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    Technology

    Thales and Qatar Airways to develop local service hub in Doha

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    Doha, 24th Feb 2025: Thales and Qatar Airways has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to establish a dedicated Inflight Entertainment (IFE) service and maintenance center based in Doha, Qatar. The local Thales facility will provide rapid access to comprehensive services such as repair, spare distribution, technical assistance and line maintenance for the full range of Thales IFE products. This will drive Qatar Airways’ operational excellence and support the airline’s ambitious growth plans to serve a large quantity of aircraft. In line with Qatar Vision 2030, this partnership will contribute to the growth of the aerospace and MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Operations) ecosystem and bring high-skilled jobs to the country. This MOU builds on a strong and long-standing relationship between the two companies. Over the years, Thales has been Qatar Airways’ trusted IFE provider for several aircraft platforms, including their Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, A350 and A380 aircraft. This partnership was recently expanded to include Qatar Airways’ new A321 NX fleet, which will be equipped with Thales’ award-winning FlytEDGE cloud-native IFE solution. Thomas Got, Vice President, Aviation Global Services at Thales said:, “Our partnership with Qatar Airways is growing stronger. This MOU underscores our shared commitment to even greater operational excellence and lays the groundwork for developing a local service hub and expertise in Doha, to support the airline’s future growth ambitions.”

    Features

    Time Flies: Bringing together Aviation and Horology

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    Time Flies: Bringing together Aviation and Horology. For decades, aviation has inspired some of the most iconic luxury timepieces, with Swiss luxury brands creating pilot watches that embody precision, functionality, and adventure. Bangalore Watch Company™, founded by Nirupesh Joshi and Mercy Amalraj in 2018, is bringing this legacy closer to home, crafting modern timepieces that tell Indian stories, including a celebrated collection inspired by India’s aviation milestones. In this exclusive interview, Nirupesh Joshi discusses the unique journey of building an independent luxury watch brand, how aviation has shaped the brand’s ethos, and what it means to combine a passion for flight with the art of horology.             “We’ve always believe that a watch should tell a story, and for us, MACH 1 is that story.” What led you to create Bangalore Watch Company™? Bangalore Watch Company™ started with a simple idea: to create luxury watches that tell the stories of modern India. It was created to fill a gap in the Indian watch industry. We saw that while international brands were producing watches with exceptional quality and captivating stories—like those inspired by space, aviation, and sports—Indian watch brands lacked both world-class craftsmanship and modern storytelling. Most Indian watches focused on traditional themes, like gods or monuments, which didn’t resonate with the current times. What is the inspiration of the MACH 1 collection, and how does it align with the brand’s vision? The MACH 1 collection came from a deep desire to honour India’s aviation history and the courageous people who shaped it. We’ve always believed that a watch should tell a story, and for us, MACH 1 is that story. Each watch in the MACH 1 collection represents the achievements of visionaries who have helped shape India’s aviation journey. This collection is not just about making watches; it’s about telling the story of India’s aviation history and connecting people to it. It aligns with our brand’s goal of creating watches that go beyond telling time – so we take themes from across aviation like the Air Force, Civil Aviation, and Naval Aviation. How does Indian Aviation influence the MACH 1 collection? The collection honours the legacy of Indian aviation through unique design elements and materials. For instance, the MACH 1 Admiral features a dial made from steel recovered from the INS Vikrant R11, paying tribute to India’s naval aviation. The MACH 1X took inspiration from the MiG-21 Type 77, incorporating design from the aircraft, and a special edition uses aluminium from a mission flown decommissioned MiG-21 Type 77 fighter jet. We’re proud of our women in Indian aviation. Indian women contribute 15% to piloting roles in India, and this number is much higher than some mature aviation markets in the west. So, the MACH 1 Silk Scarf, with its “Aerobloom” dial colour, celebrates the women of Indian aviation. Each watch in the MACH 1 collection is a story brought to life through its design. They connect people to India’s aviation journey, whether or not they are aviation enthusiasts, making every piece more than just a watch – it’s a piece of history. What is the story of the MACH 1 Synchro? Watchmaking is all about timing and precision, so we looked for inspiration in the aviation world for this. The MACH 1 Synchro is a limited-edition watch that celebrates the precision and teamwork of India’s Formation Aerobatics team – Suryakiran. With its unique design elements inspired by the iconic aerobatic displays, including a 9-aircraft diamond formation at the 9H position and a red-and-white minute hand inspired by cockpit Airspeed indicators, the watch embodies the skill and synchronization of these elite pilots. Produced in just 125 pieces, it’s a watch that honours 25 years of India’s formation aerobatic skills. This is a very special watch to us                           “We hope to inspire a sense of pride and connection in those who wear our watches” Who are your customers? I think we can safely agree that we don’t need a watch to tell time anymore. We only wear a watch because there is a sentimental value to it. Our customers are looking for unique watches that tell stories. When they put on a watch, they feel a shared connection with our aviation, space or cricket inspired watches. These could be businessmen, lawyers, doctors, bankers, and senior leaders in the industry. 70% of our business is in India, while 30% of our business is overseas. We have shipped our watches to over 30 countries over the past 7 years. Ultimately, we hope to inspire a sense of pride and connection in those who wear our watches, while setting a benchmark for what an Indian luxury brand can achieve in the cluttered luxury watch market. ( Advertorial) 

    Recent News

    HADID acquires 50 per cent of IAA GCC

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    Dubai, Feb 21, 2025: HADID International Services (HADID) and Intercontinental Aviation Enterprise (IAE) has announced the establishment of Intercontinental Aviation Academy GCC (IAA GCC), for developing aviation training within the region. Building on their strategic partnership, HADID and IAE are now officially commencing IAA GCC’s operations to serve the increasing demand for world-class aviation training. IAA GCC has chosen Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (RKT/OMRK) as its primary training hub in the GCC, reinforcing its commitment to a comprehensive, hands-on training model. The academy will feature a modern fleet of high-performance training aircraft, advanced simulators, and state-of-the-art facilities to equip future aviation professionals with the skills and experience needed for success. The partnership between HADID and IAE was formalised at the Arab Aviation Summit 2025 in Saudi Arabia, where HADID acquired a 50% stake in IAA GCC. The summit, which hosts key aviation leaders from across the GCC and Middle East, served as the ideal platform to highlight IAA GCC’s vision and dedication to the future of aviation education in the region. “For over four decades, HADID has been at the forefront of global flight support, facilitating seamless aviation operations worldwide. We have always believed in fostering aviation talent and developing innovative training solutions. Our investment in IAA GCC, with a 50% acquisition, underscores our commitment to shaping the future of the industry. Through our collaboration with IAE, we aim to set new benchmarks in aviation training and provide aspiring professionals with unparalleled learning opportunities.” said Mohamad Hadid, Chairman of HADID International Services. Wissam Mehyou, Chairman of Intercontinental Aviation Enterprises, stated: “The demand for skilled flight crew, cabin crew, operations services, and aviation management professionals continues to grow extraordinarily across the GCC region. This joint investment for the GCC Countries strengthens our presence in the region, following our successful operations in Lebanon and Cyprus.” “We are proud to partner with HADID in launching this investment in the United Arab Emirates, reinforcing our shared vision of growth and excellence in aviation training. Our collaboration is built on a mutual commitment to delivering world-class education and training standards delivered by Intercontinental Aviation Academy, providing a high-quality, local and advanced training experience for students and operators, ensuring seamless integration into the regional workforce.” IAA GCC’s training programs will be rolled out in phases, with the first phase currently underway. The academy is set to begin student registrations on March 1, 2025, and will welcome its first cohort of students in September 2025. The academy will offer a comprehensive curriculum, including a planned first-of-its-kind corporate training program in international flight support, leveraging HADID’s extensive expertise as a global flight support services provider since its establishment in 1981.

    Recent News, Tourism

    Korea Tourism Organization Signs MoU with EaseMyTrip

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    Delhi, 21 Feb 2025: Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) has signed a MoU with EaseMyTrip to strengthen Korea’s positioning as a key destination for Indian travelers. The partnership will leverage EaseMyTrip’s digital reach, travel expertise, and consumer insights to drive interest and facilitate seamless travel experiences to Korea. The signing ceremony took place on February 19, 2025, in the presence of senior representatives from both organizations. Under this collaboration, EaseMyTrip will create a dedicated Korea microsite offering curated itineraries, essential travel information, and recommendations tailored to Indian travellers. The partnership also includes co-branded marketing initiatives, digital campaigns, and content collaborations to showcase Korea’s vibrant cultural heritage, modern cityscapes, and diverse tourism experiences. Speaking on this collaboration, Myong Kil Yun, Regional Director – India & SAARC Countries, Korea Tourism Organization, said, “India is a rapidly growing outbound travel market, and Korea is well-positioned to offer Indian travellers a unique and enriching experience. This partnership with EaseMyTrip aligns with our commitment to enhancing Korea’s accessibility and visibility in India. Through focused marketing efforts and tailored travel experiences, we look forward to inspiring more Indian tourists to explore Korea.” Rikant Pittie, CEO and Co-Founder of EaseMyTrip, added, “Korea is a potpourri of history, vibrant city life, and breathtaking landscapes, making it a highly desirable destination for Indian travellers. Our partnership with Korea Tourism Organization will allow us to bring exclusive travel opportunities to Indian tourists while ensuring seamless booking experiences and customized itineraries. We look forward to making Korea a top choice for Indian outbound travel.” The partnership will also focus on expanding awareness of Korea’s tourism offerings beyond metro cities, reaching travellers in Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets across India. Through data-driven insights and marketing initiatives, both organizations aim to enhance engagement and position Korea as a preferred international travel destination for Indian tourists.

    Recent News

    Avion Express Philippines to launch ACMI operations

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    Manila,21st February 2025: Avion Express Philippines, a subsidiary of the world’s largest ACMI provider, Avia Solutions Group, is set to introduce its ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) services to the Philippines. The event, led by Gediminas Ziemelis, Chairman of Avia Solutions Group, brought together top executives from major Philippine carriers, including Philippine Airlines (PAL), Cebu Pacific Air (CEB), and Philippine AirAsia. Government officials from key agencies, including the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), and the Department of Transportation (DOTr), also attended, emphasizing the strategic importance of this development. The new ACMI provider is designed to meet the Philippines’ seasonal aircraftcapacity needs. 2024 tourism revenue in the Philippines has surged past pre-pandemic levels, exceeding the estimated P600.01 billion in 2019 by 26.75%, with tourist arrivals registering 9.15% higher than 2023.However, this growth is tempered by significant challenges. The global supply chain crisis has led to a backlog of over 17,000 new aircraft, creating difficulties for airlines to meet growing demand and maximize potential revenues. Gediminas Ziemelis, Chairman of Avia Solutions Group said,”With the planned expansion of Manila Airport and tourism receipts surpassing pre-pandemic levels last year, there is a clear need for ACMI to address the capacity gaps and service challenges within the local aviation sector. This flexible model helps airlines increase capacity during high-demand seasons, improve profitability by 2-3%, and navigate market fluctuations.Avion Express Philippines will play an important role in providing airlines with seasonal and flexible capacity to meet the country’s booming aviation market.” “The introduction of ACMI services in the Philippines marks an exciting chapter for the aviation industry,” said Rene Banzon, CEO of Avion Express Philippines. “We believe that this service will empower airlines to optimize operations, explore new routes, and ultimately provide better travel experiences for passengers. We look forward to officially launching our operations this year and contributing to the industry’s continued growth.” The event was attended by key figures in the public and private sectors, including Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano; Mr. Junard J Cruz, Consultant for Philippines Department of Transportation. Deputy Executive Director Maria Elben SL. Moro from CAB; Atty. Mark Nester Mendoza from CAAP and various aviation industry leaders.

    Defence

    EDGE closes at IDEX 2025 with sales deal worth US$ 2.9 Billion

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    Abu Dhabi,21st February 2025: EDGE, one of the world’s leading advanced technology and defence groups, has ended its participation at the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) 2025, with an impressive new sales tally of US$ 2.9 Billion (AED 10.65 Billion), and the launch of 46 ground-breaking solutions and services across the air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains. IDEX 2025, the largest edition to date, enabled EDGE to showcase its diverse portfolio of 218 advanced solutions, the vast majority of which are UAE made, at its massive 9,000 sqm stand at the landmark defence and technology event. Among the sixteen contracts awarded was a major EUR 500 million deal announced by MAESTRAL, a naval joint venture between EDGE and Fincantieri, for In Service Support (ISS) of the UAE’s naval fleet; a contract by UAE Ministry of Defence to supply aerial munitions at a value of US$1.18 billion; and a US$ 61.8 million contract, also from the UAE Ministry of Defence for the supply of advanced GPS PROTECT anti-jamming systems. At the closing of the event, Hamad Al Marar, EDGE Group Managing Director & CEO, commented: “This has been a very busy week for EDGE, and the support of our main customer and solid commitments and interest from international customers and partners, highlights the tremendous success we continue to enjoy. IDEX 2025 gave us the ideal platform from which we showcased how far we have come and the heights we are aiming for in the future as a global leader in advanced technology for the defence and civilian spheres. “EDGE is firmly committed to playing a pivotal role in the strengthening of the UAE’s indigenous defence offerings, to continuously disrupting the industry, and our own capabilities, with faster development, speedier delivery, and at revolutionary price points. We will grow and excel through partnerships, and we will strive to always remain ahead of the game across air, land, sea and space domains, and in the provision of superior world-class electronic warfare, secure communications, and sovereign cryptography and post-quantum capabilities, for the challenges of tomorrow. We look forward to the next edition of IDEX in 2027, where I am confident EDGE will once again surprise the industry with the huge achievements few considered possible five years ago.”

    Recent News

    Air India and Lufthansa Group expands codeshare partnership: 60 additional routes across 12 Indian and 26 European cities

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    Delhi, 20th Feb 2025: Air India and Lufthansa Group have entered into a new codeshare agreement with Austrian Airlines, as well as expand the existing codeshare agreements between Air India, Lufthansa, and Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS). The expanded partnership significantly boosts flight options and connectivity for travellers between the Indian Subcontinent and Europe with the addition of close to 60 codeshare routes operated by the four airlines across 12 Indian and 26 European cities. The expanded agreements increase the total number of codeshare routes between Air India, Lufthansa and SWISS from 55 to nearly 100. Additionally, the new agreement between Air India and Austrian Airlines adds 26 codeshare routes. This provides greater choice, convenience, and seamless experiences to travellers from both regions. Customers of Lufthansa Group will now be able to connect to Air India’s domestic services to or from 15 points within India.Additionally, Lufthansa Group carriers will add their respective designator codes to Air India’s international services to 3 destinations from Delhi and Mumbai: Kathmandu, Melbourne, and Sydney. Additionally, flights currently operated by Air India and Lufthansa Group carriers between India and Germany or Switzerland will be covered under the expanded codeshare partnership. For example, customers who wish to fly between Delhi and Frankfurt will now have three daily flight options each way with ‘LH’ flight numbers, including two flights operated by Air India and one flight operated by Lufthansa. Reciprocally, Air India will now offer its customers a total of 26 destinations across Europe and 3 destinations in the Americas beyond its gateways in Europe (Frankfurt, Vienna, and Zurich), with the ‘AI’ designator code placed on the following services operated by airlines in the Lufthansa Group, including Austrian Airlines for the first time: Lufthansa Between Frankfurt and: Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, Bremen, Brussels, Copenhagen, Dresden, Düsseldorf, Dublin, Geneva, Hamburg, Hannover, Luxembourg, Lyon, Manchester, Marseille, Munich, Nice, Nuremberg, Oslo, Prague, Riga, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Stockholm, Stuttgart, Toulouse, Valencia, Washington D.C. SWISS Between Zurich and: Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, Bremen, Brussels, Copenhagen, Dresden, Düsseldorf, Dublin, Geneva, Hamburg, Hannover, Luxembourg, Manchester, Marseille, Munich, Nice, Oslo, Prague, Stockholm, Stuttgart, Valencia. Austrian Airlines Between Vienna and: Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, Bremen, Brussels, Copenhagen, Düsseldorf, Geneva, Hamburg, Hannover, Lyon, Manchester, Marseille, Munich, Nice, Oslo, Prague, Stockholm, Stuttgart, Valencia. Both airlines plan to progressively include other destinations in their network to the codeshare arrangements. Air India and the three Lufthansa Group carriers are members of Star Alliance. Frequent flyers will continue to earn and redeem points/miles on all four airlines, while elite status holders of Air India’s Maharaja Club and Lufthansa Group’s Miles & More programmes will benefit from Star Alliance Gold benefits including priority services, extra baggage allowance, and airport lounge access across the world. According to Lufthansa Group Chief Commercial Officer, Dieter Vranckx: “We are thrilled to strengthen our partnership with Air India and elevate the travel experience for our joint customers. By further enhancing our cooperation, we will increase the travel options between Europe and India and offer our passengers improved access to additional destinations. Lufthansa Group remains committed to India, and we are excited about the possibilities and potential the country and Air India as a partner have to offer”. Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India, said: “Our goal is to enable our customers to travel from any corner of the world to another via Air India and its partner airlines. The expansion of our partnership with Lufthansa Group is a step in that direction, and we are pleased to take this long-standing relationship to the next level. With this renewed partnership, our customers will have access to more destinations and greater flexibility to travel across Europe on Lufthansa Group carriers. It also gives us the opportunity to serve Lufthansa Group customers, with warmth and quintessential Indian hospitality, aboard Air India flights. We look forward to continue working closely with our Star Alliance partners in making the world feel like a smaller place.” Subject to regulatory approvals, the codeshare flights will be progressively made available for sale through the airlines’ respective booking channels.

    Recent News

    SATTE 2025 Day 2: MoUs, AI Innovation, and Sustainable Tourism Take Center Stage

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    New Delhi, February 20, 2025: The second day of SATTE 2025, South Asia’s leading travel and tourism exhibition, continued to drive strategic collaborations and global networking at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi. The event witnessed a remarkable confluence of industry professionals, exhibitors, and thought leaders, reinforcing SATTE’s role as a catalyst for shaping the future of travel and tourism. Apart from the business on the show floor, several highlights marked the day. A key highlight was the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) and its Japanese counterparts, marking a significant milestone in strengthening tourism ties between India and Japan. This collaboration aims to foster cross-promotion of tourism between the two nations, enrich cultural exchanges, and unlock new travel opportunities. With a focus on Okinawa, the MoU will encourage Indian travellers to explore Japan while facilitating greater tourism from Japan to India, reinforcing the strong ties between the two countries. The ‘Atithi’ initiative, an exclusive buyer-seller meet in collaboration with the Service Export Promotion Council (SEPC), continued to serve as a dynamic platform for fostering business relationships, connecting international buyers with Indian tourism stakeholders, and unlocking new opportunities. The day also featured an array of insightful conference sessions that delved into emerging industry trends, challenges, and market dynamics. One of the key discussions, “Routes Development: Significance & Impact,” moderated by Sunil Kumar, President of the Travel Agents Association of India, explored how strategic air, sea, and land routes fuel economic growth, boost tourism, and shape the future of global connectivity. Industry leaders analyzed upcoming opportunities and trends for route development in 2025 and beyond. The “Anchoring Opportunities in Cruise & Port Tourism” panel, led by Vinod Zutshi, Former Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, examined the potential of India’s cruise tourism sector. The discussion focused on enhancing infrastructural capabilities, attracting foreign tourists, and positioning India as a premier cruise destination. Meanwhile, the session on “Overcrowded & Overlooked: Balancing the Scales,” moderated by Sanjay Basu, Chairman of Far Horizon Tours and a member of CII National Tourism & Hospitality Committee, highlighted the importance of sustainable tourism by bringing attention to emerging destinations that remain underexplored. With outbound travel from India on a sharp rise, the panel discussion on “India on the Move – Cracking the Code of Outbound Growth,” moderated by Rajeev Nangia, Chief Operating Officer, TRAC Representations India Pvt. Ltd., examined evolving traveller preferences, key international markets, and strategies to further propel outbound tourism. Complementing this, the “AI Revolution & Hyper-Connected Tourism – Are We Ready?” session, moderated by Chirag Agrawal, Co-founder & COO of TravClan, explored the transformative role of AI in reshaping the global tourism landscape. Experts shared insights on leveraging AI-driven innovation to enhance customer experiences and operational efficiencies in the travel sector. The day concluded with a thought-provoking Fireside Chat on “From Viral to Vital: The Impact of Social Media on Destinations.” Leading travel influencers discussed the power of digital platforms in destination marketing and how viral content can turn hidden gems into must-visit locations, transforming tourism economies worldwide. Destination briefings for Rajasthan, Sri Lanka, and Saudi Arabia, among others, explored these much loved tourist regions’ expanding potential. SATTE Awards 2025, marked as a must-attend event on every travel professional’s calendar, recognized excellence across 22 categories, including Hotels, Tour Operators, Tourism Boards, International Cruises, and Travel Agents. This year’s edition saw 231 nominations from 187 companies, including 90+ new entrants, reflecting the industry’s dynamic evolution. The Shakti Awards, an initiative by Informa Markets, honored the contributions of women leaders shaping the future of travel and tourism. The winners were selected by a distinguished jury chaired by Mr. Arvind Singh, Former Tourism Secretary, Government of India, in collaboration with industry veterans. Ernst & Young served as the Process Advisor, with Travel Trends Today as the Official Media Partner. With over 2,000 exhibitors, 40,000+ visitors, and participation from 50+ countries, SATTE 2025 continues to reinforce its position as South Asia’s premier travel and tourism exhibition. The event remains a hub for global industry stakeholders to explore new business avenues, engage in knowledge-sharing, and drive the future of the travel sector. The exhibition showcases a diverse range of exhibitors, including travel agents, tour operators, airlines, hoteliers, and tourism boards. Key visitors include travel professionals, wedding planners, corporate leaders, and procurement heads. This year, SATTE 2025 spotlights both international destinations such as Malaysia, Hong Kong, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Greece, Japan, Uzbekistan, Mauritius, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan, as well as leading Indian states including Gujarat, Rajasthan, Odisha, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Punjab. Core segments such as homestays, adventure tourism, domestic travel, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) are also at the forefront, providing industry stakeholders a platform to showcase brands, generate leads, and share insights.

    Recent News

    MoCA launched Electronic Personnel License (EPL) for pilots

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    Delhi, 20th Feb 2025: Minister for Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu, today launched the Electronic Personnel License (EPL), making India the second country in the world to digitalize pilot licenses. Ensuring a tamper-proof and robust licensing system, EPL sets a new benchmark in aviation regulatory excellence. Indian pilots can now securely carry their licenses on their mobile phones via the eGCA app, with real-time access for global agencies. This step places India at the forefront of regulatory excellence, enhancing interoperability and safety. Secretary Civil Aviation V. Vualnam, DGCA DG Sh. Faiz Ahmed, BCAS DG Sh. Rajesh Nirwan and other senior officials were present at the occasion.

    Interviews

    Exclusive Interview: Puneet Kaura, MD and CEO, SAMTEL Avionics

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    SAMTEL Avionics, a key player in India’s defence technology sector has actively contributed towards Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative while simultaneously placing the nation on the global map of high-tech design and manufacturing through strategic collaborations with international aerospace, defence and railway companies. At the recently held Aero India 2025, SAMTEL had a significant presence where it signed an MoU with Germany based global defence leader HENSOLDT Avionics to explore possibilities of establishing a co-production facility in India through an Industrial partnership for the HENSOLDT’s Products. In an exclusive Interview, Mr. Puneet Kaura, MD and CEO, SAMTEL Avionics speaks with Vishal Kashyap, Managing Editor Aviation World more about the MoU and overall business presence and vision towards contributing in the Make in India initiative.Excerpts… What are the major takeaways at Aero India 2025? SAMTEL Avionics had a very prominent presence at Aero India 2025 where we had dynamic discussions, meaningful interactions and a shared commitment to take India’s aerospace and defence capabilities to the next level. One of the major developments was the signing of MoU between SAMTEL and HENSOLDT Avionics, which we aim to be the beginning of a new relationship. Under this agreement, we will manufacture high technology airborne products for Indian and global customers in India. What will be that product and how you see its demand? It’s basically HENSOLDT’s product – LCR 100 CaviSight and Cavi Connect for which we will set up co-production facility in India through an industrial partnership. SAMTEL will manufacture this product in India and if required for any subsequent products related to the same, that will also be co-developed. This will also cater to the global requirements as part of the future collaboration. There are quite few Indian customers, who would require this product but we believe, globally the demand will be big. What’s your vision towards this initiative? We are looking at starting a relationship with HENSOLDT which is first of its kind in India. HENSOLDT is one of the major aerospace and defence leaders out of Germany and are making some very fine products. So, this product line is beginning of their commitment to partner with Indian players for developing high technology products which would be required in the country. This will also fulfill the need of having various TPP requirements of the local products and at the same time making products for the world. This also meets the vision of our Prime Minister which he has put forward for the defence and aerospace sector. We have found a good partner as HENSOLDT which is very open to adapting and working with Indian companies locally to cater to the local requirements. What are the core domains of Samtel Avionics into which it works in India? SAMTEL is an avionics and electronics company as far as defence is concerned. We make electronic products for aviation which caters to the need of both military as well as civilian applications. Apart from defence, we also make electronic products for armoured vehicles and tanks for specially for our nation’s military needs. These are basically high technology avionics and electronic products and some subsystems which are required by armed forces. As diversified business, we also work with Indian railways for their electronic products need. How is Samtel Avionics contributing towards Make In India initiative? As part our JV with HAL, we manufacture cockpit displays for various defence aircrafts in India. We supply high technology cockpit displays for all types of fixed wing and rotary wing helicopter platforms. Samtel has designed, developed and manufactured state-of-the-art multifunction displays for platforms like the Su-30 MKI fighter Jet, the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH)/Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH)/Utility Helicopter Maritime, and Standby Displays for HTT-40 trainer aircraft. We are now working on the Utility Helicopters-Maritime (UHM) helicopter and the list goes on just to name a few. This basically makes, SAMTEL a very significant part of the ecosystem both from Indian Air Force and Army Aviation perspective. For future, we are also in discussions with Naval Aviation for some of the applications. All the service being provided by us fulfills the “Make In India” initiative of our government. What’s the future plan towards enhancing the capabilities and services of Samtel Avionics? The future plan of action is aligned with the kind of road map which Indian MoD has put forward for the Indian industry. We are going to align with that plan, which means that we would keep on enhancing our capabilities either by ourselves or with partners like our latest partnership with HENSOLDT. The plan is to bring state of the art high technology products to our armed forces and deliver them with absolute precision quality and at the same time continuously look at global market space. We are already working with multiple global air forces and some of the global OEMs based out of west and Europe and US for various projects. In future, we want to continue doing that and aligning with what our country’s vision to make India a global player in the global Aerospace & Defence market.

    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

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