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    2026

    Defence Secretary launches new DBIM-compliant MoD and DoD websites

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    New Delhi, 20th October 2026: Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh launched the revamped websites of Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Department of Defence (DoD) on October 19, 2026. The modern, accessible and user-friendly platforms are fully compliant with the Digital Brand Identity Manual (DBIM) 3.0 and the Guidelines for Indian Government Websites (GIGW) 3.0. The websites provide seamless access to information on MoD policies, initiatives, activities, notifications, defence-related updates and other important resources for citizens, stakeholders and users. The content is available in 22 Indian official languages, ensuring wider outreach and improved accessibility. The website can be accessed at www.mod.gov.in. The initiative aligns with the Government’s vision of Digital India and e-Governance, promoting transparency, efficiency, accessibility and citizen-centric delivery of information through a secure and modern digital platform. (Courtesy: PIB/MOD)

    Top Stories, UAM/AAM

    Archer completes electric air taxi flights over San Francisco Bay

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    India,20th October 2026: Archer’s all-electric Midnight air taxi recently completed a week filled with piloted flights across Northern California, including multiple flights around the San Francisco Bay that took off and landed at Oakland International Airport. Beginning in Salinas, Midnight’s multi-city journey to the Bay Area took it to progressively larger cities with more complex airspace — with stops at Hollister, San Martin, San Jose, Mountain View and Hayward before landing in Oakland to complete multiple piloted flights over the San Francisco Bay. In total, Midnight flew 300+ miles. The purpose of the Northern California flights of Archer’s ‘No Roads’ tour was to showcase Midnight’s ability to operate seamlessly in the complex urban airspace surrounding the Bay Area’s three international airports — San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose — representing one of the busiest flight corridors in the country. In addition to demonstrating airspace integration, the flights also gave communities across the Bay Area a chance to see the benefits of electric air taxis firsthand: low noise, zero operating emissions, and the ability to skip overcrowded highways — turning drives of an hour or more into 10 to 20-minute trips. Building on the close coordination with the FAA and state and local partners that made the Northern California flights possible, these flights have opened the door for Midnight to continue demonstrating its readiness to integrate with commercial air traffic in the world’s largest cities — with plans to fly in Los Angeles next as Archer prepares to operate under the White House’s eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP).

    Business Aviation

    Gulfstream earns NBAA sustainable flight department reaccreditation

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    Savannah, Ga., October 20, 2026:  Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. has announced it has earned reaccreditation through the National Business Aviation Association’s (NBAA) Sustainable Flight Department Accreditation Program, recognizing the company’s continued leadership in advancing sustainability across its global operations. The reaccreditation reflects measurable progress made across Gulfstream’s flight, ground support, infrastructure and operational activities. With this achievement, Gulfstream—the first original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to hold accreditation in all four program categories—becomes the first OEM to earn reaccreditation. “At Gulfstream, sustainability is not a standalone initiative—it is integrated into how we operate, innovate and lead,” said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream. “This reaccreditation reflects the dedication of teams across our company who are driving meaningful progress, embracing continuous improvement and helping position Gulfstream and business aviation for a more sustainable future.” As part of the reaccreditation process, Gulfstream demonstrated significant environmental achievements compared to its 2019 baseline, including a 44% reduction in fuel consumption and flight emissions across the Flight Department fleet, a 21% improvement in emissions per flight hour and nearly 719.8 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions improvement through sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) utilization in 2025. Additional accomplishments include an 18% reduction in ground support emissions driven by the deployment of electric tugs, electric golf carts and EV charging infrastructure; a 25% reduction in emissions intensity per square foot; and more than 2.3 million square feet of LEED- and BREEAM-certified facilities. Gulfstream also achieved a 43% reduction in employee air travel emissions and a 55% improvement in emissions per employee. NBAA Sustainable Flight Department Accreditation Program The NBAA Sustainable Flight Department Accreditation Program recognizes organizations that demonstrate excellence in environmental stewardship and sustainable operations. Gulfstream’s reaccreditation showcases its ongoing efforts to advance operational efficiency, support the adoption of SAF and invest in technologies and practices that reduce environmental impact while maintaining the highest standards of safety and performance. The program is now managed by 4AIR, working into aviation sustainability solutions, under a strategic partnership with NBAA announced in March. 4AIR provides technical oversight, independent data validation and sustainability expertise to strengthen the program’s rigor. “Gulfstream continues to lead by example, showing that real sustainability leadership is built on measurable data, accountability and continuous improvement across every part of an operation,” said Nancy Bsales, chief operating officer, 4AIR. “Reducing emissions step-by-step, from flight to ground support to facilities, is how business aviation will meet its commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Gulfstream’s achievement across all four accreditation categories shows the whole industry what that path looks like.” “Business aviation has always led in innovation, and Gulfstream’s reaccreditation shows that leadership extends to sustainability,” said NBAA interim chief operating officer, Dan Hubbard. “Through efficiency, sustainable aviation fuel and smarter operations, Gulfstream’s results show what a sustainable business aviation industry looks like.”  

    Business Aviation, Events

    BAAFEx 2027 set to grow with more exhibitors and aircrafts on static display

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    Singapore, 20 October 2026: Business Aviation Asia Forum & Expo 2027 (BAAFEx 2027) continues to build momentum, with a growing number of exhibitors signing on for the show, Vista confirming a Global 8000 for static display, Dassault Aviation planning to showcase an aircraft on static display, and the Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA) returning as supporting association. The event, to be held at the Changi Exhibition Centre, is expected to be 50% bigger than its inaugural 2025 edition. It is set to attract more than 3,000 industry professionals and trade visitors, with over 75 participating companies taking part in the exhibition, sponsorship opportunities and three-day forum programme. Growing exhibitor line-up  More than 20 exhibitors have currently confirmed across aircraft, charter and aircraft management, aviation fuel, trip support, connectivity, MRO and technical solutions, airports and regulatory services. Among the latest additions is Dassault Aviation, which will return to BAAFEx in 2027 and plans to have an aircraft on static display. Dassault Aviation, Executive VP Civil Aircraft, Carlos Brana, says: “We are pleased to be returning to BAAFEx in 2027. Asia Pacific remains an important market for Dassault Aviation, and BAAFEx provides a valuable platform to engage with the region’s business aviation community. We look forward to showcasing Dassault Aviation’s capabilities and sharing our approach to performance, efficiency and passenger comfort.” Vista Global, Sino Jet and Aviaarc Trip Support are also among the latest companies to join the BAAFEx 2027 exhibitor line-up, alongside previously announced exhibitors including AEG Fuels, Amber Aviation, Boeing Business Jets, Gogo, HADID International Services, Lufthansa Technik and Viasat. Vista will showcase a Global 8000 on static display, giving visitors the opportunity to see the ultra-long-range business jet up close. Ian Moore, Chief Commercial Officer at Vista, says: “Southeast Asia plays an important role for business development across Asia Pacific which is also underscored by Singapore’s 58% flight traffic growth in the first half of 2026 compared to 2025. As demand for private aviation continues to evolve, our global fleet allows us to connect clients seamlessly across 96% of the world, while offering flexibility and consistency every trip. We are excited to return to BAAFEx in 2027 to showcase Vista’s latest offerings and contribute to the conversations shaping the next phase of business aviation growth in the region.” Sino Jet will also return as an exhibitor, with Vice Chair Jenny Lau set to participate in the forum’s China market discussion. AsBAA will again support BAAFEx, reinforcing the event’s role as a regional platform for the business aviation community. Phil Balmer, Chairman of AsBAA says: “AsBAA is proud to support BAAFEx in 2027, and we are delighted to see this dedicated business aviation event gaining momentum. It is an excellent opportunity for operators, manufacturers, service providers, regulators and other stakeholders to come together, exchange perspectives and address the priorities that will support the industry’s continued development across the region.” Expanded Forum Programme  BAAFEx 2027 has also unveiled its expanded conference programme which will bring together business aviation leaders from across Asia Pacific and beyond to discuss the most pressing issues facing the industry. BAAFEx’s three-day forum programme includes a wide-range of topics including: factors driving the growth of Asia Pacific’s business aviation sector, business aviation markets in Southeast Asia, Australia, China and India, need for improved airport infrastructure and slot availability to sustain the growth, advances in Urban Air Mobility, how the MRO sector is developing in-region and attracting maintenance engineers and technicians to support the needs of business jet operators, how digital platforms are facilitating the charter business, shifts in passenger expectations when it comes to the onboard passenger experience, advances in inflight connectivity and cabin interiors, adoption of sustainable aviation fuel, carbon off-setting and other initiatives to reduce emissions. Leck Chet Lam, Managing Director of Experia Events, says: “Asia Pacific’s business aviation industry has continued to grow and evolve, and BAAFEx 2027 is growing and evolving in line with that.” “The decision to include dedicated discussion panels on the Australia and India business aviation markets reflects size and importance of these markets in the region, while the decision to have a dedicated panel on urban air mobility shows the helicopter and eVTOLs role in the broader business aviation transport ecosystem.” “The forum overall aims to bring together the key players in Asia Pacific’s business aviation community and generate discussions that lead to positive outcomes,” he adds. Market-focused discussions on China and Southeast Asia will return in 2027, reflecting the continued importance and development of these markets. BAAFEx 2027 will also introduce dedicated discussions on Australia and India, recognising their growing importance and longer-term potential within Asia Pacific business aviation. Separately, Urban Air Mobility (UAM) will be introduced as a new subject area for BAAFEx 2027. The discussion will cover helicopters and eVTOLs, including how the two types of aircraft could coexist within the wider aviation ecosystem and the regulatory, infrastructure and airspace requirements needed to support future growth.

    Civil Aviation

    Sun PhuQuoc Airways launches its first direct route to India

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    New Delhi, 19th October 2026: Starting December 3, 2026, Sun PhuQuoc Airways (SPA) plans to operate direct flights connecting Ahmedabad and Phu Quoc with a frequency of 5 flights per week and a flight duration of approximately 4 hours and 45 minutes. This marks the airline’s first route to India, adding a convenient travel option between Pearl Island and one of the major economic hubs in Western India. Tickets go on sale from October 16, with one-way fares starting from 9,596 INR (taxes and fees included). Flight 9G315 departs Phu Quoc International Airport at 19:35 and arrives at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad at 23:30 (local time). In the reverse direction, Flight 9G314 departs at 01:00 and arrives in Phu Quoc at 07:15. Flights are scheduled every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday. Beginning in early February 2027, the airline will increase frequency to 7 flights per week (daily). Thanks to the early morning arrival time, travellers from Ahmedabad can start their very first day in Phu Quoc right after landing. On this route, SPA operates Airbus A321neo aircraft offering full-service experiences, featuring food and beverage options specially prepared for Indian passengers. Menus respectfully cater to cultural and religious preferences. The spirit of a “Resort in the Sky” is present in every detail of the cabin—from the signature La Festa fragrance, originally created for La Festa Phu Quoc, Curio Collection by Hilton, to wireless inflight entertainment systems. Fares include 23 kg of checked baggage and 7 kg of carry-on baggage, ensuring passengers can kick off their vacation without worrying about extra costs. Fares for the Phu Quoc – Ahmedabad segment start from VND 2,619,000 one-way, while the Ahmedabad – Phu Quoc segment starts from INR 9,596 one-way, all inclusive of taxes and fees. These promotional fares apply to the first four flights on each leg. From October 16 to November 13, 2026, passengers booking via the airline’s official website or mobile app will receive an additional 20% discount on the base fare for travel through June 03, 2026. Passengers will also receive a complimentary “Phu Quoc – Your Ultimate Escape” package, which includes Sun World Hon Thom cable car tickets, WOW Pass priority lane access, and discounts of up to 30% on resort and entertainment services across the Sun Group ecosystem in Phu Quoc. Welcoming the Inflow of Indian Tourists to Pearl Island In 2025, Phu Quoc welcomed approximately 150,000 Indian visitors, a 328% increase compared to the previous year despite having no direct flights. Nationwide, Vietnam hosted 746,000 tourists from India, placing the country 6th among Vietnam’s top 10 international source markets. With SPA’s new direct route, Indian travelers can fly straight to Pearl Island without layovers, allowing them to make the absolute most of their vacation time. Two-Way Exploration For Indian travelers, Phu Quoc can serve as a gateway to broader journeys across Vietnam. From Pearl Island, SPA’s flight network connects to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Van Don, and Hai Phong, turning a beach holiday into a rich exploration of vibrant cities and cultural experiences. Conversely, Ahmedabad offers compelling reasons of its own for Vietnamese travelers to explore India. Ahmedabad is just the beginning of SPA’s expansion plan into the Indian market. In Q1 2027, the airline aims to launch additional routes to other cities across the South Asian nation. SPA’s fleet is expected to reach 33 aircraft by the end of 2026 and 58 aircraft by the end of 2027, with its wide-body Airbus A330 fleet increasing from 5 to 8 units. On this foundation, SPA continues to expand its international network, bringing more visitors to Phu Quoc while opening up more choices for Vietnamese travelers to explore the world.

    Technology, Top Stories

    Embraer delivers first E175 featuring new RECARO seats to American Airlines

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    São José dos Campos, October 19, 2026: Embraer has announced the delivery of the first E175 equipped with new-generation RECARO passenger seats to American Airlines, marking another milestone in the continued evolution and modernization of one of the world’s most successful regional aircraft. The delivery introduces a new cabin experience designed to further enhance passenger comfort while reinforcing the E175’s position as the preferred regional jet in North America. The new generation seating represents the latest cabin enhancement available for the E175 platform, combining contemporary aesthetics with durable, human-centric ergonomics. “The E175 has built an unmatched reputation by continuously evolving to meet the needs of airlines and passengers,” said Arjan Meijer, President and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation. “The introduction of our new RECARO seats demonstrates our commitment to investing in the platform and delivering enhancements that improve passenger experience while creating additional value for operators. The new RECARO seats feature a contemporary, slimline profile designed to maximize personal space and knee room without compromising cushion comfort. The upgrade is part of American’s ongoing cabin modernization journey and further elevates the onboard experience on the carrier’s regional fleet. The seating upgrade forms part of Embraer’s ongoing investment in the evolution and modernization of the E175, bringing its main cabin environment and passenger experience closer to the E2 family. Together, these enhancements deliver a more mainline-like experience while further strengthening the E175’s position as the benchmark regional jet. “As the ​first U.S. ​airline ​to ​introduce RECARO ​seats ​on ​Embraer E175 ​aircraft, ​we’re ​continuing to ​raise ​the ​bar for regional ​travel,” said Rhonda ​Crawford, Senior ​Vice ​President ​of Customer Experience ​Design and Strategy of American Airlines. “Our ​goal is ​to deliver the elevated experience ​customers want, while ​creating ​greater ​consistency across the American travel experience.” Embraer continues to invest in improvements across the E175 platform. In addition to the latest cabin enhancements, advanced technologies such as enhanced data connectivity and next-generation weather radar are designed to improve operational capability, situational awareness and efficiency throughout the aircraft’s lifecycle. With more than two decades of proven service and a strong track record with airlines worldwide, the E175 continues to set the benchmark for regional aviation, combining operational reliability, economic performance, and passenger comfort.

    Civil Aviation

    Emirates previews latest A380 in Delhi ahead of its debut

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    Delhi,16 October 2026: Emirates hosted a special preview of its retrofitted A380 aircraft in Delhi ahead of the commencement of scheduled daily services starting on 25 October. The touch-down of the world’s largest commercial aircraft at IGI Airport was witnessed by Ram Mohan Naidu, Minister of Civil Aviation and Pradeep Panicker, CEO of Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), in the presence of Abdulaziz Abdulla Al Hashmi, Chargé d’Affaires Embassy of the United Arab Emirates and other distinguished guests. The guest were also invited onboard for a guided tour and first glimpse of the aircraft’s four cabins and signature onboard amenities that customers in Delhi will enjoy when travelling to Dubai when the aircraft is deployed this month. The four-class aircraft featuring the airline’s latest signature experiences and distinctive aesthetic includes the highly-acclaimed Premium Economy cabin, for the first time in Delhi, which Indian travellers can choose for elevated comfort. Hosting the tour were Essa Sulaiman Ahmad, Emirates’ Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations for West Asia and Indian Ocean and Mohammad Sarhan, Emirates’ VP – India and Nepal. When Emirates’ daily A380 services to Delhi launch on 25 October, the gateway will become the third in the country to be served by the iconic double-decker, joining Mumbai and Bengaluru. The A380 will operate on flights EK512/513 in a four-class configuration, complementing the deployment of Emirates’ retrofitted B777 aircraft, also in a four-class layout featuring Premium Economy, across its three other daily flights which will all be deployed on the same day. In its commitment to India, Emirates is undertaking a series of fleet and operational enhancements to continuously elevate the customer experience on journeys. The refinements include introducing its latest cabin class, Premium Economy, to more gateways in India to reach six points by October, including Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Kochi. In addition to the A380 deployment to Delhi, the next-generation A350 aircraft, the latest to join the airline’s fleet, will be introduced to Kolkata from 25 October, also configured with Premium Economy.

    MRO, Top Stories

    Turkish Airlines and CFM sign MOU for more than 600 LEAP-1B engines

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    Istanbul, 17 October 2026 : Turkish Airlines and CFM International has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the purchase of more than 300 LEAP-1B engines, including spares, to power 100 firm and 50 option Boeing 737 MAX aircraft announced in September 23. The long-term services agreement will cover airline’s entire LEAP-1B engine fleet, including previously ordered and delivered engines, spares, and engines associated with leased aircraft and potential options. Together, these represent more than 600 LEAP-1B engines operated by Turkish Airlines and its subsidiary AJet. The MoU was signed in Istanbul by Prof. Murat Şeker, Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee of Turkish Airlines, Mikail Akbulut, CEO and Board Member of Turkish Technic, and Olivier Andriès, CEO of Safran, one of CFM’s two parent companies. It also includes a material services agreement to support the establishment of an engine maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility in Türkiye. Turkish Airlines currently operates a fleet of 96 Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft with CFM56-7B engines (including Ajet Fleet), as well as 79 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft powered by LEAP-1B (including AJet fleet). Commenting on the agreement, Prof. Murat Şeker, Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee, stated: “This new step with CFM will support our growing fleet, network, and the operational efficiency. We are also pleased to strengthen our partnership with CFM through a comprehensive set of services, providing the expertise, reliability, and long-term support needed to develop our LEAP MRO capabilities alongside a long-standing partner.” Turkish Technic CEO and Board Member, Mikail Akbulut said: “With this agreement, we will be able to provide comprehensive maintenance operations for the LEAP engine. As Turkish Technic, we will continue to invest in engine maintenance services as well as our aircraft and component maintenance capabilities in line with our strategy.” Olivier Andriès, CEO of Safran, said: “This MoU marks a new milestone in our successful relationship with Turkish Airlines, a trusted partner for nearly four decades. It reflects our shared ambition to support the airline’s continued growth and fleet expansion. The MoU demonstrates our broader commitment to an open MRO ecosystem, which provides airlines with flexibility and competitive services to improve operational performance and manage costs effectively.” Lawrence Culp, Jr., Chairman and CEO of GE Aerospace, said: “We are proud to partner with Turkish Airlines as it continues flying to the most countries in the world. Putting its trust in CFM to provide highly reliable and efficient engines to support the growth of its Istanbul network and engine MRO capabilities is a responsibility we take seriously. We look forward to building on our proven partnership with this next chapter.” In the 10 years since LEAP engines entered service, CFM has delivered more than 10,000 engines that have accumulated over 100 million flight hours. CFM continues to upgrade the LEAP fleet with a high-pressure turbine (HPT) durability kit to extend time on wing and a reverse bleed system (RBS). The company is focused on delivering high engine availability through exceptional MRO performance and competitive cost of ownership, with the benefits of aftermarket competition through its open MRO ecosystem. This strategic agreement both underlines the flag carrier’s long-standing partnership with CFM International and represents a new chapter for the inclusion process of newly ordered Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to its ever-growing fleet. The agreement will also bolster Turkish Technic’s engine maintenance capabilities, through the establishment of a new state-of-the-art facility, enabling Turkish Technic to deliver comprehensive maintenance services.

    2026

    ixigo Delivers All-time High PAT of Rs.63.42 Cr in Q2 FY27

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    Gurugram, 17 October 2026: ixigo (Le Travenues Technology Ltd) , India based AI-based travel platform has announced its standalone and consolidated financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2026. ixigo delivered resilient growth in Q2 FY27, supported by its diversified multimodal travel business. Gross Transaction Value (GTV) grew 22% YoY to Rs. 5,304.47 Cr, while Revenue from Operations increased 13% YoY to Rs. 320.96 Cr. Contribution Margin rose 14% YoY to Rs. 124.86 Cr. This is the first quarter ixigo has started disclosing hotels as a separate line of business. Hotels has emerged as ixigo’s fastest-growing line of business with GTV growth of +159% YoY, Revenue growth of +528%, with a 12%+ gross take rate. 86%+ of bookings came from ixigo’s own captive users. The business crossed approximately 4.7 lakh room nights in Q2 FY27, making it one of the fastest growing hotel OTAs in India. Hotel inventory stood at 70,000+ properties in India, including 12,000+ directly contracted properties across 1,100 towns. Flight and Bus led the quarter with GTV growth of 37% and 32% YoY, respectively. ixigo expanded its distribution by powering train bookings on Uber, alongside its existing bus integration, while food delivery through Zoop and Swiggy now services over 290 railway stations. Higher airfares and limited availability of confirmed train tickets continued to support intercity bus demand growth, complemented by investments in customer experience and deeper supply expansion. AbhiBus further strengthened its offering with the launch of Women Zone, a booking option for solo women travellers. Hotels: ixigo’s Next Growth Engine Crossed 5000 Hotel room nights per day, growing 3.9x YoY Hotels GTV grew 2.6x YoY to Rs. 111.34 Cr in Q2 FY27, including Brevistay. Hotels Revenue grew over 6x to Rs. 8.1 Cr in Q2 FY27 The company continued to invest in supply, product and customer experience, with emerging product-market fit in Hotels. Key Performance Highlights – Q2 FY27 Gross Transaction Value (GTV) stood at 5,304.47 Cr in Q2 FY27, registering 22% YoY growth compared to Rs. 4,347.50 Cr in Q2 FY26. Revenue from Operations grew 13% YoY to Rs. 320.96 Cr in Q2 FY27 from Rs. 284.23 Cr in Q2 FY26. Contribution Margin (CM) increased 14% YoY to Rs. 124.86 Cr in Q2 FY27 from Rs. 109.58 Cr in Q2 FY26. Adjusted EBITDA (EBITDA plus ESOP Expenses less Other Income) stood at 23.58 Cr in Q2 FY27, down 17% YoY from Rs. 28.48 Cr in Q2 FY26. Profit before share of loss of an associate, exceptional items and tax stood at 33.53 Cr in Q2 FY27 Q2 FY27 also recorded an all-time high Profit After Tax at Rs.63.42 Cr Management Commentary Aloke Bajpai (Group CEO), Rajnish Kumar (Group Co-CEO), and Saurabh Devendra Singh (Group CFO) stated:  “In Q2 FY27, we delivered resilient growth with Quarterly GTV of ₹5,304 Crores, up 22% YoY, and Revenue from Operations of ₹321 Crores, up 13% YoY. Our PAT was an all-time high aided by our partial sale of stake in Freshbus. Flight and Bus led the quarter with GTV growth of 37% and 32% YoY respectively. From this quarter onwards, we are disclosing a new line of business of Hotels which grew GTV 2.6x YoY to ₹111 Crores with a gross take rate of more than 12%. We continue to invest in Hotels and AI as key drivers of our long-term growth.”

    Airports

    Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru and Vancouver International Airport announce sister airport agreement

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    Bengaluru, October 16, 2026: Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport) and Vancouver International Airport (YVR), along with Maninder Sidhu, Canada’s Minister of International Trade has announced the signing of a sister airport agreement aimed at building further operational, technological, economic, and air service connections between Western Canada and Southern India. The memorandum of understanding between the two airports is focused on seven different areas of collaboration, including innovation to further support efficient airport operations through the use of technology. This includes work around YVR Airport’s Digital Twin as well as emerging tools and potential innovation pilot projects that could be jointly developed or trialed between the YVR and BLR Airport teams. The agreement also lays out efforts to further the transit of air cargo between Southern India and Canada and, particularly when it comes to supporting growing industries such as the tech sector in the two regions, as well as a goal of developing direct air service between Bengaluru and Vancouver. “This agreement highlights the growing importance of the Canada–India corridor and the need for stronger collaboration across the aviation ecosystem to support passengers, cargo, and trade. The partnership between YVR and Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru is a practical example of that approach in action,” said Albert van Veen, Vice President of Innovation and Chief Information Officer, Vancouver International Airport. “By working together, both airports are exploring ways to improve the passenger journey while enhancing operational efficiency and resilience, not to mention supporting continued travel and trade growth between our two countries.” Two-way trade between Canada and India was valued at more than $10.9 billion in 2025 alone, with both governments working to grow volumes considerably in the coming years. British Columbia is home to one of the largest Indian diasporas in the world, comprising nearly 500,000 people and representing close to 10 per cent of B.C.’s population. Meanwhile, Bengaluru has seen considerable population growth with a rapidly growing tech sector and increasing business-to-business connections with Western Canada and the Western United States. “This strategic partnership establishes a robust framework to advance technology integration and operational excellence by benchmarking against global best practices. By leveraging Vancouver’s standing as a premier international gateway and Bengaluru’s position as one of India’s most dynamic aviation hubs, the collaboration will focus on co-developing next-generation capabilities across digital platforms, data-driven decision-making, and process optimization. Our teams will work closely to exchange proven models in smart airport technologies, sustainable operations, and terminal performance management, setting new benchmarks in efficiency, resilience, and passenger experience. This partnership reinforces our shared commitment to building future-ready airports that deliver consistently world-class outcomes,” said Girish Nair, Chief Operating Officer of Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL). Hon. Maninder Sidhu, Canada’s Minister of International Trade, said: “As we move at speed to diversify Canada’s trade relationships with partners like India, our trade corridors are seeing real results. At Vancouver International Airport, air cargo volumes grew by 7.4% in 2025, and today’s agreement with Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru lays the groundwork for direct air service to one of the world’s fastest-growing markets. That means more trade, more investment and stronger people-to-people ties between our countries.” “The announcement of a sister airport agreement between YVR and India’s BLR Airport in Bengaluru marks a significant milestone in deepening economic connections between Western Canada and Southern India, establishing a new runway for shared technological and innovative collaboration as Canada actively bolsters its engagement with the world’s most populous democracy,” says Jeff Nankivell, President & CEO of the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada. “This is an important first step in establishing direct air connectivity between these two growing trade and transport hubs, which combinedly handled more than 885,000 metric tonnes of cargo and welcomed 71 million passengers last year. This new agreement promises significant economic benefits for Canada and India in the years ahead.” “In an era of accelerating change, strategic connectivity is essential for business leaders,” says Victor Thomas, President and CEO of the Canada India Business Council. “The linkage between two world-class innovation hubs through YVR and BLR will strengthen Canada–India business ties and unlock new economic opportunities.” YVR Airport is coming off a record year in 2025, with 26.9 million passengers travelling through the airport and the movement of 365,000 tonnes of cargo, up 7.4 per cent from 2024. The airport is set to eclipse those numbers in 2026 with a continued increase in passenger traffic and double-digit growth in cargo volumes. This was accomplished thanks to strong operations and customer service combined with globally recognized innovation. YVR was recently voted Best Airport in North America by Skytrax for a record 15th year and named as one of the top 10 airports globally. YVR also recently announced a commitment to doubling air cargo volumes in the next five years in support of diversifying trade and getting more of Canada to global markets. BLR Airport also celebrated a strong 2025, with 44.47 million passengers including a 23.9 per cent increase in international passengers. The airport moved 532,000 tonnes of cargo last year, up 6 per cent year over year, and is India’s leading gateway for perishable exports.

    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

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    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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