Author name: Aviation World

2026

Flyadeal 2026 summer routes go live

Jeddah,2nd July 2026: flyadeal’s summer 2026 seasonal network has taken off, with flights to five popular holiday destinations including new services to Milan and Prague now operating. This marks the first time the the Saudia Group’s fast-growing low fare carrier has served Italy through Milan, one of the world’s fashion capitals, and the Czech Republic through Prague, widely regarded as one of Europe’s most culturally rich cities. The summer programme also sees the return of three popular seasonal destinations: Trabzon on Turkey’s Black Sea coast; Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina; and the Egyptian resort city of Sharm El Sheikh. Running until 26 September 2026, flyadeal’s summer network features 12 seasonal routes connecting five destinations with four Saudi cities – Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Qassim. The programme will see almost 900 flights operated during the peak travel period, providing customers with a wide range of leisure travel options throughout the summer. Lloyd Misquitta, flyadeal Acting Chief Commercial Officer, flyadeal  said,“We are delighted to officially launch our summer 2026 programme and welcome customers onboard our new services to Milan and Prague, alongside the return of some of our most popular seasonal destinations. The response to our summer network has been extremely encouraging, reflecting strong demand for destinations that offer a blend of culture, relaxation, and memorable travel experiences. Whether traveling with family or friends during the holiday season, our expanded summer schedule provides customers with even greater choice and convenience.” Jiri Pos, Chairman of the Board, Prague Airport said, “We are pleased to welcome flyadeal as a new airline that will operate flights to our airport. The number of higher-spending travelers from Saudi Arabia to Prague has been steadily increasing and we expect that a total of 20,000 passengers will use new routes in both directions over the upcoming summer season.” The launch of the summer network further strengthens flyadeal’s growing international presence and supports increasing demand for leisure travel from Saudi Arabia. With a mix of new and returning destinations, the programme offers customers a wider range of choices during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

Civil Aviation

Etihad Airways marks 20 years of flying to France

Delhi, 2nd July 2026: Etihad Airways is marking 20 years of flying to France, two decades after it launched its first service to the country, between Abu Dhabi and Paris, in June 2006. What began as six flights a week has grown alongside an airline that now operates a fleet of 124 aircraft to 118 destinations worldwide. Two decades on, the airline is in a renewed phase of growth, with demand across its European markets continuing to strengthen. When Etihad first flew to Paris in June 2006, it was a young airline, less than three years old, with a network of around 34 destinations and a fleet of 17 aircraft. Twenty years on, Etihad connects Abu Dhabi and Paris with up to three daily flights, and its French network now spans two cities, with seasonal summer flights to and from Nice on the French Riviera. Etihad’s global network has grown to 118 destinations across the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Asia, the Americas and Australia, served by a fleet of 124 aircraft. The anniversary comes at a time of renewed momentum for Etihad. The airline is once again operating ahead of the capacity it flew a year ago, and it continues to expand across Europe, with new routes, added frequencies and codeshare partnerships strengthening its offer from the region. Etihad is also investing in growth for the years ahead, with an ambition to expand its fleet to around 250 aircraft and double the size of the airline, widening the choice available to travellers in France and beyond. Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad Airways CEO said: “Twenty years of flying to France is a milestone we are proud of, and at its heart are the travellers who have chosen Etihad over two decades. More and more of them are discovering Abu Dhabi for themselves, alongside the wider world our network opens up, and it is a privilege to keep welcoming them on board.”

MRO

Chapman Freeborn supports Seychelles Air Force Dornier ferry flight to India

India, 2nd June 2026: Chapman Freeborn, the global air charter specialist and part of Avia Solutions Group, has supported the ferry of a Seychelles Air Force Dornier 228 from Seychelles to India for maintenance. The movement carried additional significance as it involved Sylvie Tamboo, the first Seychellois woman to fly a Seychelles Air Force Dornier aircraft. Her achievement marks an important milestone for women in aviation in Seychelles and reflects the growing role of women across the wider aviation industry. Chapman Freeborn’s Flight Support team assisted the aircraft from Gan Island onwards, supporting its journey through the Maldives and India before it entered maintenance in Kanpur. The route included stops in Gan Island, Trivandrum International Airport and HAL Bangalore, requiring close coordination across several locations. Throughout the movement, the team coordinated airport slots, Flight Information Clearances, Air Defence Clearances, ground handling, fuel arrangements, crew accommodation, transport, catering, flight planning, weather reports, NOTAMs, crew briefing packs and flight following. The operation required detailed planning across multiple sectors, with the team ensuring that the necessary operational, regulatory and crew welfare arrangements were in place at each stage of the journey. The movement also highlighted the contribution of women across the wider aviation ecosystem, from the cockpit to the operational and communications teams working behind the scenes.Notably, the operation was supported throughout by female duty officers within Chapman Freeborn’s Flight Support team, who played a key role in coordinating the movement across multiple locations. “This was a meaningful operation for our team, not only because of the coordination required across multiple international sectors, but also because of the story behind the flight. Supporting a movement involving the first Seychellois woman to fly the Seychelles Air Force Dornier is something we are proud to have been part of. It reflects the important role women play across aviation, both in the air and behind the scenes. We were also proud to have female duty officers supporting the operation throughout the journey,” says David Selby, Flight Support Commercial Manager at Chapman Freeborn.  

Business Aviation

G800 Marks Gulfstream’s 800th Speed Record,Sets Farthest Fastest Flight in Business Aviation History

SAVANNAH, Ga., 2nd July, 2026: Gulfstream Aerospace has announced two major milestones: The company’s next-generation G800 achieved the Gulfstream fleet’s 800th city pair speed record and then completed the farthest fastest flight in business aviation history. The G800 secured the 800th city pair speed record earlier in June with a flight from Reykjavik, Iceland, to Savannah. The aircraft traveled 2,973 nautical miles/5,505 kilometers in 5 hours and 52 minutes at an average cruise speed of Mach 0.91. On June 28, the G800 completed a separate record-setting mission from Melbourne, Australia, to Moline,Illinois. The flight covered 8,303 nm/15,377 km in 16 hours and 56 minutes at an average cruise speed of Mach 0.85. “With every new aircraft, Gulfstream continues to push the boundaries of performance for our customers,” said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream. “Reaching our 800th city pair speed record and completing the farthest fastest flight in our industry’s history demonstrates the strength of our next generation fleet and the advanced capabilities of the G800.” Gulfstream aircraft have now achieved 815 speed records across the fleet, including 15 set by the G800 since entering service in August 2025. The G800 is designed for long-range missions, offering a range of 8,200 nm/15,186 km at Mach 0.85 and 7,000 nm/12,964 km at its high-speed cruise of Mach 0.90. The aircraft can also fly 8,000 nm/14,816 km at Mach 0.87 and features a maximum operating speed of Mach 0.935, allowing operators to maximize mission flexibility while maintaining optimal fuel-efficiency and operational reliability. The G800 features a low cabin altitude of 2,840 feet/866 meters when flying at 41,000 ft/12,497 m, 100% fresh air replenished every two to three minutes, a plasma ionization air purification system and 16  Gulfstream Panoramic Oval Windows. The interior can be configured with up to four living areas or three living areas and a crew compartment, ideal for the ultralong flights the G800 can make.

2026

Govt. approves first PinS Instrument Approach Procedure for Helicopter operations

New Delhi, 2nd July 2026: The Ministry of Civil Aviation has approved the country’s first Private Point-in-Space (PinS) Instrument Approach Procedure for helicopter operations at Undavalli Heliport. This is seen as the significant milestone in India’s aviation sector. Developed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the PinS procedure has been designed in accordance with DGCA regulations and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices. PinS (Point-in-Space) procedures use advanced satellite-based navigation technology to enable helicopters to conduct safe and precise instrument approaches to heliports that do not have conventional instrument landing infrastructure. This is particularly beneficial during adverse weather conditions and in areas where ground-based navigation aids are not available. The Minister for Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu said, “The introduction of India’s first PinS Instrument Approach Procedure marks the beginning of a new era in helicopter operations by significantly enhancing flight safety, operational efficiency and all-weather accessibility. I sincerely appreciate the coordinated efforts of all concerned agencies including the Airports Authority of India, DGCA and the state government of Andhra Pradesh in achieving this historic milestone. Our foremost priority is the adoption of modern technologies to make helicopter operations more reliable and more accessible across the country. We also recently concluded the first phase of this year’s Char Dham helicopter operations successfully without any incident supported by upgraded technological infrastructure. Our commitment is to build a technology-driven and globally benchmarked helicopter ecosystem in India.” Highlighting the broader significance of the initiative, the Minister further stated, “Under the technology-driven leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, India’s aviation sector is witnessing rapid technological advancement. Just last week, we successfully demonstrated the country’s first indigenous GAGAN-based precision approach by a commercial aircraft. The introduction of the country’s first PinS Instrument Approach Procedure is another major milestone in this journey. It reinforces the Government’s vision of modernising aviation infrastructure through Performance-Based Navigation (PBN), expanding the use of indigenous satellite-based navigation technologies and aligning India’s aviation ecosystem with global best practices.” The approval is expected to pave the way for the development of similar PinS procedures across the country, benefiting emergency medical services, disaster relief operations, tourism, offshore activities, pilgrimage services, corporate aviation, and regional connectivity. It will enable safer Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations to remote and strategically important locations, improve operational reliability, and reduce weather-related disruptions.  

2026

AVIAREPS India appointed as GSA for German Airline Condor

New Delhi, 1st July 2026: AVIAREPS India has been appointed as the General Sales Agent (GSA) for Condor in India. The partnership will support Condor’s commercial objectives in India while enhancing awareness of the airline’s extensive global network among the travel trade and consumers. As Condor’s offline GSA in India, AVIAREPS India will provide comprehensive sales, reservations, ticketing, and market development support across the country. Leveraging its extensive travel trade network and local market expertise, AVIAREPS India will work closely with travel agencies, tour operators, corporate partners, and industry stakeholders to drive demand. The appointment comes as Condor continues to expand worldwide connectivity through its Frankfurt hub, offering travellers’ seamless access to more than 70 destinations across Europe, North America, Africa, and Asia. With a modern fleet and growing network, the airline is well positioned to cater to the increasing demand for international travel all over the world. Marcelo Kaiser, Chief Operating Officer, Aviation at AVIAREPS, said:“Our partnership with Condor continues to grow and we are proud to further expand our collaboration into India, one of the world’s most dynamic and promising aviation markets. This development reflects our shared vision to unlock new opportunities and build strong, long-term relationships with local trade partners. With India’s rapidly increasing demand for international travel, we see tremendous potential to position Condor’s network even more prominently. Our teams on the ground are fully committed to driving brand awareness, strengthening market presence, and supporting Condor’s continued growth in this exciting region.” Florian Stahl, Manager New Markets Condor added:”India represents a market of significant long-term potential. AVIAREPS India brings deep market knowledge, strong travel trade relationships, and proven expertise in airline representation, making them an ideal partner in the region.” Founded in 1956, Condor flies approximately 10 million passengers annually to more than 70 destinations worldwide. The airline operates one of Europe’s youngest and most modern fleets, including its state-of-the-art Airbus A330neo aircraft, while continuing to invest in customer experience, efficiency, and network expansion.

Top Stories

Air India deploys its newest B-787-9 aircraft between Mumbai and London Heathrow

Mumbai, 1st July 2026: Air India today began deploying its newest Boeing 787-9 aircraft between Mumbai and London Heathrow, bringing its latest-generation onboard product to one of its flagship international routes. Effective today, Air India flights AI131/AI130 between Mumbai and London Heathrowwill be operated by the airline’s new Boeing 787-9 aircraft featuring all-new cabin interiors designed exclusively for Air India and installed directly on Boeing’s production line. These line-fit aircraft are the first Boeing 787s purpose-built for Air India, embodying the airline’s new standards of comfort, technology, and customer experience. The deployment also introduces Premium Economy Class on the route, offering customers a broader range of travel choices across Business, Premium Economy, and Economy cabins. Air India’s second daily service between Mumbai and London Heathrow will continue to be served by its upgraded Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, featuring First Class, ensuring customers on both services enjoy an enhanced onboard experience. Air India’s brand-new Boeing 787-9 aircraft feature a three-class cabin configuration with 30 Business Class suites, 28 Premium Economy seats, and 238 Economy seats, blending contemporary design, advanced technology, and Indian-inspired aesthetics.

Civil Aviation

flydubai expands its network in Thailand with flight to Bangkok

Dubai, 1st July 2026:  flydubai, the Dubai-based carrier, has launched daily operations to Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) in Bangkok, marking its second destination in Thailand alongside Krabi. The inaugural flight departed from Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport (DXB) on 01 July, offering passengers more options to connect to one of Southeast Asia’s most popular destinations. The inaugural flight touched down earlier today to a water cannon salute and a warm welcome from local officials representing the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Don Mueang International Airport as well as other key stakeholders. Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, said: “We are pleased to celebrate the start of our daily flights to Bangkok, further expanding our network in Thailand. Thailand remains a key destination for both leisure and business travel and our direct service to Don Mueang International Airport, which offers convenient access to central Bangkok, introduces a new gateway to the Thai capital that our customers will benefit from, supporting the growth of trade and tourism flows while reinforcing Dubai’s position as a leading global aviation hub.” Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), said: “The Middle East, particularly the UAE, is one of Thailand’s most important long-haul markets, bringing high-quality, high-spending travellers, with 188,447 visitors arriving from the region between 01 January and 21 June 2026 alone. Today’s inaugural flydubai flight between Dubai and Don Mueang comes at an especially opportune time and will strengthen air connectivity. Starting with one daily flight and operated with Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, this route will add much-needed capacity to Thailand this summer, building momentum through to our year-end peak season and reinforcing Thailand’s position as a leading destination for Middle Eastern travellers.” Sudhir Sreedharan, Divisional Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations at flydubai, said: “We are always looking for opportunities to diversify our network and offer our customers more travel choices. With the start of flights to Bangkok, we are providing passengers from the UAE, the GCC and beyond with convenient travel options just in time for the busy summer season. Over the coming years, we look forward to seeing how this route will develop as demand continues to grow and more customers choose to travel with flydubai, enjoying our lie-flat seats in Business Class and enhanced comfort in Economy Class.”

Technology

Gogo announces new STC for Galileo HDX on the Gulfstream G650 and G650ER

Broomfield, Colo. / 1st July 2026: Gogo has announced that Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. has received a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) to install Gogo Galileo HDX on Gulfstream G650 and Gulfstream G650ER aircraft. HDX is an electronically steered antenna (ESA) that provides a compact, lightweight, low-power, high-performance connectivity solution for Gulfstream large cabin aircraft. Gogo Galileo is powered by Eutelsat’s OneWeb enterprise-grade low earth orbit (LEO) network offering crew and passengers high-speed, low-latency connectivity around the world including video conferencing, streaming, communications, and internet browsing, simultaneously from multiple devices. “The addition of Gogo Galileo HDX as an aftermarket option for the G650 and G650ER reflects the growing demand for high-speed connectivity and provides operators with the latest technology in business aviation,” said Chris Moore, CEO of Gogo. “Operators using this system will experience consistent, high-speed inflight internet performance, backed by Gogo’s cyber security protections and 24/7/365 customer support.” Gulfstream’s tail mounted Under The Radome (UTR) installation of the Galileo HDX minimizes down time, maximizes performance, and complements the design of the aircraft. It is backwards compatible with existing network equipment, fully integrated with the cabin, and approved for multiple radomes to maximize flexibility and value. In addition, operators will have access to Gogo’s comprehensive suite of value-added services, including advanced cyber security features and industry-leading global customer support. Customers can also rely on Gogo’s future-proof systems, purpose-built for business aviation and meant to be easy to upgrade with future technology requirements.

Business Aviation

Embraer’s Praetor 500E Achieves Triple Certification from ANAC, FAA, and EASA

Certification confirms the Praetor 500E’s readiness for global operations Praetor family momentum continues following the Praetor 600E’s certification earlier this year Melbourne, Florida, June 30, 2026: Embraer today announced that the Praetor 500E has received triple certification from Brazil’s Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC — Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Introduced in February 2026 alongside the Praetor 600E as the first evolution of the industry-leading Praetor family, the Praetor 500E is now approved for operation in key global markets. This milestone follows the Praetor 600E’s triple certification in April 2026, marking an important step for Embraer’s next generation of midsize and super-midsize business jets, having met rigorous global safety and performance standards. “The Praetor 500E builds on the strengths of the Praetor platform, a category leader in performance and technology, now enhanced with a next-generation cabin experience,” said Michael Amalfitano, President and CEO of Embraer Executive Jets. “Achieving triple certification ahead of schedule and on spec is a strong testament to our engineering excellence, enterprise efficiency, and disciplined execution.  With this impressive milestone, we are well positioned to produce this aircraft for customers worldwide. We remain focused on delivering the ultimate experience to our customers and look forward to continuing the strong market reception the Praetor 500E has already received alongside the Praetor 600E.” With a transcontinental range of 3,340 nautical miles (6,186 km), carrying four passengers with NBAA IFR reserves, the Praetor 500E enables nonstop flights across North America, including routes such as Miami–Seattle and Los Angeles–New York. Complementing this performance capability, the aircraft has an increased payload capability and features a completely reimagined cabin, with all-new Embraer-designed seating, an advanced Cabin Management System (CMS), and next-generation innovations that enhance comfort, productivity, and connectivity. The fastest and furthest-flying midsize jet also features Embraer’s comprehensive avionics suite—including class‑exclusive full fly‑by‑wire technology with active turbulence reduction, the Embraer Enhanced Vision System (E2VS), and the Runway Overrun Awareness and Alerting System (ROAAS). Together, these systems reduce pilot workload, enhance situational awareness, and support smoother flights while expanding operational flexibility to a broader range of destinations. For new orders, deliveries for both the Praetor 500E and Praetor 600E will begin in 2029.

FOREWORD

Dear Readers,

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

Happy Reading!

 

The Editorial Team

 

Aviation World

NEWSLETTER

Aviation World Magazine is India’s premier aviation magazine and has been actively supporting the development of the Indian and global civil aviation sector. We started our journey in year 2015 and its been 12 years now and the response and acceptance is really encouraging. Thanks to all our associates and writers who remained with us in our progressive journey.

We have started 2026 on a very positive note and we look forward to increase our footprints to more locations and induct many more new companies in our campaign.. Do write to us at : editor@aviationworld.in

Disclaimer

The contents published in this website are news covering Aviation, Aerospace and Defence sector. The objective is to provide news in informative form to keep our readers updated of the latest development. We also publish content featured in our print publication Aviation World.We try our best to avoid any factual errors or image displayed here but we ensure immediate corrections to any such thing brought to our notice that might have been published inadvertently. All images and contents are sourced from the relevant organisations media team.

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