Recent News

Delhi,3rd April 2025: Thales has shared that it plans to recruit 8,000 people worldwide in 2025 to support the strong growth momentum across its three business segments. Around 40% of new hires will join engineering roles (including software and systems engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data, etc.), while approximately 25% will join industrial roles (including technicians, operators and industrial engineers). In parallel, more than 4,000 employees will benefit from functional and geographical internal mobility. In a context marked by interconnected geopolitical crises, a rebound in air traffic and accelerating global connectivity, all of Thales’s businesses are growing and hiring. This builds on the strong momentum established in recent years, with: * Over 30,000 new hires between 2022 and 2024, including 9,000 in the Defence sector * Over 8,000 internal mobility moves between 2023 and 2024 * Ten consecutive years during which Thales has hired at least 5,000 people annually In 2025, recruitment will take place across all regions of operation, including approximately 3,000 people in France, over 1,000 in the United Kingdom, 500 in the Netherlands, 400 in the United States, 400 in Australia, 300 in Central Europe, 250 in India, 200 in Germany, and 150 in Africa and the Middle East. Learning company: supporting employees’ professional development and keeping Thales’s expertise at the highest level For the past three years, Thales has invested in its “Learning company” global skills development programme, delivered by 2,000 internal trainers as well as numerous tutors and mentors. Since 2023, Thales has increased the number of its Academies, which are designed to share knowledge globally. The Group now operates 13 Domain Academies (AI, Cybersecurity, Radar, Naval, Tube, Pyrotechnics, etc.) and 18 Functional Academies (Software, Hardware, Systems, Industry, Bid & Project Management, HR, Finance, Communication, etc.). By the end of 2025, Thales will have more than 35 academies. The Group has also introduced innovative skills development methods, including a shared competency management system, simulation and virtual reality tools, and hands-on training solutions. In 2024, 90% of Thales’s global workforce – 72,000 people – took part in skills development activities. Across all countries where it operates, Thales strengthened its outreach efforts in 2024, engaging with more than 150,000 young people and taking part in over 600 events. In France in 2025, the Group plans to host more than 3,000 interns and apprentices, around 25% of whom will go on to be hired on permanent or fixed-term contracts. Nearly 1,500 middle and high school students will also complete observation internships at Thales sites. Improving gender balance within teams and leadership remains a key priority for the Group. In 2024, women accounted for 30% of new hires worldwide. More than 60% of the Group’s executive Committees included at least four women; Thales is aiming for 75% by 2026. With the signing of a new Group-wide agreement in 2024 to further promote the inclusion of people with disabilities, Thales is reaffirming its commitment, with an employment rate of nearly 7% in France.

Delhi, March 28, 2025: Akasa Air has introduced Akasa Priority, a service designed for travellers who value efficiency, comfort, and convenience. Whether flying domestically or internationally, Akasa Priority will ensure seamless journey from check-in to boarding, allowing customers to experience enhanced ease and comfort throughout their travel. Key features of Akasa Priority are: • Priority Check-in: Customers can skip the queues and benefit from a streamlined check-in process, ensuring a hassle-free airport experience • Priority Bag Service: With expedited baggage handling, customers can enjoy peace of mind knowing their luggage will be among the first to arrive at their destination • Priority Boarding: Customers can board ahead of others, allowing for a more relaxed and stress-free start to their journey This offering focuses on convenience, affordability, and excellence in customer service at its core. By offering these benefits as a combined package, Akasa Priority provides a cost-effective solution for travellers who would otherwise need to purchase each service separately. This bundled option ensures greater value while enhancing the overall travel experience.

Kuala Lumpur: Preliminary February 2025 traffic figures released today by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) showed continued growth in international passenger and cargo markets, supported by positive business and consumer demand across the region.An aggregate total of 30.8 million international passengers flew on the region’s carriers in February, representing a 5.9% increase over the number recorded in the same month last year, on the back of the Lunar New Year holiday period. In revenue passenger kilometre (RPK) terms, demand grew by 9.2% year-on-year, reflecting relative strength on long-haul markets. Combined with an 8.6% expansion in available seat capacity, the average international passenger load factor edged 0.4 percentage points higher to 82.2% for the month. Meanwhile, international air cargo demand, as measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTK), grew by a more modest 2.8% year-on-year in February, as export activity slowed across the major manufacturing hubs, notably China, during the festive celebrations. Offered freight capacity increased by 6.0%, outpacing the growth in demand to result in a 1.7 percentage point decline in the average international freight load factor to 56.5% for the month. Commenting on the results, Mr. Subhas Menon, AAPA Director General, said, “In the first two months of the year, combined international passenger traffic for the region’s carriers rose by a robust 13%, reaching a total of 66 million passengers. During the same period, international air cargo demand increased by 4% year-on-year, supported by higher demand for consumer and intermediate goods.” Looking ahead, Mr. Menon said, “Overall, airlines are expected to continue to benefit from sustained travel demand and growth in air shipments as a result of ongoing expansion in e-commerce activity. However, the region’s carriers are facing headwinds, particularly as rising costs, driven in part by fleet capacity constraints, continue to exert pressure on revenue.” Mr. Menon added, “The recent rise in protectionist sentiment also presents potential challenges to trade and broader business activity. In response, Asian airlines are maintaining a cautious stance, closely monitoring evolving operating conditions while actively exploring opportunities in high-potential growth markets.”

Bengaluru, March 27, 2025: Navratna Defence PSU Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has secured additional orders worth Rs.1,385 Crore since the last disclosure on 12th March, 2025. Major orders include Radar spares, Radar upgradation, Electronic Voting Machines, Simulators, Advanced Land Navigation System and Stabilizer for tanks, Fire Control System for ship based decoys, Communication equipment, other spares, services, etc. With these, BEL has now accumulated orders totalling Rs.18,415 Crore in the current financial year.

Doha, 22nd March 2025: Qatar Airways Cargo has unveiled its latest product innovation – TechLift. This dedicated product vastly enhances air cargo transportation for the full spectrum of the semiconductor industry – a key and growing trade. Designed to meet the specialised handling and logistics requirements of today’s semiconductor industry, TechLift leads the industry in offering unique protection, including targeted shock absorption for all ground and aircraft equipment, while moving all types of semiconductor products: integrated circuits, chipsets, microchips, urgent semiconductor manufacturing machinery and pieces such as capital and testing equipment, doped chemicals, cutting, stripping and etching wafers. Mark Drusch, Chief Officer Cargo at Qatar Airways Cargo commented: “Nearly every aspect of modern-day life relies on semiconductors – from smartphones to data centres and cloud computing, to automotive, electric vehicles and industrial applications, and now, to an ever-increasing extent, AI and the Internet of Things. “For all these applications to function correctly, semiconductors must be delivered in pristine condition. Their transport is best carried out by established cargo professionals, as it demands absolute precision, expertise, and highly trained staff,” he explained. “At Qatar Airways Cargo, we have perfected every aspect of the transportation for semiconductor products to leave absolutely nothing to chance and have developed a world-leading dedicated service to cater for this.” TechLift has been carefully defined to ensure that all semiconductor shipments are handled with the greatest of care from acceptance to delivery. The product allows a higher loading priority, the use of approved data loggers, specialised handling techniques as per commodity-specific operational guidelines and protection from adverse weather conditions. In addition, customers can combine the product with the following AirPlus Solutions: • Q-Climate – Temperatures are kept at an optimum level, including using refrigerated trucks with extra shock absorption to mitigate movement during ground transfers in Doha • Q-Plus – For even higher loading priority • Q-Prime – Highest priority on capacity constrained flights with the added benefit of continuous monitoring by Qatar Airways Cargo’s Control Tower “Qatar Airways Cargo has invested heavily in the latest high-tech equipment to create the best conditions for semiconductor transportation. We operate shock-absorbing 20-ft and 40-ft transport dollies in Doha, allowing us to offer a 90-minute minimum connection time and quick ramp transfer. And our extensive network enables full global reach. Whatever your semiconductor shipping requirements, I am convinced that no one does it better than Qatar Airways Cargo’s TechLift team,” concluded Drusch.

Mumbai,March 22nd, 2025 : Paras Defence & Space Technologies has secured Rs.142.31 crores (including taxes) contract from Centre for High Energy Systems & Sciences (CHESS), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to develop a high-powered laser system, an indigenous air defence system inspired to make India’s most-advanced anti-drone laser dome. This marks the first time in India that such a sophisticated system is being developed, reinforcing India’s position on the world map as a leader in defence technology. This positions Paras Defence as the first company in India to pioneer such aerial defence capabilities in South Asia, joining a select group of companies globally with such advanced technology. The project is for the development of a Laser Source Module and integration with Beam Control System on Mobile Platform, meant for Anti Drone/UAV and Anti-Missile applications. This project aligns with India’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, emphasizing self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Munjal Sharad Shah, Managing Director, Paras Defence & Space Technologies said, “Securing this contract from DRDO underscores our commitment to advancing India’s defence capabilities through homegrown innovation. High-power laser technology represents a pivotal advancement in modern warfare, offering precise, cost-effective and rapid-response solutions to emerging aerial threats. Being entrusted with this project not only highlights our technical expertise, but also reinforces our dedication to the “Make in India” initiative, aiming for self-reliance in critical defence technologies. We are honoured to lead this transformative endeavour, positioning India on the world map as a leader in laser-based air defence systems and thereby making India proud.” The undertaking will also stimulate job creation across various sectors as it requires engagement of highly skilled professionals in research, development, and manufacturing, fostering technological advancement and contributing to the nation’s economic expansion. Moreover, the indigenous development of such a system opens avenues for export, as countries seek advanced solutions to counter the escalating threat posed by rogue drones. Paras will offer all kinds of laser systems, making it the go-to company for laser-based defence solutions in the region. The development roadmap for the laser system is set to be executed in 24 months. Paras Defence is proud to be the first company in India to develop such a state-of-the-art system. The indigenous system will significantly enhance India’s ability to counter emerging drone warfare threats along with other ariel threats, which have been a growing concern in modern conflicts. The total addressable market (TAM) for high-power laser defence systems is estimated to be ₹25,000 crore, positioning Paras Defence for substantial future growth and reaffirming its status as the first company in India to develop a complete suite of laser-based air defence solutions.