Author name: Aviation World

Cargo

B&H Worldwide appoints Matt Silverberg as its Chief Executive Officer

London, 24th August 2026:  B&H Worldwide has announced the appointment of Matt Silverberg as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective immediately. He succeeds Stuart Allen, who assumes the role of Chairman & Board Advisor after serving as CEO for the past thirteen years. Based in the United States, Silverberg will lead B&H Worldwide’s global operations and strategic growth initiatives, while Allen will continue to provide strategic direction and support the executive leadership team from Singapore. The appointment marks a significant milestone in B&H Worldwide’s continued evolution as the company strengthens its position as a trusted logistics partner to airlines, MROs, OEMs, aerospace manufacturers and spare parts providers worldwide. Silverberg brings extensive executive leadership experience across time-critical logistics, supply chain and professional services. Throughout his career, he has successfully led organisations ranging from high-growth businesses to global enterprises, holding senior executive positions including Chief Executive Officer and Chief Commercial Officer. His track record includes delivering sustained revenue growth through both organic expansion and strategic acquisitions, leading business transformation programmes, and building high-performing international teams. His appointment comes at a time when the aerospace industry continues to experience increasing demand for resilient, responsive and technology-enabled supply chain solutions as global fleets expand and maintenance activity accelerates. Matt Silverberg, Chief Executive Officer of B&H Worldwide, said, “I am honoured to join B&H Worldwide at such an exciting point in its journey. The company has built an outstanding global reputation over nearly four decades by consistently delivering specialist logistics solutions to the aerospace industry when reliability and speed matter most. What attracted me to B&H is its customer-first culture, its exceptional people and its relentless focus on operational excellence. Together with our talented global team, I look forward to building on this strong foundation, investing in innovation, strengthening our international capabilities and creating even greater value for our customers and partners around the world.” Following the leadership transition, Stuart Allen will continue to play an active role in shaping the company’s long-term strategy as Chairman, working closely with Silverberg and the executive leadership team to support B&H Worldwide’s continued international growth. Stuart Allen, Chairman of B&H Worldwide, said,”After leading B&H Worldwide through a period of significant growth and transformation, I am delighted to welcome Matt as our new Chief Executive Officer. His extensive leadership experience, commercial expertise and proven ability to scale international businesses make him the ideal person to lead B&H into its next chapter. Our business has always been built on long-term customer relationships, operational excellence and a commitment to delivering specialist aerospace logistics solutions across the globe. Matt shares these values and brings fresh perspectives that will help us continue to innovate, expand our capabilities and strengthen our position as the partner of choice for the global aerospace industry.”  

2026

FLY91 adds Tirupati as its 13th Destination

Panaji, 24th August 2026 : The regional airline FLY91 has added Tirupati as the 13th destination on its growing regional network further strengthening its presence and connecting four cities in the twin states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The airline will now serve four destinations across the two states. Through the regional airline’s network, Tirupati will be connected with Rajahmundry, Vijayawada and Hyderabad, improving connectivity across southern India while making pilgrimage, leisure and business travel more convenient. According to Manoj Chacko, MD and CEO, FLY91, “The addition of Tirupati marks another important milestone in the steady expansion of our regional network and reinforces our commitment to Andhra Pradesh, where we now serve three destinations. By connecting Tirupati to 3 important cities, we are making travel across an important religious, educational and cultural corridor more convenient while improving connectivity between key regional centres. As a regional airline focused on ‘Connecting Bharat’ through safe and reliable air services, we remain committed to enhancing access between India’s growing regional markets.” The airline will operate daily flights between Tirupati and Hyderabad. Flights will operate between Titupati and Vijayawada on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays while service will operate between Tirupati and Rajmundry on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The addition of Tirupati further strengthens FLY91’s growing regional network across India, with the airline now serving Goa (Manohar International Airport, Mopa), Sindhudurg, Jalgaon, Solapur, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Agatti in the Lakshadweep Islands, Kochi, Hubballi, Rajahmundry and Vijayawada.

Civil Aviation

Civil Aviation Minister chairs Consultative Committee of Civil Aviation in Mysuru

Mysuru, 23rd August 2026: The Parliamentary Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Civil Aviation met in Mysuru, Karnataka. The meeting was chaired by Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, in the presence of Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation, Murlidhar Mohol. Members of Parliament Gopal Jee Thakur (Darbhanga, Bihar); Anup Sanjay Dhotre (Akola, Maharashtra); Sayani Ghosh (Jadavpur, West Bengal); Kamakhya Prasad Tasa (Kaziranga, Assam); Dr. M. Dhanapal (Rajya Sabha, Tamil Nadu) and Ramrao Sakharam Wadkute (Rajya Sabha, Maharashtra), along with the Mysore MP Yaduveer Chamaraja Wadiyar attended the meeting. The Parliamentary Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Civil Aviation met outside Delhi for the first time since 2017, under the leadership of Minister  Ram Mohan Naidu, reflecting the Government’s approach of taking discussions closer to the regions. At the meeting in Mysuru, the Committee discussed the Next Phase of UDAN, reforms in the Flying Training Organisation (FTO) ecosystem and the transformation of the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (IGRUA). Addressing the Committee, the minister  said that India’s aviation growth is increasingly moving beyond major destinations and beyond just development of airports. “Driven by  Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of UDAN, aviation is increasingly becoming an engine of regional development and inclusive economic growth; benefiting farmers, exporters, businesses and communities. At the same time, India is leading the next wave of aviation innovation through drones and eVTOLs, while advancing reforms in sectors like MRO & Air Cargo.” Highlighting the transformation brought about by UDAN, the Minister said, “In the last ten years, we invested around Rs.10,000 crore in airport development and Viability Gap Funding for the airlines. We are now taking this ambition to a new scale with unprecedented award of ₹28,840 crore under the Next Phase of UDAN.” The Committee was also briefed on reforms in the FTO ecosystem to enhance the availability of trained pilots while maintaining high standards of safety and training. The FTO ecosystem has expanded from 32 FTOs in 2020 to 41 in 2026, while flying bases have increased from 32 to 63. The FTO ranking framework has enabled transparent accountability of the FTOs, enabling the youth to take informed decision at the first step of their pilot career. Highlighting the opportunities in the aviation sector, the Minister said, “Indian airlines have placed aircraft orders on a scale unprecedented anywhere in the world. But aircraft orders are only one part of the story, these aircraft will need a skilled and safety conscious workforce to fly them. We do not want to import the workforce to operate India’s aviation growth. We want to train that workforce right here in India.” The Committee also discussed the transformation of Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (IGRUA) with substantial increase in aircraft utilization, averaging 1,765 flying hours per aircraft annually higher than the global benchmark of around 1,500 hours. The institution has also achieved a budget surplus for the first time after more than two decades of recurring deficits. Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Samir Kumar Sinha; Director General, DGCA, Vir Vikram Yadav; Chairman, Airports Authority of India, Vipin Kumar; Director General, BCAS, Rajesh Nirwan; and other senior officials were present to brief the MPs. Minister appreciated the valuable suggestions of the Members and assured that these would be duly considered while taking forward the initiatives for the continued growth and development of the civil aviation sector. (Courtesy: PIB/MoCA)

Top Stories

Qatar Airways includes world’s first Starlink-equipped Boeing 787-9 in its fleet

Doha, 21st August 2026: Qatar Airways has become the first airline to operate Starlink-equipped Boeing 787-9 aircraft, globally. The carrier has also completed Starlink rollout across its Boeing 787-8 sub-fleet in seven months, bringing the total number of its Starlink-equipped widebody aircraft to 150. Qatar Airways remains on track to complete the Starlink rollout across its Boeing 787 fleet by the end of 2026. The latest achievement builds on Qatar Airways’ record-breaking completion of the Boeing 777 programme in nine months and the Airbus A350 programme in eight months. The airline now operates the world’s first and largest Starlink-equipped Boeing 777, Airbus A350, and Boeing 787 fleets. By building a Starlink-connected journey at a scale unmatched by any other widebody operator, Qatar Airways is bringing passengers closer to a future where travelling no longer means stepping away from the digital world. Every new Starlink-equipped aircraft extends that experience to more passengers, offering them greater freedom over how they spend their time onboard. Whether they want to work, stay connected with loved ones or simply relax, Starlink Wi-Fi speeds of up to 500 Mbps allows the cabin to become whatever passengers need it to be at 35,000 feet. Qatar Airways was the first airline to globally offer Starlink onboard long-haul and ultra-long-haul routes across six continents. With free of charge, gate-to-gate* Starlink Wi-Fi becoming available on more journeys across the airline’s global network, Qatar Airways is keeping passengers connected to what matters most while flying to the Americas and Australasia**, as well as key gateways across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Since launching Starlink connectivity onboard in October 2024, more than 23 million passengers have connected to the fastest Wi-Fi in the sky across over 86,000 Qatar Airways flights. As the fastest and most ambitious Starlink widebody installation programme in aviation history surpasses 83 per cent completion, Qatar Airways continues to lead in innovation and offer enhanced value to its passengers. With up to 323 Starlink-flights operating daily, the airline is making access to fast, seamless onboard connectivity an increasingly familiar part of its global passenger experience.  

Top Stories

SalamAir appoints Eng. Yaqoob Al Kiyumi as its CEO

Oman, 20th August 2026: The low cost carrier of Oman, SalamAir has announced the appointment of Eng. Yaqoob bin Saif bin Hamoud Al Kiyumi as Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 October 2026. The appointment marks a new chapter in SalamAir’s journey as the airline continues to build on its achievements and advance its strategic priorities, with a focus on sustainable growth, operational excellence, enhanced customer experience, and strengthening its role within Oman’s aviation sector. On this occasion, the Board of Directors of SalamAir extended appreciation to Mr. Adrian Hamilton-Manns for his leadership, dedication, and valuable contributions during his tenure as Chief Executive Officer. The Board said: It warmly welcomes Eng. Yaqoob Al Kiyumi and looks forward to working with him as he leads SalamAir into its next phase of development. Building on the strong foundations and achievements of the airline, his leadership will support SalamAir’s continued growth and its commitment to providing affordable and accessible air travel, while strengthening connectivity between Oman and the world. SalamAir remains committed to its long-term vision and to contributing to the development of Oman’s aviation and tourism sectors in alignment with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040. SalamAir operates a modern fleet of 18 Airbus A320neo Family aircraft, serving more than 40 destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Europe, with over 90 daily flights. #salamair #omanvision2040 #lcc #newceo

Defence

Thales and Systematic partner to strengthen Denmark’s Air Defence capabilities

Paris, 20th August 2026: Thales and Systematic has announced a strategic partnership to provide the Danish Armed Forces with advanced, interoperable air defence capabilities. The partnership combines Systematic’s expertise in command-and-control software with Thales’ combat-proven air defence systems, enabling stronger integration and co-ordination of capabilities including SAMP/T NG and other air defence systems. This cooperation will support key Danish defence requirements, including Air Command and Control (C2) and Surface-Based Air Missile Defence (SBAMD), helping deliver a modern and interoperable approach to air defence.It will also strengthen local industrial capabilities in Denmark, supporting long-term national value creation and opportunities for future export. This alliance also reflects the growing importance of European industrial cooperation in delivering sovereign defence capabilities that can meet national and allied requirements. “Systematic brings decades of experience delivering command-and-control software to defence forces and NATO allies around the world. This partnership is an important step to strengthen Denmark’s air defence capabilities with trusted European technology, while building on the strong industrial capabilities we have developed here in Denmark.” Klaus H. Qvist, Vice President Business Development, Systematic. “This partnership with Systematic reflects Thales’ long-term commitment to Denmark. By combining proven solutions with strong local cooperation, we are reinforcing our footprint in the country and contributing to defence capabilities generating value for Danish industry” Martin Soegaard, Country Director Thales Denmark, Ireland, Iceland & Baltics. Together Thales and Systematic will support the Danish Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (DALO) in achieving an integrated air defence capability, combining their respective expertise to support Denmark’s defence priorities and strengthen its ability to operate alongside NATO Allies. Banner Image Courtesy: © Rune Borre-Jensen  

2026, Events

India’s SAF mandate gains momentum; global industry to gather at 2nd India SAF Conclave & Awards 2026

SAF Association announces India’s largest Sustainable Aviation Fuel forum as the country prepares for the next phase of SAF implementation New Delhi, 19th August 2026: Following the Government of India’s recent indication that the country’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) mandate is moving towards implementation, the SAF Association (SAFA)—India’s leading not-for-profit industry body dedicated exclusively to advancing the Sustainable Aviation Fuel ecosystem—today announced the 2nd India SAF Conclave & Awards 2026, to be held on 28–29 September 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Coming at a defining moment for India’s aviation sector, the Conclave will serve as the country’s premier platform to bring together the complete SAF value chain and accelerate policy implementation, investment, technology deployment, capacity building and global collaboration, reinforcing India’s ambition to emerge as a leading global Sustainable Aviation Fuel hub. Positioned as India’s largest Sustainable Aviation Fuel forum, the Conclave is expected to welcome more than 1,000 delegates, over 100 global speakers and 50+ international partners, including policymakers, ministries, airlines, airports, oil & gas companies, refiners, fuel producers, feedstock suppliers, EPC companies, OEMs, technology developers, investors, financial institutions, research organisations and international agencies. As India’s leading industry platform for Sustainable Aviation Fuel, the SAF Association is bringing together every critical stakeholder to strengthen policy dialogue, foster strategic partnerships, mobilise investment, promote technology collaboration and create a globally competitive SAF ecosystem for India. Event Details: 2nd India SAF Conclave & Awards 2026 Theme:  Powering the SAF Transition Together Date: 28–29 September 2026 Venue: Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi Media Partner: Aviation World The two-day programme will feature ministerial sessions, international technical conferences, knowledge-based workshops, implementation-focused masterclasses, closed-door leadership roundtables, strategic matchmaking, B2B and B2G meetings, an International Buyers & Investors Forum, technology showcase, exhibition, knowledge report launches, strategic MoU signings and the India SAF Awards 2026. Designed as an implementation-focused platform rather than a conventional conference, the Conclave offers stakeholders an unparalleled opportunity to engage directly with policymakers, forge strategic partnerships, connect with investors and project developers, showcase innovative technologies, participate in specialised workshops and closed-door roundtables, exchange global best practices and unlock new business opportunities in one of the world’s fastest-growing Sustainable Aviation Fuel markets. Rohit Kumar, Secretary General, SAF Association, said: “India stands at a defining moment in its Sustainable Aviation Fuel journey. As the country moves towards implementation of its SAF roadmap, collaboration across government, industry, technology providers, investors and global partners will be critical to accelerate commercial deployment. The 2nd India SAF Conclave & Awards 2026 has been created as India’s premier global platform to drive partnerships, investment, innovation and knowledge exchange while positioning India as one of the world’s leading destinations for Sustainable Aviation Fuel production, technology and investment. Together, we can power the SAF transition and shape India’s leadership in the global sustainable aviation ecosystem.” The SAF Association (SAFA) is India’s leading not-for-profit industry body dedicated exclusively to advancing the Sustainable Aviation Fuel ecosystem through policy advocacy, industry collaboration, international partnerships, technology development, market development and capacity building, supporting India’s transition towards a globally competitive and low-carbon aviation sector. ——————————————————————————————————————- For more details, contact : SAF Association E: secretary@safassociation.com www.safassociation.com  

Defence

Ananth Technologies and BEL sign MoU for Advanced Defence & Aerospace Systems

New Delhi , 19th  August 2026: Ananth Technologies has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in Bengaluru to collaborate on the design, development and manufacturing of advanced electronic systems for defence and aerospace applications. Under the MoU, ATL and BEL will explore opportunities to jointly develop and manufacture advanced systems and subsystems across key strategic technology areas, including missiles, radars, satellites and navigation systems. The collaboration aims to leverage the complementary strengths of the two organisations. BEL brings extensive experience in the development and production of sophisticated defence electronic systems, while Ananth Technologies brings over three decades of expertise in high-reliability aerospace and defence electronics, satellite systems, avionics, navigation technologies and advanced manufacturing. Anurup Pavuluri, Managing Director , Ananth Technologies Said, “The partnership will focus on indigenous design and development, system engineering, electronics manufacturing, integration, testing and production for current and future programmes of strategic importance.” The collaboration is expected to further strengthen India’s domestic aerospace and defence industrial ecosystem, reduce dependence on imported technologies and support the development of advanced indigenous systems for the Indian Armed Forces and the country’s space programmes.

2026

BKJ Airports launches GroundSafe digital platform for real-time hazard reporting

Delhi,19th Aug, 2026: BKJ Airports, the airport ground handling company has launched GroundSafe, a BKJ Airports’ proprietary digital hazard and ground incident reporting platform.Through a simple QR code-based interface, employees can instantly report hazards, unsafe conditions, and ground incidents, enabling faster corrective action while promoting a transparent, proactive, and non-punitive safety culture across the organisation. New manuals strengthen safety and compliance BKJ Airports also introduced a comprehensive operational framework by launching three organisation-wide manuals—the Safety & Quality Management System manual, Ground Handling Service Provider manual, and Ground Service Equipment manual. The manuals establish standardised operating procedures, quality benchmarks and compliance frameworks across every BKJ Airports station, reinforcing the company’s commitment to global safety and operational excellence. Digital transformation and AI initiatives As part of its digital transformation roadmap, the company also showcased the implementation of SAP S/4HANA ERP, Darwinbox HRMS, digital boarding and baggage initiatives, while unveiling future technology platforms including AI-powered workforce rostering, IoT-enabled equipment monitoring, airline self-service dashboards and predictive operational intelligence. Expansion plans and new headquarters BKJ Airports, a part of JK Jajoo Ventures, currently operates across 17 airports nationwide. The company provides integrated ground handling and aviation support services. It has set a vision of expanding to over 50 airports by 2030 and 100 airport contracts by 2035.    

MRO

FL Technics adds 4 new aircraft approvals in UAE expanding wide-body portfolio

Dubai, 19th August 2026: FL Technics subsidiary FL Technics LLC, which provides Line Maintenance services across the Middle East, has expanded its approved capabilities by adding Airbus A350, Boeing 777, Boeing 787, and Boeing 737 MAX with LEAP-1B approvals. These added approvals for wide-body aircraft complement the company’s existing narrow-body capabilities. The approvals will apply at 3 major airports in the UAE: Zayed International Airport (AUH), Dubai International Airport (DXB), and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).It will also provide FL Technics LLC to service the added aircraft types across its managed outstations in the region. Adding these aircraft to its service capabilities ensures FL Technics now covers a significant part of narrow-body and wide-body types that are most relevant to international operations. Furthermore, as airlines across the region introduce new-generation aircraft, FL Technics is set up to continue supporting airlines. “These approvals represent a new chapter in our growth and an important step in the continued development of FL Technics LLC, as we steadily expand our technical capabilities to meet the changing fleet requirements of airlines in the region. Our objective is to provide airlines with greater access to capable and reliable line maintenance support across our UAE stations, while also supporting their regional operations and outstation requirements as our network continues to develop,” said Arif Alameri, CEO of FL Technics LLC. The Airbus A350, Boeing 777, Boeing 787, and Boeing 737 MAX with LEAP-1B are all now included within the company’s approved capability. FL Technics LLC already has the organisational capacity, expertise, and technical infrastructure to support these aircraft within the approved scope. “The UAE is a critical hub for airlines operating in the region and beyond. Our ambition is to further strengthen our presence here, while growing to support airlines not only at our UAE stations but increasingly across their wider network. With the new additions, our Line Maintenance capabilities now cover 11 aircraft types – and we aim to expand this range according to our customers’ needs. From daily checks and borescope inspections to 24/7 AOG support, defect rectifications, troubleshooting, flight spanner and engine changes, our experienced engineers are ready to support operations whenever and wherever needed. That flexibility has already been proven in practice: over the past two years, our engineers have completed more than 1,500 flying-spanner assignments for our customers,” added Arif Alameri. FL Technics LLC is part of the FL Technics Group, a global provider of MRO solutions and part of Avia Solutions Group. Avia Solutions Group is the world’s largest ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) provider, operating a fleet of 136 aircraft. The group also provides a range of aviation services: MRO, pilot and crew training, ground handling, as well as a variety of associated aviation services.

FOREWORD

Dear Readers,

 

Welcome to the latest edition of Aviation World. This is an incredibly significant issue for us, perfectly timed to align with several prominent aviation events unfolding across the globe.

 

Chief among them is the Farnborough International Airshow, taking place from July 20th to 24th, 2026, in Hampshire, United Kingdom. Ranked as one of the world’s premier events for aviation, aerospace, and defense, this year’s airshow arrives at a crucial moment. Against a backdrop of geopolitical turbulence, Farnborough provides an invaluable platform to engage with global leaders and gain firsthand perspectives on the future of the industry. Inside, you will find our comprehensive curtain-raiser report focusing on the show’s core themes, as well as the highly anticipated static and aerobatic aircraft displays.

 

On our front cover, we are proud to feature Capt. Vaibhav Goutham Suresh, Director of the School of Aviation, Logistics and Tourism Management (SALTM) at Galgotias University. In an exclusive interview, Capt. Suresh highlights how SALTM bridges the gap between academia and the runway, delivering a comprehensive curriculum that ensures graduates are industry-ready from day one. Complementing this, our special feature on SALTM dives deeper into how the institution maintains world-class academic standards and a cutting-edge learning environment.

 

We are also privileged to bring you exclusive insights from a stellar lineup of industry trailblazers in this edition, including:

  • Robin Glover-Faure, Chief Customer Officer of Acron Aviation
  • Karim Makhlouf, CCO of Royal Jordanian Airlines
  • Pallavi Joshi & Vimal Priya, the leadership powerhouse behind AirFleet Managers &Aviatrics Global
  • Wg. Cdr. Prem Kumar Garg (Retd.), CEO of IndiaOne Air

Each shares a detailed perspective on driving innovation, navigating current market dynamics, and establishing progressive frontiers within their respective sectors.

 

Beyond these highlights, this issue is packed with curated features and analytical pieces designed to keep you informed and inspired.

 

Finally, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed advertisers and partners. Your unwavering support empowers us in our ongoing endeavor to make Aviation World a truly world-class publication with global reach and recognition.

 

Happy Reading!

 

The Editorial Team

 

Aviation World

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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