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    2026

    BLR airport introduces special assistance zone at Terminal 1

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    Bengaluru, September 15, 2026: Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport) has introduced a Special Assistance Zone at Terminal 1, a dedicated facility providing end-to-end support for passengers who may require additional assistance during their airport journey. This includes Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRM), Persons with Disabilities (PwD), senior citizens, pregnant women, unaccompanied minors and other passengers requiring special assistance. The zone is designed to streamline the initial stages of the passenger journey by bringing check-in, baggage assistance and waiting facilities together within one dedicated space, before security screening. With direct access from Priority Gate 5A, it features two dedicated assistance desks staffed by airline partners, with a wheelchair-friendly design to facilitate check-in. Once passengers arrive at the assistance desk, their baggage is collected and transported by staff to the baggage belt, eliminating the need to navigate the baggage drop process independently. The space also offers 20 accessible seats with charging points, with additional seating outside for accompanying family members and caretakers. Flight Information Display System (FIDS) screens provide journey updates, enabling passengers to wait comfortably. “For us, accessibility is fundamentally about understanding the different needs of our passengers and designing the airport experience around them. The introduction of the Special Assistance Zone reflects this thinking, bringing greater ease, dignity and confidence to a part of the journey that can often be challenging for passengers requiring additional support. As BLR Airport continues to grow, we remain committed to ensuring that this growth is matched by an experience that is thoughtful, inclusive and responsive to every passenger.” ~ BIAL Spokesperson. The Special Assistance Zone is part of BLR Airport’s broader approach to accessibility and inclusive passenger experience, with initiatives spanning physical infrastructure, assistive support, employee preparedness and digital accessibility. These include Mobility Assist for passengers with disabilities, sensory room for neurodivergent passengers, the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard programme, accessibility-focused staff training and sensitisation, and digital tools such as the Social Story feature for neurodivergent passengers and caregivers.

    Tourism

    Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority signs MOU with Emirates at ATM Dubai

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    Dubai, 15 September 2026: Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) and Emirates have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to boost visitor arrivals and stimulate traffic to the emirate from select markets within the airline’s network. The MOU was signed at the Arabian Travel Market by Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer and Her Excellency Phillipa Harrison, Chief Executive Officer of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority. Under the MOU, RAKTDA and Emirates will work closely to explore implementing promotional activities across select markets. This will include joint marketing and advertising, trade and media familiarisation programmes, with RAKTDA supporting visits through curated ground experiences that showcase the destination and sharing marketing costs for multi-market campaign activities in Ras Al Khaimah’s target markets. Both parties will explore developing bespoke products and packages for Emirates customers, to be promoted to Emirates’ customers directly through ‘Dubai Experience’ on the airline’s website, alongside incentives for tour operators and the wider travel trade – enabling tourists to explore the full range of activities and experiences the UAE has to offer. RAKTDA and Emirates will also explore opportunities to share insights that identify what traveller segments are prioritised and leveraged across marketing campaigns. H.E. Phillipa Harrison, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said: “As we expand our destination offering and cement Ras Al Khaimah’s positioning globally, working with Emirates will help connect the destination with audiences across key international markets. Through our collaboration with Emirates, we aim to build long-term value for our tourism partners and offer travellers more reasons to visit the UAE and explore Ras Al Khaimah.” Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer said: “We are proud to support the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority and their 2030 tourism targets. Emirates’ network reach of close to 140 destinations provides the scale required to reach new travellers and encourage them to expand their itinerary with the rich experiences Ras Al Khaimah has to offer. As our home and hub, we remain committed to showcasing the UAE’s breadth of attractions and depth of experiences available for visitors.” Located just 45 minutes from Dubai International Airport, Ras Al Khaimah offers incredible natural landscapes, complemented by world-class hospitality and visitor experiences. With 68 kilometres of coastline, terracotta desert dunes, and Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest mountain, the emirate offers a distinctive setting for holidays that combine relaxation, outdoor adventure and cultural discovery. Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority is targeting more than 3.5 million annual visitors by 2030 as the destination continues to expand its offering through new hotel openings, developments by major international hospitality brands and landmark projects. Together, these investments will broaden the choice of accommodation and experiences available to visitors, supporting the emirate’s long-term tourism ambitions and creating further opportunities for collaboration with Emirates and its travel trade partners.

    Features

    When Pilots Go Around: One of Aviation’s Most Standard Safety Decisions

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    The runway is in sight and the aircraft is moments from touchdown. Then the engines surge, the nose lifts and the aircraft begins to climb again. Here is why this is often one of the safest decisions a pilot can make. As an aircraft descends towards a runway, passengers can usually sense that the journey is almost over. Seat belts are fastened, window shades are raised and attention turns to the ground as the runway comes into view. Then, suddenly, the engines become louder. The aircraft begins to climb and the runway drops away beneath the wings. For many travellers, the first reaction is confusion: Did something go wrong? Was it dangerous? In most cases, what they have experienced is one of aviation’s most important safety practices: a go-around.Far from being an emergency, a go-around is a deliberate and highly trained manoeuvre. It allows pilots to climb away from the runway and prepare for another approach. For Air India, where safety supports every operation, the go-around shows how pilots, technology, procedures and sound judgement work together to protect safety margins. What is a go-around? The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration describes a go-around as a safe, routine manoeuvre that may be initiated by the pilot or requested by Air Traffic Control.Reasons can include an occupied runway, changing weather, traffic or other operational considerations. Once the aircraft reaches a safe altitude, it is repositioned for another approach and landing. Think of parking a car in a tight space. If the angle is not right, most people do not force the car into position and hope for the best. They pull out, reposition and try again. A go-around follows the same principle. Rather than continuing when the approach is not as it should be, pilots climb away, reposition the aircraft and set up again. The decision puts precision and safety ahead of simply getting the aircraft on the ground.Importantly, a go-around is not an abnormal procedure. Airports publish missed-approach procedures, pilots brief for the possibility before landing and airlines train for it regularly. It is not aviation’s backup plan; it is part of normal operations. Chief Pilot of Air India’s A350 fleet, Sameer Bagai explains, “As pilots, we continuously monitor the approach. If the aircraft is not in a safe and stable position to land, or if we lose the required visual references, we do not try to force the landing. We simply discontinue the approach and go around. It’s a normal, well-practised safety decision. And there is always another opportunity to land safely.” How common are go-arounds? Although a go-around can feel unusual in the passenger cabin, it is a recognised and expected part of commercial aviation.Industry data suggests that go-arounds occur on about one to three approaches in every thousand. This means that more than 99 per cent of approaches end with a landing on the first attempt. The rate varies with factors such as airport complexity, weather and traffic.Many passengers may never experience a go-around, while frequent travellers may encounter one occasionally. Across the millions of flights operated each year, thousands of go-arounds take place. Pilots and air traffic controllers consider the possibility on every approach, and it remains an option until the aircraft has landed safely. A go-around may be a routine part of aviation, but it is not something most passengers expect to experience. Keeping customers informed and reassured is therefore a key part of the procedure. Yoahann Banaji, Chief Pilot of the B777 fleet notes, “We make announcements to explain what is happening. As hearing from the captain can help reassure passengers that everything is under control and that the flight is continuing safely.” Why do pilots perform a go-around? Every landing begins well before the aircraft reaches the runway. During the descent, pilots continuously assess speed, altitude, wind, visibility, traffic and runway status. They compare the approach with clearly defined safety criteria.Most approaches develop exactly as planned. Sometimes, however, the wind changes, visibility reduces, another aircraft is still leaving the runway, or the aircraft no longer meets the required stabilised approach criteria. In that situation, there is no benefit in pressing ahead. The safer choice is often to go around, create more time and set up a better approach. Stabilised approach guidance is built around this principle. The decision often happens earlier than passengers think Passengers may assume that a go-around follows a dramatic event at the last second. More often, pilots decide early that the approach is no longer ideal.Pilots monitor many parameters throughout the approach. If the aircraft is too high, too fast, not correctly aligned, or if weather or runway conditions change, another approach may offer a safer result. The aim is never to “salvage” a landing. The aim is to complete a safe landing. Pilots are therefore trained to go around early, clearly and without hesitation when conditions require it. Aviation safety experts have long recognised that continuing an unstable approach can present greater risk than conducting a go-around.That philosophy is reinforced through Air India’s safety culture. As Chief Pilot Yoahann Banaji explains,  “At Air India, safety always comes first. Pilots are encouraged to make decisions based solely on safety and are never expected to continue an approach they are not comfortable with.” “A go-around is not considered a mistake or a failure. In fact, it is often the safest and most professional decision when an approach is not developing as planned. Our culture supports pilots in making that decision whenever necessary,” he adds. Is a go-around safe? Yes. A go-around is a normal aviation procedure conducted within established aircraft performance limits and operating procedures. Its purpose is to preserve or increase safety margins when conditions are not ideal for landing.A common misconception is that a go-around means safety was in doubt. In most cases, it shows the opposite: the crew has recognised that conditions are not exactly right and has selected the safest available option.Rather than accept additional risk, the crew creates more time, more space and a better setup for the next approach. A go-around

    Airports, Events

    Vilnius selected as host for Routes Europe 2028

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    Vilnius has been selected to host Routes Europe 2028, bringing Europe’s leading route development forum to Lithuania following a record-breaking year for Lithuanian Airports. The 21st edition of the event will be hosted by the Ministry of Transport and Communications, the Ministry of Economy and Innovation, the Vilnius and Kaunas City Municipalities, and Lithuanian Airports, with support from national tourism and investment agencies Go Vilnius, Travel Lithuania, and Kaunas IN. The event will bring together senior representatives from airlines, airports, tourism authorities, and industry suppliers from more than 55 countries. “Hosting Routes Europe 2028 is a major recognition of Lithuania’s growing aviation sector and the country’s potential. More than 1,000 aviation decision-makers, including representatives of more than 120 airlines, will gather in Lithuania. For us, this is a unique opportunity to engage directly with the people shaping Europe’s air connectivity and attract new airlines, open new routes and strengthen existing connections. We must make the most of this opportunity, as better air connectivity is essential for the growth of aviation, tourism and investment in Lithuania,” says Juras Taminskas, Minister of Transport and Communications. Organised annually, Routes Europe is the region’s premier air service development forum, providing a platform for strategic discussions and partnerships that shape the future of air connectivity across the continent. More than 120 airlines are expected to be represented by senior network planning executives. Edvinas Grikšas, Lithuania’s Minister of Economy and Innovation, highlights the importance of Routes Europe 2028 for strengthening Lithuania’s international visibility and connectivity: “Hosting Routes Europe 2028 in Vilnius is a great opportunity to strengthen Lithuania’s position as an attractive destination for both tourism and business. The event will bring together aviation and tourism representatives from more than 55 countries, giving us a unique opportunity to showcase Lithuania to an international audience while driving the development of new air routes and better connectivity.” Infrastructure investment has been a cornerstone of Lithuanian Airports’ growth strategy. In February 2025, Vilnius Airport opened a new departure terminal. That investment is already being matched by sustained demand. In 2025, Lithuanian Airports handled a record 7.16 million passengers – an 8.3% increase year-on-year – reclaiming the leading position among the Baltic States by passenger volumes after two decades. Growth has continued into 2026, with passenger traffic repeatedly reaching new monthly records. The next major step is already underway. A new arrivals terminal at Vilnius Airport, designed by the world-renowned Zaha Hadid Architects, is due to open in 2028. The project will create a seamless arrival experience while bringing the distinctive vision of one of the world’s most recognisable architectural practices to Lithuania’s main international gateway. The investment has helped support continued network growth, with airlines increasing frequencies on existing routes and new carriers entering the Lithuanian market, including flydubai and Arkia. “Bringing Routes Europe to Lithuania is an important milestone for Lithuanian Airports and a strong recognition of the progress our aviation market has made. We have invested significantly in modernising our airports, expanding capacity and preparing for future growth. In 2028, we will have the opportunity to show the European aviation community first-hand what Lithuania, and its airports have to offer. Just as importantly, Routes Europe will help us deepen relationships with our industry partners and build momentum that lasts well beyond the event itself,” says Gintarė Norvilaitė-Tautevičė, Interim CEO of Lithuanian Airports. Lithuania’s growing appeal as both a leisure and business destination is supporting increased demand for air connectivity. Foreign visitor arrivals rose by 4.4% in 2025, driven by a diverse tourism offering spanning cultural heritage, wellness, and nature-based experiences. As the country continues to prioritise sustainable tourism growth, Routes Europe will provide an opportunity to highlight Vilnius and Lithuania to the aviation industry’s key decision-makers. “Hosting Routes Europe 2028 is a great opportunity for Vilnius to bring together the people shaping the future of air connectivity in Europe. Vilnius may be a compact capital, but that is one of its strengths – distances are short, access is easy and things move fast, while our ambitions are anything but small. Better connections mean more opportunities for our city, its businesses and visitors, and we look forward to showing the aviation community what Vilnius has to offer.” says Valdas Benkunskas, Mayor of Vilnius. As part of Lithuania’s wider ambition to strengthen international connectivity and highlight the country beyond its capital, Kaunas will also play a role in welcoming the Routes Europe community in 2028. “Over the past decade, Kaunas has worked consistently to become a more accessible, welcoming, and internationally connected city. We have invested in modern infrastructure, improved the urban environment, and created a city that is ready to welcome people and ideas from around the world. Routes Europe 2028 is an important recognition of this progress and an opportunity to take the next step – to build new partnerships, strengthen Kaunas’ international profile and create lasting value for the city, its people and Lithuania as a whole.” says Visvaldas Matijošaitis, Mayor of Kaunas. Steven Small, VP of Air Transport Events, Informa, said: “Routes Europe 2028 will come at the perfect time for Vilnius. With its dynamic economy, modern infrastructure and impressive growth trajectory, Vilnius will provide the perfect backdrop for decision makers to define future air connectivity across Europe and beyond.” Small added: “The city has established itself as a prominent venue for international events, conferences, and summits. With independent analysis demonstrating that previous host destinations experience a 6.9% boost in network growth in relation to comparator airports, Routes Europe will form an important pillar within Lithuania’s tourism growth strategy.”

    2026

    International travel from NMIA set to become cheaper with AERA tariff incentives

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    Navi Mumbai, 10th September 2026: International connectivity from Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is set for a boost following the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India’s approval of a revised Variable Tariff Plan for the airport. The revised framework, sought by NMIA, changes the eligibility criterion from a “new route in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region” to a “new route from Navi Mumbai International Airport.” This enables airlines introducing new international routes from NMIA to avail of significant landing-charge incentives. Under the revised framework, new international passenger routes will receive a 100% waiver on landing charges in the first year. Short-haul routes of up to 5,000 km will receive a further 50% discount in the second year, while long-haul routes above 5,000 km will receive 50% and 25% discounts in the second and third years, respectively. The framework also provides incentives for additional international frequencies, with discounts of up to 75%, and international freighter services, which will receive a 90% discount in the first year and 50% in the second year. The revised criteria are expected to make NMIA more attractive for airlines looking to launch new international passenger and cargo services, supporting faster route development and strengthening Navi Mumbai’s role as an emerging international aviation and logistics hub. For passengers, greater airline participation and new direct international routes could translate into more destination choices, improved connectivity and competitive launch fares, while the incentives for freighter operations are expected to support the growth of air cargo connectivity from the region. Developed through a public-private partnership between Adani Airport Holdings Limited and CIDCO, NMIA is designed to scale from an initial capacity of 20 million passengers annually to 90 million passengers and 3.2 million tonnes of cargo capacity at full build-out.

    Top Stories

    Vipul Misra appointed as acting CEO of SriLankan Airlines

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    New Delhi, 9th September 2026: SriLankan Airlines has appointed Vipul Misra as the Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of  the airlines with effect from 9th September 2026 onwards. He brings over two decades of aircraft engineering and aviation leadership experience. His background spans across significantly large commercial carriers including Air India, Vistara, Indigo, SpiceJet, Kingfisher Airlines, and Air Deccan. His comprehensive expertise across legacy, full-service, and low-cost carriers is expected to provide strong technical and operational direction during this interim period, as the national carrier of Sri Lanka works towards enhancing its performance and long-term sustainability.  

    2026

    Adani Airports to raise USD 1 billion of primary equity from marquee global investors

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    Ahmedabad, 09 September, 2026: Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL), a subsidiary of Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL) and one of India’s largest private airport operators, has entered into binding agreements to raise Rs.9,825 crore (USD 1 billion) of primary equity capital from a consortium of investors comprising Alpha Wave Global, Premji Invest, Temasek and BlackRock managed funds. The transaction values AAHL at a pre-money equity valuation of ~USD 18 billion and represents one of the largest primary equity investments from financial institutions in India’s airport infrastructure sector. The participation of a consortium of long-term domestic and global investors represents a significant institutional endorsement of AAHL’s scale, operating capabilities and long-term growth potential. The investment brings long-duration institutional capital into the business at a time when India’s aviation sector is entering a sustained phase of passenger growth, capacity expansion and infrastructure investment. AAHL and the investors have entered into a Share Subscription Agreement and a Shareholders’ Agreement pursuant to which the investors will subscribe to new equity shares of AAHL in three tranches, with the final tranche expected to be completed by July 2027. Upon completion of all three tranches, the investors will collectively hold approximately 5.54% in AAHL. The proceeds will support three strategic priorities: expanding and modernising airport infrastructure across AAHL’s portfolio; accelerating the development of integrated Adani Airport City ecosystems around its airports with development of ~ 22 million sq. ft. of mixeduse development planned in the first phase; and scaling passenger-facing and other nonaeronautical businesses including our ground handling business. These investments are expected to increase capacity to serve ~ 200 million passengers annually, deepen commercial monetisation, enhance passenger experience and further strengthen AAHL’s integrated airport ecosystem. The transaction follows AEL’s successful ₹15,000 crore qualified institutional placement (QIP) in July 2026, India’s largest QIP by a non-financial corporate. Together, the transactions reflect continued access by the Adani portfolio to significant pools of long-term domestic and global institutional capital. “This partnership marks an important milestone in building out the Adani Airports platform, and we are privileged to have such marquee, long-term investors alongside us on this journey,” said Mr. Jeet Adani, Non-Executive Director, Adani Airport Holdings Limited. “India’s aviation sector is one of the most powerful multipliers of the country’s GDP growth. Every expansion in air connectivity catalyses trade, tourism, employment and regional development well beyond the airport gate. With the backing of these partners, we will continue to invest ahead of that growth, scaling our infrastructure, city-side developments and non-aeronautical businesses to build one of the world’s leading integrated airport platforms.” “We will continue to build capabilities within AAHL to scale it into the world’s largest airports platform,” said Mr. Arun Bansal, CEO, Adani Airport Holdings Limited. “This ambition is buoyed by the exponential growth opportunities across India, the rising spending power of the Indian consumer, and the momentum of our city-side developments as powerful economic catalysts in the country’s major urban centres. We are deeply grateful to our partners for their confidence and look forward to continuing on this path together as we build a truly world-class airport platform for India.” The key advisors to the transaction were Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, AZB & Partners, JSA Advocates and Solicitors, TT&A Advocates and Solicitors, Jefferies India Private Limited, SBI Capital Markets Limited and Ernst & Young LLP. The transaction is subject to customary conditions precedent, including receipt of applicable approvals.

    MRO

    AIRCAIRO selects LEAP-1A engines to power its new A320neo fleet

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    El Alamein International Airshow,Egypt, September 8, 2026 : AIRCAIRO has chosen CFM International’s LEAP-1A engines for its growing Airbus A320neo fleet. The agreement includes CFM LEAP-1A engines for 15 aircraft, options for 15 more, and spare engines, bringing the total potential fleet to more than 60 LEAP-1A engines “This milestone with CFM International marks a new chapter in our growth strategy,” said Hussein Sherif, Chairman & CEO of AIRCAIRO. “The LEAP-1A engine’s outstanding performance and reliability are essential for our fleet modernization efforts, enabling us to offer our passengers a best-in-class travel experience while further improving our operational efficiency.” AIRCAIRO has relied on CFM engines since 2005 and today operates 20 A320neo aircraft powered by LEAP-1A engines, alongside 12 A320ceo aircraft with CFM56 engines. “This agreement with AIRCAIRO reinforces the strong partnership between our companies.” said Gaël Méheust, President & CEO of CFM International. “We are proud of AIRCAIRO’s continued confidence in CFM and remain fully committed to delivering the performance and support they have come to expect from us.” With more than 10,000 engines delivered to date, CFM LEAP engines have experienced the fastest ramp in commercial aviation history. 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) to lower airline maintenance burden. 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.

    Business Aviation

    BBN Airlines Indonesia joins IATA amid regional expansion

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    Jakarta, 9th September 2026: BBN Airlines Indonesia has joined the International Air Transport Association (IATA), becoming part of a global association representing more than 370 airlines across over 120 countries. Together, IATA members account for approximately 85% of global air traffic. Established in Jakarta in 2022, BBN Airlines Indonesia is a non-scheduled airline specialising in wet-lease and charter services for airlines and other aviation customers across Indonesia and the broader Asia-Pacific region. IATA membership is open to airlines operating scheduled and non-scheduled services that maintain an IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) registration, which BBN Airlines Indonesia obtained in 2025. The milestone comes as BBN Airlines Indonesia continues to grow its wet-lease and charter operations. The airline currently operates two Boeing 737-800 aircraft, registered as PK-BBF and PK-BBG. It also plans to add an Airbus A320 to its fleet, with commercial services expected to begin in December 2026. “We are proud to become part of the IATA network,” said Werry Orbani, Chief Executive Officer of BBN Airlines Indonesia. “This membership represents an important step in our development as we continue expanding our wet-lease and charter operations. It strengthens our connection with the international aviation community and gives us an opportunity to contribute to industry discussions while continuing to provide reliable capacity solutions to our partners across Indonesia and the wider Asia-Pacific region.” As an IATA member, BBN Airlines Indonesia will be able to participate more closely in industry discussions, advisory groups and initiatives covering areas such as safety, operational efficiency and regulatory development. The membership will also strengthen the airline’s connections with aviation stakeholders internationally.  

    Civil Aviation

    Star Alliance and Incheon Int. Airport Corporation sign MoU for cooperation on lounge operations

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    New Delhi, 8th September 2026: Incheon International Airport Corporation (IIAC) and Star Alliance has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a Star Alliance lounge at Terminal 1 of Incheon International Airport. Air India operates two non-stop flights to Incheon from Delhi with widebody Boeing 787 aircraft. The MOU will ensure continued premium lounge access for eligible passengers travelling with Star Alliance member airlines at Incheon International Airport after Asiana Airlines departs from Star Alliance on December 16, 2026, as part of its integration with Korean Air. Eligible passengers of Star Alliance member airlines currently enjoy access to Asiana Airlines lounges at Incheon International Airport. Under the MOU, the existing Asiana Airlines Business Lounge (West) in Terminal 1 will transition to a Star Alliance lounge. The lounge is expected to begin operations in 4Q 2026, in conjunction with Asiana Airlines’ departure from the Alliance. Accordingly, eligible passengers of Star Alliance member airlines at Incheon International Airport will be able to continue enjoying seamless premium lounge services following the transition. The decision to establish a dedicated Star Alliance lounge at Incheon International Airport reflects the airport’s continued importance as a major international gateway, ranking as the world’s number one airport for international passenger traffic in the first half of 2026, and Star Alliance’s commitment to delivering a quality experience for customers travelling across its member airlines. The Star Alliance lounge will serve passengers travelling with 14 Star Alliance member airlines operating at Incheon International Airport, connecting them to 29 destinations worldwide. The new space will be the seventh Star Alliance lounge worldwide, joining its existing lounges at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, Los Angeles International Airport and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. In addition, eligible Star Alliance member airline customers enjoy access to over 1,000 airport lounges around the world. At the signing ceremony, Ambar Franco, Vice President Customer Experience at Star Alliance, said, “Incheon International Airport is an important gateway for Star Alliance, with several member airlines operating here. This partnership with IIAC reflects our shared commitment to delivering a consistently high-quality experience for customers. We are proud to establish a Star Alliance lounge at one of the world’s leading airports, and look forward to welcoming our member airline customers at the airport.” Kim Chang-gyu, Chief Operation Officer at Incheon International Airport Corporation, said, “This agreement is part of our efforts to provide stable and high-quality services to passengers using Incheon Airport amid major changes, including the integration of Asiana Airlines and Korean Air. We will continue to provide full support in terms of operations and facilities so that Star Alliance member airlines can expand various networks based at Terminal 1 of Incheon Airport and provide the best services to customers.” The partnership further strengthens Incheon International Airport’s premium service infrastructure and reinforces its position among the world’s leading international hubs.

    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

    Disclaimer

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