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    Civil Aviation

    Akasa Air hosts the second ‘Safety Beyond Competition’ meeting

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    Delhi, November 4, 2025: Building on the success of the first edition of this pioneering initiative, Akasa Air hosted the second Chiefs of Flight Safety (COFS) meeting at its headquarters in Mumbai. The initiative continues to serve as a collaborative platform bringing together the Chiefs of Flight Safety and their teams from leading Indian airlines and aircraft operators to exchange best practices, share insights, and collectively strengthen safety standards across the aviation ecosystem. The second meeting had participation from safety leaders across the industry, including Captain Nitin Anand (Vice President – Corporate Safety, Air India), Poonam Kohlatkar (Chief Manager, Flight Safety, Air India), Captain Manish Jha ( Chief of Flight Safety, Air India Express), Captain L. Shankaranarayan (Chief Flight Safety Manager, Blue Dart), and Captain Amardeep Sarai (Chief of Flight Safety, Fly91), reaffirming the collective commitment of Indian carriers towards advancing a shared vision of safety excellence. Under the continued theme of “Safety Beyond Competition,” the forum reinforced the importance of collaboration, transparency, and continuous learning in driving world-class safety outcomes. The participating airlines engaged in discussions on emerging safety trends, risk management practices, and data-driven safety frameworks to ensure that the highest standards of operational integrity underpin India’s aviation growth. Commenting on the initiative, Captain Gaurav Pathak, Chief of Flight Safety, Akasa Air, said, “The second edition of ‘Safety Beyond Competition’ is a reaffirmation of our belief that aviation safety transcends competition. What began as an idea to unite flight safety leaders has evolved into a constructive initiative of shared responsibility and learning. Each participant brings invaluable experience, and through this open exchange, we are collectively building a stronger, safer future for Indian aviation.” “We are deeply encouraged by the continued enthusiasm and participation from our industry peers. Together, we aim to set new benchmarks and further strengthen India’s position among the world’s safest aviation markets.” He added.

    Recent News

    Qantas offers explorer fare sale in India

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    Delhi, November 03, 2025 – Australian national airline Qantas has launched its first-ever Qantas Explorer fare sale in India in partnership with Tourism Australia.The campaign is designed to inspire Indian travellers to discover the unparalleled beauty and adventure of Australia. This partnership leverages Qantas’ nonstop flights from India and extensive domestic network across Australia for Indian travellers. In a first for Qantas, the airline has unlocked an extra two million discounted Qantas Explorer fares, in addition to its existing discounted offerings, available for booking from 27 October until 26 November, offering unprecedented value for Indian travellers looking to explore Australia’s diverse regions. Qantas Explorer is designed to help international travellers see more of Australia for less. When booked in conjunction with an international Qantas flight from India, travellers can access discounted fares to over 45 destinations, representing a discount up to 20 per cent off the base fare (excluding taxes, fees and carrier charges). Nick McGlynn, Executive Vice President, Qantas said, “We’re thrilled to partner with Tourism Australia on our first-ever Explorer fare sale for the Indian market. Travel between India and Australia continues to grow and with two million discounted Explorer fares and our direct flights, we’re making it easier and more affordable than ever to explore our incredible landscapes beyond Sydney and Melbourne.” According to Nishant Kashikar, Country Manager – India & Gulf, Tourism Australia, “India is a vital market for Australian tourism, and this campaign, featuring Ruby the Kangaroo, is a fantastic way to showcase Australia’s unique experiences and warm welcome. This partnership will not only inspire Indian travellers to plan and book an Australian holiday but it will also offer ways for visitors to stay longer and explore more destinations right around the country.”

    Technology

    Adani Airports signs strategic deal with AIONOS for Agentic AI solutions

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    National,October 31, 2025: Adani Airport has signed a strategic deal with AIONOS, an InterGlobe Enterprises company to implement a multi-lingual omni-channel agentic AI solution that would enhance the conventional passenger help desk experience for passengers. The new solution would not just provide consistent engagement experience across all channels across all Adani Airports, but connect with passengers to offer personalised multilingual support. Through this collaboration, AIONOS will bring its proprietary Agentic AI platform, IntelliMate, delivering domain-led Conversational AI and automation, enabling Adani Airports to engage with customers and employees across multiple touchpoints, including voice, chat, web, and mobile, in their preferred languages. The AI-driven solution will act as a 24×7 intelligent concierge, helping travellers access flight updates, gate information, baggage status, directions, and airport services instantly, in multiple languages, including English, Hindi, and regional dialects. Through this unified orchestration across channels, the platform will ensure consistent, context-aware experiences, significantly improving passenger satisfaction and reducing service turnaround times. This AI-driven system aims to enhance customer experience, streamline support operations, and promote inclusivity across Adani’s vast ecosystem of airports. Arun Bansal, Chief Executive Officer, AAHL said, “At AAHL, our vision is to redefine the airport experience through intelligent, digital-first innovations that place passengers at the heart of everything that we do, converting their travel anxiety into excitement. Our collaboration with AIONOS marks a significant step in delivering seamless and personalised journeys for travellers across our airports. Together with in-house offerings such as aviio, Adani OneApp and Airport-in-a-Box, we are building a connected ecosystem that enhances efficiency, fosters inclusivity, and sets new benchmarks for smart, sustainable and future-ready airports in India.” CP Gurnani, Co-founder and Vice Chairman of AIONOS, said, “We are excited to embark on this transformative journey with AAHL. Our collaboration is a testament to our shared vision of leveraging advanced technologies to offer exceptional customer experience. At AIONOS, we are committed to delivering innovative solutions that empower enterprises to navigate the complexities of the digital age and achieve their strategic objectives.”

    Business Aviation

    Textron Aviation appoints Dipti Dadhich as its Regional Sales Director for India

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    New Delhi, 31st October 2025: Textron Aviation has announced the appointment of Dipti Dadhich as Regional Sales Director for Textron Aviation in India, effective 25 October 2025. Dipti brings over 16 years of experience in the Indian aviation sector, with a strong track record of success supporting customers in both business and general aviation. Her deep market knowledge and customer-centric approach make her ideally positioned to lead our commercial strategy in India. In this role, Dipti will be responsible for driving Textron Aviation’s continued market leadership, working closely with aircraft owners, operators, and channel partners to deliver tailored aircraft solutions and world-class support services. Her appointment reflects our commitment to investing in local leadership and accelerating growth in one of Asia-Pacific’s most dynamic aviation markets. India remains a strategic priority for Textron Aviation, and Dipti’s leadership will be instrumental in strengthening our presence and delivering greater value to customers across the region.

    Technology

    Sabre and All Nippon Airways launches global NDC content

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    Texas/ Tokyo, 30 October, 2025: Sabre Corporation and All Nippon Airways today reach a landmark moment together with the global launch of New Distribution Capability (NDC) content through SabreMosaic Travel Marketplace. With this collaboration, All Nippon Airways becomes the first carrier in Japan to activate NDC content. Sabre-connected agencies in more than 40 countries around the world can now shop, book, and service the Skytrax 5-star airline’s NDC offers within a single cloud-native workflow that can scale with business needs. The launch further strengthens the two companies’ decades-long relationship, with All Nippon Airways already distributing its traditional content through Sabre, as well as using its Network Planning and Optimization technology. “ANA is dedicated to enhancing the overall customer experience, including the purchasing journey,” said Keiji Omae, Executive Vice President of Customer Experience at All Nippon Airways. “Our partnership with Sabre enables ANA’s NDC initiative to deliver greater reach and more diverse distribution channels to meet customer needs. We are delighted to offer broader choices and more enriching experiences through SabreMosaic Travel Marketplace ” “We’re thrilled to activate NDC content distribution for All Nippon Airways,” said Chris Wilding, Senior Vice President, Airline Distribution, Sabre. “This achievement represents both Sabre and All Nippon Airways’ commitment to creating new value for the travel industry by innovating how air travel is retailed. NDC is a key pillar of our strategy to provide the content, capabilities and expertise airlines need to create and distribute their offers consistently across channels, and to help agencies access multiple types of content efficiently, at scale.” Sabre continues to lead the industry on NDC, with All Nippon Airways joining the industry’s leading NDC portfolio on SabreMosaic Travel Marketplace, alongside traditional content, more than 150 low-cost carriers, two million lodging options, and leading rail and car providers.

    Airports

    Alliance Aviation opens first purpose-built general aviation hangar and FBO facility in AlUla

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    Riyadh, 30th October 2025: Alliance Aviation has officially announced the opening of its new hangar and Fixed Base Operation (FBO) facility at AlUla International Airport, marking a milestone as the Kingdom’s first purpose-built general aviation hangar. The announcement was made during the 9th Future Investment Initiative (FII) in Riyadh, held under the theme “The Key To Prosperity: Unlocking New Frontiers Of Growth”. Developed in partnership with the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), the facility reflects both parties’ commitment to transforming AlUla into a leading cultural and aviation hub under Vision 2030 and Masterplan 2. “This launch is a milestone for Alliance and for Saudi Arabia’s private aviation future,” said Brendan McQuaid, Founder of Alliance Aviation. “We are proud to partner with the Royal Commission for AlUla in creating a facility that reflects the region’s heritage, hospitality, and the Kingdom’s vision for world-class infrastructure. AlUla is not just a destination, it’s becoming an aviation hub that bridges culture, commerce, and connectivity.” A New Milestone for Business Aviation in the Kingdom The new hangar spans 2,850 square meters and can accommodate up to two Gulfstream G650s and one Challenger 650, or two large-cabin aircraft and two light jets, offering secure, climate-controlled hangarage and dedicated crew facilities. The facility offers private and business jets ground handling, VIP lounge access, and seamless transfers for passengers as well as direct aircraft access for crews. Onsite amenities include a crew rest and operations area, ground handling and line maintenance support, high-speed connectivity, and 24/7 security and access control. Supporting AlUla’s Vision for Sustainable Growth Alliance Aviation will manage and operate the facility, providing ground handling, hangarage, and aircraft management services to private and business aircraft operators. This partnership supports the Kingdom’s goal of positioning AlUla as a model for sustainable tourism, investment, and innovation, aiming to attract two million annual visitors and contribute SAR 150 billion to Saudi Arabia’s GDP by 2035. The new facility complements other major upgrades at AlUla International Airport, including expanded taxiways and apron areas, a new executive terminal, and the introduction of virtual air traffic control systems making it one of the most advanced regional airports in the Kingdom. The AlUla launch forms part of Alliance’s broader strategy to expand its presence in high-growth regions for business aviation.

    Airports

    Liege Airport and Chicago Rockford Int. Airport sign sister airport agreement

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    Liege, October 30, 2025: Liege Airport (LGG) and Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) have officially signed a sister airport relationship agreement during the Air Cargo South East Asia event in Singapore.This partnership marks a new chapter in transatlantic air cargo collaboration, reinforcing both airports’ commitment to innovation, growth, and operational excellence. The agreement was signed in the presence of senior executives from both airports and industry leaders attending the event. It establishes a formal framework for close cooperation with the goal of: • Increasing freighter traffic between both airports • Launching joint marketing and sales initiatives to attract new cargo operators and logistics partners to both platforms • Collaborating on operational and digital projects to streamline processes and enhance service quality “This agreement is a testament to our shared vision for the future of air cargo,” said Torsten Wefers, VP Sales & Marketing of Liege Airport. “Together with Chicago Rockford International Airport, we are building a robust transatlantic corridor that will benefit shippers, carriers, and the global supply chain.” “Liege and Rockford are both cargo-centric airports with complementary strengths,” added Zachary Oakley, Executive Director of RFD. “This partnership formalizes our collaboration and sets the stage for exciting new opportunities.” The signing ceremony took place earlier today at the Air Cargo South East Asia event, a premier gathering of global air cargo professionals. The sister airport agreement is expected to accelerate growth and deepen ties between the two logistics hubs.

    Business Aviation

    Ascend Airways Malaysia obtains full AOC and Air Service Permit

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    Kuala Lumpur, 30th October 2025: Ascend Airways Malaysia has officially received its AOC and ASP licenses and it will begin operations this November.The airline was first granted its Conditional Air Service Permit (CASP) in 2024. With this part of the process having been successfully completed, Ascend Airways Malaysia is able to start operations with its very first aircraft Boeing 737-800SF. The Kuala Lumpur-based ACMI and charter airline will be offering both passenger and cargo operations in Malaysia and across the broader Southeast Asia region. Subject to additional regulatory approvals, passenger flights are scheduled to start in the first quarter of 2026, alongside the further expansion of Ascend Airways Malaysia’s fleet. According to Germal Singh Khera, CEO of Ascend Airways Malaysia, the airline will provide flexible ACMI solutions to support Malaysia’s aviation expansion, with passenger traffic expected to grow between 8.4% and 15.6% year-on-year in 2025, reaching 105.8–112.9 million passengers. “Malaysia is in an essential strategic position as a logistics and aviation hub that connects Southeast Asia, China, and India. We are very grateful for the support we received from the Ministry of Transport, CAAM, MAVCOM, and other local authorities. This cooperation is helping the aviation industry in Malaysia to develop and realise its full potential,” he says. Germal Singh Khera also expressed his hope that ACMI will soon become a vital part of the Asia-Pacific logistics ecosystem, as this model enables airlines to optimize their revenue during peak season as well as scale their operations more efficiently and successfully navigate operational challenges.

    Business Aviation

    Thai SmartLynx secures AOC, becomes Thailand’s first ACMI airline

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    Bangkok, 30th October 2025: Thai SmartLynx, an ACMI specialist airline has received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT). This marks a major milestone for Thailand’s aviation industry as Thai SmartLynx becomes the first Thai-based ACMI operator, offering fleet capacity solutions to meet seasonal and operational needs across Thailand and the wider region. Thai SmartLynx is also the first airline in Thailand to obtain an AOC under CAAT’s new Thailand Civil Aviation Regulations on Air Operations (TCAR OPS) framework. Modelled after European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) standards, TCAR OPS governs key areas such as safety procedures, crew requirements, and operational manuals, designed to align Thailand’s aviation standards with international best practices. Thai SmartLynx will commence operations with an Airbus A320 from its new operations office at Don Mueang International Airport (DMK). The airline plans to progressively expand its fleet by adding 15 to 20 aircraft over the next three to four yearsto support both Thai and regional carriers. “Thai SmartLynx brings flexible capacity solutions to Thailand’s aviation sector” said Martynas Grigas, Chairman of Thai SmartLynx. “Our ACMI model offers airlines a fully operational capacity solution for our partners. This enables carriers to scale operations during peak demand periods or test new routes without major investment or long-term commitments.” Through ACMI partnerships, airlines can add temporary capacity or optimise their networks while minimising capital expenditure.The ACMI (wet lease) model enables airlines to increase overall profitability by 2-3% with the right strategy in place. The AOC certification comes ahead of the upcoming peak travel season, as travellers from Europe and across Asia look to the region for winter escapes and school holiday travel.

    Defence

    HAL and UAC Sign MoU in Moscow for Production of SJ-100

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    Bengaluru/Moscow, October 29, 2025: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Public Joint Stock Company United Aircraft Corporation (PJSC-UAC) Russia signed an MoU for production of civil commuter aircraft SJ-100 in Moscow, Russia on October 27, 2025. Prabhat Ranjan, HAL and Oleg Bogomolov, PJSC UAC, Russia, signed the MoU in the presence of Dr. D. K. Sunil, CMD, HAL and Vadim Badekha, Director General, PJSC UAC. SJ-100 is a twin-engine, narrow-body aircraft. As on date, more than 200 aircraft have been produced and are being operated by more than 16 commercial airline operators. For India, HAL believes that SJ-100 will be the game changer for short-haul connectivity under the UDAN Scheme. Under this arrangement, HAL will have the rights to manufacture SJ-100 aircraft for domestic customers. This will also be the first instance wherein a complete passenger aircraft will be produced in India. The last such project was HAL’s production of AVRO HS-748, which started in 1961 and ended in 1988. It is estimated that over the next ten years, the Indian aviation sector will require over 200 jets in this category for regional connectivity and an additional 350 aircraft for the Indian Ocean region to serve nearby international tourist destinations. The manufacturing of the SJ-100 aircraft marks the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the Indian aviation industry. It’s a step towards fulfilling the dream of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ in the civil aviation sector. Manufacturing will also strengthen the private sector and create direct and indirect jobs in the aviation industry. Courtesy: HAL

    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!

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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

    Disclaimer

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