Civil Aviation

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.”

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.”

Singapore, 30th June 2026: Air China and Singapore Airlines (SIA) have signed a MoU to establish a commercial joint venture partnership, which will allow them to deepen their collaboration and offer customers more travel options and flexibility, greater value, and additional benefits. The agreement covers the potential expansion of their codeshare partnership to additional destinations between Singapore and mainland China, within China, and beyond the two countries. The airlines plan to coordinate flight schedules, explore joint fare products, and pursue joint marketing and revenue-sharing arrangements. All initiatives are subject to the relevant regulatory approvals. Building on their long-standing relationship as Star Alliance members, the carriers also intend to deepen cooperation between Air China’s PhoenixMiles and SIA’s KrisFlyer frequent flyer programmes. This will enable members to enjoy enhanced rewards and greater opportunities to earn and redeem miles across both airlines. Both carriers will also look to exchange best practices in areas such as ground handling, catering, and in-flight service.  Qu Guangji, President, Air China, said: “As members of Star Alliance, Singapore Airlines and Air China enjoy a solid foundation of long-standing cooperation. We will further deepen our bilateral partnership, broaden the scope of codeshare arrangements, enhance frequent flyer programme synergies, and vigorously promote our joint venture initiatives. By consistently delivering diversified travel products and premium services, we will continue to offer greater convenience and more travel options to passengers flying on China-Singapore air routes.”  Goh Choon Phong, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Airlines, said: “Singapore Airlines is pleased to embark on this strategic partnership with Air China, which has an extensive domestic and international network from its hubs in China. Together, we will offer customers more travel options, seamless connections, and enhanced convenience on flights between Singapore and China, and across our combined networks. Closer cooperation on services and frequent flyer programmes will further enhance the travel experience and create greater value for our customers. Our partnership will also support the growth of tourism, business, and cultural exchanges, strengthening economic and people-to-people ties while fostering deeper connections and shared opportunities between Singapore and China.”

The airline will commence direct flights to Abu Dhabi from 15 July 2026, expanding travel options across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and strengthening connectivity between India’s financial capital and the UAE capital. Delhi,22 June 2026: Air India Express has announced the launch of direct flights between Navi Mumbai International Airport and Abu Dhabi, becoming the first airline to operate international services from Maharashtra’s newest airport. The new route provides travellers across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region with a second gateway to the UAE, enhancing accessibility, convenience, and travel choice. Flights will operate from 15 July 2026, with an initial frequency of two weekly services, scaling to three weekly flights from 29 July 2026. With the addition of this route, Air India Express will operate 30 weekly flights from Navi Mumbai, connecting the airport directly to Abu Dhabi, Bengaluru, and Delhi. Air India Express’ presence in Maharashtra continues to grow steadily, with over 95 weekly flights from Mumbai, more than 100 weekly flights from Pune and 14 weekly flights from Nagpur. The airline operates one of the largest networks between India and West Asia connecting multiple Indian cities with destinations across Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. (Air India Express Image Courtesy: Krish Aarush/wikipedia)

Jeddah,18th June 2026:  flyadeal, the Saudia Group’s LCC has been ranked the most on-time airline in the Middle East for May 2026 and the second most on-time airline across the Middle East & Africa region. This is according to the latest On-Time Performance (OTP) Report published by Cirium, a aviation analytics company.As per the report, flyadeal achieved 93.37% on-time arrival rate and a 95.61% on-time departure rate during May. The results are based on 5,449 flights operated by flyadeal during May 2026 and reflect the airline’s continued commitment to delivering a dependable travel experience for its growing number of passengers. Capt. Abdulaziz Bahri, Chief Operating Officer, flyadeal commented: Being recognised by Cirium as the most on time airline in the Middle East is a tremendous achievement for flyadeal and a testament to the dedication of our people. Punctuality is the result of continuously coordinated decisions made every day across our operations. From flight planning and operational control to aircraft maintenance, airport handling and crew scheduling, every team plays a critical role in ensuring our flights depart and arrive on time. Achieving these results during one of the busiest operational periods of the year, coinciding with the 1447H Hajj season, the arrival of pilgrims from several countries, and the operation of additional flights during the Eid Al-Adha holiday, reflects flyadeal’s operational efficiency and its ability to maintain on-time performance while continuing to offer competitive fares to passengers. The airline’s investments in technology, operational planning, and performance management continue to strengthen flyadeal’s ability to maintain high levels of reliability as the airline expands domestically and internationally.