Author name: Aviation World

Crawley, UK, 02 September 2026: Acron Aviation Commercial Training Solutions has strengthened its relationship with ASL Airlines Australia following the signing of a preferred supplier agreement to deliver Boeing 737 Type Rating training through to the end of 2028. The multi-year agreement builds on the successful delivery of Boeing 737 Type Rating training for ASL Airlines Australia pilots at CTS’ London Training Centre in the first half of 2026. The agreement also includes a provision for pilots that need to complete Airline Pilot Standards Multi-Crew Cooperation training. As part of the partnership, CTS has worked closely with ASL Airlines Australia to further tailor its Type Rating training by completing a standardisation programme that incorporates the airline’s Standard Operating Procedures into the course. Patrick Davis, Vice President and General Manager, Acron Aviation Commercial Training Solutions, said: “We’re delighted that ASL Airlines Australia has extended its partnership with Acron Aviation and selected us as a preferred supplier for Boeing 737 Type Rating training through to the end of 2028.” Davis continued, “This agreement reflects the confidence ASL Australia has in the quality of our training, our instructors and our ability to deliver customer-focused solutions that prepare pilots for airline operations from day one.” By aligning training with airline-specific procedures and operational standards, CTS’ collaborative approach helps ensure pilots transition seamlessly from simulator training into operator conversion and line operations, supporting safe and effective flight operations from the outset. Captain Nathan Burkitt, Head of Training and Checking, Flight Operations, ASL Australia, said: “Feedback from our trainees on the course, facilities, instructors and overall training environment at Acron Aviation has been overwhelmingly positive, with particular praise for the instructors’ professionalism, knowledge and commitment to helping every pilot succeed.” Capt. Burkitt added, “The standard of manual handling, automation management and generic Boeing knowledge demonstrated by the candidates on return was very good. All trainees arrived at their Operator Initial Conversion training well prepared and clearly had a solid foundation from the type rating programme.” The agreement further reinforces CTS’ position as a trusted training partner for airlines around the world, delivering tailored pilot training programmes that combine industry-leading instructors, advanced simulation technology and close collaboration with customers to meet their operational requirements.

Bengaluru, 31st August 2026: The Indian regional carrier Star Air has introduced 24 new weekly flights enhancing east-west regional connectivity. This expansion includes the highly anticipated launch of a direct service between Hyderabad and Bhubaneswar, alongside the reinstatement of the Bhubaneswar-Jharsuguda connection, both scheduled to commence operations from 4th September 2026. By strengthening vital air corridors linking Telangana with key destinations across Odisha, Star Air is responding to the dynamic needs of business professionals, students, families, and leisure travellers alike. Star Air will operate flights six days a week, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.The schedule is designed to meet the needs of modern travellers who prioritise convenience and connectivity in their travel plans. Shilpa Bhatia, Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer at Star Air, said, “With the introduction of direct Hyderabad–Bhubaneswar flights and the reinstatement of our Bhubaneswar–Jharsuguda services, we are strengthening connectivity across Telangana and Odisha, making it easier than ever to access the region’s key destinations. These services are designed to support the needs of business travellers, students, families, and leisure seekers alike. At Star Air, our commitment remains unwavering to empower regional economies, connect communities, and bring more of India within easier reach.” This expansion is part of a broader surge in India’s aviation sector, which continues to witness strong post-pandemic recovery and robust growth in regional connectivity. Star Air’s ongoing investments in new routes, modern fleets, and enhanced passenger experience are aligned with the government’s UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) initiative to link unserved and underserved airports, further supporting India’s economic development and mobility.

Mumbai, India | 17 August 2026: Hong Kong Air Cargo has achieved a landmark milestone with the commencement of its dedicated freighter operations from Navi Mumbai International Airport, becoming the first international carrier to operate from Mumbai’s new airport. The freighter operations commenced on 16 August 2026, marking a proud historic moment for Hong Kong Air Cargo, Aeroprime Group, and Navi Mumbai International Airport, while opening a new chapter in India’s international air cargo connectivity. The milestone has been made possible through extensive planning, commercial coordination, operational readiness, and regulatory efforts led by Aeroprime Group, Hong Kong Air Cargo’s Cargo GSSA in Mumbai, in close collaboration with the Hong Kong Air Cargo team, Navi Mumbai International Airport, and relevant regulatory stakeholders. The successful launch reflects the teams’ ability to work seamlessly across commercial, operational, and regulatory requirements to bring international freighter connectivity to NMIA within a short timeframe. Mr. Abhishek Goyal, Executive Director, Aeroprime Group, said: “This is a truly proud moment for Aeroprime Group and a landmark achievement for Hong Kong Air Cargo and Navi Mumbai International Airport. Establishing the first-ever international carrier’s freighter operation from NMIA required meticulous planning, close coordination, and strong regulatory engagement. Being the first GSA globally to establish a first flight out of NMIA is a significant achievement for Aeroprime and a strong testament to our commitment to our airline partners. I am extremely proud of the Aeroprime and Hong Kong Air Cargo teams whose collective efforts made this possible. We are delighted to play a role in establishing NMIA as a new gateway for international air cargo and look forward to building greater connectivity from Mumbai’s expanding aviation ecosystem.” Mr. Raymond Chen, Vice President – Commercial, Hong Kong Air Cargo, said: “The launch of our freighter operations from Navi Mumbai International Airport is an important milestone in our India growth strategy. We are proud to be the first international carrier to commence operations from this new gateway. This achievement reflects the strong collaboration between Hong Kong Air Cargo, Aeroprime Group, and the airport and regulatory teams. We appreciate Aeroprime’s commitment and efforts in making this launch possible and look forward to leveraging Navi Mumbai’s strategic potential to provide our customers with enhanced cargo connectivity and reliable access to Hong Kong and global markets.” The commencement of operations positions Navi Mumbai International Airport as an emerging gateway for international air cargo, while strengthening Hong Kong Air Cargo’s presence in one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation and logistics markets. For Aeroprime Group, the milestone further demonstrates its ability to combine commercial expertise, regulatory coordination, operational planning, market development, and on-ground execution to successfully launch and grow international airline cargo operations in India. The achievement also reinforces Aeroprime’s role as a strategic extension of its airline partners, supporting them from market entry and regulatory facilitation through to commercial launch and network development.

Air India today announced that all its flights operating to and from Visakhapatnam International Airport will now operate from the new Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport, at Bhogapuram, with the same airport code VTZ, effective 17 August 2026. Air India will continue to operate 14 weekly flights between Bhogapuram and Delhi offering customers convenient connectivity to key domestic and international destinations through its hubs. The new terminal, spread across 77,342 square metres, offers enhanced passenger comfort and operational efficiency. The facility features 22 traditional check-in counters, 18 Self Baggage Drop units, advanced screening systems, state-of-the-art baggage handling facilities, and seven aerobridges, ensuring a smooth and seamless airport experience.