closer,” “Cooler,” “More Beautiful,” and “More Affordable.” The private sector is a key partner in the success of tourism programs and initiatives and the Saudi Tourism Authority is keen to empower it by encouraging demand for products and offers that meet the aspirations of tourists from all over the world. The launch of the Saudi Summer Program 2024 comes at a time when visiting Saudi has become easier, smoother, and safer through efforts like making the eVisa available to citizens of 66 countries, reducing the total price of the eVisa by 20 per cent, and increasing the number of weekly flights from Gulf cities to Saudi summer destinations to 1,100. Also, GCC residents can make use of the GCC residents visa, which allows them multiple entries and a stay of up to 90 days in Saudi Arabia during a year. There has also been an increase in the number of hotel rooms available to travellers with an additional 25,000 rooms expected to be added this year.

    Recent News

    Daher appoints Stephen Stasiak as the GM of its Stuart, Florida aerostructures facility

    /

    Stuart, Florida, May 22, 2024: Stephen Stasiak has been appointed as the General Manager of Daher’s U.S. facility at Stuart, Florida, which is one of the company’s largest industrial sites worldwide – producing aerostructures for Boeing and Gulfstream Aerospace. Stasiak’s career in the aerospace and defense sectors included vice president and general manager positions at Safran, Viking Air, and L3 Harris. A graduate of Webster University with a Master’s Degree in Business and Finance, he was a U.S. Army aviator – flying OH-58 Kiowa helicopters. Daher’s operation at Stuart builds aerostructures for the Boeing 767 and 777 airliners, the KC-46 aerial tanker, as well as for Gulfstream’s 650 business jet.Stasiak reports to Alain-Jory Barthe, the CEO of Daher’s Industry division.

    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

    USEFUL LINK

    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.

    Copyright ©2014 – 2026. AVIATION WORLD. All rights reserved.

    Scroll to Top