Civil Aviation

New Delhi,6th February 2026: Amphibian Aerospace Industries (AAI), a subsidiary of Amphibian Aircraft Holdings (AAH), and Apogee Aerospace Pvt Ltd has announced a strategic collaboration to establish amphibious aviation as a strategically important capability for India, anchored by the Albatross 2.0 amphibious aircraft platform. Albatross 2.0, the world’s first and only FAA or EASA certified Transport Category amphibious aircraft above 19 seats (up to 28 seats) in the Registered Passenger Transport (RPT) sector. Under the collaboration, Apogee Aerospace has been designated as AAI’s exclusive Authorized Representative Partner for the Indian Subcontinent in the Restricted Category covering defence and government requirements. The partnership extends across maintenance, repair and overhaul, training and capability development, simulation, end-to-end systems integration for the militarisation of the aircraft, and the establishment of aircraft tail-section manufacturing in India to support the global supply chain. Commenting on the collaboration, Khoa Hoang, Executive Chairman and Gopi Reddy, President & CEO of Amphibian Aerospace Industries said, “India is uniquely positioned to lead the next chapter of amphibious aviation, and this collaboration is a decisive step in that direction. With Albatross 2.0, we are bringing fully certified transport-category capability that can immediately serve India’s military & paramilitaries, government, and strategic civil aviation needs. Partnering with Apogee Aerospace allows us to go far beyond aircraft delivery, focusing on deep industrialisation, systems integration, skills development, and long-term sovereign capability.” “Through this partnership with Apogee Aerospace, our focus is on deep industrial integration, indigenous capability development, and establishing India as a centre for amphibious aviation operations, sustainment, and future growth.” AAI and Apogee will jointly promote and operationalise the Albatross 2.0 across defence, government, and strategic civil applications in India. Albatross 2.0 Operational Features: The platform’s ability to operate seamlessly from land, water, snow and ice, as well as open-sea conditions with wave heights of up to six to eight feet, positions it uniquely for India’s diverse operational environments. With a standing cabin height of 188 centimetres, a dedicated luggage compartment, a fully functional washroom, and an equipped galley, Albatross 2.0 is designed as a true transport-category amphibian rather than a niche seaplane solution.This makes the aircraft highly relevant for India’s vast coastline, island territories, riverine geography, humanitarian response requirements, and joint military operations, while also aligning with national initiatives such as the Sagarmala Programme, coastal economic development, and enhanced maritime domain awareness. Wg Cdr MVN Sai (Retd), Chairman and Managing Director of Apogee Aerospace added, “Albatross is a force multiplier like no other before it, as it fundamentally redefines the point of launch and recovery of air power. The versatility of the platform enables operations across dimensions and verticals that previously required a combination of platforms to accomplish. This intervention provides India with strategic insurance to its status as one of the world’s leading economies through the assured maintenance of its Sea Lanes of Communication. We are witnessing the beginning of a new epoch in India’s glorious air power history.” Collaboration Details: As part of the strategic collaboration, Apogee Aerospace has placed an order for 15 Albatross 2.0 aircraft, representing an approximate programme value of ₹3,500 crore. Apogee will also invest up to ₹500 crore to establish tail-section manufacturing, maintenance and overhaul facilities, training and simulation infrastructure, and advanced systems integration capabilities in India. These system integration facilities will support the development and delivery of indigenised military variants of the Albatross platform for the Indian Armed Forces. In addition, Apogee Aerospace has invested $7 Million dollars (65 crore rupees) into Amphibian Aircraft Holdings, reinforcing long-term strategic alignment and shared execution commitment between the two organisations. Future Plan of Action: Through this collaboration, Amphibian Aerospace Industries and Apogee Aerospace aim to position India as a global hub for amphibious aircraft manufacturing, sustainment, training, and exports, while delivering a strategically vital, future-ready aerospace capability aligned with India’s long-term operational, industrial, and export ambitions. (Banner pix caption: Wg Cdr MVN Sai (Retd), Chairman and Managing Director of Apogee Aerospace, Khoa Hoang, Executive Chairman and Gopi Reddy, President & CEO of Amphibian Aerospace Industries)

Hyderabaad, 29 January 2026: At the Wings India 2026, Air India announced placing an order to purchase 30 additional Boeing aircraft, comprising 20 737-8 and 10 737-10. These 30 single-aisle aircraft are in addition to the firm orders for 220 aircraft that Air India had placed with Boeing in 2023, taking the total number of aircraft orders placed with Boeing to 250. With the latest orders, Air India has a total of 198 new aircraft incoming from Boeing. The airline has, so far, received 52 aircraft from the original 220 ordered in 2023, including 51 737-8 in service with Air India’s subsidiary value carrier, Air India Express, and one brand-new 787-9 that enters commercial service between Mumbai and Frankfurt from 1 February 2026. Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India, said: “This additional order for 30 Boeing 737 aircraft is part of our broader fleet strategy to position Air India firmly for the future, as a world-class global carrier that India deserves and the world expects. Building on our 2023 orders and subsequent additions, this order supports steady deliveries and fleet upgrades planned over the next few years. “Air India’s order for more 737 MAX jets underscores the strong performance of their existing 737-8 fleet as they continue to expand connectivity across India and the South Asia region,” said Paul Righi, Boeing Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing, Eurasia, India and South Asia. “We value Air India’s confidence in the 737-10 and 737-8 to provide the capacity and versatility they need as a cornerstone of their single-aisle growth strategy.” Powered by CFM LEAP-1B engines, the Boeing 737 delivers exceptional fuel-efficiency, passenger comfort, and operational reliability for robust single-aisle aircraft operations. Since its privatisation in January 2022, the Air India group has added nearly 170 aircraft to its fleet through a combination of new deliveries, strategic leases, merger of erstwhile Vistara into Air India, and the reactivation of long-grounded aircraft, thus marking significant progress in capacity expansion and fleet modernisation.

Hyderabad,23rd January, 2026: A new study finds that existing limits on flight and seat capacity between India and the United Arab Emirates may not keep pace with rising travel demand, potentially reducing the economic benefits that stronger air connectivity can support. The analysis shows that 27% of forecast passenger demand between India and the UAE could remain unserved by 2035 if capacity remains at current levels. This equates to a cumulative shortfall of approximately 54.5 million passenger journeys between 2026 and 2035, with 13.2 million unserved passengers on the Abu Dhabi–India corridor alone. This indicates particularly acute capacity constraints on the Abu Dhabi–India corridor. The report highlights strong structural growth in India’s aviation market. India’s travelling class—households with sufficient income to travel by air—has grown from 24%of the population in 2010 to 40% in 2024, representing an increase of nearly 300 million people. As a result, air travel demand is projected to grow by 7.2% per year through 2035, adding nearly 22 million additional passenger journeys per year over the next decade. Matthew Dass, Director of Consulting, from Tourism Economics, said, “India–UAE air travel demand is growing rapidly, underpinned by rising incomes, expanding international trade, and increasing outbound and inbound tourism. Load factors exceed 80% on major routes in the study period, indicating limited spare capacity under current schedules. In our baseline outlook, the gap between forecast demand and available seats widens over time and available capacity is expected to be exhausted by 2026.” The study also quantifies the economic activity enabled by the UAE–India air corridor, focusing on inbound travellers’tourism spending and airlines’ operational expenditure along the corridor. Under continued capacity constraints, the corridor’s GDP contribution is projected to grow at a 3% CAGR over the next five years; easing constraints under alternative scenarios could lift growth to 5.5%–7%. For example, doubling Abu Dhabi–India seat capacity is expected to enable an additional of $7.2 billion in GDP(including direct, indirect, induced impacts) over the next five years and support more than 170,000 jobs per year on average. Beyond immediate impacts, the study suggests that improved connectivity could contribute to productivity gains (up to $9 billion per year by 2035) and may support investment and trade outcomes over time. The report also notes that increased capacity and competition can place downward pressure on fares, benefiting passengers. The report concludes that aviation policy choices will play a critical role in determining whether India is able to fully capture the economic and consumer benefits of growth in international air travel.

New Delhi, 17th January 2026: Air Cambodia has launched its new Corporate Identity System (CIS), marking a significant milestone in the national flag carrier’s brand evolution and future growth journey. The airlines officially unveiled its refreshed brand identity, including a new logo and aircraft livery, at Techo International Airport (KTI), Phnom Penh.This represents the airline’s first comprehensive brand update since 2009 and reflects its renewed vision, ambition, and confidence in long-term expansion. Inspired by Cambodia’s national bird, the Giant Ibis (Tror Yorng), the new logo symbolizes protection, strength, and good fortune. The design integrates 18 feathers with aircraft engine fan blades and an upward 45-degree beak angle, representing power, long-haul capability, and sustained upward growth. The new aircraft livery prominently features royal blue, supported by gold, white, and red, highlighting professionalism, Khmer heritage, and warm in-flight hospitality. The new branding will be introduced in a phased manner across aircraft, digital platforms,and marketing assets, ensuring operational continuity during the transition. Alongside the rebrand, Air Cambodia continues to strengthen its fleet, having inducted new ATR72-600 aircraft and confirmed future deliveries of Boeing 737 MAX 8 and COMAC C909 aircraft,underscoring its commitment to regional and international growth. In India, Air Cambodia is represented by Aeroprime Group as the exclusive Passenger and Cargo General Sales Agent.

New Delhi, 16th January 2026: Air India and Singapore Airlines (SIA) have signed a commercial cooperation framework agreement, which will pave the way for them to deepen their long-standing partnership through definitive joint business agreements. This strengthened collaboration allows the airlines to explore ways to improve connectivity between Singapore and India, delivering greater choice and benefits for customers. The agreement was signed in Mumbai on 16th January 2026 by Air India CEO and MD, Campbell Wilson, and SIA CEO, Goh Choon Phong. Subject to regulatory approvals and the signing of definitive joint business agreements, the airlines aim to expand and enhance the product and service offerings, enabling seamless connections and more route options, and allowing customers to book flights across both airlines under a single unified journey. This partnership also envisages a closer coordination of flight schedules between Air India and SIA to improve convenience for customers. It could also expand to include greater cross-participation in the airlines’ corporate travel programmes to improve offerings to business travellers. The airlines will explore plans to progressively enhance privileges beyond the current Star Alliance benefits for members of Air India’s Maharaja Club and SIA’s KrisFlyer frequent flyer programmes. Further details will be announced as the plans are finalised. Air India and SIA also plan to explore opportunities to broaden the scope of their cooperation in select markets, beyond Singapore and India, subject to regulatory approvals. This would meet the growing demand for global connectivity, support traffic flow through both carriers’ hubs, and strengthen the air travel markets of both India and Singapore. Today, the airlines codeshare on 61 points in 20 countries and territories. This follows the October 2024 expansion of their codeshare partnership, which added 51 international and domestic destinations across both networks. Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Air India, said: “Air India remains committed to expanding its global footprint, both by adding new aircraft to our own fleet and by forging stronger commercial partnerships, especially with our fellow Star Alliance member carriers. We are pleased to take our valued, long-term relationship with Singapore Airlines to the next level through this new commercial cooperation understanding, which establishes a clear and structured platform for both airlines to explore and define future areas of closer collaboration. With this measured approach, we aim to lay a strong foundation for sustainable, long-term value creation for our customers and other stakeholders.” Goh Choon Phong, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Airlines, said: “This agreement between Singapore Airlines and Air India is a natural evolution of our successful partnership, creating genuine value and delivering enhanced benefits to customers. It is a strategic, winwin collaboration that will strengthen connectivity between Singapore and India, support the growth of air travel and tourism in both countries, and deepen their long-standing business and people-to-people ties.”

New Delhi, 14th January 2026: Air India has received its first line-fit (made-for-Air India) Boeing 787-9 landing at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. The cockpit crew comprised of four Air India pilots who completed a non-stop ferry flight of 16 hours and 58 minutes from Boeing’s Everett factory in Washington state to New Delhi. F The new aircraft, which bears the registration VT-AWA, comes with 296 seats across three cabin classes: Business, Premium Economy, and Economy. The aircraft features bespoke cabin interiors installed directly on Boeing’s production line, the details of which will be unveiled in the coming weeks. Beginning the year of change In 2026. Air India will have a total of six widebody aircraft deliveries (Airbus A350-1000 and Boeing 787-9) including the recently delivered VT-AWA. The new cabins of the Boeing 787-9 will become the new benchmark across our Boeing 787 fleet. In line with this, 26 of Air India’s legacy Boeing 787-8 aircraft are progressively undergoing retrofits. The programme is well underway, with many of these aircraft scheduled to complete the process and return to service with refreshed nose-to-tail refit in 2026, including a fresh livery in the new Air India branding. What this effectively means is that by the end of this year, nearly 60% of our widebody fleet will have modern interiors. Commercial deployment The new Boeing 787-9 is expected to enter international, long-haul commercial service in February 2026, and the schedule of operations will be announced shortly.

Abu Dhabi,9th January 2026: Etihad Airways has announced the launch of flights to Luxembourg, marking a historic milestone as the first airline from the Middle East to serve the country. When services commence on 29 October 2026, Etihad will also become the only airline offering nonstop flights between Luxembourg and Abu Dhabi, creating a new direct air link between two important European and Middle Eastern centres. The new route reflects growing demand from travellers across Luxembourg, the Benelux region, France and Germany for direct access to Abu Dhabi. Services will operate to Luxembourg Airport (LUX), providing guests with direct access to the beautiful emirate of Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s vibrant capital and a gateway to Arabian culture, world-class hospitality, and year-round sunshine. Flights will operate three times weekly using Etihad’s state-of-the-art A321LR, offering guests the most premium direct travel option between Luxembourg and the UAE. The A321LR features the airline’s acclaimed three-class cabin, including First Suites and lie-flat Business seats all with direct aisle access, delivering elevated comfort, privacy and Etihad’s renowned hospitality throughout. Next-generation Economy seats feature generous legroom, 4K touchscreen TVs and Bluetooth pairing; all complemented by high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the aircraft. Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer at Etihad Airways, said: “We are delighted to announce this landmark route, made possible by the launch of the A321LR last year. This incredible aircraft brings our guests a truly premium experience while allowing us to cater to markets which may otherwise be unserved. For the first time, Luxembourg will be directly connected to the Middle East, with Etihad as the only airline offering a nonstop link to Abu Dhabi.

Delhi, January 09, 2026: Akasa Air has become a member of International Air Transport Association (IATA), the trade association representing over 360 carriers across the world that account for more than 80 per cent of global air traffic. This marks a significant milestone in the airline’s journey and reflects Akasa Air’s growing role in the global aviation landscape. Through this membership, Akasa Air will actively participate in industry wide dialogue, contribute to the development of best practices, and collaborate on initiatives related to safety management, digital transformation and sustainable aviation which are the key focus areas for the future of global air travel. Commenting on the development, Sheldon Hee, Regional Vice President for Asia-Pacific for IATA said: “We are excited to welcome Akasa Air as an IATA member. India’s aviation potential is huge, with the industry supporting 7.7 million jobs and US$53.6 billion in economic contribution. We look forward to engaging with Akasa Air and to their active participation in shaping the airline industry’s agenda, priorities and initiatives in India, the Asia Pacific region, and globally.” Vinay Dube, Founder and CEO, Akasa Air, said: “IATA plays a central role in shaping the global aviation ecosystem by establishing rigorous industry benchmarks and fostering collaboration across key stakeholders worldwide. Akasa Air’s membership underscores our disciplined approach to growth, and our unwavering commitment to meeting the highest global standards of safety, operational excellence and sustainability. We are confident that this association will strengthen our global credibility and position Akasa as a future-ready Indian airline on the world stage.” Since commencing operations, Akasa Air has focused on building a resilient, efficient and customer centric airline, underpinned by robust governance and a long-term commitment to responsible growth. Its induction into IATA marks an important step in this journey, reinforcing the airline’s intent to actively contribute to the evolution of the global aviation industry while supporting India’s expanding role in international air travel.

Delhi, 08 January 2026: Emirates will continue rolling out its retrofitted Boeing 777 and new A350 aircraft to key destinations across Europe, North America, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Australia, bringing Premium Economy and its latest onboard products to more cities across its network. The airline will deploy its A350 on new daily services to Copenhagen, Phuket and Cape Town, adding an extra frequency and offering customers greater connectivity alongside an elevated onboard experience. Additional frequencies to Copenhagen, Phuket and Cape Town will complement existing schedules and provide much-needed capacity to meet the anticipated surge in summer travel demand. The Premium Economy has extra legroom and added amenities, elevated dining, and more. The airline will deploy its Premium Economy retrofitted A380, Boeing 777 and A350 aircraft with the latest cabin interiors on more than 84 routes by 1 July, underscoring its focus on delivering a premium and consistent experience across its network. Additional flights and capacity to Copenhagen, Phuket and Cape Town From 1 June, a second daily service will be introduced between Dubai and Copenhagen; a third daily service between Dubai and Phuket and a third daily to/from Cape Town will come into effect from 1 July. All three services will be operated with the airline’s latest A350 aircraft, featuring its award-winning Premium Economy, in addition to the latest Business and Economy Class cabins. The airline will also operate its A350 to Rome from 29 March and Taipei from 1 May.