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    Alton Aviation Consultancy appoints Bryan Terry as its Managing Director

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    Singapore,16th January 2026: Alton Aviation Consultancy has announced the appointment of Bryan Terry as a Managing Director in its New York office, where he will be a key leader of the firm’s aviation advisory practice. Bryan brings more than 30 years of aviation industry experience, with a distinguished career spanning airline finance, operations, and industry trade association leadership roles, together with senior leadership positions at global consulting firms. His appointment strengthens Alton’s capabilities in delivering strategic, operational, and financial advisory services to clients worldwide. Prior to joining Alton, Bryan served as the Global Aviation Leader with Deloitte, helping to successfully grow the firm’s airline practice, while leading complex, enterprise-wide engagements for airlines worldwide. Over the course of his career, Bryan has led challenging and transformational projects across the aviation value chain, generating more than $1bn in tangible enterprise value. At Alton, he will contribute sector knowledge across commercial strategy, customer experience, operational excellence, financial performance, and technology transformation.John Mowry, Managing Director at Alton Aviation Consultancy, says: “Bryan brings a strong track record of building leading airline advisory practices and delivering measurable outcomes for clients. His experience across strategy, operations, and technology will further enhance Alton’s support for clients navigating complex commercial and operational challenges globally.” Prior to Deloitte, Bryan served as a Managing Director at PwC, focused on the airline sector, and as a Director at the International Air Transport Association (IATA), where he led industry-wide transformation programs. He began his career at Delta Air Lines, gaining early experience across international finance and operations. Bryan adds: “Alton is well regarded for its deep industry expertise and practical advisory approach. I’m pleased to join the specialist firm at a time of continued evolution across the airline industry and look forward to working alongside a team of talented, like-minded individuals.” Bryan holds a BS in Management and a Certificate in Economics from the Georgia Institute of Technology and is originally from Atlanta, Georgia.

    Recent News

    Air India and Saudia sign codeshare agreement

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    New Delhi, 15th January 2026: Air India and Saudia have signed a codeshare agreement that will take effect in February 2026. The agreement introduces a range of benefits for Air India’s and Saudia’s guests, boosting connectivity, enhancing travel experience, strengthening network access, maximising flight options, and supporting growing demand across tourism, business travel, and wider guest segments. Through the new partnership, guests will enjoy streamlined booking and ticketing, smooth connections using a single itinerary, and baggage check-through to their final destination. Air India guests travelling to Jeddah or Riyadh with Air India can take seamless onward connections on Saudia-operated flights to Dammam, Abha, Gassim, Gizan, Madinah, and Taif. The addition of codeshare flights on the Jeddah-Riyadh route now allows guests more flexibility to arrive in one city and depart from another. Connections to select complementary international destinations will be added later this year. The codeshare will also provide Saudia’s guests access to major cities across India via Mumbai and Delhi, including Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Kochi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Lucknow, and Jaipur and more than 15 other destinations as interline. Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India, said: “Saudi Arabia is amongst our most important markets in the Middle East, with the country fast transforming into a major international gateway to the region. We are happy to be partnering with Saudia to provide greater access to the large Indian diaspora spread across Saudi Arabia as well as to open up the Kingdom’s rapidly evolving and diverse tourism offerings and remarkable destinations to holidaymakers from India.” H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, said: “The codeshare agreement with Air India marks a strategic step forward, given both airlines’ long histories and their shared commitment to increasing connectivity within their home markets and between their countries, while offering guests broader access to more destinations through simplified travel procedures that elevate the overall travel experience.” He added: “Saudia’s presence in India spans over 60 years, during which we’ve proudly served a wide range of guests and helped foster stronger ties between our two nations. Saudia Arabia is a great place to visit, and with seamless e-visas, stopover visas, and also visa-on-arrival for eligible Indian passport holders, it has never been easier to visit the Kingdom.” Air India has significantly expanded its global alliance network and at present it maintains 24 codeshare partnerships and nearly 100 interline agreements with leading carriers worldwide, providing access to over 800 destinations globally.

    Civil Aviation

    Air India’s receives its first Boeing 787-9 Aircraft

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    New Delhi, 14th January 2026: Air India has received its first line-fit (made-for-Air India) Boeing 787-9 landing at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. The cockpit crew comprised of four Air India pilots who completed a non-stop ferry flight of 16 hours and 58 minutes from Boeing’s Everett factory in Washington state to New Delhi. F The new aircraft, which bears the registration VT-AWA, comes with 296 seats across three cabin classes: Business, Premium Economy, and Economy. The aircraft features bespoke cabin interiors installed directly on Boeing’s production line, the details of which will be unveiled in the coming weeks. Beginning the year of change In 2026. Air India will have a total of six widebody aircraft deliveries (Airbus A350-1000 and Boeing 787-9) including the recently delivered VT-AWA. The new cabins of the Boeing 787-9 will become the new benchmark across our Boeing 787 fleet. In line with this, 26 of Air India’s legacy Boeing 787-8 aircraft are progressively undergoing retrofits. The programme is well underway, with many of these aircraft scheduled to complete the process and return to service with refreshed nose-to-tail refit in 2026, including a fresh livery in the new Air India branding. What this effectively means is that by the end of this year, nearly 60% of our widebody fleet will have modern interiors. Commercial deployment The new Boeing 787-9 is expected to enter international, long-haul commercial service in February 2026, and the schedule of operations will be announced shortly.

    Airports

    Munich Airport CEO Jost Lammers joins ACI World as its new Chair

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    Montreal, 12 January 2026: Airports Council International (ACI) World appoints Jost Lammers, CEO of Munich Airport, as Chair of the ACI World Governing Board (WGB) for the 2026–2027 term. Lammers succeeds Candace McGraw, retired CEO of Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), who completes her tenure as ACI World’s first woman Chair, after guiding the organization through a period of strong global advocacy and strategic advancement. The ACI World Governing Board is composed of 28 airport CEOs nominated by ACI’s five regions. The Board provides strategic direction on airport policy, operational priorities, sustainability, and innovation on behalf of airports worldwide. A global aviation leader with extensive international experience Lammers has been an active member of the ACI World Governing Board since 2019—serving as Vice Chair from 2024–2025—and served on the Board of ACI EUROPE from 2017–2023. Elected President of ACI EUROPE in 2019, he led the ACI Region through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 crisis, strengthening collaboration among airports across Europe and championing recovery. Industry leaders speak ACI World Director General Justin Erbacci said, “We are proud to welcome Jost Lammers as Chair of the ACI World Governing Board. His global experience, proven leadership, and deep understanding of airport operations and policy come at a pivotal moment for our industry. As airports accelerate innovation, strengthen operational resilience, and advance sustainability, Jost’s ability to build consensus and drive strategic progress will be instrumental. I would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to Candace McGraw for her exceptional leadership as ACI World’s first woman Chair. Her commitment to sustainability, advocacy, and workforce transformation has helped position airports for long-term success.” Munich Airport CEO Jost Lammers said, “It is an honor for me to serve as the Chair of the ACI World Governing Board. My dedication is focused on strengthening ACI’s leadership role on the global stage. By uniting strong advocacy, effective governance, and collaboration with global partners, we can ensure airports evolve as innovative, sustainable, and people-focused organizations, enhancing their role as vital hubs of mobility and economic growth.”

    Defence

    Defence Secretary addresses at the Defence Skilling Conclave in Chandigarh

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    Aatmanirbharta in defence is a national imperative & necessity for long-term strategic autonomy, says Defence Secretary at Defence Skilling Conclave Chandigarh, 10th Jan 2026: At the Defence Skilling Conclave in Chandigarh,Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said, “India is at a decisive moment in its defence and industrial journey, where self-reliance has emerged as a national imperative.” He addressed the delegates while inaugurating the Defence Skilling Conclave on Defence, Aerospace and Strategic Sector Skill Development in Chandigarh on January 10, 2026. Highlighting the transformation of India’s defence industrial ecosystem over the past decade, he stated that guided by the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the sector has moved from import dependence to a vibrant ecosystem comprising Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), private industry, MSMEs and start-ups. The Defence Secretary stressed that concerted efforts towards Ease of Doing Business and continued policy reforms have catalysed an indigenous manufacturing surge, encouraging domestic design and production of platforms ranging from UAVs and sensors to complex systems like Artillery Guns, Armoured Vehicles, and Missiles. He noted that over 788 industrial licenses have been issued to 462 companies, significantly boosting private sector participation, while defence exports have crossed Rs 23,162 crore in 2025, reflecting a nearly 35-fold increase since 2014. Rajesh Kumar Singh described indigenous platforms such as the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, Astra Beyond Visual Range Missile, Dhanush artillery guns and INS Vikrant as shining examples of the growing synergy among the industry, research, and skilled manpower. He reiterated that Aatmanirbharta in defence is not merely an economic objective, but a necessity aimed at achieving long-term strategic autonomy, adding that evolving global supply chains and rapidly advancing technologies present both challenges and unprecedented opportunities for India’s defence sector. Emphasising the importance of human capital, the Defence Secretary stated that true strategic autonomy requires not only indigenisation of hardware but also sovereignty over skills, technology, and intellectual capital. He highlighted the Government of India’s efforts under the Skill India Mission, with agencies such as the National Skill Development Corporation and Directorate General of Training mapping existing capabilities and future skill requirements for the defence and aerospace sectors. Referring to the Prime Minister’s Skilling and Employment through Technology Upgradation (PM-SETU) programme, Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh said the initiative has been launched to bridge gaps among academia, industry and defence R&D. With a total outlay of Rs 60,000 crore over five years, including 50 per cent Government of India funding, PM-SETU aims to establish Centres of Excellence, promote dual apprenticeships, introduce AI-enabled training tools, and integrate Agniveers and veterans into structured skilling pathways. He called upon state governments and industry partners to anchor the PM-SETU programme through an outcome-driven approach, with apprenticeships and on-the-job training, forming the backbone of all skilling pathways, ensuring the creation of industry-ready talent. The Defence Secretary highlighted the untapped potential of Punjab in defence manufacturing. He outlined the need for defence ecosystem networks, enhanced MSME linkages with defence R&D institutions, and dedicated skill and testing infrastructure to enable the state’s emergence as a defence manufacturing hub. Highlighting the crucial role being played by Agniveers, Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh asserted that the Agnipath scheme has created a pool of disciplined and technically trained youth who can be seamlessly integrated into defence manufacturing and strategic sectors through the National Skill Qualification Framework-aligned skill certification. The conclave has been organised by the Government of Punjab in collaboration with the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) and the Confederation of Indian Industry. The Defence Secretary stated the conclave reaffirmed the collective commitment of government, industry, and academia to build a secure, self-reliant, and technologically advanced India. He expressed confidence that with coordinated efforts, Punjab and the northern region can emerge as key drivers of defence-led growth. Industry leaders, senior officials, academia representatives and the Armed Forces attended the event. (Courtesy: PIB. Published with required editing

    Technology

    Gogo appoints Elektronik Lab India as new authorized dealer

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    Gogo Appoints Elektronik Lab India Private Limited (EIPL) as new Authorized Dealer for Gogo Galileo Solutions, PSKA, PSKU, Routers & Hubs in the Indian sub-continent Chennai,08th January 2026: Elektronik Lab India Pvt.Ltd. has been appointed as a new authorized dealer for Gogo (NASDAQ: GOGO), previously known as Satcom Direct, the only multi-orbit, multi-band connectivity provider dedicated to business aviation. Elektronik Lab India Private Limited, is the latest dealer to join Gogo’s expanding global dealer network. Under the new agreement, EIPL will promote, resell, and support Gogo’s connectivity solutions and services to aircraft owners and operators across the Indian sub-continent. Adding EIPL as a dealer simplifies customer access to the Gogo suite of purpose-built business aviation and Mil/Gov connectivity solutions and added-value services across the region. EIPL is a full line system integrator for satellite communication, navigation & surveillance equipment. Headquartered in Chennai it also has a presence in New Delhi, as well as in all major states and cities in India. Leveraging its 15 years of experience, it will strengthen the Gogo footprint within the Indian subcontinent by introducing the full range of Gogo GEO, LEO connectivity hardware, software, and services. “As demand for consistent, global in-flight connectivity continues to grow across India, we are pleased to support Gogo and, more importantly, our business aviation and Mil/Gov customers. We know our operators will particularly appreciate the ability to optimize the multi-orbit, multi-band options to install connectivity that best suits their mission, improves operational efficiency, and ensures streamlined connectivity management,” said Harirajan Krishnan, Director, EIPL. “We are pleased to be a part of such a prestigious network and can’t wait to introduce new customers to the Gogo portfolio and work with existing customers to upgrade and future-proof their aircraft connectivity.” EIPL will be showcasing Gogo’s latest advancements in inflight connectivity solutions at Wings India, 28-31 Jan 2026. https://www.gogoair.com/resources/events/wings-india-2026

    Civil Aviation

    Etihad Airways to make history as first Middle East airline to fly to Luxembourg

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    Abu Dhabi,9th January 2026: Etihad Airways has announced the launch of flights to Luxembourg, marking a historic milestone as the first airline from the Middle East to serve the country. When services commence on 29 October 2026, Etihad will also become the only airline offering nonstop flights between Luxembourg and Abu Dhabi, creating a new direct air link between two important European and Middle Eastern centres. The new route reflects growing demand from travellers across Luxembourg, the Benelux region, France and Germany for direct access to Abu Dhabi. Services will operate to Luxembourg Airport (LUX), providing guests with direct access to the beautiful emirate of Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s vibrant capital and a gateway to Arabian culture, world-class hospitality, and year-round sunshine. Flights will operate three times weekly using Etihad’s state-of-the-art A321LR, offering guests the most premium direct travel option between Luxembourg and the UAE. The A321LR features the airline’s acclaimed three-class cabin, including First Suites and lie-flat Business seats all with direct aisle access, delivering elevated comfort, privacy and Etihad’s renowned hospitality throughout. Next-generation Economy seats feature generous legroom, 4K touchscreen TVs and Bluetooth pairing; all complemented by high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the aircraft. Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer at Etihad Airways, said: “We are delighted to announce this landmark route, made possible by the launch of the A321LR last year. This incredible aircraft brings our guests a truly premium experience while allowing us to cater to markets which may otherwise be unserved. For the first time, Luxembourg will be directly connected to the Middle East, with Etihad as the only airline offering a nonstop link to Abu Dhabi.

    Recent News

    BEL receives orders worth 596 Cr

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    Bengaluru, January 9, 2026: Navratna Defence Public Sector Undertaking Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has secured additional orders worth Rs.596 Crore since the last disclosure on 1st January 2026. Major orders received include drone detection and jamming system, mobile communication terminal, software solution, upgrades, spares, services etc.

    Airports

    Airports Authority of India achieves excellent rating under MoU 2024-25

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    New Delhi, 9th January, 2026: Airports Authority of India (AAI)has achieved ‘Excellent’ rating with score of 93.21 under MoU 2024-25, signed with Ministry of Civil Aviation, highlighting its consistent achievements in operational efficiency. The Department of Public Enterprises has communicated AAI’s MoU score of 93.21 with final rating as ‘Excellent’. Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between AAI and Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) is signed as per DPE Guidelines wherein major emphasis is on financial targets in terms of growth in Revenue from Operations, Capex, Return on Capital Employed, Asset Turnover Ratio etc., and CPSE sector specific physical parameter(s). In addition, based on the priorities of Government of India, certain compliance parameters such as procurement from MSE’s including SC/ST & women, CSR etc., are also included in MoU. AAI has invested Rs. 5,075 Crore in capital expenditure under the MoU 2024-25 for development of state-of-the-art infrastructure and to enhance airport services, improvement in operational efficiency, resulting in a safer and seamless travel experience. Aligned with the Government of India’s vision, AAI’s performance reflects strong growth, efficient operations, MSME procurement and CSR initiatives.

    Civil Aviation

    Akasa Air joins IATA, strengthens its presence

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    Delhi, January 09, 2026: Akasa Air has become a member of International Air Transport Association (IATA), the trade association representing over 360 carriers across the world that account for more than 80 per cent of global air traffic. This marks a significant milestone in the airline’s journey and reflects Akasa Air’s growing role in the global aviation landscape. Through this membership, Akasa Air will actively participate in industry wide dialogue, contribute to the development of best practices, and collaborate on initiatives related to safety management, digital transformation and sustainable aviation which are the key focus areas for the future of global air travel. Commenting on the development, Sheldon Hee, Regional Vice President for Asia-Pacific for IATA said: “We are excited to welcome Akasa Air as an IATA member. India’s aviation potential is huge, with the industry supporting 7.7 million jobs and US$53.6 billion in economic contribution. We look forward to engaging with Akasa Air and to their active participation in shaping the airline industry’s agenda, priorities and initiatives in India, the Asia Pacific region, and globally.” Vinay Dube, Founder and CEO, Akasa Air, said: “IATA plays a central role in shaping the global aviation ecosystem by establishing rigorous industry benchmarks and fostering collaboration across key stakeholders worldwide. Akasa Air’s membership underscores our disciplined approach to growth, and our unwavering commitment to meeting the highest global standards of safety, operational excellence and sustainability. We are confident that this association will strengthen our global credibility and position Akasa as a future-ready Indian airline on the world stage.” Since commencing operations, Akasa Air has focused on building a resilient, efficient and customer centric airline, underpinned by robust governance and a long-term commitment to responsible growth. Its induction into IATA marks an important step in this journey, reinforcing the airline’s intent to actively contribute to the evolution of the global aviation industry while supporting India’s expanding role in international air travel.

    FOREWORD

    Dear Reader’s,

     

    The current edition of Aviation World has covered many areas of Aerospace & Defence based on the latest development in the sector. The front cover highlights three different images, first for the Union Civil Aviation Minister ….. who is leading from the front to steer Indian Civil Aviation sector to witness one of the most interesting phases. He is also facing most tumultuous timing due to the ongoing financial stress in the Aviation sector due to ATF rising cost and long airspace restrictions resulting in mounting losses for Indian carriers. Despite of all the ground level challenges,the minister is addressing new things on regular basis which keeps the sector motivated. We have featured many such developmental works in this edition done under his guidance which will be interesting to read.

    Our lead story on “ The West War” is another important feature which covers the ground level reality of the challenges faced by the Aviation sector. Its though time ahead and we believe it will pass soon .

    There are features on Regional connectivity and MoCA revised rules on the UDAN 2.0 and how its going to transform the flying experience within India.

    In this edition, we have covered topics on MRO,Various Policy changes,Sea Plane Operations by SkyHop Aviation, TATA-Airbus joint project on C295 military aircraft under Make In India which is expected to roll out soon and many other interesting contents which will be good to read.

    We are covering Farnborough International Airshow 2026 from 20-24July 2026 in London and our next edition will be based on the same event.For features, you may contact our team on priority basis.

     

    Happy Reading!

    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.

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