2026

2026

Air India Commences Twice Daily Services To Ludhiana (Halwara)

New Delhi, 15th May 2026: Air India has commenced operations to Ludhiana (Halwara), becoming the first airline to operate commercial services to the newly operational airport, connecting Ludhiana to Delhi and beyond to destinations around the world. The inaugural flight from Delhi landed at Ludhiana’s Halwara airport at 0703 Hrs today, and the return flight from Ludhiana departed at 0800 Hrs. Air India will operate two daily flights between Delhi and Ludhiana using its A320 family aircraft. The new flights to and from Ludhiana are timed to offer seamless onward connectivity via Delhi to Air India’s international network, including to destinations such as London, Paris, Milan, Rome, and Birmingham, enabling guests to travel seamlessly using a single ticket and unified baggage allowance, with through check-in of baggage. Air India guests will also enjoy the convenience of same-terminal transfers at Delhi airport to connect between their domestic and international flights.

2026

Rossell Techsys Reports Strong Q4 FY26 Performance

Bengaluru, India | May 13, 2026: Rossell Techsys Limited, provider of engineering and manufacturing solutions for the aerospace and defence sector, announced its audited financial results for Q4 and the full year ended March 31, 2026. The company reported consistent performance in Q4 FY26, with revenue from operations rising to ₹142.3 crore,marking a 62% year-on-year increase. The growth was driven by continued execution momentum across Rossell Techsys’ aerospace,semiconductor, and space businesses, supported by increasing customer engagements, program ramp-ups, and repeat orders from global OEMs and Tier-1 customers. FY26 Performance ● Revenue from operations for FY26 stood at ₹485.2 crore, registering 87% year-on-year growth ● Profit/(Loss) from Ordinary Activities before Exceptional items increased 165% year-on-year to 28.5 Crore ● EBITDA rose 73% year-on-year to approximately ₹66.6 crore The company’s aerospace and defence business remained the primary growth driver during FY26, supported by strong execution, on-time deliveries, and deeper engagement with global OEMs and customers. The semiconductor business also emerged as a significant contributor, driven by successful qualification programs, rapid volume ramp-up, and the addition of new overseas customers. The space segment also progressed meaningfully during the year, transitioning from qualification programs to scalable execution and positioning the business for further growth in FY27. Additionally, Rossell Techsys strengthened its presence in the Indian market through MRO certifications, DTA establishment, and initial order wins, creating a strong domestic growth platform. Commenting on the results, Rishab Mohan Gupta, Managing Director of Rossell Techsys, said: “Q4 marked a defining quarter for Rossell Techsys as we delivered strong growth across all our businesses. We more than doubled our revenue and achieved record quarterly performance in Q4, all while building a robust order pipeline. Our teams executed consistently on marquee aerospace, defence, semiconductor and space programs, deepening partnerships with global OEMs and Tier-1 customers. This has significantly improved our long-term visibility. We also made strategic investments in capacity expansion,talent and processes to prepare for the next phase of growth.” Senthil Balasubramanian, Chief Executive Officer, added: “Our Q4 performance reflects the strength of our execution and scalability as we ramped up operations to meet growing customer demand. We continue to see strong momentum from repeat orders and new program wins, supported by expanded manufacturing capacity in Bengaluru.”

2026

CSMIA Recognised with CII’s Highest Platinum Rating for Zero Waste to Landfill

Mumbai, 11 May 2026: CSMIA, Mumbai has been honoured with the Zero Waste to Landfill (ZWL) Platinum – Class I Rating by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). With this rating,Mumbai Int.Airport joins the ranks of Indian airports handling over 50 million passengers annually that have earned this certification. This recognition highlights the airport’s sustainable waste management, with over 99 per cent of waste diverted from landfills through integrated, airport-wide systems. The ZWL assessment verified that CSMIA has implemented waste management practices through efficient segregation, recycling, and recovery mechanisms, with key waste streams such as plastic waste, MSW wet and dry, and other recyclables successfully diverted from landfills. Conducted in FY2025-26, the assessment aligns with ZWL’s objective of maximising waste diversion while minimising overall generation. Primary waste sources at the airport includes food, plastic, paper, and operational waste.

2026, MRO

Embraer names India’s Bharat Forge as new supplier

New Delhi,May 11, 2026: Embraer and Bharat Forge Limited has signed a contract for the supply of forged raw materials. This agreement represents Embraer’s first forged raw material supply contract with an Indian supplier and marks an important milestone in strengthening the partnership between the two companies. The agreement supports Embraer’s global supply chain with high quality forged products and reinforces the company’s strategy of expanding and diversifying its supplier base, while fostering industrial capabilities in key growth markets. “In line with our supply chain diversification strategy, we view India as a major opportunity. This contract reinforces our plans to create a more resilient and competitive supply chain, as well as our commitment to developing the Indian aerospace industry,” said Roberto Chaves, Executive Vice President of Global Procurement and Supply Chain at Embraer. Amit B Kalyani, Vice Chairman & Joint MD, Bharat Forge Limited commented, “The fact that BFL is the first Indian supplier of forged components for Embraer is a proud moment and a testament to the capabilities we have built in the aerospace business, and we thank Embraer for the trust they have placed in BFL. We look forward to growing and adding value to our association with Embraer in the coming years. These contracts will enable us to create scale for critical structural components, complementing the scale built in the aeroengine components space.” This first supply contract signed with an Indian company reflects Embraer’s commitment to advancing the aerospace ecosystem in India and creating long term value across the entire supply chain. It also comes at a time when Embraer is steadily expanding its presence in the country and maintaining active dialogue with local industry leaders and government stakeholders.

2026

Mumbai Int. Airport completes runway maintenance

Mumbai, 8th May 2026: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), operated by Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL), has completed its annual runway maintenance programme, reinforcing operational readiness ahead of the monsoon season. Conducted over a six-hour window from 11:00 hours to 17:00 hours, the exercise covered thorough inspection of Runway 09/27 (3448 metres) and Runway 14/32 (2871 metres), both of which are now restored and fully operational. Planned well in advance, the operation was supported by six months of stakeholder coordination, enabling airlines to realign flight schedules in advance. For an airport handling over 950 air traffic movements (ATMs) daily, such preventive maintenance is critical. It ensures runway infrastructure consistently meets the highest safety and operational standards, strengthens drainage systems and safeguards operations during the high-intensity monsoon period. The scope of work included pavement maintenance, electrical checks across Airfield Ground Lighting systems and substations, rubber removal, surface markings and large-scale drain cleaning. Technical teams also inspected runway intersections, over 3,000 runway lights and critical cable networks supporting lighting, information technology and navigational systems to ensure uninterrupted performance.

2026

Mumbai Airport to undertake scheduled pre monsoon runway maintenance on 7 May

Mumbai, 6th May 2026: The Mumbai International Airport has announced that the airport has scheduled its annual pre-monsoon runway maintenance for 7 May 2026, between 1100 hrs and 1700 hrs. During this time, both the primary runway 09/27 and secondary runway 14/32 will be temporarily non-operational. As part of CSMIA’ s comprehensive monsoon contingency plan, stakeholder consultation was carried out six months in advance to notify airlines and other stakeholders, enabling airlines to adjust their flight schedules well ahead of time, enabling them to plan appropriately. This annual pre-monsoon maintenance is crucial for preserving the health and longevity of CSMIA’s expansive airside infrastructure, covering 1,033 acres. Specialists will inspect runway surfaces for wear and tear, addressing preventive measures to ensure safe landings and take-offs during the monsoon season. CSMIA also leverages modern machinery and exhaustive planning to monitor the entire maintenance process, ensuring timely execution within the designated six-hour window. CSMIA has meticulously coordinated this maintenance with multiple stakeholders, including airlines and aviation authorities, to enable a seamless experience for passengers.

2026, Cargo

AISATS and SAMSUNG SDS Sign MoU to Fast-Track Cargo Shipments from MMC Hub at NIA

Mumbai, 04th May 2026: Air India SATS Airport Services (AISATS) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Samsung Data Systems India for seamless cargo movement of Samsung products manufactured at its Noida facility through the AISATS Multi Modal Cargo Hub at Noida International Airport. The MMCH, spread across 87 acres, has an annual handling capacity of approx. 255,000 metric tonnes of cargo in phase 1 at its Integrated Cargo Terminal. The strategic proximity to Samsung’s manufacturing unit will enable faster cargo throughput, reduced transit time, and improved access to export markets driving profitability. As Noida stands as one of the world’s largest mobile manufacturing clusters producing smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other devices, this partnership will significantly enhance cargo efficiency. It provides a streamlined export pathway for high-value electronics shipments, further strengthening India’s position as a leading electronics exporter with Samsung SDS playing a pivotal role in logistics digital transformation. India’s electronics exports have increased to an all-time high, reaching approximately USD 47 billion in calendar year 2025, with a growth of nearly 37% over the previous year. Electronics goods are the third-largest export category in the country, driven largely by mobile phone shipments, which crossed USD 15 billion in FY24. With India’s electronics produce projected to reach USD 240 billion by 2030, such partnerships will play an important role in enabling scale, speed, and global competitiveness. The partnership further aligns with AISATS’ vision of building world class cargo infrastructure that supports India’s growing manufacturing and export industry. The Multi Modal Cargo Hub at Noida International Airport has been designed as an integrated logistics zone, combining air cargo operations with multimodal connectivity to ensure faster and more reliable cargo movement. Sharing his thoughts about the collaboration,Ramanathan Rajamani, CEO, AISATS, said, “India’s role as a global manufacturing hub, particularly in electronics, requires logistics infrastructure that is agile, reliable, and at par with international standards. Our partnership with SAMSUNG SDS is a significant step in enabling high-value, time-sensitive cargo to move seamlessly through a globally benchmarked cargo ecosystem. The multi-modal cargo hub combines advanced infrastructure with digital features to support faster turnaround, improved visibility, and superior supply chain efficiency. This collaboration reflects our commitment to strengthening India’s export competitiveness by creating logistics solutions that are both scalable and future-ready.” Namjin Moon, Vice President, SAMSUNG SDS MEIA said, “Our association with AISATS will enhance the speed and efficiency of our export supply chain. As India transforms into a global manufacturing hub, Samsung SDS is strategically positioned to bridge the nation’s key production centers with the global market through our advanced logistics expertise. With the new Multi Modal Cargo Hub, the streamlined and systematic movement of cargo ensures greater reliability and agility. It’s a significant win for our global customers and a major leap forward for India’s export ambitions. This collaboration reflects our commitment to strengthening India’s leadership in exports through logistics excellence.” The Multi Modal Cargo Hub at Noida International Airport has been designed as an integrated logistics platform, with a 30-acre Integrated Cargo Terminal (ICT) and a 57-acre Integrated Warehousing and Logistics Zone (IWLZ). The facility caters to various sectors including pharmaceuticals, electronics, engineering goods, and e-commerce, and works with leading freight forwarders as well as major domestic and international airlines. XXX

2026

Rajnath Singh to hold bilateral talks with his Italian counterpart in Delhi

New Delhi, 30th April 2026: Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh will hold bilateral talks with the Minister of Defence of Italy Guido Crosetto in New Delhi on April 30, 2026. During the meeting, the Ministers will discuss a range of issues covering defence cooperation between the two countries. They are also expected to share their views on regional and global issues in view of the evolving security landscape. Defence cooperation between India and Italy gained further momentum after Raksha Mantri visited Rome in October 2023. Defence Minister Crosetto’s maiden visit to India underlines the desire of both nations to further expand existing cooperation and explore new areas of collaboration particularly under the industrial partnership domain. The signing of India-EU Defence & Strategic Partnership in January 2026 signals increasing strategic convergence and has provided further impetus to defence industrial cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

2026

CFM LEAP-1B engines to power up to 60 B737 MAX for Copa Airlines

PANAMA CITY, 29th April 2026: At a ceremony with Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino, Copa Airlines and CFM International* (“CFM”) finalized an agreement for CFM LEAP-1B engines to power 40 firm and 20 option Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. Pedro Heilbron, Chief Executive Officer of Copa Airlines, said, “For Copa Airlines, the signing of this agreement represents a significant step toward continuing to strengthen our operations and the connectivity we provide from Panama. Through the Hub of the Americas®, we have consolidated our position as the leading connection center in the region, offering more flights and destinations, along with the best on-time performance in the Americas. Incorporating new aircraft will be key to further expanding our operations and destination network, as well as continuing to contribute to the economic development of Panama and the region by generating new jobs and driving growth in the tourism sector.” Lawrence Culp, Jr., Chairman and CEO of GE Aerospace said, “CFM is proud to have a decades-long relationship with Copa Airlines. The LEAP-powered 737 MAX will further strengthen Copa’s position as one of the leading carriers in Latin America as it expands its network and modernizes its fleet across the Americas.” Gaël Méheust, President and CEO of CFM International said, “We’re honored that Copa Airlines has again chosen to place its confidence in CFM. The LEAP-powered 737 MAX will be a powerful asset for Copa with the lower fuel consumption, longer range, and the high reliability that airlines value.” Copa Airlines has more than a quarter century of history with CFM and continues to modernize its fleet with the latest-generation LEAP-powered aircraft. Copa Airlines became a CFM customer in 1999 with an order for eight Boeing 737 aircraft with CFM56-7B engines. The airline currently operates more than 100 CFM-powered aircraft, with more than 30 additional LEAP-1B powered aircraft on order. With more than 4,600 aircraft delivered to date, CFM LEAP engines have experienced the fastest ramp in commercial aviation history. Advanced technologies like composite fan blades and ceramic matrix composites deliver an engine for customers that is 15% more fuel efficient, with 15% lower carbon emissions than prior-generation CFM56 engines. Backed by advanced health monitoring systems and an open Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul ecosystem, CFM LEAP engines offer mature reliability and enable high asset utilization for narrowbody aircraft. *CFM is a 50/50 joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines.

2026

Asia Pacific Airlines March 2026 Traffic Results: AAPA

Kuala Lumpur,29th April 2026: Preliminary March 2026 traffic figures released today by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) showed robust growth in international passenger traffic, reflecting healthy travel appetite. Asian carriers also benefited from an upsurge in demand on Asia-Europe routes, as travellers shifted to alternative routings following airspace closures and operational disruptions at Middle East hubs. For the month, a combined total of 33.9 million passengers flew on the region’s carriers, representing an 8.5% year-on-year increase. Demand, as measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), rose by a solid 11.3%, reflecting strength on longer-haul routes. This increase in demand significantly outpaced the 1.9% year-on-year expansion in available seat capacity. As a result, the average international passenger load factor rose markedly, by 7.4 percentage points to a record high of 87.6% in March. Supply chains were also disrupted by the war, resulting in cargo flight cancellations and the subsequent rerouting of Asia – Europe cargo flows away from key Middle East hubs. Against this backdrop, international air cargo demand, as measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTK), rose by 2.5% year-on-year in March, supported by an increased demand for timely shipments. Offered freight capacity rose by 3.8%, resulting in a 0.7 percentage point decline in the average international freight load factor to 62.3%. Commenting on the results, Mr. Wong Hong, AAPA Director General, said, “The aviation industry faced multiple challenges in March, as military conflict in the Middle East led to flight cancellations and a sharp increase in jet fuel prices. Asia Pacific airlines responded swiftly by making network adjustments, including adding flights on key Asia – Europe routes, and trimming unprofitable routes in the face of higher fuel and operating costs. This supported both passenger and cargo demand during the month, bringing first quarter growth to 6.2%, with 102 million international passengers carried, and a 5.7% increase in air cargo demand.” Wong Hong added, “However, the impact of the Middle East conflict has begun to weigh on what had been an encouraging start to the year. Already grappling with high operating costs due to persistent supply chain issues, airlines are now facing additional strain, with jet fuel prices up by 80% year-on-year to an average of US$156 per barrel in March, compared to US$87 per barrel a year earlier. Fuel remains the single largest cost item for Asia Pacific carriers, accounting for around 30% of total operating expenses.” Looking ahead, Mr. Wong Hong concluded, “The duration of the Middle East conflict is going to add uncertainty to the global economic outlook and air travel demand. Against this backdrop, Asia Pacific airlines continue to maintain vigilance over cost controls while maintaining international connectivity. The region’s airlines remain committed to the highest safety standards, and to working closely with governments and industry stakeholders to ensuring safe, efficient and sustainable operations.”

FOREWORD

Dear Readers,

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

Happy Reading!

 

The Editorial Team

 

Aviation World

NEWSLETTER

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

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

Disclaimer

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