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At the Media Reception hosted by Embraer during the Paris Air Show, Vishal Kashyap, Managing Editor, Aviation World had a candid discussion with Mr. Francisco Gomes Neto, President & CEO of Embraer. In this brief interaction, Mr. Neto highlighted his vision for India and why this country is important for Embraer in both commercial jets segment as well defence sector . Excerpts… India is an important region for Embraer, so what all opportunities you see here? We are very excited about the opportunities in India. Recently, we inaugurated our subsidiary office in India where besides sales and marketing, we are bringing together engineering, procurement, communication, and government relations. Embraer sees lot of opportunities in Defence sector with Indian Air Force for the MTA ( Medium Transport Aircraft)project; Commercial jets, we see a good opportunity for us to replace the old turboprop, because now India is building a lot of highways. They are competing with the turboprops that are slow and cannot fly longer and we believe, we have a good opportunity for our E-Jets, either the E-175 or the modern E-195 E2. Star Air is your prominent client in India having all Embraer fleet only. Is there any query from other operators as well in India? We are very happy with Star Air as they are doing a good job showcasing our aircraft, showing how good it is to operate with jets to improve the connectivity between the cities. On new query, yes we are in talk with other airlines in India as well. What’s the objective behind setting up an office in India? It’s for our procurement team as we want to find suppliers in India to help Embraer to expand its production capacity. In addition, to prepare for localisation of the C-390 Millennium in case we win the race and also, as our engineering team are looking for opportunities to cooperate in software field, for example, where India is very good. How much optimistic you are specific for the India market? I am very optimistic and that’s why we are investing in India. We do believe, we have the best product for the Indian Air Force and also to help India to improve, to increase the connectivity between small cities, under the UDAN project.

Ashwani Acharya is a seasoned aviation professional who in last two decades has contributed and lead in some of India’s most transformative aviation ventures — from establishing the country’s largest pilot training center to heading MROs and driving innovations in aviation skilling through the associated segment leaders. A pioneer in Aviation Training setting up India’s largest Pilot Training Centre CSTPL while heading the JV between InterGlobe and CAE successfully for a decade. As a member of the core founding launch team of IndiGo Ashwani has been part of many successes. As he says that what keeps him going is a simple belief, “Aviation is not just a profession, it’s a passion and a purpose.” He aims to inspire the next generation to dream big, act ethically, and build India’s aviation future with pride. Whether on ground or in the air — the sky is not the limit, it’s just the beginning as what Mr. Acharya believes. His journey from an AME to a business leader is a testament to what’s possible when passion, perseverance, and purpose align. He is hopeful that it serves as an inspirational engagement for young aspirants in the aviation ecosystem — especially those in technical roles — to dream beyond boundaries and rise to leadership.In this special series, we bring this exclusive feature derived from the candid conversation with seasoned Aviation professional, Ashwani Acharya, who in Indian aviation is well known as an aviator, entrepreneur, engineer, executive management expert and a mentor. He explains his real life experiences and thoughts on the present status and what need to be done to make Indian Aviation sector more successful. He possess loads of leadership knowledge spanned over two decades of active presence in aviation industry. Vishal Kashyap, Managing Editor, Aviation World curates this exclusive feature highlighting the thoughts of Ashwani Acharya, who is a role model for many aviation enthusiasts.What keeps me going is a simple belief, “Aviation is not just a profession, it’s a passion and a purpose.” This is what Ashwani Acharya thinks about his professional journey. For him, the journey began with a passion for machines and flying — a fascination that turned into a profession when he pursued Aeronautical Engineering and later became an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer. He recalls, “ Back then, aviation was seen as niche and inaccessible. Today, with increased connectivity, the growth of LCCs, government push through initiatives like UDAN, and the emergence of robust training ecosystems, aviation is more aspirational and within reach.” “There’s significantly more awareness, structured career paths, and international exposure available to young aspirants,” he adds on. So, how did the transition came? Ashwani Acharya wear’s many hats and every journey has a notable script which one follows. He narrates, “The transition has been both organic and intentional. I began my career as an engineer with a deep focus on technical excellence, but I always had a curiosity about the larger picture — operations, strategy, customer experience, and leadership. Over the years, I consciously embraced roles that pushed me beyond my comfort zone. The key lies in being a lifelong learner, building strong teams, and maintaining a razor-sharp focus on value creation. Leadership, to me, is about empowering others, taking bold yet informed decisions, and being resilient in the face of uncertainty.” THE STEP TOWARDS AVIATION After years of leading high-impact aviation ventures and scaling businesses, Ashwani Acharya took a conscious step back from the corporate grind to reconnect with his deeper passions. He immersed himself in theatre and acting, rekindled his love for travel, and allowed space to pause, reflect, and renew. This intentional break was not a retreat, but a reset—a time to recharge creatively and emotionally.During this period, Ashwani also gravitated back to his first love: fixing planes. His hands-on engagement with aircraft maintenance and engineering reminded him of the roots of his aviation journey. With a fresh perspective and entrepreneurial spirit, he emerged reinvigorated, ready to chart new paths—combining creative expression, technical mastery, and business leadership. THE PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY In his own way of narration, Ashwani Acharya says, “Adaptability stems from self-awareness and clarity of purpose. When making a career move, it’s crucial to know why you’re doing it — is it for growth, challenge, learning or impact? Once that’s clear, stay humble, listen more than you speak in the beginning, and quickly understand the culture and dynamics of the new environment. Being open to unlearning and relearning is vital. Every experience adds a new dimension to your leadership toolkit.” INDIAN AVIATION AND WAY AHEAD While the growth is exciting, one must not overlook the gaps — particularly in infrastructure readiness, skilled manpower, and regulatory pace. There’s also a risk of overcapacity if the ecosystem doesn’t grow proportionally. One needs to address pilot and engineer shortages, ensure financial sustainability for smaller players, and build world-class MRO capabilities indigenously. Policy consistency and industry-academia collaboration will be the pillars that determine whether this growth is sustainable. It’s been often seen that there has been mass transition in manpower particular in the Aviation sector as being the highest skill set sector, sometimes it becomes very tough to adapt everyone who need s a job. The survival is the key and to make it more successful, one need to have equal say in the process of development. Well, ironically sometime exploitation of manpower specially in the skilled category is being noticed which is alarming. Ashwani Acharya says, “That perception, though historically grounded, is changing. Indian AMEs are globally respected for their skill, dedication, and adaptability. However, the remuneration has not always matched the responsibility they shoulder. With the growing demand, evolving regulations, and India positioning itself as an MRO and aviation training hub, I see a definitive shift in valuation of skills. The next decade will belong to those who can upskill, think globally, and deliver with precision. It’s time we move from being a low-cost to a high-value aviation workforce.” Looking ahead, as he mentions,” I am deeply excited about the tremendous potential of the

Having spent over two decades in Business Aviation, worked into multiple verticals and taking up various roles, the journey has been good enough for Mr. Abhishek Kumar. He happily accepts that he feel blessed in life to get all good opportunities which shaped his career. Within the time span, he has played a very key role in all his assignments which has achieved him an accolade from the industry peers. In this candid interview, Mr. Abhishek Kumar, Business Leader talks with Vishal Kashyap, Managing Editor, Aviation World about his Aviation journey and shares his perspective on the evolving sector. Excerpts… Q: Tell us about your journey into Aviation? How you started and about your professional associations? A: I started my career in 2004. My first assignment was with a company involved in trading of aircraft parts and consumables. I was there on a short term contract to prepare a software for that company to minimise the wastage of consumables. I made a software using FIFO (First In First Out) method and it worked well and saved a lot for that company. Started working with OEMs like Honeywell, Recaro Seats for their projects in India (As their authorised service center). This helped me to setup Spare Parts Business Unit in one of the leading MROs in India from scratch and converting the same into profitable entity. I learnt the nuances of maintenance which further helped me to shape up my career in another MRO in New Delhi. Having learnt trading and maintenance the next step was to see what happens on the other side. So I joined one of the leading charter management company who just took over a NSOP. Worked tirelessly to add 11 aircrafts on the AOP during the COVID period. Q: You have played an instrumental role at senior management level. How has been the experience in terms of opportunities and responsibilities? A: If you ask me, I have been lucky enough to get the opportunities which shaped my career. I always believed in upgrading my skills. I would have been a software developer till date working on the coding side if I would not have taken the opportunity offered to me to join the sales and operations. I take the current opportunity and start working on my next level skill development. Starting from day one, I was responsible for complete P & L which helped me to take the risk and it really boosted my career. If you have to reach at top, you must have the appetite to take the risks. Being responsible for complete P & L gives the leverage to interact with various stake holders within the organization and it gives you overall BIGGER picture which normally one doesn’t see working in silo. Secondly I am a firm believer of two things which really helped me to get these opportunities. FIRST : It is important for you to know WHAT NOT TO DO even if you don’t know What to do next ? – It simply means I am very clear what all things I don’t have to do come what may. I have been a learner and keep learning new things and hence don’t know what will come next and what to do. But based on my learning and experiences, I have a list of what not to do and it really helps me. SECOND : Focus on your own growth. There is a proverb in Hindi “ Tumhara kiya tumhare saath and mera kiya Mere saath). Again I am a firm believer of this and it has helped me a lot during my last 20+ years journey.   ” It’s important for one to know WHAT NOT TO DO. Several people will tell you what to do but no one tells you what’s not to do and actual success lies in knowing this fact.”   Q: There has been complete transition in Business Aviation in terms of number of aircrafts, business volume, type of pax, etc. How do you see the evolution and what next is projected? A: The recent transformation in Business Aviation, marked by significant changes in aircraft numbers, business volume and passenger profiles – reflects broader shifts in the global economic landscape and evolving client preferences. More aircrafts are entering the market which are driven by rising demand from HNIs & corporates. From large cabins jets to light jets, fleets are now catering to a wider range of needs, including short haul and regional. The pandemic initially suppressed business travel but has since rebounded strongly, with a shift towards more flexible, on-demand and private travel solutions. Increasing emphasis on greener, more efficient aircraft like those equipped with advanced engines affects operational volume and costs. Business Aviation used to be dominated by corporates and HNIs but the client base now includes entrepreneurs, top executives and even government officials. High speed internet on board for remote work capabilities has become a new standard now. New airports and FBOs are being developed to cater to increased traffic. WHAT NEXT : Adoption of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs), development of zero-emission aircraft and increased emphasis on carbon offsetting. Industry is looking forward to more flexible ownership models like fractional ownership, memberships and pay per use schemes. Client demands are increasing now to have highly personalized travel experience including bespoke interiors, tailored amenities and seamless digital interfaces. The future of Business Aviation is poised for a combination of technological innovation, sustainability abd personalized service. While the core value of offering private, efficient and flexible travel remains unchanged, the ways in which this is achieved will continue to evolve and that’s going to bring new changes and dimension in this industry. Companies that embrace digital transformation, prioritize environmental responsibility and adapt to changing client expectations will be best positioned to achive bigger in this dynamic landscape. Q: What’s your observation of Fractional ownership of Business jets in India? A: Fractional ownership in aviation in India is a burgeoning concept and it still have to evolve.