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    Drones

    AVPL International, DeHaat and Farmer’s City join hands to train 1.4 lakh agri & drone entrepreneurs

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    Gurugram, 19th February 2026: AVPL International has announced a strategic association with DeHaat and Farmers City India (FCIPL) to jointly train approximately 1,40,000 agri and drone entrepreneurs across India over the next five years. This collaboration aims to establish one of India’s largest integrated rural entrepreneurship ecosystems by combining skill development, agri-retail expansion, drone technology deployment, electric mobility enablement and structured credit facilitation under a unified framework. The key focus of the initiative is a structured “Technology-as-a-Service” model designed specifically for rural India. The objective is to ensure that every new and emerging technology reaching rural India is not just introduced, but delivered as a structured service that can actively transform the rural economy. By embedding technology directly within local enterprise ecosystems, this association will encourage youth towards entrepreneurship and would lead modernisation of agricultural practices. AVPL and Farmer’s City will establish and operate training centres across India, where DeHaat and AVPL will train youth as per curriculum aligned with NSDC and ASCI-certified standards to ensure nationally recognized qualifications and industry-relevant competencies. The Successful trainees will be supported in establishing agri-input retail stores under DeHaat’s dealership model, strengthening last-mile access to farm inputs, advisory services and technology solutions. Pursuant to the training, the trained Dronepreneurs will be deployed within DeHaat’s retail network under a structured Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS) framework. These services will support precision spraying, crop health monitoring and data-driven advisory, help to improve farm productivity. The integrated retail-plus-drone approach is designed to create a cohesive rural service ecosystem that combines inputs, advisory and technology deployment at the grassroots level. As part of the broader rural entrepreneurship strategy, the initiative will also promote EV-led enterprise opportunities . In order to reduce entry barriers for first-generation entrepreneurs, this association will facilitate institutional credit access, including support under the Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan (CM-YUVA) scheme in Uttar Pradesh. Joint bankable project proposals will be developed to enable eligible trainees to secure funding and establish their enterprises with structured financial backing. Dr. Preet Sandhu, Founder and Managing Director, AVPL International, said, “At AVPL, we have always believed in staying on the front foot when it comes to promoting entrepreneurship in emerging sectors. The real potential of India lies in its rural youth, yet that potential often remains untapped due to lack of structured platform. Through our Technology-as-a-Service model, we are empowering rural youth to become job creators within their own region. This initiative reflects our long-term commitment to driving rural economic transformation through skill, technology and entrepreneurship.” Tarish Pratap Singh, Head of Farmers services, Dehaat added, “This association will strengthen our retail ecosystem by embedding trained agri and drone entrepreneurs within our network. By combining advisory, inputs and technology services, we aim to enhance farmer productivity while expanding rural livelihood opportunities.” With a strong focus on outcome-driven training, self-employment generation, and last-mile service delivery, this collaboration positions itself as a scalable blueprint for transforming rural economies through structured entrepreneurship and technology adoption.

    Drones

    The Future of Low Altitude Airspace: From Congestion to Connectivity

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    By Sudip Sharma,Director, Safe Fly Aviation The skies above our cities are quietly changing — and faster than most people realise. What was once the domain of helicopters and the occasional news or medical flight is now being joined by delivery drones, surveillance platforms and a new generation of electric air taxis known as eVTOLs (electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft). Below 3,000 feet, urban airspace is becoming one of the most active and complex transportation environments in the world. This transformation brings enormous opportunity. Urban air mobility promises quicker journeys, reduced pressure on congested roads, and cleaner, quieter aircraft. But it also presents a serious challenge: how do thousands of aircraft safely share the same narrow band of sky over busy cities? Without smart management, this airspace could become as crowded as the roads below — undermining safety, reliability and public confidence. That is why the future of urban aviation depends not just on new aircraft, but on new ways of managing the sky. WHY TRADITIONAL AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL ISN’T ENOUGH Conventional air traffic control was designed for large aircraft flying at high altitudes between major airports. It works exceptionally well for commercial jets, but it was never built to handle thousands of low-level flights operating autonomously, on demand, and often within dense urban environments. To solve this, aviation authorities and technology providers are building a new digital layer of airspace management called Unmanned Traffic Management, or UTM. UTM platforms act like an intelligent traffic system for the sky. They coordinate aircraft in real time, assign flight corridors, automatically detect conflicts, and reroute traffic when weather, emergencies or congestion arise. Unlike traditional ATC, much of this process is automated, allowing vast numbers of drones, helicopters, and eVTOLs to operate safely simultaneously. A GLOBAL SHIFT IS ALREADY UNDERWAY This is no longer theoretical. Regulators around the world are actively rolling out frameworks to integrate UTM with existing air traffic systems. In the United States, the FAA is developing nationwide rules for remote identification, digital flight authorisation and drone-to-ATC coordination. In Europe, EASA is implementing the U-Space framework, which allows drones and air taxis to fly safely even near major airports and busy cities. Live trials in places such as Los Angeles, Paris, Singapore and Dubai have already demonstrated mixed operations — where cargo drones, helicopters and passenger air taxis operate side-by-side using AI-driven flight planning, weather integration and automated safety systems. The goal is simple: increase airspace capacity without increasing risk. WHAT THIS MEANS FOR SAFE FLY AVIATION For an operator like Safe Fly Aviation – with expertise spanning private jet charter, helicopter services and advanced air mobility — this evolution is not just important, it is essential. Our clients depend on speed, reliability and safety. As urban airspace becomes more dynamic, we are actively preparing for a future in which helicopters, drones, and eVTOL aircraft operate together seamlessly. Smarter airspace means fewer delays, better routing, lower emissions and more predictable operations — whether it is a VIP helicopter transfer today or an electric air taxi tomorrow. FROM CONGESTION TO CONNECTIVITY The future of low-altitude airspace is not about competition between aircraft types. It is about coexistence. With the right technology, regulations, and collaboration among regulators, operators, and innovators, our skies can become an extension of our transport networks — connecting people, businesses, and cities faster and more sustainably than ever before. At Safe Fly Aviation, we are committed to being part of that future, ensuring that every flight — whether piloted, autonomous or electric — is guided by the same principles that have always defined aviation excellence: safety, precision and trust. The sky is no longer the limit. It is the next frontier of connected mobility. (Views expressed are personal. Banner image is used for representation purpose only)

    Drones

    Garuda Aerospace Inaugurates Drone Battery Manufacturing Facility in Chennai

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    Chennai, 7th January 2026: Following the launch of its defence drone facility, Garuda Aerospace inaugurated its Drone Battery Manufacturing Facility in Chennai and hosted Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, Director General, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).The DG highlighted the growing collaboration between India’s civil aviation regulator and the country’s rapidly evolving drone industry. The event was conducted in collaboration with the Bharat Drone Udaan event associated with the Bharat Drone Association at Garuda Aerospace Ltd Operation Centre. The DG, DGCA also inaugurated the new Academic Block at Garuda Aerospace’s DGCA-approved Remote Pilot Training Organisation (RPTO). The expanded academic infrastructure is aimed at enhancing training capacity, strengthening curriculum delivery, and meeting the rising demand for certified drone pilots across key sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, defence, disaster management, and logistics. The Director General also unveiled the “Garuda Bharat Drone Udaan Impact Book,” highlighting Garuda Aerospace’s journey, key milestones, and contributions to the evolution of Make in India drone technology. The book further showcases the impact of drone technology across rural and industrial India and reflects the company’s focus on responsible drone adoption, ecosystem building, and inclusive growth. Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and Director, Garuda Aerospace, said,” Over the last 10 years, Garuda Aerospace has been in agriculture technology and has evolved into India’s largest drone company, having manufactured over 3,000 drones and trained more than 2,500 drone pilots. Our progress would not have been possible without the regulatory support and guidance of the DGCA, the Ministry, and officials who have supported the ecosystem. We remain committed to local manufacturing, following DGCA regulations, and working towards making India a global drone hub.” Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, Director General, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) addressed, “It is a pleasure to visit the Garuda Aerospace manufacturing facility. The range of drones being produced here is not only beneficial to our armed forces, but also to farmers and industry, and is being used across multiple applications. Very few companies I have seen so far manufacture such a wide range of drones. Garuda Aerospace is taking indigenisation to the next level by producing critical components, assembling, and manufacturing them within the country. The students here, once they obtain their licenses and become certified RPTOs, will have a significant role to play in ensuring the growth of this industry, as drone applications are expected to expand exponentially.” The drone battery manufacturing facility and the new academic block together mark a significant step in Garuda Aerospace’s mission to create an end-to-end, self-reliant drone ecosystem spanning manufacturing, training, and deployment to support India’s growing drone economy.

    Drones

    AVPL International and CSC e-Governance Services signs MoU for drone technology

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    New Delhi, 7th November 2025: In a step toward creating a self-reliant and technology-enabled rural India, AVPL International (AITMC Ventures Ltd.) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CSC e-Governance Services India Limited (CSC SPV) to integrate drone technology into rural enterprises and empower rural entrepreneurs across the country. Through this partnership, AVPL International will offer its “ Viraj UAS ” agri drones, spare parts, and training programs via CSC’s extensive network of over 5 lakh Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs). This collaboration will enable the sale and distribution of AVPL’s drone solutions through the CSC digital platform, allowing rural entrepreneurs to access, operate, and earn from drone-based services. Speaking on the partnership, Dr. Preet Sandhuu, Founder & Managing Director, AVPL International, and Promoter, Startup Stairs, said: “We have always envisioned a self-reliant and empowered rural India. Through our association with CSC, our mission of creating one drone entrepreneur in every village becomes a significant milestone toward that vision. We remain deeply committed to empowering every CSC center with drone technology, enabling them to enhance their income, deliver advanced services, and contribute to the technological transformation of rural India.” Under the agreement, AVPL International will not only provide drones and accessories but will also train CSC entrepreneurs and rural youth in drone operations, maintenance, and data-driven agricultural practices. The initiative is designed to create new employment and entrepreneurship opportunities while introducing farmers to modern, precision-based agricultural methods such as spraying, crop monitoring, and yield optimization. The collaboration aims to bring tangible benefits to the farming community – reducing water consumption, minimizing chemical exposure, and protecting farmers from health hazards associated with manual spraying. It also aligns with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision by promoting indigenous drone manufacturing and sustainable rural development. Key Highlights of the Partnership are: • AVPL’s Viraj UAS agricultural drones and related products to be sold via CSC’s nationwide platform. • Dedicated training programs for CSC Channel Partners and rural youth in drone technology and agri-data management. • Creation of new income sources for CSC entrepreneurs through Drone-as-a-Service (DAAS) and other drone-led ventures. • Expansion of rural employment and skill development under the “One Drone Entrepreneur per Village” mission. AVPL International, recognized for its commitment to Make in India and Skill India missions, will also extend after-sales support, maintenance, and warranty services for all products sold through CSC. CSC SPV, on its part, will facilitate the onboarding of AVPL’s products on its platform, provide visibility and outreach support, and enable channel partners to effectively deliver these services locally.

    Drones

    ideaForge Launches Q6V2 GEO UAV, Foraying into the Future of Uninhibited Geospatial Intelligence

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    Mumbai, August 22, 2025: ideaForge Technology Limited, a global leader in drone technology, today unveiled its most versatile mapping UAV, the Q6V2 GEO, making its worldwide debut at PRAGYA 2025, the company’s inaugural customer event themed this year for Advancing Possibilities in Geospatial Intelligence. The launch marks a significant milestone in ideaForge’s mission to equip industries, government agencies, and researchers with cutting-edge aerial mapping and intelligence capabilities. Advancing itself in the domain of drone technology, ideaForge Technology unveiled its most versatile mapping UAV, the Q6V2 GEO at PRAGYA 2025, the company’s inaugural customer event in Navi Mumbai. The launch marks a significant milestone in ideaForge’s mission to equip industries, government agencies, and researchers with cutting-edge aerial mapping and intelligence capabilities. PRODUCT DETAIL & ITS USP The Q6V2 GEO has been purpose-built to map anything, anywhere, with all-terrain performance, even in the most extreme environments. Whether it is glacier mapping in the Himalayas, surveying complex urban landscapes, conducting dense forest studies, or monitoring industrial corridors, the Q6V2 GEO delivers unmatched performance. This survey-grade UAV offers more than 50 minutes of flight time with a LiDAR payload, under 7 kg take-off weight, and exceptional accuracy through advanced IMU on-board, PPK-enabled geotagging and seamless CORS integration. Its five modular and third-party payloads make it one of the most versatile UAV platforms in its class, seamlessly switching between high-resolution photogrammetry, including the newly launched 61 MP AI-enabled payload – SHODHAM M61, LiDAR, oblique imaging, hyperspectral sensing, and thermal detection to address a wide range of used cases. INDUSTRIES AND RESEARCH DOMAINS Paired with ideaForge’s new geospatial tech stack, the Q6V2 GEO is poised to have an impact across industries and research domains. From LiDAR mapping of Himalayan glaciers for avalanche prevention, to high-resolution mapping of 12,000-year-old Konkan petroglyphs for archeological research and digital archiving, and large-scale urban mapping in Varanasi for municipal governance and agricultural productivity improvement, the stack empowers organisations to transform raw aerial data into actionable intelligence. FLYGHT CLOUD When combined with Flyght Cloud, ideaForge’s one-stop secure cloud-based platform that converts raw UAV data into accurate, decision-ready insights, the Q6V2 GEO delivers even greater value, enabling faster and smarter operations. URBAN PLANNING The Q6V2 GEO enables urban planning teams to build 3D city models and conduct infrastructure audits, helps the mining sector calculate volumes and automate compliance reports, and supports utility companies with tower inspections and vegetation risk assessments. It also empowers forestry and water resource managers with biomass analysis and habitat monitoring, equips farmers with early crop stress detection tools, and aids disaster response agencies with rapid terrain assessments in high-altitude and remote regions. Ankit Mehta, CEO, ideaForge states:“The Q6V2 GEO, along with our entire geospatial tech stack, is a leap forward in geospatial intelligence, offering our customers the ability to operate in the most demanding terrains and climates with ease and precision. From mapping remote glaciers to surveying bustling urban corridors, this platform reflects our commitment to building solutions that truly advance possibilities. At ideaForge, our goal is to empower organisations and decision makers to see, understand, and act on their world like never before, completing the geospatial mapping picture with a platform that delivers high performance and unlocks missions once thought impossible.” GLOBAL LAUNCH AT PRAGYA 2025 ideaForge’s annual inaugural customer event PRAGYA 2025 was themed “Advancing Possibilities in Geospatial.” The industry also witnessed the global launch of Q6V2 GEO positioning the geospatial tech stack as a next-generation aerial mapping solution available to customers and partners across the world. At the event, a whitepaper was released from ideaForge on the transformative applications of drones in the industry, across sectors, offering deep insights into how UAVs are reshaping the way organisations map, monitor, and manage environments while processing geospatial and intelligence data with greater speed and precision. The event further showcased ideaForge’s mission-ready payloads and advanced software tools, including BlueFire Touch (BFT) with enhanced communication and safety with features such as frequency hopping, auto-channel selection for resilient communication, and geofencing with obstacle height definition. It also improves productivity with multi-polygon flight planning, KML export, multi-UAV coordination (upcoming), and area coverage checks. Special capabilities include the ability to upload a custom Digital Elevation Model (DEM) for accurate terrain following, which is essential for safe and accurate mapping of powerlines, mines and congested urban environments. Airborne Data Relay (ADR) enables mapping and inspection in terrains where line-of-sight is unavailable, along with geotagged video capture—empowering organizations to extract insights and make informed decisions from the data collected.

    Drones

    AASSC and AVPL to roll out micro-credential drone courses

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    New Delhi, 22nd August 2025: India’s drone skilling ecosystem is set to get a big boost. The Aerospace and Aviation Sector Skill Council (AASSC) has signed an MoU with AVPL International to launch short-term micro-credential programs aimed at preparing young people for jobs in the drone and aviation sector. AVPL has already set up 30 AeroVision Drone Labs in 30 Indian cities with an investment of about Rs 12 crore. These labs will now offer certified courses approved by AASSC, giving students a clear pathway into employment with drone manufacturers and service companies. The courses will run for about 30 hours and cover areas like AI-powered drones, data analytics, 3D printing and drone design, sensor applications, and hands-on operations. The fee is expected to range between Rs5,000 and Rs10,000, making it affordable for students. These programs can also be considered as internship-level training, giving learners both theoretical knowledge and practical exposure. “India is rapidly emerging as a global hub for drone technology, but there’s a huge shortage of skilled manpower,” said Dr. Preet Sandhuu, Co-Founder and MD of AVPL International. “Through these labs and micro-courses, we want to make students job-ready and bridge the education-to-employment gap. This step will help the industry grow faster and create meaningful opportunities for the youth.” Government estimates suggest that the drone industry could create more than 10 lakh jobs by 2030 in sectors like agriculture, defense, logistics, and infrastructure. The AVPL–AASSC partnership is expected to play a key role in meeting this demand. “Certification from AASSC gives the credibility to Students’ Skill through the Skills India Mission and develops inspiration among students to take up STEM-based higher education and career paths. AASSC also likes to inform students to be aware of training institutions who are not affiliated with AASSC and try to capitalise the growing interest of students in this sector,” said Sangharakshaka V. P., CEO (Offg.), AASSC. AVPL is also preparing to expand these courses to countries like Germany, Russia, and Japan, giving Indian students international exposure. Industry experts see this initiative as a milestone that will not only strengthen India’s drone workforce but also position the country as a global supplier of skilled talent in this field.

    Drones

    Marut Drones surveillance drone ‘Skyswift 56’ receives DGCA type certification

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    Hyderabad, 22nd August, 2025: Marut Drones has received DGCA type certification for its surveillance drone – the Skyswift 56. This small category quadcopter-class rotorcraft is designed to meet the dynamic needs of surveillance, high-precision mapping, and field training. Developed to support multiple payload configurations, including an FPV camera, a 24MP mapping camera with PPK support, a 4K surveillance camera, and thermal imaging capabilities, the Skyswift 56 stands out for operations that demand precision and discretion. The measurable impact of this Skyswift 56 is significant for law enforcement agencies, with the potential to reduce emergency response times. Furthermore, it can cut operational costs while boosting the detection of illegal activities. Beyond its operational benefits, Marut’s Skyswift56 fosters social and economic growth. By lowering crime rates and increasing community confidence, it can create a conducive environment for businesses and public events. Prem Kumar Vislawath, CEO and Co-Founder of Marut Drones said, “At a time when national security concerns are prompting deeper investments in tactical drone surveillance, Marut’s Skyswift 56 emerges as a timely solution. Developed in house, Skyswift 56 is built to empower frontline personnel with silent, compact, and high-precision drone surveillance tools. Silent, thermal-equipped, and designed for low-visibility missions, it is purpose-built for covert reconnaissance, patrolling, law enforcement, and public safety missions. Its ultra-portable design allows the entire system to fit into a rugged backpack and be deployed in under 2 minutes—crucial for field operations and rapid response scenarios. Engineered for endurance and durability, it boasts weather-resistant, shock-absorbent construction and can achieve speeds up to 15 m/s, making it capable of covering large terrains efficiently.”

    Drones

    Rajiv Bansal joins Air-Taxi Startup Sarla Aviation

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    Bengaluru, 6th August, 2025: Air-Taxi Startup Sarla Aviation has announced the appointment of Rajiv Bansal, Former Secretary,MoCA and MD of Air India to lead the company with regulatory advisory and strategy development towards certification. With the joining of Mr. Bansal, Sarla Aviation will strategically reinforce its plans towards introducing safe, purpose-driven and accessible urban air mobility solutions in the Indian aviation landscape. At present, Sarla Aviation is positioned at a critical juncture as the company transitions from deep engineering to real-world deployment and flight testing. With Mr Bansal,the company ensures its validation to build India’s next-generation aircraft platforms. Adrian Schmidt, Co-Founder & CEO of Sarla Aviation, excited, says, “It’s an incredibly important step for Sarla to welcome Mr. Rajiv Bansal ji to our team, our ambition, and our company. His experience and leadership at the Ministry of Civil Aviation will be instrumental in helping us mature our processes, shape our certification strategy, and strengthen our approach as we build India’s first privately held full-stack aviation OEM. For all of us, it’s a rare opportunity to learn, listen, and build alongside one of the greatest aviation visionaries of our country. We enter this next phase of growth with great confidence and renewed ambition—and we’re excited to serve the nation together.” In this advisory role, Rajiv will guide Sarla on regulatory strategy, airworthiness roadmaps, and policy alignment, areas where his deep expertise and understanding are essential. His insights will also be critical as the company scales operations, engages with airports and city governments, and navigates the complex pathways toward commercial deployment. Speaking on his appointment, Mr Rajiv Bansalsaid, “India is at a pivotal point in aviation, with the talent, ambition, and urgency to build sovereign aerospace capabilities. Sarla’s bold, full-stack approach – designing, engineering and building next-gen aircraft entirely in India represents both national strength and tech leadership. I’m proud to support a team that’s thinking long-term, building fearlessly, and setting a new benchmark for Indian innovation.”

    Drones, Top Stories

    Amber Wings receives DGCA approval for India’s first hybrid cargo drone

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    Delhi, 18th July 2025: Amber Wings, a Chennai-based aerospace startup that was incubated at IIT Madras, has received DGCA Type Certification for its ATVA-1 cargo drone. This is a big step forward for India’s drone and logistics ecosystem because it makes Amber Wings the first Indian company to get this certification for a hybrid drone made just for commercial cargo operations. This accomplishment marks the beginning of a new age in autonomous logistics. It opens the door for high-frequency, last-mile deliveries utilising drones that are planned, developed, and produced entirely in India. The ATVA-1 has been approved for commercial use 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including night missions. It was built over six design iterations and years of research and development. This approval from India’s aviation authority demonstrates that the drone is safe, reliable, and ready for large-scale deployment across diverse sectors. “Receiving the DGCA Type Certification for our ATVA-1 is a moment of immense pride and a validation of our team’s relentless pursuit of excellence,” said Prof. Satya Chakravarthy, Founder, Chief, and Technical Lead of Ubifly Technologies. “We believe the ATVA-1 will be a disruptive force in the logistics industry. Its unique capabilities are set to redefine the standards of aerial cargo transportation in India and across the globe.” Amber Wings is one of the few Indian drone producers with more than one DGCA-certified platform, including its agricultural drone, Vihaa. This is important since India is trying to localise its tech stack and be a leader in next-gen manufacturing. According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the drone industry is estimated to be valued more than 5,000 crore by 2030. This second certification makes Amber Wings a pioneer in a field that will play a big part in changing e-commerce, healthcare delivery, manufacturing, and emergency services. Uday Kumar, VP of Products, Amber Wings said, “We’re not just making drones; we’re making the future of self-driving logistics.” “The ATVA-1 is more than simply a plane; it’s a promise of a world that is faster, more efficient, and more connected. This is simply the first step in our journey to make a big difference in the world. Looking ahead, the ATVA platform will evolve with its successor, the ATVA-2, which is designed to carry over 6 kg of payload—making it suitable for more frequent, bulk logistics. While most of these platforms already exist and are fully capable, they are currently pending certification. Amber Wings’ expanding, fully autonomous product ecosystem includes: ● The DGCA-certified Vihaa agricultural drone ● ATVA-1, which also has an advanced imaging variant designed for mapping, surveillance, and precision agriculture ● ATVA-2, the next-gen fixed-wing VTOL cargo drone with enhanced payload capabilities ● Multi-50, an all-altitude, heavy-lift multicopter with a payload capacity of over 50 kg ● QuadCopter, a flexible drone platform combining 20+ kg payload with advanced imaging solutions ● e50, a hybrid VTOL built for fast delivery of 50+ kg payloads ● e100, a future variant designed for up to 100 kg payloads, currently in development.

    Drones

    Norway’s Elfly Group signs contract with EASA for development of Noemi conceptual prototype aircraft

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    Paris Airshow, Le Bourget: Norway’s Elfly Group signed a contract at the Paris Airshow with the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for the development of the conceptual prototype model of its Noemi (No Emissions) clean sheet, all-electric commercial seaplane.  The contract signed by Elfly’s Founding CEO Eric Lithun and EASA’s David Solar reinforces the company’s commitment to work closely with EASA towards eventual certification (2030) of the Noemi (No Emissions) in Europe. This development follows the recent conclusion of the Concept-Freeze-Review (CFR) of the aircraft prototype. The next step towards first flight of the full-scale aircraft includes interactions and technical discussions with the Agency. The EASA Pre-Application Contract (PAC) agreement allows Elfly Group to take the initial step with the agency towards achieving the first flight of the full-scale Noemi conceptual prototype aircraft. The PAC between Elfly and EASA covers the entire process of prototype development covering the agreement on the flight conditions necessary for the aircraft’s Permit-to-Fly. The PAC is structured to reflect a type certification process. This helps both Elfly and EASA to familiarize the development and test activities towards the target for certification. Elfly and EASA are signing a Pre-Application Contract agreement. This PAC involves agency review from the very beginning of the core development activities involving Technical Familiarization, Design, Manufacturing, Test activities and eventually agreement on the flight conditions for the prototype aircraft. David Solar, Head of Sustainability, Research and Innovation, EASA, said: “We’re pleased to take this important first step with Elfly through the Pre-Application Contract process. The Noemi project represents an exciting and ambitious vision for the future of sustainable aviation, and we look forward to supporting Elfly as they progress towards a safe and flightworthy prototype. Collaborative early engagement is key to enabling innovative new aircraft like Noemi to reach the market in a safe and timely way.” Noemi will serve as a valued platform for the future of aviation, highlighted Eric. “We have a fuselage and wing which outperforms the venerable de Havilland Twin Otter (floatplane) by a great margin,” he said. Noemi is a platform designed to be propulsion agnostic, he added, noting Elfly is still making a battery electric seaplane, but the Noemi platform also supports hybrid, Pratt & Whitney PT6 conventional engines and fuel, even, potentially hydrogen too – ‘if someone can present a valid business case.’ The Noemi platform is designed for the next 100 years of aviation and to go anywhere on the planet.   “We call it the ‘go anywhere plane,” concluded Eric Lithun. Elfly has amassed soft orders for 47 Noemis, worth an estimated $500 million with further interest for 300 more from operators from all over the world. The company is working toward the first flight of the conceptual prototype in 2027. Entry into service has a target year 2030.

    FOREWORD

    Dear Readers,

     

    Welcome to the latest edition of Aviation World. This is an incredibly significant issue for us, perfectly timed to align with several prominent aviation events unfolding across the globe.

     

    Chief among them is the Farnborough International Airshow, taking place from July 20th to 24th, 2026, in Hampshire, United Kingdom. Ranked as one of the world’s premier events for aviation, aerospace, and defense, this year’s airshow arrives at a crucial moment. Against a backdrop of geopolitical turbulence, Farnborough provides an invaluable platform to engage with global leaders and gain firsthand perspectives on the future of the industry. Inside, you will find our comprehensive curtain-raiser report focusing on the show’s core themes, as well as the highly anticipated static and aerobatic aircraft displays.

     

    On our front cover, we are proud to feature Capt. Vaibhav Goutham Suresh, Director of the School of Aviation, Logistics and Tourism Management (SALTM) at Galgotias University. In an exclusive interview, Capt. Suresh highlights how SALTM bridges the gap between academia and the runway, delivering a comprehensive curriculum that ensures graduates are industry-ready from day one. Complementing this, our special feature on SALTM dives deeper into how the institution maintains world-class academic standards and a cutting-edge learning environment.

     

    We are also privileged to bring you exclusive insights from a stellar lineup of industry trailblazers in this edition, including:

    • Robin Glover-Faure, Chief Customer Officer of Acron Aviation
    • Karim Makhlouf, CCO of Royal Jordanian Airlines
    • Pallavi Joshi & Vimal Priya, the leadership powerhouse behind AirFleet Managers &Aviatrics Global
    • Wg. Cdr. Prem Kumar Garg (Retd.), CEO of IndiaOne Air

    Each shares a detailed perspective on driving innovation, navigating current market dynamics, and establishing progressive frontiers within their respective sectors.

     

    Beyond these highlights, this issue is packed with curated features and analytical pieces designed to keep you informed and inspired.

     

    Finally, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed advertisers and partners. Your unwavering support empowers us in our ongoing endeavor to make Aviation World a truly world-class publication with global reach and recognition.

     

    Happy Reading!

     

    The Editorial Team

     

    Aviation World

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    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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