Civil Aviation

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.

Brazil, September 2, 2026: Embraer, a global leader in the aerospace industry, today celebrated the delivery of its 2,000th E-Jet, a landmark achievement that underscores the enduring success of one of the world’s three largest commercial jet families. The milestone aircraft, an E195-E2, was delivered to Azul Linhas Aéreas, Brazil’s largest airline by number of destinations served. Since entering service in 2004, the E-Jets family has transformed the airline industry by combining passenger comfort, operational efficiency, and industry-leading reliability. Over the past two decades, E-Jets have established a remarkable global presence, serving more than 90 airlines across over 60 countries. The fleet has accumulated approximately 48 million flight hours and carried more than 2.85 billion passengers worldwide. “The delivery of the 2,000th E-Jet is an extraordinary milestone for Embraer and for the global aviation transport industry,” said Arjan Meijer, President and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation. “As one of the world’s three most successful commercial jet programs, the E-Jets family has played a vital role in connecting communities, opening new markets, and creating sustainable growth opportunities for airlines. We are proud to celebrate this milestone alongside Azul, one of our valued long-standing partners.” Azul has been a key operator of Embraer aircraft and has played a pivotal role in expanding regional connectivity across Brazil. Since launching operations in 2008, the airline has operated more than 140 E-Jets and has been a strategic partner in the success of the E2. Azul became the launch customer for the E195-E2 and took delivery of the first aircraft in 2019. “E-Jets family has played a fundamental role in Azul’s journey. Since our very first flight, operated on December 15, 2008, aboard an E190 aircraft registered as PR-AZL, Embraer aircraft have enabled the expansion of air connectivity across Brazil, bringing cities closer together, stimulating markets, and creating new opportunities for millions of Customers”, said John Rodgerson, CEO of Azul. “Receiving the 2,000th E-Jet, which also marks our 50th E2 aircraft, is especially meaningful to us because it represents not only a major milestone for Embraer, but also the strength of a partnership that has helped transform regional aviation, enhance connectivity across Brazil, and deliver significant improvements to our customers’ onboard experience.” Comprising the first-generation E170, E175, E190, and E195, as well as the second-generation E190-E2 and E195-E2, the E-Jets family delivers outstanding performance, fuel efficiency, and passenger comfort. Its continued success has enabled Embraer to expand beyond its traditional regional aviation market and establish a strong position in the global small narrowbody segment.

Crawley, UK, 02 September 2026: Acron Aviation Commercial Training Solutions has strengthened its relationship with ASL Airlines Australia following the signing of a preferred supplier agreement to deliver Boeing 737 Type Rating training through to the end of 2028. The multi-year agreement builds on the successful delivery of Boeing 737 Type Rating training for ASL Airlines Australia pilots at CTS’ London Training Centre in the first half of 2026. The agreement also includes a provision for pilots that need to complete Airline Pilot Standards Multi-Crew Cooperation training. As part of the partnership, CTS has worked closely with ASL Airlines Australia to further tailor its Type Rating training by completing a standardisation programme that incorporates the airline’s Standard Operating Procedures into the course. Patrick Davis, Vice President and General Manager, Acron Aviation Commercial Training Solutions, said: “We’re delighted that ASL Airlines Australia has extended its partnership with Acron Aviation and selected us as a preferred supplier for Boeing 737 Type Rating training through to the end of 2028.” Davis continued, “This agreement reflects the confidence ASL Australia has in the quality of our training, our instructors and our ability to deliver customer-focused solutions that prepare pilots for airline operations from day one.” By aligning training with airline-specific procedures and operational standards, CTS’ collaborative approach helps ensure pilots transition seamlessly from simulator training into operator conversion and line operations, supporting safe and effective flight operations from the outset. Captain Nathan Burkitt, Head of Training and Checking, Flight Operations, ASL Australia, said: “Feedback from our trainees on the course, facilities, instructors and overall training environment at Acron Aviation has been overwhelmingly positive, with particular praise for the instructors’ professionalism, knowledge and commitment to helping every pilot succeed.” Capt. Burkitt added, “The standard of manual handling, automation management and generic Boeing knowledge demonstrated by the candidates on return was very good. All trainees arrived at their Operator Initial Conversion training well prepared and clearly had a solid foundation from the type rating programme.” The agreement further reinforces CTS’ position as a trusted training partner for airlines around the world, delivering tailored pilot training programmes that combine industry-leading instructors, advanced simulation technology and close collaboration with customers to meet their operational requirements.

Bengaluru, 31st August 2026: The Indian regional carrier Star Air has introduced 24 new weekly flights enhancing east-west regional connectivity. This expansion includes the highly anticipated launch of a direct service between Hyderabad and Bhubaneswar, alongside the reinstatement of the Bhubaneswar-Jharsuguda connection, both scheduled to commence operations from 4th September 2026. By strengthening vital air corridors linking Telangana with key destinations across Odisha, Star Air is responding to the dynamic needs of business professionals, students, families, and leisure travellers alike. Star Air will operate flights six days a week, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.The schedule is designed to meet the needs of modern travellers who prioritise convenience and connectivity in their travel plans. Shilpa Bhatia, Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer at Star Air, said, “With the introduction of direct Hyderabad–Bhubaneswar flights and the reinstatement of our Bhubaneswar–Jharsuguda services, we are strengthening connectivity across Telangana and Odisha, making it easier than ever to access the region’s key destinations. These services are designed to support the needs of business travellers, students, families, and leisure seekers alike. At Star Air, our commitment remains unwavering to empower regional economies, connect communities, and bring more of India within easier reach.” This expansion is part of a broader surge in India’s aviation sector, which continues to witness strong post-pandemic recovery and robust growth in regional connectivity. Star Air’s ongoing investments in new routes, modern fleets, and enhanced passenger experience are aligned with the government’s UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) initiative to link unserved and underserved airports, further supporting India’s economic development and mobility.

New Delhi, 27 August 2026:  SriLankan Airlines has resumed its full flight operation in the Middle East with six weekly flights to Kuwait from 8 August 2026, completing the restoration of its network across the region. It’s Middle East network spans Riyadh, Dammam, Dubai, Doha and Kuwait offering passengers seamless connections via Colombo between the Middle East and southern Indian cities, including Chennai, Tiruchirappalli, Thiruvananthapuram, Madurai and Cochin, in under 90 minutes. Dimuthu Tennakoon, Head of Commercial at SriLankan Airlines, stated, “As an airline that has been connecting passengers to the Middle East for over 40 years, including our loyal passengers in South India who have relied on our services throughout that time, we are delighted to announce our full return to the region. This milestone marks not only the restoration of convenient connectivity, but also the return of the dependable service and warm Sri Lankan hospitality that have made us a preferred carrier for travellers across South Asia.” Fawzan Fareid, Regional Manager India, Bangladesh and Nepal at SriLankan Airlines, added, “Our Middle East network has long been a vital part of our service to customers in South India. While the past few months presented significant challenges for our Middle East operations, we remained resilient by strengthening other markets and staying committed to serving our customers across India. As we restore our full Middle East network, we are excited to build on this momentum with renewed confidence and continue delivering the seamless connectivity, dependable service and warm SriLankan hospitality that our passengers value.” With 90 weekly flights between India and Colombo, SriLankan counts India as its largest market.

Mysuru, 23rd August 2026: The Parliamentary Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Civil Aviation met in Mysuru, Karnataka. The meeting was chaired by Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, in the presence of Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation, Murlidhar Mohol. Members of Parliament Gopal Jee Thakur (Darbhanga, Bihar); Anup Sanjay Dhotre (Akola, Maharashtra); Sayani Ghosh (Jadavpur, West Bengal); Kamakhya Prasad Tasa (Kaziranga, Assam); Dr. M. Dhanapal (Rajya Sabha, Tamil Nadu) and Ramrao Sakharam Wadkute (Rajya Sabha, Maharashtra), along with the Mysore MP Yaduveer Chamaraja Wadiyar attended the meeting. The Parliamentary Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Civil Aviation met outside Delhi for the first time since 2017, under the leadership of Minister  Ram Mohan Naidu, reflecting the Government’s approach of taking discussions closer to the regions. At the meeting in Mysuru, the Committee discussed the Next Phase of UDAN, reforms in the Flying Training Organisation (FTO) ecosystem and the transformation of the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (IGRUA). Addressing the Committee, the minister  said that India’s aviation growth is increasingly moving beyond major destinations and beyond just development of airports. “Driven by  Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of UDAN, aviation is increasingly becoming an engine of regional development and inclusive economic growth; benefiting farmers, exporters, businesses and communities. At the same time, India is leading the next wave of aviation innovation through drones and eVTOLs, while advancing reforms in sectors like MRO & Air Cargo.” Highlighting the transformation brought about by UDAN, the Minister said, “In the last ten years, we invested around Rs.10,000 crore in airport development and Viability Gap Funding for the airlines. We are now taking this ambition to a new scale with unprecedented award of ₹28,840 crore under the Next Phase of UDAN.” The Committee was also briefed on reforms in the FTO ecosystem to enhance the availability of trained pilots while maintaining high standards of safety and training. The FTO ecosystem has expanded from 32 FTOs in 2020 to 41 in 2026, while flying bases have increased from 32 to 63. The FTO ranking framework has enabled transparent accountability of the FTOs, enabling the youth to take informed decision at the first step of their pilot career. Highlighting the opportunities in the aviation sector, the Minister said, “Indian airlines have placed aircraft orders on a scale unprecedented anywhere in the world. But aircraft orders are only one part of the story, these aircraft will need a skilled and safety conscious workforce to fly them. We do not want to import the workforce to operate India’s aviation growth. We want to train that workforce right here in India.” The Committee also discussed the transformation of Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (IGRUA) with substantial increase in aircraft utilization, averaging 1,765 flying hours per aircraft annually higher than the global benchmark of around 1,500 hours. The institution has also achieved a budget surplus for the first time after more than two decades of recurring deficits. Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Samir Kumar Sinha; Director General, DGCA, Vir Vikram Yadav; Chairman, Airports Authority of India, Vipin Kumar; Director General, BCAS, Rajesh Nirwan; and other senior officials were present to brief the MPs. Minister appreciated the valuable suggestions of the Members and assured that these would be duly considered while taking forward the initiatives for the continued growth and development of the civil aviation sector. (Courtesy: PIB/MoCA)

Mumbai, India | 17 August 2026: Hong Kong Air Cargo has achieved a landmark milestone with the commencement of its dedicated freighter operations from Navi Mumbai International Airport, becoming the first international carrier to operate from Mumbai’s new airport. The freighter operations commenced on 16 August 2026, marking a proud historic moment for Hong Kong Air Cargo, Aeroprime Group, and Navi Mumbai International Airport, while opening a new chapter in India’s international air cargo connectivity. The milestone has been made possible through extensive planning, commercial coordination, operational readiness, and regulatory efforts led by Aeroprime Group, Hong Kong Air Cargo’s Cargo GSSA in Mumbai, in close collaboration with the Hong Kong Air Cargo team, Navi Mumbai International Airport, and relevant regulatory stakeholders. The successful launch reflects the teams’ ability to work seamlessly across commercial, operational, and regulatory requirements to bring international freighter connectivity to NMIA within a short timeframe. Mr. Abhishek Goyal, Executive Director, Aeroprime Group, said: “This is a truly proud moment for Aeroprime Group and a landmark achievement for Hong Kong Air Cargo and Navi Mumbai International Airport. Establishing the first-ever international carrier’s freighter operation from NMIA required meticulous planning, close coordination, and strong regulatory engagement. Being the first GSA globally to establish a first flight out of NMIA is a significant achievement for Aeroprime and a strong testament to our commitment to our airline partners. I am extremely proud of the Aeroprime and Hong Kong Air Cargo teams whose collective efforts made this possible. We are delighted to play a role in establishing NMIA as a new gateway for international air cargo and look forward to building greater connectivity from Mumbai’s expanding aviation ecosystem.” Mr. Raymond Chen, Vice President – Commercial, Hong Kong Air Cargo, said: “The launch of our freighter operations from Navi Mumbai International Airport is an important milestone in our India growth strategy. We are proud to be the first international carrier to commence operations from this new gateway. This achievement reflects the strong collaboration between Hong Kong Air Cargo, Aeroprime Group, and the airport and regulatory teams. We appreciate Aeroprime’s commitment and efforts in making this launch possible and look forward to leveraging Navi Mumbai’s strategic potential to provide our customers with enhanced cargo connectivity and reliable access to Hong Kong and global markets.” The commencement of operations positions Navi Mumbai International Airport as an emerging gateway for international air cargo, while strengthening Hong Kong Air Cargo’s presence in one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation and logistics markets. For Aeroprime Group, the milestone further demonstrates its ability to combine commercial expertise, regulatory coordination, operational planning, market development, and on-ground execution to successfully launch and grow international airline cargo operations in India. The achievement also reinforces Aeroprime’s role as a strategic extension of its airline partners, supporting them from market entry and regulatory facilitation through to commercial launch and network development.

Air India today announced that all its flights operating to and from Visakhapatnam International Airport will now operate from the new Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport, at Bhogapuram, with the same airport code VTZ, effective 17 August 2026. Air India will continue to operate 14 weekly flights between Bhogapuram and Delhi offering customers convenient connectivity to key domestic and international destinations through its hubs. The new terminal, spread across 77,342 square metres, offers enhanced passenger comfort and operational efficiency. The facility features 22 traditional check-in counters, 18 Self Baggage Drop units, advanced screening systems, state-of-the-art baggage handling facilities, and seven aerobridges, ensuring a smooth and seamless airport experience.

Jeddah, 11th August 2026: flyadeal, the Saudia Group’s low fare carrier, announced Mumbai as its second gateway in India, opening bookings for non-stop flights between Riyadh and Mumbai beginning October 3, 2026. This builds on flyadeal’s recent entry into the Indian market as the airline inaugurated its service to Hyderabad on July 3, 2026. flyadeal will operate five times a week between Riyadh and Mumbai using its modern fleet of A320neo aircraft, boosting capacity by more than 7,400 seats each month between the two cities. The new Mumbai-Riyadh flights are conveniently timed to provide a morning arrival into Mumbai from Riyadh, and likewise a mid-morning arrival into Riyadh from Mumbai. flyadeal’s A320neo aircraft that will be used on this route feature 186 seats in an all‑Economy Class configuration and Airbus’ acclaimed ‘Airspace’ cabin interior with extra-large overhead bins for increased stowage capacity as well as cabin design and lighting designed to create a welcoming ambience and maximize comfort. Travelers will also enjoy the convenience of keeping their personal electronic devices charged with USB-A or USB-C ports in every seat. Sanjiv Kapoor, flyadeal acting Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President Strategies at Saudia Group said, “India holds great importance in flyadeal’s international growth strategy and adding Mumbai as our second Indian destination is a key milestone that expands our presence in this vital market. Our new Riyadh–Mumbai boosts capacity and gives the many Indian expatriates, business travellers and a growing number of tourists more choice and greater convenience when flying to and from the Kingdom. With our industry-leading on-time performance and affordable fares that deliver great value, we are delighted to offer modern, reliable, and high-quality travel on what will be one of our most important international routes.”  

New Delhi, 6th August 2026: In a significant step towards strengthening India’s pilot training ecosystem and supporting the country’s rapidly expanding civil aviation sector, Letters of Intent (LoIs) were awarded for the establishment of 11 new Flying Training Organisations (FTOs) across seven Airports Authority of India (AAI) airports by Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu. Forty-one Flying Training Organisations are currently operating from 63 flying bases across the country. With the addition of these 11 new FTOs across seven AAI airports, India’s annual pilot training capacity is expected to increase by 750 cadets per year, providing a substantial boost to the domestic training ecosystem. Addressing the gathering, the minister said, “Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India has emerged as one of the fastest-growing aviation markets in the world. Guided by the vision of Viksit Bharat and Aatmanirbhar Bharat, we are simultaneously expanding aviation infrastructure and building a future-ready workforce to support the sector’s long-term growth.” Highlighting the growth of the FTO ecosystem over the last two years, the Minister said, “India has already witnessed the establishment of six new FTOs over the last two years. During this period, the number of training aircraft available with Indian FTOs has increased from 324 to 385, resulting in a 25% rise in annual flying hours across the pilot training ecosystem. This is not just expansion in numbers; it is a clear improvement in training capacity and operational utilization.” Potential in the Aviation sector  The expansion has translated into a significant improvement in pilot output. The number of Commercial Pilot Licences (CPLs) issued increased from 1,347 in 2024 to 1,652 in 2025, the highest number issued in the last decade, with 2026 expected to witness a further increase. Ram Mohan Naidu added, “Indian airlines currently have 1,640 aircraft on order, and nearly 500 aircraft are expected to be inducted over the next five years. Meeting this unprecedented growth requires a strong domestic pipeline of trained aviation professionals. Our vision is clear—‘Train in India, Fly in India’.” The Minister also highlighted the Government’s policy reforms to encourage pilot training, including liberalisation of the FTO policy, abolition of airport royalties and rationalisation of land rentals. The process of CPL examination has also been digitized and students applying for their exams now have their applications easily managed with the Pariksha Portal generated computer number. Also, Indian pilots today are globally more competitive with India being second country to issue Electronic Licenses. DGCA FTO ranking Framework A major focus of the Minister’s address was the DGCA’s FTO Ranking Framework. The Minister stated, “The ranking framework was introduced to make pilot training more transparent, data-driven and attractive for young aspirants and their families. I am pleased to see that the framework is already yielding measurable improvements, with a reduction in Category ‘C’ FTOs and an increase in Category ‘B’ FTOs.  IGRUA has also achieved an average of 1,765 flying hours per aircraft annually over the last six months, significantly higher than the global benchmark of around 1,500 hours. The Academy has also recorded a 27% increase in revenue during FY 2025–26 and closed the year with a budget surplus after more than two decades of recurring deficits.” The minister also noted the progress made in indigenous trainer aircraft development through HANSA-3 (NG) and described it as an important step towards strengthening India’s self-reliant aviation training ecosystem. Concluding his address, the Minister said, “One word must remain at the centre of all our efforts—safety. We must strengthen instructor oversight, ensure rigorous adherence to standard operating procedures and build a deep-rooted safety culture across all FTOs.” During the program, Minister Ram Mohan Naidu also launched the FTO IFR Slot Booking App. To facilitate IFR training and ensure fair and optimum utilization of available airport infrastructure, the FTO IFR Slot Booking Mobile App has been developed. It provides FTOs with visibility of available IFR training slots across AAI airports and enables them to submit slot booking requests digitally. The ceremony was attended by Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Samir Kumar Sinha; Additional Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Puneet Kansal; Chairman, AAI, Vipin Kumar; and senior officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, DGCA, AAI, and representatives of the Flying Training Organizations from across the country. (Courtesy: PIB/MoCA)