Events

Events

Dubai Airshow 2025 witness record orders,vows for next-generation aerospace technology 

DUBAI,20th November 2025: This year of Dubai Airshow witnessed unprecedented growth for the global aerospace industry, uniting leaders through record-breaking multi-billion-dollar deals, transformative innovations, and immersive experiences. Fresh features and milestone announcements kept the excitement high across days two and three, setting the stage for the next era of aviation and reinforcing Dubai Airshow’s position as the ultimate platform for industry transformation. From major fleet expansions to cutting-edge technology showcases, the event delivered defining moments that propel aerospace forward. Across these days, Airbus received multiple new orders, welcomed new customers and signed agreements. flydubai and Airbus signed a landmark agreement to purchase 150 A321neo aircraft, with options for 100 more, marking the first time the airline has placed an order with Airbus. The agreement is valued at US$ 24 billion, and deliveries will start in 2031. Etihad Airways also announced a significant expansion of its Airbus fleet, placing an order for six A330-900s – making it the latest A330neo customer – along with seven additional A350-1000 aircraft and three A350F. It also announced a commitment to lease nine A330-900s from Avolon. Meanwhile, Emirates ordered eight additional Airbus A350-900 aircraft worth US$ 3.4 billion, Ethiopian Airlines became a new Airbus customer, ordering six A350-900 aircraft, along with other key signings from Air Europa and Buraq Air. The company also signed agreements with Technology Innovation Institute (TII) and Aspire to accelerate advanced technologies for aviation, Strata and Mubadala. Gabriel Semelas, President, Airbus Africa and Middle East, comments: “Dubai Airshow is always an exceptional platform for industry innovation and collaboration, uniting the pioneers shaping the future of aerospace. This year continued that momentum, and we’re proud to have signed landmark agreements – such as welcoming flydubai and Buraq Air as new customers and seeing Etihad Airways become the latest A330neo customer, while expanding its A350 fleet. We also secured new partnerships and extended our long-standing collaborations with Strata and Mubadala, reflecting the UAE’s growing role in the global aerospace supply chain. As the Middle East continues to witness major growth and investment, the Airshow remains the ideal place to see this transformation in action.” Also, during days two and three, flydubai ordered 75 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft and Gulf Air announced an order for 15 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, building on its July commitment, with options for three more Dreamliners. In addition, AerCap announced that South African low-cost carrier FlySafair signed a lease agreement for five Boeing 737 family jets, three 737 MAX and two 737NG. During the 19th edition of Dubai Airshow, EDGE Group utilised the platform as an opportunity to launch 42 new products and solutions, delivering one of the most ambitious launches in its history. EDGE Group has also signed numerous agreements, including MoU’s with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to explore future collaboration across aerospace, defence, and related high-technology sectors, as well as with L3Harris Technologies to develop innovative solutions that will contribute to the UAE’s growing defense capabilities. Hamad Al Marar, MD and CEO of EDGE Group, said: “At this year’s edition of Dubai Airshow, we have demonstrated how EDGE continues to push past existing boundaries to disrupt the industry across the air and space domains. With one of the most ambitious launches in our history, 42 new products and solutions were launched including the phenomenal OMEN VTOL, the first solution in an ambitious co-development partnership with US innovator, Anduril. We also signed a cooperation agreement with Indonesia’s Republikorp which will result in a landmark US$7 billion contract with the Indonesian Armed Forces – our largest international deal to date, strengthened our partnership with Spain’s Indra to support European defence programmes, and announced the latest step towards the establishment of a joint venture with Leonardo. EDGE remains an example for how a country the size of the UAE can rapidly grow and progress on a global scale by self-determination, and by investing in the people and technologies of tomorrow, and in valuable international partnerships.” Tawazun Council, representing the UAE Ministry of Defence and Abu Dhabi Police, announced 20 major contracts totaling AED 18.016 billion during the first three days of Dubai Airshow 2025. These agreements, signed with leading local and international industry players, underscore the UAE’s commitment to strengthening its defence ecosystem and fostering private-sector participation in developing innovative, sustainable solutions for the future of national security. Manea Al Mansoori, official spokesperson of Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement, said: “These agreements with national and international companies operating in the defence, security and aviation sectors play a vital role in strengthening the UAE’s defence and security industrial ecosystem. The contracts support the country’s strategic objectives in technology transfer, localisation and industrial advancement, reinforcing our commitment to innovation and sustainable growth.” A brand-new feature for this edition, Airshow After Dark brought the industry together for networking, entertainment, and celebration in iconic ‘Dubai’ fashion. On the eve of day two, hundreds of illuminated drones lit up the skies over the runway in a spectacular display, forming shapes from hydrogen aircraft to rockets and spaceship, and the ‘Future is Here theme’ highlighted across the skyline. Dubai Airshow is where the future takes flight, hosting over 1,500 exhibitors including 440 first-time participants and 490 military and civil delegations from 115 countries. Industry leaders from 21 country pavilions, 98 chalets, along with 120 start-ups and 50 investors, are converging to shape what’s next for aerospace and beyond. ( Pl. Note: This news is based on the official PR and we have done basic editing only. Pix Courtesy: DAS)

Events

EDGE and Viettel establish a future cooperation framework

Abu Dhabi, 17th November 2025: EDGE, the advanced technology and defence groups, and Viettel, Vietnam’s based telecommunications and technology group, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Dubai Airshow 2025. Signed by Mr. Omar Al Zaabi, President – Commercial at EDGE, and Major General Nguyen Dinh Chien, Vice President of Viettel Group, and witnessed by Sr. Lt. General Hoang Xuan Chien, Deputy Minister of National Defence of the S.R. of Vietnam, the MoU creates a clear foundation for potential broad cooperation in high-tech defence industry products and advanced technology. It outlines a path for joint initiatives in high value programmes of shared interest. This includes the potential development of an original equipment manufacturing model in Vietnam for components and modules connected to EDGE product lines, targeting the UAE and other export markets. Potential cooperation also includes opportunities in research, exchange and technology transfer, technological training cooperation.

Events

Asia Pacific Airline Leaders convened in Bangkok for Assembly of Presidents Amid Global Trade Challenges

Bangkok, 17th November 2025: Chief executives and senior leaders of the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) will convene in Bangkok on 14-15 November 2025 for the Association’s annual Assembly of Presidents, hosted this year by Bangkok Airways. Themed “Bolstering Supply Chains and Manpower Resilience for a Sustainable Future,” the Assembly provides a critical platform for airline leaders across the Asia Pacific region to review industry performance, exchange insights, and address key operational and strategic challenges shaping the sector’s trajectory. Industry Outlook Since 2022, air travel demand in the Asia Pacific region has demonstrated continued resilience, with international passenger traffic expanding by 10 percent during the first nine months of 2025. While the outlook for 2026 remains positive, growth is expected to align more closely with long-term historical trends. Passenger load factors remain elevated due to constrained capacity growth, as the industry continues to face an estimated global shortfall of more than 5,200 aircraft deliveries in 2025. Maintenance and repair operations also face significant bottlenecks, with extended turnaround times driven by shortages of components and skilled manpower. Meanwhile, the availability of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) remains nascent, with production volumes far below the levels required to support the industry’s decarbonisation targets. Global Trade and Supply Chain Pressures For the second consecutive year, supply chain constraints and workforce resilience remain dominant themes at the Assembly, compounded by renewed trade tensions and tariff measures that threaten to increase operational costs and disrupt the free flow of aviation goods and services. Commenting ahead of the event, Subhas Menon, Director General of the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines, said: “The introduction of new tariffs at a time when global supply chains are still in recovery represents a setback for the aviation sector. Tariffs elevate supplier costs and undermine the principles of free trade on which global aviation supply chains are built. While passenger and cargo demand remains strong, persistent supply challenges could restrict airlines’ ability to meet the expectations of travellers and businesses alike. The air freight market, in particular, stands to be directly affected by escalating trade tensions in the months ahead.” Sustainability and Fleet Modernisation Subhas Menon further noted that supply chain disruptions also hinder the industry’s sustainability transition, as ongoing delays in new aircraft deliveries slow fleet renewal and extend the operational life of older, less fuel-efficient aircraft – potentially increasing the industry’s overall carbon emissions footprint. “The Assembly serves as a vital forum for the region’s aviation leaders to discuss the current state of the industry and to chart a sustainable and resilient path forward,” Subhas Menon added. “Despite the challenging macroeconomic environment, the robust demand for air services, combined with the region’s strong economies and favourable demographics, continues to underpin optimism for the Asia Pacific aviation sector in the year ahead.”

Events

Embraer to display new KC-390 demonstrator, E195-E2, and E190F at Dubai Air Show

Dubai, November 12, 2025 Embraer will showcase for the first time at the Dubai Airshow the new KC-390 Millennium demonstrator with its new paint scheme. The multi-mission medium airlift will be on display with the E195-E2, the world’s most efficient small narrowbody commercial jet, and the E190F – the passenger-to-freight conversion of the E190 jet. The 2025 edition of the biannual aerospace exhibition, held at Al Maktoum International Airport, United Arab Emirates, takes place from November 17 to 21. Embraer will be located at Chalet A63-64. “We’re excited to return to the Dubai Airshow and showcase our advanced portfolio in such a strategic market. Embraer is experiencing strong sales momentum across all business segments, and we see significant opportunities in the region. The airshow is a great platform to drive new sales and expand our network of customers, partners, and other industry players,” said Francisco Gomes Neto, President and CEO at Embraer. Embraer has been experiencing a highly positive phase of profitable growth driven by efficiency and innovation that has been delivering very positive results. The commercial aviation division is expanding its footprint in key markets with strong sales activity for the E-Jets E1 and E2 while the KC-390 is gaining traction in global defense markets such as India, Europe and the U.S. Eve Air Mobility will also join the Embraer chalet at the Dubai Airshow 2025, reinforcing its commitment and presence in the Middle East. Earlier this month, Eve announced a framework agreement with the Kingdom of Bahrain’s Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications (MTT) to accelerate the necessary regulatory, operational and infrastructure ecosystem readiness for eVTOL operations in the region.

Events

General Atomics AeroTec Systems to exhibit at Dubai Air Show

Dubai, November 11, 2025: General Atomics AeroTec Systems (GA-ATS), the German aircraft manufacturer of the new Do228 NXT multi-role aircraft, is participating for the first time in the Dubai Airshow (November 17 – 21), marking an important milestone in the company’s expansion into the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. First exhibition presence in the MENA region highlights proven special mission aircraft for challenging environments With decades of operational experience worldwide, the Do228 is renowned for its outstanding versatility, robustness, and reliability. Its unique Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) capabilities, versatile equipment options and the capability to perform on unpaved runaways make it ideally suited for the diverse environmental and operational demands of the region – from desert surveillance and maritime patrol missions to critical humanitarian and transport operations. These capabilities could offer significant new potential applications for many operators in the MENA region. “The Dubai Airshow provides the perfect stage to introduce the Do228’s multi-mission capabilities to customers in the MENA region,” said Florian Rohe, Managing Director of General Atomics AeroTec Systems. “The aircraft’s adaptability, efficiency, and reliability have already stood out in similar climates around the world – and we see strong potential for its use in regional security, surveillance, and transport missions.” Visitors at of the trade fair are welcome to visit General Atomics AeroTec Systems at booth 1391A to learn more about the new Do228 NXT and its capabilities and equipment options. Continuing its legacy in the region The Do228 has been in service in over 65 countries and territories around the world. The aircraft has a long-standing connection to the Middle East, having served in various roles with operators in countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Saudi Arabia. Over the years, it has demonstrated exceptional reliability in some of the world’s most demanding operational conditions, from surveillance missions to transport operations in remote desert regions. Ready for the market launch The final assembly phase of the Do228 NXT is progressing steadily, with the first two aircrafts currently in final production. Completion of the first NXT is expected in the spring. Numerous new systems and components are being installed in the Do228 NXT, including a new AHRS, modern cabin LED lighting, a modern cabin and seat design and many other features.

Events

Dubai Airshow 2025

Date: November 17th-21st 2025 Venue:  Dubai World Central Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, the Ruler of Dubai. At DAS, one can connect with 1,500+ leading exhibitors and 148,000+ industry professionals from 150 countries. The show witness multi-billion-dollar deals to unveiling the innovations that will shape tomorrow’s skies, this is where the industry takes off.What to Expect in 2025: There will be 12 conferences addressed by 350+ speakers. At the show, one can discover a powerhouse of aerospace innovation through 4 stages and 12 future-focused tracks. For more info: https://www.dubaiairshow.aero/en/home

Events, Recent News

World Aviation Festival 2025 – Day 3 highlights

LISBON, Portugal, Oct. 10, 2025: Day 3 of World Aviation Festival 2025 in Lisbon placed airports and passenger experience firmly in the spotlight, with global leaders exploring how infrastructure, technology and customer centric innovation will shape the future of air travel. Growth and transformation in Saudi Arabia In a fireside chat, Steven Greenway, CEO of Saudi Arabia’s low-cost carrier flyadeal, outlined the airline’s rapid growth trajectory. Founded in 2017 and now operating 42 aircraft, flyadeal expects capacity to grow by 42% next year as new aircraft join the fleet. Greenway highlighted the unique strength of Saudi Arabia’s domestic market, which accounts for 75% of the airline’s capacity, while international expansion is accelerating. Recent approvals to fly over Syrian airspace will cut flight times by up to 50 minutes on routes such as Riyadh to Istanbul. flyadeal is also supporting religious pilgrimage with dedicated charter operations. JFK’s Terminal One: a new standard for US airports Lisa Reifer, leading the transformation of Terminal One at JFK, shared how the project is setting a new benchmark for smart, inclusive and sustainable airport design. Key innovations include dynamic digital signage to improve passenger flow, touchpoints throughout the journey to support travellers with different needs, advanced docking systems to enhance safety and operational efficiency, and sustainability by design, with solar panels providing renewable energy and all electric ground service equipment. Reifer stressed that partnership and collaboration have been critical to delivering such a complex project, as it gave the ability to leverage diverse perspectives to set a new standard in airport design. Customer experience leaders on innovation and expectations A panel of customer experience leaders from TAP Air Portugal, Star Alliance, IndiGo, Meta and IBM explored how airlines and partners can deliver customer centric innovation in an era of diverse traveller needs. Sofia Lufinha from TAP Air Portugal emphasised that technology is a tool, not an end in itself, and that listening to customers is the foundation of innovation. IndiGo’s Neha Narain noted that many of its passengers are first time flyers, meaning technology must be applied thoughtfully to avoid creating barriers. Ambar Franco of Star Alliance showcased how technology underpins seamless journeys across multiple airlines, citing its real time bag tracker. IBM’s Dee Waddell urged airlines to connect the dots between business to consumer and business to employee experiences, ensuring value is delivered across the chain. Finally, Bastian Schütz from Meta pointed to the potential of VR and immersive technologies to reshape the customer journey, from planning to inflight entertainment. Virtual reality and the future of the customer journey Conversations on VR and AI explored how immersive technologies are set to transform aviation experience. Meta’s Schütz argued that VR and smart glasses could one day replace mobile devices. Narain also shared how Indigo’s virtual chatbot has evolved into a booking tool and revenue channel. Lufinha highlighted TAP’s its “One Order” transformation programme, aiming to simplify booking into a retail like experience, and also its WhatsApp concierge service that blends AI with human agents to deliver personalised support at scale. Waddell pointed to VR’s potential in training, ATC operations and cabin design. Reinventing flight distribution In a session on distribution, Stephane Pingaud from DerbySoft and Siew Lee Tan from AirAsia Group explored how APIs and AI are reshaping airline sales. AirAsia’s adoption of API systems has already driven market share growth. And transparency is critical, with ancillaries making up 20% of LCC revenue. The two leaders conveyed that future distribution systems must be customer focused, data driven and flexible, with the ability to upgrade rapidly. AirAsia sees AI and super apps as the next distribution frontier, building ecosystems that go beyond flights to include wider travel services. The Vueling model: opportunities and challenges Carolina Martinoli, CEO of Vueling, highlighted the operational pressures facing European carriers, from ATC delays to constrained airports and weather disruption. She stressed that the way airlines manage disruption will increasingly differentiate them. As part of IAG, Vueling also benefits from group synergies while maintaining a distinct market focus, including connections with Level from Barcelona. Martinoli also announced a landmark fleet renewal, with 50 Boeing aircraft (plus options) ordered to replace Vueling’s Airbus fleet from 2026. She noted that the order will give the airline flexibility to switch between 8 and 10 model variants. The evolution of low-cost carriers CEOs from Vueling, flyadeal and TravelX debated the future of the low-cost model. TravelX’s CEO Juan Pablo Lafosse highlighted the untapped potential of post booking revenue, enabling continuous bookings and ancillary bundling. While Martinoli pointed to narrowing booking windows and the need for agile capacity management, while stressing that the market self regulates, and if something airlines do doesn’t make sense, customers will go elsewhere. flyadeal’s Steven Greenway also underlined the perishable nature of airline inventory and the need to maximise yield, while noting that after 13 years, NDC is still not fully implemented. All agreed that AI and predictive capabilities will transform revenue management, with conversational interfaces becoming standard. On the success of this year’s event, Daniel Boyle, General Manager of Transport at WAF organiser Terrapinn, said: “This year’s World Aviation Festival has truly surpassed our expectations. The calibre of speakers, the depth of discussion, and the energy across the event reflected the transformation and innovation shaping aviation today. We are proud to have brought together leaders from across the globe to share insights and forge connections. As we look to next year, delegates can expect even more world-class speakers, bold conversations, and a stronger focus on the technologies and strategies that will define the future of air travel.” (Event Report Published on As Shared Basis)

Events

inter airport Europe 2025 – Event Report

Munich, 10th Oct 2025: “We’ve had a very productive three days at inter airport Europe 2025. Here, the airport industry convened to connect with potential new partners, strengthen existing partnerships, learn and celebrate the many innovations across the sector – with excellent feedback from visitors and exhibitors,” said Syreeta Tranfield, Event Director. She confirmed the next 2027 Edition will return to Munich during 12 to 14 October. Inter airport Europe looks at next gen, AI. Among the numerous airport visitors at inter airport Europe to learn about latest trends and innovations was Central Port Kommuninikacyjny (CPK) Airport, south west Warsaw. Starting with a clean sheet, its vision is for travellers to experience an effortless journey — from parking and check-in through security to boarding and even taxiing and artificial intelligence will play a big part with systems helping to reduce queues, personalises retail offers, and eliminate delays. CPK’s target opening date is now 2032. From the outset it will be a multimodal transport hub (just southwest of Warsaw) and will grow to support 100 million passengers annually. Its two runways will handle 34m initially, shared Przemysław Kot – Airside Operations Team Manager, CPK. Speaking on a panel he shared that Artificial Intelligence will form the backbone of CPK’s operational intelligence, letting it transform it into a smart, efficient and responsive hub. It intends to maximise the benefits of AI for real-time monitoring; flight scheduling, runway and apron usage, passenger flows, ground handling, baggage systems and energy consumption. We will focus on three main areas – passenger flow optimisation and the passenger experience, security screening and autonomous vehicles for passengers and baggage and automated snow-removal systems. The airport is taking its AI mission seriously. It recently introduced an AI Governance Framework, requiring all employees to use AI responsibly and ethically. Liege Airport, Belgium came to inter airport with a shopping list. It’s preparing an airport masterplan for 2040 and a significant €500m spend in its cargoland and logistics by 2040 with sizeable projects in work to expand the site airside and extend its second runway. Hand in hand with that it is updating ground support equipment. These days, sustainability is a big factor, said Celine Petithan, on her first visit to inter airport Europe. Liege is seeking new airfield lighting – sustainability now a factor because the airport runs cargo operations 24/7. She’s investigating solar lighting too to see how it could fit around our airport. Europe’s fifth largest cargo hub and the biggest in Belgium. Liege also has a need for a new fire truck. Hybrid/electric may be a consideration, she said. The airport is also exploring the latest technology in Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) systems. The first RFPs will be issued next March. Being able to see all this equipment under one roof is great, she said. Mohammad Taher first visited inter airport Europe in 2019. It was his first industry event (working for Heathrow Airport) and he was enthused about the variety of airside and landside equipment on show. Now he’s constantly passing through airports talking passionately on prominent international stages about how to engage youth in aviation as one of our leading aviation influencers, The Airport Guy. Likening aviation to a restaurant it’s a broad buffet, he said. It’s not just – pilot / cabin crew or engineer. Becoming a pilot can be prohibitive by £100k funding. A wise employer is the one that lets an employee constantly pivot and grow in line with their skillsets, but capturing interest in aviation needs to start when they are young. On cue, he shared an innovative project he is developing on the 3D digital metaverse gaming platform, Roblox. In the virtual airport world the user can play out being an air traffic controller, baggage handler, refueller. We build the roles needed today and in the future by an airport, virtually. Imagine – I’ve had a ramp agent job for 14 years and I’m only 18, he quipped. Employers will want to sign them up. This will be a gamechanger if you then bring in virtual brands/advertisers, he suggested. His fellow panellists on the Workforce of the Future panel highlighted that an aging workforce needs help navigating the digital world and around the airport some entry level jobs are being taken by AI, said Ginesh Koottakara, Head of Sales INFORM Aviation, Middle East and Asia are leading where Europe and North America are taking longer to consolidate legacy systems. The uncertainty around digital acceleration is changing how Gen Z feel about work. They want learning experiences and flexibility versus stability / salary criteria, added Servienti Alberto, Politecnico Professor of Air Transport Organisation – a healthy environment where they’re free to express themselves. He highlighted the rise of AI for aviation recruiters where thousands of cv’s can be screened in a short time. Matching skills with capabilities can detect and define via predictive analysis which makes it much easier for the recruiter. We have to change our way of thinking and must integrate with AI. AI can address and remove any bias quickly, suggested Ginesh, adding how AI is increasingly used in CV writing. The wealth and accessibility to education has never been greater, agreed Alberto, making it easy for people to upskill and it doesn’t need to be done in a classroom. Inclusion in the Aviation Sector was addressed at the Focus Conference and continues to be a topical and important issue for passengers and airports alike. Alarmingly, around 46% of disabled passengers say their disability restricted their ability to fly. “Disability is very individual. There is no one size fits all. The whole airport passenger experience needs to be individualised and there needs to be more understanding across the whole process. It’s very demanding for passengers like me,” said Harvey Matthewson, Advocacy Manager, Aerobility – inter airport Europe 2025’s charity partner. Matthewson was diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a child. Rakesh Shahu, General Manager, Ostrum Tech Limited whose PRM software is designed exclusively for airports and passengers

Events

World Aviation Festival 2025 – Day 2 highlights

Lisbon, Portugal, Oct. 9, 2025: Day 2 of the World Aviation Festival 2025 in Lisbon brought together some of the most influential voices in global aviation, with government leaders, airline CEOs, and industry innovators addressing the sector’s defining challenges – resilience in a geopolitical world of uncertainty, the urgent need for decarbonisation, and the transformative potential of technology. Over 4,500 global leaders are attending the festival at the Feira Internacional de Lisboa, with more than 600 speakers and 400 travel tech companies showcasing the latest developments in aviation. Aviation at a crossroads Opening the day, Hugo Espírito Santo, Portugal’s Secretary of State for Infrastructure, called for a shared vision to make aviation more resilient, diverse, and inclusive. He highlighted the Portuguese government’s plans for a new Lisbon airport five times larger than the current hub and confirmed approval of TAP’s partial privatisation. “The new aviation industry is going to be smarter and more inclusive,” he said, underlining the role of technology, AI, and cybersecurity in shaping the sector’s future. Airline leaders on resilience and the decarbonisation challenge Sustainability was a consistent theme in the agenda, with airline leaders warning that the industry’s ability to decarbonise will determine its long-term licence to grow. TAP Air Portugal CEO Luís Rodrigues emphasised that while airlines are committed to sustainability, they cannot achieve net zero alone. they can’t produce SAF, can’t build engines, and can’t replace short haul flights with rail. Airlines are doing everything they can, but progress is not fast enough. IAG CEO Luis Gallego pointed to misaligned incentives in the supply chain: “Airlines want more efficient engines, but manufacturers lack incentives to invest in new designs. Hydrogen aircraft have already been delayed beyond 2035.” IATA Director General Willie Walsh underlined the financial burden, warning that airlines face €5 billion in additional costs to meet sustainability targets, with fuel suppliers charging premiums for SAF at airports where they hold monopolies. Meanwhile, Eddie Wilson, Ryanair, said that the airline’s latest aircraft consume 16% less fuel and generate significantly less noise, but stressed that the industry is being held back by the lack of affordable SAF. “Energy companies are not producing enough SAF. We will use it when the price falls, but right now supply is too limited and too expensive,” he said. Technology and digital retailing Innovation was in the spotlight as IBM and event headline sponsors FLYR presented their collaboration with Riyadh Air, building an Offer & Order native airline in under two years. The project demonstrates how modular, IATA aligned technology can transform airline retailing, enabling carriers to sell flights alongside ancillary products in the modern, e commerce style that consumers expect and demand. Wilson also shared how Ryanair is embracing AI and machine learning to boost customer experience and loyalty. From predictive crew management to a new digital boarding pass launching in November, he highlighted how technology is helping Ryanair move 600,000 passengers more efficiently while improving disruption management. He stressed that “fusion between human and AI is the key,” noting that AI is not replacing jobs but enhancing operations. Strategy, competition and innovation In a CEO panel, the top leaders from Ryanair, SunExpress, Swissport, Microsoft and PROS explored how technology, competition and customer expectations are reshaping aviation. Swissport’s Warwick Brady described how the company is digitising ground services, investing in autonomous vehicles and AI to improve efficiency across 4 million annual turnarounds, while expanding its global lounge network. Max Kownatzki, CEO of SunExpress, stressed the importance of balancing automation with the human factor during disruption, while highlighting new ancillary products – such as Covid insurance – that proved popular with customers. Meanwhile, Microsoft’s Julie Shainock and PROS’ Surain Adyanthaya pointed to the rise of AI driven revenue management, dynamic pricing and real time personalisation, while warning that transparency in offers is essential to maintain trust. Ryanair’s Wilson noted the challenges of implementing personalisation at scale, while also highlighting the growing cybersecurity risks airlines face. Redefining airline commercial strategy In a fireside chat, easyJet’s CCO Sophie Dekkers reflected on how Covid accelerated change in the industry, with inflation, fuel prices and airport costs now creating new pressures. She noted that 22 million ATC delays were recorded in Europe last year, compounded by reduced airspace due to the war in Ukraine and aircraft delivery delays. Dekkers explained how embedding data scientists into easyJet’s revenue management team has transformed decision making, allowing the airline to respond in real time to unpredictable customer behaviour. “Automation allows the team to focus on exceptions, while data science ensures we can identify problems as they happen,” she said. Meeting traveller expectations and workforce challenges Speakers also explored shifting traveller demographics and expectations. Gallego highlighted the importance of tailoring offers to different customer profiles across IAG’s portfolio, while Rodrigues pointed to the operational challenges of serving an ageing traveller base. IAG’s Walsh noted that premium leisure travel has rebounded faster than other segments, underscoring the need for airlines to adapt to evolving demand patterns. Attracting and retaining talent also emerged as a critical challenge. Gallego described IAG’s group wide career development programmes, while Rodrigues stressed the resilience of aviation workers and the need to bring in fresh perspectives from outside the industry. All agreed that diversity and next generation skills will be essential to aviation’s reinvention. New developments The World Aviation Festival was again the stage for several announcements, including InterLnkd’s milestone partnership with Viasat to offer the provider’s airline customers access to AirMall, a full-scale digital inflight shopping mall. Meanwhile, Immfly announced having reached an agreement to acquire Data Clarity. The deal will bring together leading onboard digital solutions with aviation’s most advanced data intelligence platform. The insurance company Chubb launched TravelPro, a new suite of travel insurance products designed to address the most common challenges faced by international travellers. Following a ceremony earlier, Arcube was crowned winner of this year’s World Aviation Festival startup competition. The company develops modular and sustainable infrastructure solutions designed to help airports and airlines scale operations more efficiently. Coming

Events

Aerospace & Defence Meetings Chennai 2025 to position Tamil Nadu as a global hub for Aerospace and Defence

Chennai, 6 October 2025: The Government of Tamil Nadu, in collaboration with TIDCO, BCI, the Aerospace Industries Development Association of Tamil Nadu (AIDAT) and Advanced Business Events / BCI Aerospace is set to host Aerospace and Defence Meetings Chennai 2025 from October 7 to 9, 2025, at the Chennai Trade Centre. This premier international event will convene global and domestic stakeholders across the aerospace and defence value chain, reaffirming Tamil Nadu’s emergence as a strategic destination for advanced manufacturing, innovation, and high-technology investment. The event will be inaugurated by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru M. K. Stalin, in the presence of senior dignitaries from the Indian Armed Forces, Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), leading Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), MSMEs, start-ups, and representatives from defence research organisations and academic institutions. In a message ahead of the event, the Hon’ble Chief Minister stated,”Aerospace & Defence Meetings Chennai 2025 exemplifies Tamil Nadu’s commitment to advancing India’s aerospace and defence capabilities. The State’s Defence Industrial Corridor has gained significant global attention for its robust infrastructure, progressive policies, and skilled talent base. This event will further catalyse partnerships, investments, and innovation that align with our national vision of self-reliance. I invite global industry leaders to explore Tamil Nadu’s vibrant ecosystem and the immense opportunities it offers.” Aerospace & Defence Meetings Chennai 2025 is designed as a high-level B2B and knowledge exchange platform, facilitating strategic collaboration between international manufacturers, Indian enterprises, start-ups, and research institutions. Delegations and companies from 19 countries are expected to participate, with over 5,000 B2B meetings scheduled to promote trade, technology partnerships, and investment opportunities. A concurrent exhibition will showcase next-generation aerospace and defence technologies, providing an immersive experience for participants to explore innovations, network, and engage with industry leaders. A key focus of the event will be the Tamil Nadu Defence Industrial Corridor (TNDIC). Through dedicated sessions and curated business engagements, the corridor’s state-of- the-art infrastructure, investor-friendly policies, and sectoral strengths will be presented to the global aerospace and defence community. With Aerospace & Defense Meetings Chennai 2025, Tamil Nadu aims to reinforce its leadership in India’s aerospace and defence manufacturing ecosystem and further its long-term vision of becoming a globally competitive, innovation-driven industrial hub. ( This is a pre-event press release for Aerospace & Defence Meetings, Chennai)

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.

 

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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

Disclaimer

The contents published in this website are news covering Aviation, Aerospace and Defence sector. The objective is to provide news in informative form to keep our readers updated of the latest development. We also publish content featured in our print publication Aviation World.We try our best to avoid any factual errors or image displayed here but we ensure immediate corrections to any such thing brought to our notice that might have been published inadvertently. All images and contents are sourced from the relevant organisations media team.

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