Author name: Aviation World

Civil Aviation

Emirates Group Posts AED 4.1bn Profit Despite Turmoil

DUBAI, November 6, 2026: The Emirates Group announced its half-year financial results, posting a profit before tax of AED 4.1 billion (US$ 1.1 billion) for the first six months of 2026-27, a remarkable performance against the disruption and high fuel prices caused by the ongoing conflict in the Gulf region. After accounting for income tax charges, the Group’s profit after tax is AED 3.6 billion (US$ 1.0 billion), down 66% from last year. Illustrating its strong operating performance, the Group achieved an EBITDA of AED 12.5 billion (US$ 3.4 billion), 41% lower than the AED 21.1 billion (US$ 5.7 billion) reported for the same period last year where the Group had set a new record for profit and revenue. Group revenue was AED 66.2 billion (US$ 18.0 billion) for the first six months of 2026-27, down 12% from AED 75.4 billion (US$ 20.6 billion) last year. The Group closed the first half year of 2026-27 with a cash position of AED 54.1 billion (US$ 14.7 billion) on 30 September 2026, compared to AED 59.6 billion (US$ 16.2 billion) on 31 March 2026. The Group has been able to tap on its own strong cash reserves to support business needs, including pre-delivery payments for aircraft and servicing existing debt obligations. The Group also paid the remaining AED 2 billion (US$ 545 million) in dividend to its owner, the Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD), of the AED 3.5 billion (US$ 953 million) declared for the financial year 2025-26. His Highness (HH) Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group said: “It has been a demanding six months, and once again our business model and our people stood up to the test. Against unprecedented regional challenges and high fuel prices, the Group has delivered a profit before tax of AED 4.1 billion (US$ 1.1 billion). Customer demand held firm and our cargo operations made a strong contribution, keeping revenue and cash levels healthy even as global jet fuel prices doubled against the same period last year, impacting our costs and profitability. “I’d like to thank the UAE government for its decisive response and its co-ordination of all stakeholders to enable the safe resumption of air transport in the aftermath of military activity across the Gulf region. The government’s measures have also led to the easing of travel advisories to and through the UAE. This has allowed us to restore our operations with confidence and to keep serving our customers and communities. “Throughout this time, we have not paused our investments. Emirates and dnata continue to commit significant resources to expand our fleet, enhance our products and services, and develop capabilities that will shape the future of our business. This is how we stay ahead and stay resilient to external challenges.” HH Sheikh Ahmed added: “We enter the second half of our 2026-27 financial year with measured optimism. While keeping a close watch on costs and geopolitical developments, we remain focused on delivering what Emirates and dnata are known for – safety, quality, and customer satisfaction. We’ve weathered challenges before, and with our strong cash position and solid foundation built up over the years, the Group is well-placed to navigate the headwinds of volatility and high fuel prices.” Compared to 31 March 2026, the Emirates Group’s employee base dropped by 2% to an overall count of 128,237 on 30 September 2026. However, both Emirates and dnata maintain ongoing recruitment drives to support business requirements.

Events

Malaysia Airlines to Convene Asia Pacific Aviation Leaders in Kuala Lumpur for AAPA 70th Assembly

Kuala Lumpur, 6 November 2026: Malaysia Airlines, as Chair of the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) for 2026, will host the 70th Assembly of Presidents on 12 and 13 November 2026 in Kuala Lumpur, bringing together leaders from AAPA’s 18 member airlines to discuss the priorities shaping the future of aviation. Held under the theme “Redefining Aviation: Growth, Resilience and Innovation”, the Assembly will provide a platform for regional airline leaders to exchange perspectives on industry challenges and opportunities, including operational resilience, supply chain pressures, sustainable aviation and the importance of closer regional collaboration. The Assembly will be opened by Yang Berhormat Datuk Haji Hasbi bin Haji Habibollah, Deputy Minister of Transport Malaysia, and will bring together airline leaders, government representatives, regulators and industry partners from across the aviation landscape. Their presence underscores the strength of the partnership between government and industry, and a shared resolve to power the sector’s next phase of growth. Captain Nasaruddin A. Bakar, President and Group Chief Executive Officer of Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), said, “Airlines play an important role in connecting nations, supporting economies and contributing to national development. However, the industry continues to navigate a complex operating environment, from supply chain bottlenecks and rising operational costs to ongoing geopolitical developments. Having a unified voice through AAPA enables Asia Pacific airlines to bring shared priorities to the forefront and engage more effectively on issues affecting the industry. As Chair for 2026, Malaysia Airlines is proud to support this collective effort and strengthen collaboration towards a more resilient and sustainable future for regional aviation.” Wong Hong, Director General of AAPA, said, “Asia-Pacific airlines are experiencing softening demand alongside persistent pressures, including rising fuel costs, supply-chain constraints, and operational uncertainty. Sustaining growth will require closer regional cooperation, resilient operations and continued investment in people and infrastructure. Innovation, using new technologies and AI, can help the industry respond faster and serve passengers better. Together, we must build an aviation sector ready for change and future opportunity.” Collaboration will be at the heart of the Assembly, as the Asia Pacific aviation sector operates interconnected markets and face challenges that often extend beyond individual carriers. Continued engagement among airlines, governments and industry partners is essential to addressing shared priorities, strengthening regional connectivity and supporting the long-term resilience and sustainability of aviation. Beyond the Assembly, Malaysia Airlines continues to connect Malaysia with destinations across Asia Pacific and beyond through Kuala Lumpur, supporting trade, tourism and people to- people connections. As Visit Malaysia 2026–2027 places the country in the international spotlight, the airline remains committed to strengthening connectivity and championing Malaysia as a destination and gateway to the region.

Civil Aviation

Saudia Introduces New Premium Economy Class Seat at WTM London 2026

Mumbai, November 5, 2026: Saudia, the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has presented its new Premium Economy Class seat at World Travel Market (WTM) London 2026. The new cabin offering is part of the airline’s ongoing fleet modernization and cabin refurbishment program under the ‘New Saudia Experience’ initiative. Positioned between Economy and Business Class, the new Premium Economy cabin will offer guests additional comfort, space and privacy. The seat features a pitch of up to 43 inches, a 15.5-inch entertainment screen, an extendable calf rest, enhanced privacy and additional personal storage. Guests are expected to experience Saudia’s new Premium Economy cabin aboard newly delivered Boeing 787 aircraft in 2027. The cabin will also be introduced across selected aircraft in its existing Airbus A330, Boeing 777, and Boeing 787 fleets as part of a phased retrofit program. Arved von zur Muehlen, Chief Commercial Officer at Saudia, said: “The introduction of Premium Economy marks another step in enhancing the choices and comfort available to our guests. As part of the ‘New Saudia Experience’, we continue to invest in our onboard products and services to deliver a more comfortable and seamless journey. World Travel Market London provides an opportunity to present these developments to our international partners and demonstrate the progress being made across our guest experience.” Alongside the Premium Economy unveiling, Saudia also showcased its latest Business Class offering aboard the Airbus A321XLR, which joined its fleet earlier this year. Saudia is the first carrier in the Middle East and Africa to operate the aircraft type, featuring 24 Business Class suites with fully flat beds and direct aisle access, alongside 120 Economy Class seats. The airline also presented a selection of onboard amenities and hospitality offerings across its travel classes, including amenity kits and dining service ware.

People

CMAI announces appointment of Sanjay Kumar Singh as President

Delhi, 5th Nov 2026: Carbon Markets Association of India (CMAI has announced appointment of Sanjay Kumar Singh as the new President. This marks an important step in strengthening the Association’s leadership and advancing its mission to support the development of a credible and globally connected carbon market ecosystem.  A distinguished former Secretary, Ministry of Steel, Government of India, and Senior Advisor – Strategy & External Relations at Jindal Steel Ltd., Mr. Singh brings over 36 years of public service and distinguished leadership experience across government and industry.  His leadership comes at a pivotal time as India advances its carbon market framework, industrial decarbonisation and climate finance ambitions.  Under his leadership, CMAI will focus on: – Strengthening India’s carbon market ecosystem and industry readiness for the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) and Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. – Enabling credible carbon project development, investment and access to domestic and international markets. – Fostering strategic partnerships across industry, technology, finance and international stakeholders. – Advancing measurable climate outcomes while supporting long-term industrial competitiveness.  

2026

Vietnam Airlines launches Ahmedabad-Hanoi service

Ahmedabad, November 4, 2026: Vietnam Airlines has launched a new direct service between Hanoi and Ahmedabad in India.  The inaugural flight departed from SVPI Ahmedabad, on November 3, 2026, creating a new direct air link between Gujarat and Vietnam. The flight will operate four times a week, every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, providing travellers from Ahmedabad and neighbouring markets with direct access to Hanoi and onward connections across Vietnam Airlines’ wider domestic and international network. H.E Trinh Minh Manh, Ambassador of Vietnam to India, said: “The launch of the Ahmedabad–Hanoi direct service by Vietnam Airlines is a very much welcome development in strengthening India–Vietnam connectivity. Improved air links will further boost tourism, trade, business exchanges and people-to-people ties, thus further strengthening the Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between our two countries” Spokesperson, Ahmedabad International Airport Limited (AIAL), said:”We welcome Vietnam Airlines to Ahmedabad and are pleased to support the commencement of this new international service. The Ahmedabad-Hanoi connection will offer travellers greater choice and convenience while contributing to the growth of international connectivity from Gujarat. We look forward to working with Vietnam Airlines and Aeroprime Group to support the route’s development and enhance the airport’s international network.” Vietnam Airlines Spokesperson, Nguyen Trung Hieu, Country Manager, India, said:”The launch of our Ahmedabad–Hanoi service reflects Vietnam Airlines’ continued commitment to the Indian market and our ambition to make Vietnam more accessible to Indian travellers. Gujarat offers considerable potential across leisure, business and MICE travel. This new route will provide travellers with a convenient direct connection to Hanoi, while enabling access to Vietnam’s diverse destinations and our wider international network. We appreciate the support of Aeroprime Group and our airport partners in bringing this new service to Ahmedabad.”

Training

AFA’s Simnest A320 FNPT II MCC gets certified in Turkiye

Istanbul, 3 November 2026 : Atlantic Flight Academy’s (AFA) new Simnest A320 FNPT II MCC simulator has received qualification from the Turkish Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), following an evaluation completed in late October 2026 without any findings. The achievement marks a significant milestone for both companies, expanding AFA’s advanced pilot training capabilities and establishing Simnest Aviation’s first simulator in Türkiye, which will also serve as a regional demonstration platform. The certification comes less than a year after the two companies signed a MoU at EATS 2025, followed by a purchase agreement in December and the installation of the simulator at AFA’s Istanbul base in August 2026. The high-fidelity, type-representative A320 FNPT II MCC simulator will support AFA’s APS MCC courses and selected phases of its airline Multi-Crew Pilot Licence (MPL) programs. “Achieving qualification with no findings reinforces our decision to choose Simnest Aviation as our partner,” said Erkan Akçay, CEO of Atlantic Flight Academy. “We were looking for more than a simulator supplier: we needed a team that understands the demands of professional pilot training and can deliver on its commitments. The qualification result reflects both the quality of the device and the successful cooperation between our teams.” “The qualification result speaks for itself,” said Capt. Gyula Kühtreiber, CEO of Simnest Group. “For us, the significance of this project goes well beyond a successful delivery. Together with AFA, we are establishing a regional demonstration platform where prospective customers can experience our technology in a real training environment. This is an important step in strengthening Simnest Aviation’s presence beyond Europe and reaching new markets.”  

Defence

Saab unveils its AI agents for future fighter systems

Saab is revealing its own in-house, flight proven Artificial Intelligence (AI) agents and has flown them on Gripen E. By doing so, Saab has demonstrated its ability to develop, train, and fly its own AI for air combat, taking it all the way from concept to an operational fighter aircraft. AI is one of a series of key technologies within future fighter development and Saab, within its Advanced Programs business unit, has developed a family of AI agents as part of the technology pillars that contribute to its position as a world-class fighter company. The family of agents utilize various AI techniques to master tactical decision-making in complex operational environments. To accomplish this, the agents need to learn, adapt, and collaborate with pilots and operators across a range of mission tasks. The agents can support the pilot in the cockpit or operate alongside pilots in its own unmanned air platform. The agents, training environments, and supporting development tools have all been developed within Saab. This provides full control over how the agents operate, how they are verified, and how they continue to evolve. “We have not only built our own AI agents, but we have also flown them. This demonstrates our capability to develop AI agents that can be integrated into operational fighter aircraft. The future of air combat will not be defined by individual platforms acting alone, but by networks of crewed and uncrewed systems working together as a coordinated force. Through our ownership of the entire technology stack, we are building the capabilities needed for that future,” says Peter Nilsson, head of Advanced Programs at Saab’s business area Aeronautics. A key part of this effort is Saab’s AI Fighter Pilot Academy. The initiative develops the agents while simultaneously building the infrastructure required to create, train, and evaluate AI agents across a wide range of scenarios and platforms. Together with Gripen E, whose disruptive architecture enables the rapid integration and testing of new technologies, even in civilian airspace, Saab controls the entire development chain in-house, from simulation to flight testing. Supporting Saab’s ability to scale this work is Sferical AI, a Swedish sovereign AI initiative providing secure, large-scale computing capacity for advanced AI development. Saab is a founding partner in the initiative. Within the AI Fighter Pilot Academy, agents are trained in simulated environments across multiple air combat capabilities. By accumulating millions of simulated flight hours across a wide range of operational scenarios, they can explore tactics and decision paths far beyond what any individual pilot could experience in a lifetime. Through continuous evaluation of actions against defined objectives, the agents learn to adapt and improve their performance. Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air combat is one such capability, and it has now been validated under real flight conditions. The supporting infrastructure has been designed for reuse, enabling new capabilities, scenarios, and platforms to be added without rebuilding the development framework. AI for fighter aircraft must be trusted. For that reason, safety and control are integrated into the development process from the outset rather than added afterwards. Saab is now continuing to expand the capabilities of its agents and to fly them in a broader range of scenarios. The infrastructure developed within the AI Fighter Pilot Academy provides an important foundation for unmanned platforms. Future air combat is expected to rely on crewed and uncrewed systems operating together, and sovereign verified AI will be a critical capability in that environment. With experience spanning multiple generations of fighter aircraft, Saab is well positioned to lead that development. During the flight trials, the agent autonomously controlled the aircraft in BVR combat scenarios. Gripen E’s software-defined architecture enables new AI software to be integrated and flown in an operational fighter aircraft without the need for dedicated experimental platforms. This shortens development cycles and allows new technologies to be translated into operational capability more rapidly.

2026

Air Astana and China Southern Airlines sign Joint Venture Agreement

Almaty,3rd Nov 2026: Air Astana JSC , the leading airline group in Central Asia and the Caucasus regions by revenue and fleet size, has signed a joint venture (JV) agreement with China Southern Airlines to strengthen air connectivity between Kazakhstan and China, expand travel opportunities and deliver greater convenience and choice for passengers. The agreement marks the first airline joint venture between the two countries, building on the airlines’ established codeshare partnership and creating a platform for deeper commercial cooperation. Under the agreement, the two airlines will work together to coordinate flight schedules, expand codeshare services and undertake joint marketing initiatives. By bringing their respective networks and commercial frameworks closer together, the partnership aims to make journeys across both airlines more straightforward, with more consistent conditions of travel, smoother transfers and greater access to destinations across Kazakhstan, China and beyond. “The number of flights between our countries has increased by 52 per cent compared with the same period in 2025 (117 scheduled flights per week across 21 routes). Since the start of 2026, more than one million passengers have been carried. The Ministry plans to further expand the route network with China, increasing it to 30 destinations,” said Talgat Lastaev, Deputy Minister of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan. “China is a strategically important market for Air Astana, and Kazakhstan is well positioned as a gateway connecting Europe and Asia. Our joint venture with China Southern Airlines represents an important step in developing this role and deepening our commercial relationship with one of China’s leading carriers. By combining our complementary networks and aligning key aspects of our commercial offering, we aim to provide passengers with greater choice, more convenient connections and more consistent conditions and rules across both airlines. At the same time, closer cooperation will enable us to respond more effectively to passenger demand and support the continued growth of air travel between Kazakhstan and China,” said Richard Ledger, VP, Partnerships and Alliances of Air Astana. Zeng Yongchao, EVP of China Southern Airlines stated: “China and Kazakhstan are important partners under the Belt and Road framework. This joint venture is a substantive achievement in aviation connectivity between the two countries and reflects our shared aspiration for a prosperous regional market. For both airlines, this is a strategic choice that leverages our respective strengths and shares resources. For passengers, the most tangible benefit is greater convenience: more flight options, smoother transfer procedures, and a more seamless travel experience. We hope every passenger journeying along the Belt and Road’s air routes will feel the difference this cooperation brings.” Air Astana operates flights from Astana and Almaty to Urumqi, Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai, offering up to 36 weekly regular return flights during the peak season. China Southern Airlines operates flights from Urumqi, Beijing, Guangzhou and Xi’an to Almaty and Astana, offering up to 29 weekly regular return flights during the peak season. Together, the airlines provide an extensive network of services between the two countries, creating a strong foundation for further improvements in connectivity, travel convenience and passenger choice. The partnership will support the development of business, tourism, education and family travel between the two countries, while strengthening connectivity for passengers connecting onwards through Kazakhstan and China to destinations across the airlines’ respective networks.

Top Stories

Digi Yatra brings identity verification to international departures, with BLR Airport using SITA SmartPath

Delhi,3rd November 2026 : Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport) is using SITA SmartPath to enable eligible international passengers to verify their identity once and then be recognised at terminal entry, security and boarding. The initiative forms part of a three-month trial extending Digi Yatra to international departures at select Indian airports, beginning today. By linking each passenger’s Digi Yatra credential and e-passport with airline and airport systems, the solution reduces repeated manual document checks and frees staff to focus on passengers who need assistance. The trial is open to eligible Indian e-passport holders travelling internationally with selected Indian carriers, who can create a digital credential linked to their e-passport. Passengers must continue to carry their travel documents, and all mandatory immigration, border, security and regulatory checks remain in place.  “At BLR Airport, we have taken a phased approach to building a biometric-enabled travel ecosystem, with interoperability and passenger-controlled data at its core. Extending DigiYatra to international departures marks an important next step in this journey. Through this trial, we are bringing together digital identity and face-enabled processing to minimise repeated document checks across participating touchpoints, while assessing how this experience can be further developed and scaled for international travel. Collaboration with government authorities and partners including IndiGo, Air India, SITA and DigiYatra will be critical to advancing a more seamless and digitally enabled passenger journey.” George Fanthome, Chief Technical Officer, BIAL “When an airport can confirm a passenger’s identity once and trust it at every step, it gets more from the terminal it already has. International departures are the real test, because that identity has to work with airline systems and checks beyond India’s domestic network. This implementation can serve as proof that other airports could pass that test too. The next step is cross-border recognition, so travelers verify once for the whole trip,” said Sumesh Patel, President, Asia Pacific Region at SITA. At busy airports, where SITA SmartPath is already in operation, it has reduced boarding times by around 30%. Designed to integrate with existing airport infrastructure and third-party biometric services, it helps airports increase throughput with the terminal space and staff they already have, without compromising security. The trial at BLR Airport builds on a proof of concept completed there in March 2026 by Digi Yatra, IATA, SITA and airline partners, which showed a contactless international departure from airport entry to boarding. For travelers, confirming their identity once means less time repeatedly presenting passports and boarding passes, helping reduce queues and create a quicker, smoother journey through the airport. Biometric data is handled in accordance with Digi Yatra and airport privacy policies and used solely for identity verification. Following the trial, contactless international passenger processing is expected to expand to more airports across India.

Technology

Executive Lifestyle Launches New Booking App

Bahrain, 3rd November 2026: Executive Lifestyle, the luxury travel and private aviation services company has announced the launch of its new mobile application, introducing a more convenient and connected way for clients to arrange and manage their private aviation journeys. Available free on all app store, the Executive Lifestyle App brings together essential travel services and information within one dedicated platform, giving clients greater accessibility and visibility throughout their journeys. Designed to complement the company’s highly personalised approach to private aviation, the application enables users to submit charter flight requests, receive tailored aircraft quotations, review upcoming and previous journeys, and communicate directly with the Executive Lifestyle team. Bringing Greater Convenience to Private Aviation As private aviation continues to evolve, clients increasingly expect greater flexibility, accessibility and immediate access to important travel information. The Executive Lifestyle App addresses these expectations by bringing essential elements of the private charter experience together in one convenient location. Through the application, clients can request one-way, return and multi-leg flights, specify their travel preferences, and review personalised charter options. Once their arrangements are confirmed, they can access flight information, digital briefs, itineraries and other important journey details directly from their mobile devices. The application also provides a dedicated communication channel with the Executive Lifestyle team, alongside push notifications designed to keep clients informed of important travel updates. Technology That Complements Personalised Service For Executive Lifestyle, the introduction of the application represents a further investment in delivering exceptional client experiences. Rather than replacing the personal relationships at the heart of the company’s service, the new platform is designed to make those relationships more accessible. Clients continue to benefit from the expertise, attention to detail and personalised assistance of the Executive Lifestyle team, while enjoying the additional convenience of managing important aspects of their journeys digitally. Building on an Award-Winning Reputation The application launch follows Executive Lifestyle’s recognition as World’s Leading Private Jet Travel Experience 2025 at the World Travel Awards.With a portfolio of services encompassing private jet charter, VIP airliners, helicopter charter and luxury travel solutions, Executive Lifestyle continues to develop its offering around the individual requirements of its international clientele.The introduction of the mobile application marks another step in the company’s commitment to combining personalised luxury travel services with modern convenience.

FOREWORD

Dear Readers,

The Asia-Pacific aviation sector is expanding rapidly, driving growth far beyond aircraft numbers into crucial verticals like MRO, training, logistics, and aerospace supply chains. In this edition of Aviation World, we bring you exclusive interviews and features from across these sectors, offering direct industry insights from top global leadership.

Our cover story highlights Shveta Gupta, CEO of Divyanshi Aviation. Under her dynamic leadership, the company has established itself as one of India’s premier aerospace supply chain providers, partnering with leading global manufacturers. Our corporate feature delves into Divyanshi Aviation’s core operations, paired with an exclusive interview where Ms. Gupta candidly shares her professional journey and vision for the company’s future.

This issue also features exclusive conversations with prominent industry leaders, including:

  • Ron Nye, President of Avionics, Acron Aviation
  • Bob Gibbs, Vice President, Defense & Special Missions Sales, Textron Aviation
  • Sudhir S. Rajeshirke, President – Aerospace, Jubilant Enpro
  • Emmanuel Simon, Program Manager and Aerospace Leader, PHINIA
  • Arved von zur Muehlen, Chief Commercial Officer, Saudia Group
  • Simon Azar, Vice President, Civil Aviation, Asia Pacific, CAE

Each leader offers key perspectives on their organization’s strategic initiatives and their growing contributions to the Indian aviation and aerospace ecosystem. Additionally, you will find expert-authored analytical features offering deep dives into current sector trends.

Aviation World continues to expand its global footprint as an official media partner for major domestic and international aviation events. Our editorial team will be participating in several upcoming global forums, and we look forward to connecting with industry peers and exploring new collaborations.

We extend our sincere gratitude to our advertisers and partners whose continued support fuels our endeavor.

Happy Reading!

The Editorial Team

Aviation World

NEWSLETTER

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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

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