Follow Us:

Facebook Linkedin

Contact Us: editor@aviationworld.in

    Author name: admin

    MRO

    Mahindra Aerostructures to  manufacture Airbus H130 Helicopter Fuselage   

    /

    New Delhi, April 9, 2025: Mahindra Aerostructures,a part of the Mahindra Group, has been awarded the contract by Airbus Helicopters to manufacture and assemble the main fuselage of its H130 light single-engine helicopter — marking a major milestone for India’s ‘Make in India’ vision and further cementing Mahindra’s position as a trusted partner in the global aerospace supply chain. The contract was signed in the presence of Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Minister of Civil Aviation, Government of India, Vumlunmang Vualnam, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Rémi Maillard, President and Managing Director of Airbus in India and South Asia, and Dr Anish Shah, Group CEO and Managing Director of the Mahindra Group. Under this agreement, Mahindra will produce the H130’s main fuselage assembly, which will then be shipped to Airbus Helicopters’ facilities in Europe. Industrialisation will commence immediately, with the first cabin assembly scheduled for delivery by March 2027. Dr Anish Shah, Group CEO & MD, Mahindra Group, said, “We are delighted to deepen our longstanding partnership with Airbus through this pivotal aerostructures contract. As a global leader, Airbus has played a transformative role in nurturing India’s aerospace ecosystem and showcasing it on the world stage. It is an honour for us to build on our proven track record with Airbus, harness our industrial process excellence, and embark on this new initiative. This collaboration highlights our commitment to supporting the Government of India’s flagship ‘Make in India’ program.” Rémi Maillard, President and Managing Director, Airbus in India and South Asia said, “We have a strategic plan for India and we are implementing it to develop a holistic aerospace ecosystem across all dimensions: assembly, manufacturing, engineering, innovation, digital and training. The H130 fuselage manufacturing contract underscores Airbus’ confidence in the growing industrial excellence of the Indian supply chain, which offers the right mix of competencies and competitiveness. We are glad to extend this bond with India through our latest association with our partner Mahindra Aerostructures.” Mahindra already supplies a variety of parts and sub-assemblies for Airbus’ commercial aircraft programmes. The latest contract marks a significant milestone for Mahindra as it continues to expand its portfolio of capabilities from parts and sub-assemblies to larger and more complex aerostructures. For Airbus, India is both a major market and a strategic resource hub. Today, every Airbus commercial aircraft has components and technologies made in India. Currently, Airbus’ annual procurement of components and services from India stands at $1.4 billion. The H130 is an intermediate single-engine helicopter tailored for passenger transport, tourism and private and business aviation, as well as medical airlift and surveillance missions. It has a wide, unobstructed cabin, which accommodates the pilot and up to seven passengers, providing outstanding visibility through a large wrap-around windscreen and wide windows. Its state-of-the-art technologies, materials, systems and avionics make it a quiet and powerful helicopter.

    Defence

    India-UAE vows to scale up defence cooperation

    /

    New Delhi, 9th April 2025: Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh held a meeting with the Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Defence of UAE Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum at South Block, New Delhi on April 08, 2025. The two leaders expressed happiness on the current defence cooperation through institutional mechanisms, military exercises, exchange of training programmes etc. Both the Ministers acknowledged that defence cooperation needs to be scaled up to match the progress made in other areas such as trade and business, in line with the vision and determination of the two leaders – Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and President of UAE Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. They identified training exchanges as one of the key areas of defence cooperation which would enable understanding of each other’s defence ecosystems and accelerate strengthening of bilateral defence ties. The two leaders expressed satisfaction on the active Coast Guard-to-Coast Guard cooperation and committed to further deepen it by formalising the same through an MoU. They were convinced that close collaboration between the defence industries should be an integral part of the bilateral cooperation. They emphasised on increasing defence industry collaboration and discussed opportunities for enhancing partnership in defence manufacturing. Both the Ministers acknowledged active participation from the two sides in each other’s exhibitions & defence expos, and welcomed India-UAE Defence Partnership Forum which has the potential to result in strategic Joint Ventures and co-production projects benefiting both countries. They also agreed to focus on complementarities for the two countries in the Make-in-India and Make-in-Emirates initiatives. Through a post on X after the meeting, Raksha Mantri stated that the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the UAE is of immense priority for India. “In the coming years, we are eager to work closely in areas such as defence cooperation, co-production and co-development projects, innovation and technology. Both India and the UAE are committed to work towards peace and prosperity in the region,” he added. The Defence Cooperation MoU with the UAE was signed in 2003, and an MoU on Defence Industry Cooperation was signed in 2017. India and the UAE have strong bonds of friendship based on centuries-old cultural and economic ties. (Courtesy: PIB/MoD)

    Civil Aviation

    Satair and HAECO Group Sign Strategic Supply Agreement

    /

    Atlanta,USA, 9th April 2025: Satair, an Airbus Services company, and HAECO Group, aircraft engineering and maintenance service providers, have announced the signing of a new strategic supply agreement at MRO Americas 2025 in Atlanta. This agreement focuses on the supply of expendables for all operating companies under the HAECO Group, providing a unified approach to material management across the organization. The partnership is designed to create a streamlined and reliable supply chain, giving HAECO consistent access to expendable materials that align with its operational requirements. This agreement will also reduce administration and material management costs while mitigating Aircraft on Ground (AOG) risks, ultimately fostering greater operational efficiency. Paul Lochab, Chief Commercial Officer of Satair, commented, “We are excited to strengthen our relationship with HAECO Group and continue supporting them as a reliable partner in their global supply chain and material management operations.” “We are pleased to extend our partnership with Satair, who has proven to be a dependable and valued partner over the years. This agreement not only aligns with our strategic goals to optimize material management but also enhances our ability to deliver superior service to our customers by ensuring they receive timely and reliable support,” said Christian Pinter, General Manager of Group Procurement at HAECO. This agreement marks a significant milestone in strengthening the supply chain and material management capabilities of both companies, benefiting the aviation industry and enhancing operational readiness in the region.

    Cargo, Recent News

    WestJet Cargo outlines strategic network shifts and digital initiatives

    /

    Calgary, 9th April 2025: WestJet’s cargo had a highly successful 2024, marked by growth across multiple fronts. The airline saw a surge in belly cargo demand, expanded its network with new routes and partnerships and embraced digital innovation to enhance the customer experience. “WestJet’s belly cargo business has emerged as a key driver of success for WestJet Cargo, with a 60 per cent year-over-year increase in revenue,” said Kirsten de Bruijn, WestJet Executive Vice President, Cargo. “We’ve seen strong performance on key routes like Narita-Calgary Incheon-Calgary.” While the airline recently confirmed it would eventually phase out its four dedicated freighters, it is committed to expanding belly cargo opportunities in markets where WestJet operates passenger service, as well as offering cargo on new routes. “As WestJet welcomes more aircraft to its passenger fleet, WestJet Cargo will grow alongside,” said Julius Mooney, WestJet Director of Commercial Cargo. “Supported by a strong logistics and operations team, WestJet Cargo is poised to continue its successful growth in the competitive belly cargo sector.” Building global connections with Virgin Atlantic Last month, WestJet proudly announced a Block Space Agreement (BSA) with Virgin Atlantic from Toronto (YYZ) to London (LHR). The deal boosts cargo capacity between the East Coast of Canada to London and beyond on Virgin Atlantic’s network, strengthening trade links between Canada and key destinations across Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Digital innovation enhances service WestJet Cargo has rolled out a revamped website and digital platforms, streamlining the booking and tracking processes for guests. Integrated with digital freight platforms cargo.one and cargoAI, the organization has improved accessibility and operational efficiency radically over the last year. Through this, WestJet Cargo has also been able to add new product offerings such as Campus’Air service for university and research cargo. With the successful growth of the belly cargo business on track and the strategic decision to exit the cargo freighter business, Kirsten de Bruijn, a seasoned cargo and aviation leader, announced her decision to leave WestJet.“Building out this important growth opportunity for WestJet was very rewarding,” continued de Bruijn. “Unfortunately, the freighter business came with timing delays and additional complexity that no longer made it the right commitment for WestJet.”

    Airports

    LOT Polish airlines unveils the redesigned Polonez business lounge

    /

    Warsaw, 9th April 2025: LOT Polish Airlines has unveiled the newly renovated Polonez Business Lounge at Warsaw Chopin Airport which is now available to authorized passengers, departing from Warsaw. With this comprehensive transformation, LOT elevates its service standards, offering greater comfort tailored to the needs of all travellers. Whether passengers seek a place to rest, unwind, or work efficiently, the lounge provides an ideal setting before the next stage of their journey. The refurbishment aligns with the national carrier’s strategic goals for 2024–2028. Elegance, Style, and More Space The LOT Business Lounge Polonez impresses with its elegance, functionality and amenities, designed with the needs of modern travellers in mind. The space features a contemporary design and offers comfortable armchairs and sofas, creating a welcoming atmosphere. The colour scheme – deep navy blue, copper tones and amber – reflects LOT Polish Airlines’ visual identity, aligning with the Dreamliner cabin retrofit project and the newly opened LOT Business Lounge in Chicago. ‘We aimed to create a space that not only meets the highest standards of comfort but also redefines the travel experience for passengers who value modernity, exclusivity and a premium atmosphere. The LOT Business Lounge Polonez now combines elegance with functionality – offering more space, innovative solutions and carefully selected amenities that enable both relaxation and productivity. We wanted every guest to feel special and experience Polish hospitality at the very heart of our connecting hub, Warsaw Chopin Airport. We are delighted to welcome guests to our LOT Business Lounge Polonez’, said Izabela Leszczyńska, Director of Product Development and Customer Experience at LOT Polish Airlines. A major advantage of the redesigned interior is the expanded usable space – the Polonez Lounge now offers over 860 m² for guests, following a 153 m² expansion. As a result, the LOT Polish Airlines lounge offers more than 60 additional seats. New features in the expanded section include a self-service bar and a conference room, equipped with a screen and electrical outlets. The interior of the Polonez also features comfortable sofas, from which passengers have an unusual view of the terminal and the airport apron. The entire facility has been equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi, and electrical outlets and USB ports are available in designated areas, providing convenient conditions for both work and rest. Special attention should also be given to the separate area of the lounge, formerly known as Elite, which has been enlarged and from now on operates as the Polonez Gold Lounge. Designed for the most demanding guests, offers a dedicated relaxation zone featuring comfortable loungers with optional partitions to ensure privacy and comfort. Relax Spot by Phenomé x LOT LOT Polish Airlines is expanding its range of luxury lounge amenities by introducing a new SPA zone with an enhanced service package under a new name. Relax Spot by Phenomé x LOT is a unique relaxation space where passengers can enjoy premium skincare treatments. The beauty salon is a rare service available in only a handful of business lounges worldwide, making LOT Business Lounge Polonez truly stand out. Relax Spot by Phenomé x LOT was created in collaboration with the Polish cosmetics brand Phenomé, whose products are also available on-board Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. Regardless of the purpose of travel, proper skincare is an essential part of well-being, and the new SPA zone will allow passengers to unwind and rejuvenate before the next stage of their journey. The beauty salon services will be available to all guests of the Polonez Business Lounge starting from the first half of May 2025, from Monday to Friday. Access and Entry Rules The LOT Business Lounge Polonez is located in the Schengen area of Warsaw Chopin Airport and is open daily from 5 am to 11 pm local time. Complimentary access is available to: • Business Class passengers on flights operated by Star Alliance member airlines, • Business Class passengers transferring to domestic flights, • Passengers travelling on LOT Business Class charter flights who hold a Senator or SA Gold card, • Miles & More cardholders: o HON Circle members travelling on a flight operated by a Star Alliance carrier, o Senator/Star Alliance GOLD members travelling on a flight operated by a Star Alliance carrier, o Frequent Traveller members travelling on a flight operated by LOT, Lufthansa (LH), Austrian Airlines (OS), Brussels Airlines (SN), SWISS (LX) or Croatia Airlines (OU). Other LOT Polish Airlines passengers: LOT Business Class on charter flights, LOT Premium Economy Class on mid- and long-haul and charter flights, and LOT Economy Class passengers on short- and mid-haul flights can purchase entry to the Polonez business lounge at lot.com, through sales agents, the Contact Centre, or at Warsaw Chopin Airport.

    Business Aviation

    Textron Aviation European Distribution Center Celebrates 10 Years of Presence

    /

    Dusseldorf, April 8th, 2025: Textron Aviation had announced its European Distribution Center (EUDC) is celebrating 10 years of presence by serving Cessna, Beechcraft and Hawker customers with parts support in Europe and the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. Situated in Dusseldorf, Germany, the facility has grown to become the company’s second-largest parts distribution center, fulfilling more than 50 percent of all European parts orders. Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker customers receive factory-direct support, maintenance and modifications by Textron Aviation Inc, through a global network of service and part centers, mobile service units and 24/7 1CALL AOG support. “Since opening, our European Distribution Center has doubled in size, added a customer support parts and warranty team and quadrupled inventory value to continue providing unrivaled support in region,” said Brad White, senior vice president, Global Parts Distribution. “Most recently, EUDC has increased stock keeping units (SKUs) by 40 percent, supporting less downtime for our customers and bolstering our commitment to provide the most robust services in the industry.” The 21,500 square feet (2,000m2) EUDC facility supports more than 20,000 SKUs, available for same day shipment of an order. Since its inception, the EUDC has increased shipment volume year over year, leading to faster shipping and less downtime for customers in Europe and APAC. Textron Aviation Parts has also added a Europe, Middle East and Africa customer support and warranty team, trade compliance team, human resources and finance department and a state-of-the-art training center that was recently established in 2024. “The growth we have implemented at EUDC is based on customer feedback and our commitment to design and deliver the best aviation experience for our global customer base,” said White. “The EUDC team is passionate about supporting Textron Aviation Parts’ global customer base and providing them with 24/7 support, ensuring our customers keep their aircraft flying with minimal downtime.”

    Recent News

    SITA and NEC Collaborate to Drive Global Adoption of Digital Identities in Travel

    /

    Geneva, April 8, 2025: SITA and NEC Corporation have signed an agreement to accelerate the adoption of digital identity technology in the travel industry.Through this collaboration, NEC joins SITA’s Digital Travel Ecosystem, an open, interoperable framework that connects various systems for real-time digital identity verification. Developed in partnership with Indicio, SITA’s ecosystem eliminates the need for direct integrations between issuers and verifiers, simplifying adoption for airports, airlines and governments. At the core of the ecosystem is the Trust Network, which governs how digital credentials are shared securely around the world. Built with a privacy-by-design approach, it gives travelers control over their data, including when and with whom they share their credentials. Strong emphasis on data security and privacy means that personal information remains protected and in the hands of the traveler. With 28% of airlines and 43% of airports planning to implement biometric identity management solutions in the next 12 months (SITA Air Transport IT Insights 2024), demand for interoperable systems is growing. Alack of standardization has slowed widespread adoption, but the SITA-NEC collaboration addresses this challenge through a scalable framework for secure identity exchange. “After years of investment, aviation and other travel stakeholders are now seeing the full potential of digital identities, and the industry is gearing up to scale,” said Jeremy Springall, Senior Vice President of Borders at SITA. “With NEC’s biometric expertise and SITA’s industry-leading footprint of biometric touchpoints around the world, we’re well-positioned to accelerate the transformation of Digital Travel worldwide.” “NEC brings more than 125 years of innovation and a global track record in trusted identity technologies,” said NanaumiNagamine, Senior Director of the DID Department at NEC. “With SITA, we’ve delivered proven biometric solutions at airports around the world, creating secure and seamless travel experiences for thousands of passengers every day. This expanded collaboration will accelerate global adoption and set a new standard for trusted digital identity in travel.” By addressing longstanding interoperability challenges, the SITA and NEC collaboration will increase the adoption of digital identities by passengers, helping the industry reduce bottlenecks, improve security, and enhance the passenger experience at every touchpoint.

    Civil Aviation

    Cathay’s 2024 sustainability report reflects steady progress

    /

    Delhi, 8th April 2025: Cathay has released its 2024 Sustainability Report, reflecting steady progress in its sustainability journey and reaffirming its commitment to long-term sustainable development. As the Cathay Group moves into its next phase of growth, sustainability remains a key priority. Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam said: “Having successfully completed our two-year rebuilding journey, we have now set our sights on growth and development, where sustainability remains an area where we aspire to lead and is at the forefront of our path forward. “Our environmental focus continues to be on climate change and a circular economy. As a pioneer and early adopter of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF),we continue to work towards fostering a local SAF ecosystem and expanding SAF usage globally, while acknowledging the challenges and opportunities ahead. We are also embracing the shift towards responsible use of resources by continuously reducing our reliance on single-use plastics (SUP) and exploring packaging alternatives. Beyond our environmental efforts, we remain committed to our deep roots in Hong Kong,enriching our communities through youth, sports, and arts initiatives while setting our sights on future growth by attracting, developing and retaining a strong pipeline of global talent.” Key highlights from the 2024 report include: • Fostering a local SAF ecosystem with the Group’s record global SAF usage:Cathay launched a landmark tripartite SAF partnership with HSBC Hong Kong and EcoCeres, enabling SAF usage from Hong Kong International Airport while demonstrating the potential of fostering an SAF system in Hong Kong. It also co-initiated the Hong Kong Sustainable AviationFuel Coalition (HKSAFC), a multi-stakeholder group, to drive SAF policy development and adoption in Hong Kong. Globally, Cathay’s Corporate SAF Programmerecordeda 22-fold increase in SAF usage compared to its launch in 2022. • Advancing a circular economy: Cathay Pacific reduced its passenger-facing SUP items to an average of 2.6 pieces and set two new secondary SUP targets for 2025: increasing inflight recycling of water bottles to 33% and ensuring at least 50% of the remaining passenger-facing SUP items are made with recycled plastics. Working towards its goals, CathayPacific introduced a first-of-its-kind workflow for recycling plastic bottles and cans at Hong Kong International Airport. • Nurturing the Hong Kong community: 2024 marked the 20th anniversary of Cathay’s flagship youth development programme, I Can Fly, with its return after a five-year hiatus, expanding the initiative to include an exchange tour in the wider Greater Bay Area.

    Recent News

    Hahnair expands network with eight new partner airlines in Q1 2025

    /

    Dreieich, 7th April 2025: Ticketing and distribution authority Hahnair has tied up with 8 new partner airlines in the first quarter of 2025. With this extensive technology infrastructure, Hahnair enables partner carriers to sell tickets through more than 100,000 travel agencies in 190 markets. “This remarkable growth is a testament to the value airlines can gain from a partnership with Hahnair,” says Adriana C. Carrelli, Vice President Airline Business. “With more than 25 years of sales expertise, we offer reliable and cost-effective solutions which bring immediate business results. Our partner airlines benefit from expanded market reach, simplified indirect distribution and interline opportunities with our network of over 350 partner airlines.” “We are pleased to offer travel consultants around the world a wealth of additional ticketing choices”, adds Kimberley Long, Hahnair’s Vice President Agency Distribution. “With easy access to millions of flights on the Hahnair HR-169 ticket stock, we are ensuring business growth for our travel agency partners while supporting them through our 24/7 service desk, free refund service and free insolvency protection with each ticket.” The 8 new partners added in Q1 2025 are as follows: Available in selected GDSs under their own IATA code · Air Rarotonga (GZ), Cook Islands · EuroAtlanticAirways (YU), Portugal · Eurowings (EW), Germany (market restrictions apply) · My Freighter, operating under the trade name Centrum Air (C6), Uzbekistan · Wideroe (WF), Norway Available in all major GDSs under the code X1 · Aero Dili, (8G), Timor Leste · LIAT 20 (5L), Antigua and Babuda · My Freighter, operating under the trade name Centrum Air (C6), Uzbekistan Available in all major GDSs under the code H1 · BermudAir (2T), Bermuda

    Civil Aviation

    AviLease signs agreement with Turkish Airlines for eight A320neo aircraft

    /

    Riyadh, April 7,2025: AviLease, the global aircraft lessor headquartered in Saudi Arabia,today announced that it has signed strategic agreements with Turkish Airlines for long-term leases of eight Airbus A320neo aircraft. Two of the aircraft have already been delivered, with the remaining six scheduled for delivery throughout 2025. AviLease’s Chief Executive Officer, Edward O’Byrne, commented: “We thank the Turkish Airlines team for their partnership, and we are delighted to further strengthen our relationship. These aircraft will support Turkish Airlines’ growth plans while contributing to their fleet modernisation strategy and sustainability goals.” As of today, AviLease’s portfolio consists of 200 owned and managed aircraft, including purchase commitments, on lease to 48 airlines.

    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.

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

    Scroll to Top