Civil Aviation

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)

Bengaluru, 28th July 2026: Star Air, India’s fastest-growing regional airline and the aviation arm of the Sanjay Ghodawat Group, is pleased to announce the reintroduction of scheduled commercial services connecting Solapur (SSE), Maharashtra. Serving as the gateway to the revered pilgrimage destinations of Akkalkot, Pandharpur and Tuljapur, Solapur plays a vital role in the region’s tourism and cultural landscape. Operations will resume from 1 August 2026, with limited-period special fares starting from ₹2,799. Solapur, a key commercial and industrial centre in southern Maharashtra, is recognised for its strong textile industry, manufacturing sector and rich cultural heritage. The reintroduction of Star Air’s scheduled services between Solapur (SSE) and Mumbai (BOM) will restore convenient and reliable air connectivity between the two cities, offering passengers a significantly faster and more time-efficient alternative to road and rail travel. With a flight time of just over one hour, the resumed service will substantially reduce travel time, providing greater convenience for business travellers, professionals, students and leisure travellers alike, while supporting regional economic development. Flight Schedule Effective 1 August 2026 Flt No. Sector STD STA Days of Operation S5 333 Mumbai (BOM) – Solapur (SSE) 15:50 17:10 Mon & Wed S5 333 Mumbai (BOM) – Solapur (SSE) 12:10 13:30 Fri & Sun S5 334 Solapur (SSE) – Mumbai (BOM) 17:40 19:00 Mon & Wed S5 334 Solapur (SSE) – Mumbai (BOM) 14:00 15:20 Fri & Sun Commenting on the reintroduction of services, Ms. Shilpa Bhatia, Chief Commercial & Marketing Officer, Star Air, said: “We are pleased to resume our services to Solapur. As an important market for Star Air, we are pleased to once again serve the region with a dependable and convenient travel option. We believe the reinstated service will support the region’s growing travel needs while contributing to business, tourism and economic development.”

Farnborough, UK , 27 July 2026: Fresh off the milestone public unveiling of its first full-scale prototype, the PT-01, The ePlane Company (Ubifly Technologies Private Limited), India’s leading developer of electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, today announced a series of strategic partnerships at the Farnborough International Airshow (FIA 2026), held 20-24 Jul. Spanning advanced materials, avionics, and critical systems, these agreements significantly deepen the trusted industrial ecosystem supporting the e200X platform. Every Great Aircraft Is Built on Great Partnerships At Farnborough International Airshow 2026, The ePlane Company strengthened the ecosystem behind the e200X – formalizing strategic partnerships with a set of key vendors and collaborators across its supply chain, spanning materials, avionics, medical interiors, and other critical systems. These agreements mark an important step in strengthening ePlane’s Make in India ecosystem of trusted partners as it advances toward its next phase of development and certification. Electrical Wiring interconnection systems (EWIS): SASMOS HET Technologies The ePlane Company and SASMOS HET Technologies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to work together on Electrical Wiring Interconnection Systems (EWIS) engineering, design, and industrialisation for the e200X, with the intent to progress toward a definitive agreement as the collaboration matures. The partnership is expected to cover areas such as harness architecture, design for manufacturability, prototype evaluation, and certification readiness, laying the groundwork for a deeper technical relationship as the e200X program advances. The partnership will also explore in the domains of mission critical electronics integrated system such as Overhead circuit breaker panels, High voltage power distribution units, electronic speed controllers & motor controllers Aerospace-Grade Fasteners: Ankit Fasteners Every aircraft is only as strong as its smallest connection. The ePlane Company has entered into a strategic partnership with Ankit Aerospace Private Limited to supply aerospace-grade fasteners for the e200X – these precision-engineered components that hold the aircraft together and keep every critical joint safe under flight loads. Ankit Aerospace brings global-grade precision manufacturing to the Indian ecosystem. The company has proven its mettle, supplying mission-critical fastening components to ISRO, HAL, NAL, and DRDO, making it a natural partner as ePlane builds a truly Made-in-India electric aircraft from the ground up. Avionics: HENSOLDT Avionics The ePlane Company also showcased its ongoing strategic partnership with HENSOLDT Avionics for the e200X, first announced in February 2026. HENSOLDT continues to supply its avionics suite and flight radar for the aircraft, supporting the e200X’s navigation, situational awareness, and connectivity requirements as it advances toward certification. Composite Materials: Azista The ePlane Company has entered into a strategic partnership with Azista Composites for the supply of composite materials for the e200X, including carbon fiber prepregs and glass prepregs supporting airframe and radome applications. Beyond supplying from its existing product range, Azista’s ability to configure material specifications to ePlane’s specific requirements, backed by short lead times, makes it a valuable partner as the e200X’s airframe and radome development progresses. Modular Interiors & Seating: AMS Heli Design The ePlane Company has entered into a strategic partnership with AMS Heli Design to explore modular interior and seating solutions for the e200X, capable of supporting multiple mission configurations including air ambulance, air taxi, cargo, and VIP use cases. This expertise is expected to support ePlane’s goal of a single airframe capable of efficiently serving multiple use cases – from air ambulance to air taxi, cargo, and VIP transport. Leadership Commentary “‘These partnerships reflect the strength and depth of the ecosystem we’re building around the e200X. From wiring and fasteners to avionics, composites, and interiors, each of these relationships strengthens our path toward a certifiable, Made-in-India electric aircraft.” — Prof. Satya Chakravarthy, Founder & CTO, The ePlane Company

Air India today announced a significant upgrade to its Delhi-Toronto service, with the deployment of its brand-new Boeing 787-9 aircraft on the route from 1 August 2026, enabling the airline to remove the enroute fuel stop at Vienna and operate the service non-stop. The removal of the fuel stop is subject to available airspaces and is intended to reduce the current flying time from Delhi to Toronto by nearly three hours, with the flying time decreasing from about 20 hours currently to 17 hours. The return Toronto-Delhi service will continue to operate non-stop, with flying time of up to 16 hours. The deployment of the new line-fit Boeing 787-9 aircraft, purpose-built for Air India, will make journeys between India and Canada faster and more convenient while bringing Air India’s latest onboard product and premium travel experience to Canada for the first time. From 1 August 2026, Air India will operate daily flights between Delhi and Toronto, up from the current five weekly flights. The airline had temporarily reduced frequency on the route between June and July 2026 due to unprecedented fuel price increases and broader geopolitical developments that affected flight operating conditions. Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India, said: “Canada is home to one of the world’s largest and most vibrant Indian diaspora communities, and Toronto has long been one of Air India’s most important international gateways. As we continue transforming Air India into a world-class global airline, we are steadily expanding the availability of our newest aircraft and latest cabin products across key international routes. The introduction of our new Boeing 787-9 on the Delhi-Toronto route marks another important milestone, bringing a significantly enhanced travel experience to customers between India and Canada while extending our most premium offerings across North America.” Air India’s all-new premium flying experience to Toronto Air India’s brand-new Boeing 787-9 aircraft feature a modern three-class cabin configuration, offering customers the choice of Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy Class. For the first time, Air India guests travelling between Delhi and Toronto will have the option of flying Premium Economy, offering more space, comfort, and enhanced service for ultra long-haul travel. The new aircraft feature 30 private suites in Business Class, 28 Premium Economy seats, and 238 Economy seats, blending contemporary design, advanced technology, and Indian-inspired aesthetics. Air India guests travelling to and from Toronto will now enjoy a wide range of enhancements, including: Luxurious Business Class suites, each offering direct aisle access, 79 inch fully flat bed, wireless charging, generous personal storage and immersive inflight entertainment on a large 17-inch 4K QLED HDR touchscreen – all designed to provide a comfortable and restful ultra long-haul experience. A dedicated Premium Economy cabin with wider seats in a 2-3-2 layout, 38-inch pitch providing ample legroom, generous recline, adjustable headrests, adjustable leg and calf rests, 13.3-inch 4K QLED HDR touchscreen, offering enhanced comfort and personal space. Economy Class experience, with ergonomically designed seats designed for long-haul travel, 11.6-inch 4K QLED HDR touchscreen, and improved comfort and thoughtfully integrated personal electronic device holders. Next-generation inflight entertainment, featuring a content library of over 3,000 hours, powered by the Thales AVANT Up system with high-definition touchscreens, Bluetooth audio connectivity, USB-A and USB-C charging ports, AC power outlets and an intuitive user interface across all cabins. New mood lighting in the cabins inspired by ancient Indian wellness traditions. A refreshed onboard experience, including thoughtfully curated menus showcasing Indian and international flavours, premium chinaware, glassware and tableware, plush bedding, redesigned amenity kits and other signature touches that together deliver a more refined and consistent onboard experience. Air India flights between Delhi and Toronto on the new aircraft are available for booking across channels, including Air India’s website and mobile app, customer contact centre, and through travel agents worldwide. Schedule of flights between Delhi and Toronto (effective 1 August 2026): Flight # City Pair Departure Arrival AI187 Delhi-Toronto 0145 Hrs 0930 Hrs AI188 Toronto-Delhi 1230 Hrs 1405 Hrs (+1) All timings are indicated in local time zones. (+1) denotes next calendar day arrival.

FARNBOROUGH, England, July 20, 2026 Honeywell Aerospace (Nasdaq: HONA) today announced that IndiGo, India’s largest airline and one of the fastest‑growing carriers globally, has selected Honeywell Aerospace’s flagship avionics and power systems for its record‑breaking order of 810 new Airbus A320neo family aircraft. This agreement represents the largest new-aircraft-selectable equipment win in Honeywell Aerospace history, accelerating the company’s expansion. Alongside the new equipment, Honeywell Aerospace will deliver comprehensive aftermarket support to ensure long-term reliability and efficiency. Honeywell Aerospace has supported IndiGo’s operations since 2015 across its current fleet of more than 400 aircraft. With this selection, Honeywell Aerospace’s systems will play a pivotal role in shaping IndiGo’s next‑generation fleet, reinforcing IndiGo’s industry leadership and strengthening Honeywell Aerospace’s presence in one of the world’s fastest‑growing commercial aviation markets. Under this agreement, Honeywell Aerospace will supply: 131-9A auxiliary power units, designed to deliver reliable onboard power while supporting efficient aircraft operation Advanced weather radar systems that help pilots identify and avoid adverse weather conditions Traffic collision avoidance systems that provide pilots with enhanced situational awareness and help improve flight safety Flight management systems that enable efficient route planning and flying A comprehensive aftermarket program designed to help optimize fleet performance throughout the operational life of the aircraft, to help maximize aircraft availability and streamline maintenance planning across the fleet. These systems will equip IndiGo’s future fleet with industry‑leading safety, situational awareness, fuel efficiency and operational excellence. “With one of the industry’s largest future fleet pipelines, IndiGo is effectively contributing to the future of aviation in India and beyond,” said Willie Walsh, Chief Executive Officer Designate, IndiGo. “Honeywell Aerospace has been a valued partner in IndiGo’s growth journey, and we are delighted to deepen our relationship with this collaboration. Fleet resilience, operational efficiency, and safety have been the cornerstones of IndiGo’s growth strategy since inception. As IndiGo continues its transformation into a truly global airline, Honeywell Aerospace’s advanced technologies and long-term support services will further reinforce these strengths, enabling us to consistently deliver the reliability, operational excellence, and seamless customer experience that passengers have come to expect from IndiGo.” “This historic OE selection marks one of the most significant milestones in Honeywell Aerospace’s commercial business,” said Anthony Florian, President, Global Commercial Aftermarket, Honeywell Aerospace. “The scale of IndiGo’s fleet expansion — and their decision to rely on Honeywell Aerospace’s advanced products underscores the strength of our technology and demonstrates the confidence customers place in Honeywell Aerospace to support reliable, efficient, and safe operations for decades to come.” For more than three decades, Honeywell Aerospace has played a pivotal role in shaping India’s aviation and defense landscape, fostering innovation, supporting indigenous manufacturing, and continuing to drive the future of aviation with a focus on safety, autonomy and electrification.

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.”