Civil Aviation

Civil Aviation

Air Astana announces results for the Q4 and full year ended 31 December 2025

Almaty,16th March 2026: Air Astana JSC, the airline group of Central Asia and the Caucasus regions had announced its results for the fourth quarter and full year ended 31 December 2025. On this occasion, the CEO of the Airline group Peter Foster shared his views on the various aspects of the airlines growth strategy: On 2025 Performance 2025 marks Air Astana Group’s second year as a public company and my 20th year as CEO. Amid industry-wide challenges, the Group has shown resilience with revenue growth of 11.4 per cent [1] to USD1,453.9 million and EBITDAR stability at USD321.2m (+0.8 per cent* increase). Through our continued commitment to dynamically managing capacity allocation, ASKs are up 14.0 per cent to 22.0bn, from 19.3bn in FY24. In Q4 specifically, the Group has seen strong demand with total revenue growth of 15.8 per cent.” Overall Journey More broadly, the Group has made significant progress in a number of areas, as we position both of our brands for long-term success. This includes investment in our fleet (including the largest aircraft order in our history), expansion of our route network (25 new routes), improvements in customer experience and enhanced operational efficiency – a central aspect being advancing our digital capabilities. Our Aviation Technical Centre serves as a primary asset in the resilience of the business, with the in-house MRO expertise being margin protective in the context of our ongoing management of the Pratt & Whitney issue.” Pratt & Whitney prompted Unscheduled Engine Removals are an industry-wide issue. UERs have impacted profitability by limiting our growth opportunities and thereby increasing unit costs, driven primarily by lost capacity, compressing the margin between RASK and CASK across the year. Our mitigation actions, however, have placed us in a strong position to minimise the forward-looking impact. We see the impact from UERs as diminishing over time. We have addressed the RASK challenge with improvements towards the end of Q3 and a particularly visible recovery in Q4 with an increase of 9.8 per cent. That gives us further confidence in our business with focus on CASK. As we start growing and spreading costs over a bigger capacity, we will achieve the margins we aspire to. While concluding his comment, Peter Foster said, ” With this being my final set of results, I would like to end by expressing the huge confidence I have in Air Astana and its leadership. We have a strong, diverse and motivated management team, many of whom I have worked with for my entire tenure. Others have joined very recently and will bring an external perspective to our strategy, such as Gonçalo Pires as our new CFO and Johan Eidhagen as the new FlyArystan President. From April, they will be led by Ibrahim Canliel who is uniquely positioned to drive Air Astana’s next phase of development. Ibrahim was a commercial leader within the group for 15 years before becoming CFO. In his roles he has been integral to much of the success we have enjoyed and as CFO also took responsibility for the entire IPO process. It has been my pleasure to work with him for over two decades and I leave the airline in very effective hands. We are due to take delivery of three new Boeing 787-9 aircraft in the next 15 months with other aircraft deliveries scheduled. We carried almost 10 million passengers, despite external challenges, with international network expansion a key factor in our success. I am enormously proud of what we have achieved together and I look forward to remaining involved in the company as a senior advisor to the Board.” FY 2025 Highlight: Solid revenue and capacity growth with stable EBITDAR performance despite margin pressure. • Total revenue and other income increased 11.4 per cent to USD 1,453.9 million (FY 2024: USD 1,304.9 million). • EBITDAR increased 0.8 per cent to USD 321.2 million (FY 2024: USD 318.7 million). EBITDAR margin 2.3 pp lower to 22.1 per cent (FY 2024: 24.4 per cent). • PAT decreased USD 35.9m to USD 13.6 million (FY 2024: USD 49.4 million). • ASK up 14.0 per cent to 22.0 billion (FY 2024: 19.3 billion). • RPK increased 13.0 per cent to 18.2 billion (FY 2024: 16.1 billion). • RASK-CASK differential reflected margin decrease in a challenging operating environment partially mitigated through dynamic capacity management, fares adjustment and operational efficiency. o RASK decreased 2.3 per cent to USD 6.60¢ (FY 2024: 6.75¢). o CASK increased 1.6 per cent to USD 6.20¢ (FY 2024: 6.10¢). • Group passengers carried increased 7.9 per cent to 9.7 million (FY 2024: 9.0 million) with a stable average load factor of 82.7 per cent (FY 2024: 83.5 per cent). • Group fleet expanded to 62 aircraft. Q4 Highlights Revenue and traffic growth, with earnings impacted by Pratt & Whitney Unscheduled Engine Removals (UER) but RASK growth turning positive in the fourth quarter. • Total revenue and other income increased 15.8 per cent to USD 357.0 million (Q4 2024: USD 308.4 million). • EBITDAR decreased 9.7 per cent  to USD 59.1 million (Q4 2024: USD 65.4 million). EBITDAR margin 4.7pp lower to 16.5 per cent (Q4 2024: 21.2 per cent). • PAT decreased USD 15.3m to USD -17.7 million (Q4 2024: USD -2.4 million). • ASK up 5.5 per cent to 5.0 billion (Q4 2024: 4.7 billion). • RPK increased 5.4 per cent to 4.1 billion (Q4 2024: 3.9 billion). • RASK-CASK differential impacted by Pratt & Whitney UERs, curtailing capacity growth and grounding more of the fleet than planned during Q4. o RASK increased 9.8 per cent to USD 7.18¢ (Q4 2024: 6.54¢) due to the allocation of capacity to higher margin international routes and fare adjustments initiated earlier this year with the full financial effect reflected in Q4. o CASK increased 17.3 per cent to USD 7.23¢ (Q4 2024: 6.16¢) due to lost capacity caused by UERs, with resources geared for peak season and higher engine maintenance costs. • Group passengers carried remain stable at 2.2 million (Q4 2024:

Civil Aviation

Gulf Air extends travel dates for flights via Dammam

Muharraq, Kingdom of Bahrain, 15 March 2026: Gulf Air has announced the extension of its temporary operations via King Fahad International Airport in Dammam (DMM), with flights for commercial booking now available to all passengers for travel until and including the 22nd of March 2026. Amid the temporary closure of Bahrain’s airspace, this initiative reaffirms Gulf Air’s commitment to maintaining connectivity to and from the Kingdom of Bahrain. • Dammam (DMM) – London Heathrow (LHR) – Dammam (DMM) • Dammam (DMM) – Mumbai (BOM) – Dammam (DMM) • Dammam (DMM) – Bangkok (BKK) – Dammam (DMM) To facilitate travel, Gulf Air will assist passengers travelling to and from the Kingdom of Bahrain with the issuance of Saudi transit visas. Alternatively, passengers traveling to Saudi Arabia should hold an eligible visa for entry into Saudi Arabia, arranged independently. Gulf Air will provide transportation between the Kingdom of Bahrain and King Fahad International Airport in Dammam for passengers holding confirmed bookings on these flights. Passengers are advised to ensure they hold a confirmed booking prior to proceeding to Dammam for departure. Flights to and from Bahrain International Airport remain temporarily suspended, and Gulf Air will resume regular scheduled services once the Bahrain Civil Aviation Affairs confirms the safe reopening of the Kingdom’s airspace.

Civil Aviation

SriLankan Airlines enhances Australia connectivity with 14 weekly flights

New Delhi,13th March 2026 SriLankan Airlines is set to increase its weekly service between Colombo and Melbourne to 10 flights, effective from 2 August 2026, with the addition of three more scheduled flights in response to growing demand and evolving market dynamics. The expansion reinforces the airline’s commitment to strengthening its footprint in Australia, recently identified as one of the fastest-growing inbound tourism markets to Sri Lanka, driven by leisure travel and a rising volume of visits by family and friends. The newly added flights will operate every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday, departing Colombo as UL608 at 14:10 hrs and arriving in Melbourne at 04:30 hrs the following day. The return service, UL609, will depart Melbourne every Wednesday, Friday and Monday at 06:00 hrs, arriving in Colombo at 12:15 hrs the same day, offering convenient onward connections across the airline’s network. The schedule is designed to maximise time spent in Sri Lanka for leisure travellers while enhancing connectivity for passengers travelling onwards to India via Colombo. In addition to the new frequencies, the airline will continue operating its daily service, UL604, departing Colombo at 00:20 hrs and arriving in Melbourne at 14:40 hrs, with the return service UL605 departing Melbourne at 16:10 hrs and arriving in Colombo at 22:25 hrs. These services provide seamless connectivity to key destinations across India and beyond. This addition of flights will provide Sri Lankans with better options when choosing flights between the two countries and enable them to plan their travel more conveniently. The increased frequency will be especially beneficial for the Sri Lankan diaspora living in Australia, providing greater flexibility to visit family and friends while maintaining strong connections with their homeland. Additionally, Sri Lankan students studying in Australia will find these enhanced services advantageous, as the expanded schedule accommodates academic calendars and holiday breaks, making it easier to travel home and return to their studies. Overall, improved connectivity supports both the expatriate community and students by offering more convenient and accessible travel options tailored to their needs.

Civil Aviation

De Havilland Canada provides production update on the Canadair 515 Aircraft

Calgary, Alberta, 11th March 2026: De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (De Havilland Canada) has shared an update on the De Havilland Canadair 515 (DHC-515) currently in production at the Canadian manufacturing facilities. De Havilland Canada is producing 22 aircraft for European customers, including Croatia, Spain, Italy, Greece, Portugal, and France and have recently signed contracts with the Canadian provinces of Manitoba, Ontario, and Alberta. These orders underscore the strong domestic and international demand for the world’s only purpose-built amphibious firefighting aircraft. Production is progressing on the first DHC-515 aircraft, with structures being assembled in our Canadian manufacturing facilities. The cockpit and the hull have been recently joined in our Calgary aerostructure assembly line to form the forward fuselage. In addition, we recently completed the assembly of the first DHC-515 wing box, an impressive 28.6-meter-long structure. De Havilland Canada has also released a new video spotlighting manufacturing and assembly activity across its Canadian facilities. The video offers a behind-the-scenes look at the progress, precision, and dedication driving production forward. From key assembly milestones to the skilled teams powering operations, the footage captures the continued momentum and commitment to excellence across DHC’s Canadian footprint. https://vimeo.com/1167448206

Civil Aviation

SriLankan Airlines Resumes Flights to Riyadh and Dubai

Colombo,09 March 2026: SriLankan Airlines has announced the resumption of daily services to Riyadh tonight and Dubai tomorrow, while continuing to closely monitor the situation in the Middle East and prioritising the safety and wellbeing of its passengers and crew. The following flights are scheduled to operate: Flight Route Scheduled time of departure (local time) UL265 Colombo–Riyadh 18:15 hrs UL266 Riyadh–Colombo 22:35hrs UL231 Colombo–Dubai 12:40 hrs UL232 Dubai–Colombo 17:00hrs

Civil Aviation

SriLankan Airlines to start flights from Ahmedebad, its 10th destination in India

New Delhi, February 25th, 2026: SriLankan Airlines has announced its plan to start direct flights between Colombo and Ahmedabad within two months post regulatory approvals. This will be tenth Indian destination in its list as the airlines move aimed at strengthening air connectivity and boosting religious tourism between the two countries. At a media meet in Delhi,Dimuthu Tennakoon, Head of Commercial, SriLankan Airlines shared the plans and highlighted the importance of connecting Ahmedabad as the momentum in India-Sri Lanka relations, especially with Gujarat emerging as an important hub for spiritual and heritage travel. As 2026 unfolds,SriLankan Airlines plans to increase its weekly India services, currently covering Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kochi, Trivandrum, Madurai and Tiruchirappalli. The airline has consistently focused on serving both major metropolitan centres and emerging markets across India, extending its reach to underserved cities. SriLankan Airlines operates close to 90 weekly flights between the two countries, and more to come, the airline has never been more energised about setting the pace for India’s expanding global footprint. For SriLankan, India is its largest market, accounting for nearly 30 per cent of the airline’s total passenger traffic and 23 per cent of overall visitor arrivals to the island.Building on this momentum, the airline is poised to enhance its India operations this year through targeted strategic initiatives that will strengthen connectivity and reinforce the time-honoured bond between the two nations. With the addition of Ahmedabad, SriLankan Airlines will serve six of India’s eight major metropolitan hubs, further diversifying its India portfolio and boosting route economics by capitalising on year-round demand and strong cultural ties between the two countries. These initiatives are projected to increase Indian passenger traffic across the airline’s network by up to 12 per cent in 2026. SriLankan Airlines works closely with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority and other trade partners in supporting national tourism ambitions. The airline’s promotional efforts are firmly rooted in positioning Sri Lanka as a vibrant and versatile destination with immense appeal to Indian travellers, offering festivals, cuisine, wellness, beaches,wildlife, history and spirituality. Most recently, SriLankan launched its award-winning epic Ramayana Trail campaign, an emotive storytelling journey inspiring Indian travellers to explore iconic sites along the epic’s legendary path in Sri Lanka. SriLankan is well positioned to serve Indians jet-setting for any number of reasons, from leisure, business and trade to visiting friends and relatives, or attending destination events, including weddings. Whether travelling to Sri Lanka or beyond, with around 30% of Indian passengers transiting via Colombo,the airline provides seamless connections between the cities it serves in Indiaand the Middle East, the Maldives, the Far East, Europe and Australia through its own and codeshare services.

Civil Aviation

American Airlines next phase of Airbus A321neos to be powered by CFM LEAP engines

FORT WORTH, USA, 20th February 2026: American Airlines and CFM International, a 50/50 joint company between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines, had announced that American’s future deliveries of Airbus A321neo aircraft will continue to be powered by the CFM LEAP-1A engine. These engines will be installed on Airbus A321neo aircraft that American ordered two years ago. As part of the expanded partnership, CFM International will continue to provide long-term maintenance for American’s CFM LEAP-1A engines for years to come. The agreement was announced by American Airlines CEO Robert Isom and GE Aerospace Chairman and CEO H. Lawrence Culp, Jr. “American is proud to operate more CFM/GE Aerospace powered mainline and regional aircraft than any other airline in the world, and American’s aircraft have flown with GE Aerospace technology for almost a century,” said American’s CEO Robert Isom. “We are excited that CFM LEAP engines will power our next phase of A321neo deliveries, maximizing the power of our fleet investments to deliver the best network to our customers utilizing the best-performing engine in the business.” American currently operates 84 A321neo and 5 A321XLR aircraft, with 120 A321neo and 35 A321XLR aircraft on order through 2032, all to be powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines. The airline also has options to purchase 116 additional A320neo family aircraft from Airbus which, if exercised, will also be outfitted with CFM LEAP-1A engines. “We are proud to be under wing powering American’s modernized fleet and appreciate their continued trust,” said H. Lawrence Culp, Jr., chairman and chief executive officer at GE Aerospace. “We are committed to delivering best-in-class LEAP engines to support the growth of American’s network as they serve more destinations for their customers.” The airline recently debuted the A321XLR, elevating transcontinental travel. As the only U.S.-based airline to operate the aircraft, American offers customers luxurious Flagship Suite® seats, relaxing Premium Economy seats and a reimagined Main Cabin, all featuring high-speed Wi-Fi and complimentary seatback entertainment with Bluetooth connectivity throughout the journey. “It is highly gratifying when an airline of this stature considers CFM and its products such an integral part of its long-term fleet strategy,” said Gaël Méheust, president and chief executive officer of CFM International. “While American has seen first-hand the benefits the LEAP engine provides, our total focus is on continuing to deliver the level of quality and support American has come to expect from us.”  

Civil Aviation

Flyadeal takes delivery of first new aircraft of 2026

Jeddah, 17th February 2025: flyadeal, Saudi Arabia’s low-cost airline, has taken delivery of its first new aircraft of 2026 – an Airbus A320neo – boosting the carrier’s fleet to 45 all-narrowbody passenger jets. Arriving in Jeddah direct from Airbus’ assembly plant in Toulouse, the aircraft becomes the airline’s 34th A320neo, adding to the 11 A320neo variant that make up flyadeal’s total fleet. The delivery also marks a move away from the traditional naming of every aircraft after a constellation star. Named Al-Saqr (falcon) after the national bird of Saudi Arabia, it heralds the beginning of flyadeal’s new narrowbodies proudly adorning the names of different birds in the Kingdom. The falcon represents strength, courage, freedom and pride, deeply embedded in Saudi culture, reflecting the qualities so ingrained in the values of flyadeal. Steven Greenway, flyadeal Chief Executive Officer, said: “It’s always a good feeling celebrating a first. Our latest aircraft is the start of flyadeal’s push towards the half-century fleet mark, a significant milestone for such a young airline. As more aircraft are delivered to flyadeal this year, we’re able to increase frequencies on existing routes and deploy on new ones to keep up our growth momentum.” Captain Abdulaziz Bahri, flyadeal Chief Operating Officer, added: “Being an all-A320 operator, flyadeal has shown confidence in this wonderful aircraft that supports our flying requirements domestically, regionally and beyond with low cost and fuel efficiency, fulfilling our key operational needs. Just six months ago, we took delivery of our 40th aircraft. We’re now up to 45 and continue to hire more pilots, including those joining through the government-backed graduate cadet training programme that we began participating in last year.” Hazar Hafiz, flyadeal Head of Marketing and Customer Experience, explained: “Saudi Arabia is home to more than 500 bird species on one of the world’s most important migration routes, with millions of birds crossing the Kingdom every year. Birds naturally represent movement, travel, and freedom—values that strongly align with our brand. By associating ourselves with this rich and authentic narrative, flyadeal creates a deeper emotional link with our customers.” Featuring a spacious cabin of 186 all-Economy Class seats in a 3 – 3 configuration, flyadeal’s A320s have interiors of the highest standards and specifications for a low-cost airline. These include leather seats with a custom diamond stitch pattern and embossed logo together with sizeable overhead bins. flyadeal has rapidly developed into the Middle East’s fastest growing airline operating its young fleet from bases in Jeddah, Riyadh and Madinah and Dammam to more than 30 seasonal and year-round destinations across Saudi Arabia, and in the Middle East, Europe, North Africa and South Asia. By 2030, in line with Saudi Vision 2030, flyadeal expects to triple its network to over 100 destinations and more than double its fleet to 100 aircraft.

Civil Aviation

FLY91 flags off daily Kochi–Agatti – Kochi Service, strengthening mainland access to Lakshadweep

Panaji, 9th February 2026: Regional airline FLY91 today operated its inaugural flight on the Kochi–Agatti sector, launching a new daily service connecting Kerala with the Lakshadweep islands.The route is expected to significantly improve access to Lakshadweep via southern India’s key aviation gateway. With the introduction of Kochi services, FLY91 deepens its presence in southern India and further strengthens connectivity to Lakshadweep. The new Kochi–Agatti service complements the existing Goa–Agatti route, offering residents and visitors greater flexibility and seamless mainland access. “The daily Kochi connection significantly enhances onward travel options, given Kochi’s extensive domestic and international network,” said Manoj Chacko, Managing Director and CEO, FLY91. “For residents of Agatti and neighbouring islands, this service makes essential travel for education, healthcare, employment and commerce easier, while also supporting the steady growth of tourism in Lakshadweep.” The launch of the Kochi–Agatti route aligns with FLY91’s broader vision of enhancing last-mile air connectivity to underserved and remote regions across India. By linking smaller towns and island communities with major urban hubs, the airline aims to make regional air travel more accessible, reliable and time-efficient. As part of its next phase of expansion, FLY91 will commence operations at six new regional stations in the coming months — Rajahmundry, Vijayawada, Hubballi, Dabolim (Goa), Nanded and Indore.

Civil Aviation

Embraer advances supply chain development in India

New Delhi,9th February 2026: Embraer concluded another executive-level visit to India as it continues expanding and strengthening its supply chain in the country. The visit reinforces the company’s commitment to deepening industrial cooperation between Brazil and India and exploring new business opportunities across its portfolios. “We reaffirm our strong commitment to collaborating with India’s aerospace industry. Our focus is on advancing joint initiatives in defense and civil aviation, contributing to technological innovation, operational excellence, and long-term strategic partnerships,” said Roberto Chaves, Executive Vice President of Global Procurement and Supply Chain at Embraer. “India is a key partner in shaping the future of aerospace, and we are dedicated to building sustainable cooperation that supports both the domestic industrial base and global initiatives.” This visit builds on Embraer’s longstanding presence in India and follows ongoing discussions with local industry players and government stakeholders. Embraer assessed a range of potential suppliers in India, including capabilities in aerostructures assembly, machining, metal forming, composites, wiring systems, and hardware and software development. Embraer views India as a key strategic partner in the Asia Pacific region and plans to implement an extensive local supply chain program in the country. Recently, the company inaugurated its Indian office in New Delhi, further strengthening its Asia Pacific footprint. A dedicated local Procurement team has also been established to support Embraer’s supply chain initiatives in India. India represents a strategic market for Embraer across all of its business segments. The company currently has a fleet of more than 44 aircraft operating in the country, serving customers in Commercial Aviation, Executive Aviation, and Defense & Security. This includes five Embraer VIP jets operated by the Indian government and three EMB 145 AEW “Netra” aircraft operated by the Indian Air Force.

FOREWORD

Dear Reader’s,

 

The current edition of Aviation World has covered many areas of Aerospace & Defence based on the latest development in the sector. The front cover highlights three different images, first for the Union Civil Aviation Minister ….. who is leading from the front to steer Indian Civil Aviation sector to witness one of the most interesting phases. He is also facing most tumultuous timing due to the ongoing financial stress in the Aviation sector due to ATF rising cost and long airspace restrictions resulting in mounting losses for Indian carriers. Despite of all the ground level challenges,the minister is addressing new things on regular basis which keeps the sector motivated. We have featured many such developmental works in this edition done under his guidance which will be interesting to read.

Our lead story on “ The West War” is another important feature which covers the ground level reality of the challenges faced by the Aviation sector. Its though time ahead and we believe it will pass soon .

There are features on Regional connectivity and MoCA revised rules on the UDAN 2.0 and how its going to transform the flying experience within India.

In this edition, we have covered topics on MRO,Various Policy changes,Sea Plane Operations by SkyHop Aviation, TATA-Airbus joint project on C295 military aircraft under Make In India which is expected to roll out soon and many other interesting contents which will be good to read.

We are covering Farnborough International Airshow 2026 from 20-24July 2026 in London and our next edition will be based on the same event.For features, you may contact our team on priority basis.

 

Happy Reading!

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

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