Civil Aviation

Singapore, 21 September 2026: Air Astana received two major accolades, being named Best Airline in Central Asia & CIS for the 15th consecutive year and Best Airline Staff Service in Central Asia & CIS for the tenth time at the prestigious 2026 World Airline Awards, held on 18 September 2026 at the iconic Langham Hotel in London. The awards are organised by Skytrax, the international air transport rating organisation. Air Astana continues to lead the region in quality and service delivery, with 2026 marking another year of double-award success at the World Airline Awards. This continued recognition reinforces its position as the top-rated carrier in Central Asia & CIS and reflects strong customer appreciation of the airline’s consistently high standards and quality of staff service. FlyArystan, the Group’s low-cost carrier, also confirmed its regional leadership by receiving the Best Low-Cost Airline in Central Asia & CIS award for the fourth consecutive year. Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax, said: “Air Astana’s success at this year’s World Airline Awards serves to highlight the high standards of their front line service and product standards. Customers show a strong appreciation of their service, and this success in 2026 demonstrates Air Astana’s dedication to providing an excellent quality of onboard experience, and consistent service delivery.” Ibrahim Canliel, CEO of Air Astana Group, said: “We are honoured to receive these prestigious Skytrax awards for both Air Astana and FlyArystan. This recognition is particularly meaningful because it reflects the views of our passengers and demonstrates the strength of both airlines across their respective market segments. I would like to thank our customers for their continued trust and loyalty, and our entire team for their dedication and commitment to delivering the highest standards of safety and service. We will continue to invest in our people, our fleet and our customer experience as Air Astana Group enters the next stage of its growth.”

Gurugram, 19 September 2026: Air India, India’s leading global airline, today announced that it has been honoured with three major accolades at the 2026 Skytrax World Airline Awards, winning ‘Best Airline in India’, ‘Best Airline Staff in India & South Asia’, and receiving the coveted Skytrax 4-Star Airline Certification for Business Class and Economy Class. Passenger-voted Skytrax Awards reflect growing customer confidence in Air India The awards for ‘Best Airline in India’ and ‘Best Airline Staff in India & South Asia’ are especially meaningful as they are based on customer feedback gathered through the world’s largest airline passenger satisfaction survey; making them a direct reflection of guests’ experiences and perceptions of the airline. Moreover, the award for ‘Best Airline Staff in India & South Asia’ is a particularly significant recognition of the efforts of Air India’s frontline teams across cabin crew, airports, customer support, and operational functions, who serve millions of guests each year. Air India builds on recent Skytrax 4-Star Airline Rating achievement The honours follow Air India’s recent elevation from a 3-Star to 4-Star airline which is widely regarded as a global benchmark for airline quality. Together, the recognitions underscore the airline’s ongoing transformation under the Vihaan.AI programme and its ambition to become a world-class global airline with an Indian heart. Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India, along with Air India cabin crew received the awards on behalf of the airline at the 2026 Skytrax World Airline Awards ceremony held in London, UK. Campbell Wilson remarked, “To be recognised as ‘Best Airline in India’ and to receive the award for ‘Best Airline Staff in India & South Asia’ is especially meaningful because it reflects the New Air India experience our guests are experiencing and acknowledging. These awards belong to the more than 24,000 Air Indians whose professionalism, warmth, and commitment are driving our transformation every day.” “Combined with our Skytrax 4-Star certification, these recognitions demonstrate the steady progress Air India has made in recent years. While we are encouraged by how far we have come, we remain focused on the work ahead as we continue investing in our people, products, technology, and customer experience to build an airline that makes India proud on the global stage.” Air India’s ongoing Vihaan.ai transformation Over the last few years, Air India has undertaken one of the most comprehensive transformation programmes in global aviation, Vihaan.ai, encompassing fleet modernisation, upgraded cabins, reimagined lounges, digital innovation, enhanced customer support, and extensive investment in service excellence and employee training. Today, more than 130 narrowbody and widebody aircraft in Air India’s fleet are either new or upgraded, bringing the New Air India experience to customers across domestic and international routes. From the introduction of India’s first Airbus A350 and new line-fit Boeing 787-9 aircraft to the ongoing retrofit of legacy narrowbody and widebody aircraft, these investments are progressively elevating the guest experience across the airline’s network. Customer feedback highlights Air India’s transformation journey The airline’s evolving customer proposition has been reflected in steadily improving customer feedback and advocacy scores, alongside growing recognition from customers. Air India’s Net Promoter Score (NPS) – a key measure of customer advocacy – has improved by more than 70 points, rising from -35 in late 2022 to nearly +40 today, reflecting tangible gains in areas that matter most to passengers. On Air India’s flagship A350s and B787-9s, the NPS is consistently in the high 60s. As Air India continues its Vihaan.AI journey, the airline remains committed to further enhancing its customer experience, expanding its global footprint, and setting new benchmarks for Indian aviation.

London, 18 September 2026: Bangkok Airways Public Company Limited celebrates a decade of service excellence after being named the winner of two prestigious accolades at the SKYTRAX World Airline Awards 2026: “World’s Best Regional Airline” and “Best Regional Airline in Asia.” This marks the 10th consecutive year the airline has received both awards. The awards ceremony was held at The Langham, London, United Kingdom. The achievement represents another significant milestone for Bangkok Airways, reflecting the continued trust and confidence of passengers worldwide, as well as the dedication of employees across the organization in maintaining high standards of safety, service quality, and memorable travel experiences over the past decade. Mr. Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, President of Bangkok Airways said, “This year’s achievement is particularly meaningful for Bangkok Airways, as it marks the 10th consecutive year that we have been recognized as both the World’s Best Regional Airline and the Best Regional Airline in Asia. This recognition reflects the trust that passengers around the world have continued to place in Bangkok Airways over the years.” “On behalf of our management team and all Bangkok Airways employees, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to our passengers for every vote, every journey, and the continued trust and support they have given us. I would also like to dedicate this achievement to all our employees, from our frontline teams who serve passengers every day to those working behind the scenes, whose commitment and attention to detail help make every journey safe, seamless, and memorable.” “Over the past decade, the trust of our passengers has been a driving force behind our continuous improvement, while the dedication of our people has been at the heart of our service excellence. We will continue to uphold the highest standards of safety while further enhancing our products, services, and overall passenger experience, ensuring that every journey with Bangkok Airways reflects the warmth, care, and distinctive experience of Asia’s Boutique Airline.” The SKYTRAX World Airline Awards are widely recognized within the global aviation industry. The awards are based on passenger surveys conducted among travelers from around the world, reflecting their views on airline products and service quality across a broad range of areas. Bangkok Airways has received both the World’s Best Regional Airline and Best Regional Airline in Asia awards in the same year on 10 occasions since 2016: 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026. No SKYTRAX World Airline Awards ceremony was held in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

London, 18 September 2026: Singapore Airlines has been named the World’s Best Airline in the 2026 Skytrax World Airline Awards, marking the sixth time it has received the prestigious accolade. SIA also received awards for Best Airline in Asia, World’s Best Economy Class, and World’s Best Economy Class Onboard Catering. Scoot, SIA’s low-cost subsidiary, was named Best Long Haul Low-Cost Airline for the sixth consecutive year at the annual Skytrax awards ceremony, which was held in London on 18 September 2026. The awards are based on a survey of more than 24.8 million travellers globally, who rated over 300 airlines between September 2025 and August 2026. Mr Goh Choon Phong, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Airlines, said: “We are grateful to our customers for their trust and support, and we are committed to delivering an exceptional, world-class travel experience every time they fly with us. This award is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of our people, who continually strive to uphold SIA’s renowned standards for service and operational excellence.” Mr Leslie Thng, Chief Executive Officer, Scoot said: “It is an honour to receive the World’s Best Long Haul Low-Cost Airline award for the sixth consecutive year. This recognition validates Scoot’s commitment to providing our customers with comfortable, reliable, and seamless travel experiences. We are grateful to our loyal customers and valued industry partners, whose continued support makes this achievement possible. Scoot will continue to innovate, strengthen our operational resilience, and enhance the customer experience as we reinforce our position as a leading low-cost carrier.” Mr Edward Plaisted, Chief Executive Officer, Skytrax, said: “We congratulate the Singapore Airlines Group on the major achievement of being named the World’s Best Airline 2026 for Singapore Airlines, and the Best Long Haul Low-Cost Airline for Scoot. These successes highlight the level of product and service excellence they are providing to customers and should be a source of great pride and motivation for the management and staff in the Group.”

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)