Recent News

Recent News

Air India and Lufthansa Group expands codeshare partnership: 60 additional routes across 12 Indian and 26 European cities

Delhi, 20th Feb 2025: Air India and Lufthansa Group have entered into a new codeshare agreement with Austrian Airlines, as well as expand the existing codeshare agreements between Air India, Lufthansa, and Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS). The expanded partnership significantly boosts flight options and connectivity for travellers between the Indian Subcontinent and Europe with the addition of close to 60 codeshare routes operated by the four airlines across 12 Indian and 26 European cities. The expanded agreements increase the total number of codeshare routes between Air India, Lufthansa and SWISS from 55 to nearly 100. Additionally, the new agreement between Air India and Austrian Airlines adds 26 codeshare routes. This provides greater choice, convenience, and seamless experiences to travellers from both regions. Customers of Lufthansa Group will now be able to connect to Air India’s domestic services to or from 15 points within India.Additionally, Lufthansa Group carriers will add their respective designator codes to Air India’s international services to 3 destinations from Delhi and Mumbai: Kathmandu, Melbourne, and Sydney. Additionally, flights currently operated by Air India and Lufthansa Group carriers between India and Germany or Switzerland will be covered under the expanded codeshare partnership. For example, customers who wish to fly between Delhi and Frankfurt will now have three daily flight options each way with ‘LH’ flight numbers, including two flights operated by Air India and one flight operated by Lufthansa. Reciprocally, Air India will now offer its customers a total of 26 destinations across Europe and 3 destinations in the Americas beyond its gateways in Europe (Frankfurt, Vienna, and Zurich), with the ‘AI’ designator code placed on the following services operated by airlines in the Lufthansa Group, including Austrian Airlines for the first time: Lufthansa Between Frankfurt and: Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, Bremen, Brussels, Copenhagen, Dresden, Düsseldorf, Dublin, Geneva, Hamburg, Hannover, Luxembourg, Lyon, Manchester, Marseille, Munich, Nice, Nuremberg, Oslo, Prague, Riga, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Stockholm, Stuttgart, Toulouse, Valencia, Washington D.C. SWISS Between Zurich and: Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, Bremen, Brussels, Copenhagen, Dresden, Düsseldorf, Dublin, Geneva, Hamburg, Hannover, Luxembourg, Manchester, Marseille, Munich, Nice, Oslo, Prague, Stockholm, Stuttgart, Valencia. Austrian Airlines Between Vienna and: Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, Bremen, Brussels, Copenhagen, Düsseldorf, Geneva, Hamburg, Hannover, Lyon, Manchester, Marseille, Munich, Nice, Oslo, Prague, Stockholm, Stuttgart, Valencia. Both airlines plan to progressively include other destinations in their network to the codeshare arrangements. Air India and the three Lufthansa Group carriers are members of Star Alliance. Frequent flyers will continue to earn and redeem points/miles on all four airlines, while elite status holders of Air India’s Maharaja Club and Lufthansa Group’s Miles & More programmes will benefit from Star Alliance Gold benefits including priority services, extra baggage allowance, and airport lounge access across the world. According to Lufthansa Group Chief Commercial Officer, Dieter Vranckx: “We are thrilled to strengthen our partnership with Air India and elevate the travel experience for our joint customers. By further enhancing our cooperation, we will increase the travel options between Europe and India and offer our passengers improved access to additional destinations. Lufthansa Group remains committed to India, and we are excited about the possibilities and potential the country and Air India as a partner have to offer”. Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India, said: “Our goal is to enable our customers to travel from any corner of the world to another via Air India and its partner airlines. The expansion of our partnership with Lufthansa Group is a step in that direction, and we are pleased to take this long-standing relationship to the next level. With this renewed partnership, our customers will have access to more destinations and greater flexibility to travel across Europe on Lufthansa Group carriers. It also gives us the opportunity to serve Lufthansa Group customers, with warmth and quintessential Indian hospitality, aboard Air India flights. We look forward to continue working closely with our Star Alliance partners in making the world feel like a smaller place.” Subject to regulatory approvals, the codeshare flights will be progressively made available for sale through the airlines’ respective booking channels.

Recent News

SATTE 2025 Day 2: MoUs, AI Innovation, and Sustainable Tourism Take Center Stage

New Delhi, February 20, 2025: The second day of SATTE 2025, South Asia’s leading travel and tourism exhibition, continued to drive strategic collaborations and global networking at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi. The event witnessed a remarkable confluence of industry professionals, exhibitors, and thought leaders, reinforcing SATTE’s role as a catalyst for shaping the future of travel and tourism. Apart from the business on the show floor, several highlights marked the day. A key highlight was the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) and its Japanese counterparts, marking a significant milestone in strengthening tourism ties between India and Japan. This collaboration aims to foster cross-promotion of tourism between the two nations, enrich cultural exchanges, and unlock new travel opportunities. With a focus on Okinawa, the MoU will encourage Indian travellers to explore Japan while facilitating greater tourism from Japan to India, reinforcing the strong ties between the two countries. The ‘Atithi’ initiative, an exclusive buyer-seller meet in collaboration with the Service Export Promotion Council (SEPC), continued to serve as a dynamic platform for fostering business relationships, connecting international buyers with Indian tourism stakeholders, and unlocking new opportunities. The day also featured an array of insightful conference sessions that delved into emerging industry trends, challenges, and market dynamics. One of the key discussions, “Routes Development: Significance & Impact,” moderated by Sunil Kumar, President of the Travel Agents Association of India, explored how strategic air, sea, and land routes fuel economic growth, boost tourism, and shape the future of global connectivity. Industry leaders analyzed upcoming opportunities and trends for route development in 2025 and beyond. The “Anchoring Opportunities in Cruise & Port Tourism” panel, led by Vinod Zutshi, Former Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, examined the potential of India’s cruise tourism sector. The discussion focused on enhancing infrastructural capabilities, attracting foreign tourists, and positioning India as a premier cruise destination. Meanwhile, the session on “Overcrowded & Overlooked: Balancing the Scales,” moderated by Sanjay Basu, Chairman of Far Horizon Tours and a member of CII National Tourism & Hospitality Committee, highlighted the importance of sustainable tourism by bringing attention to emerging destinations that remain underexplored. With outbound travel from India on a sharp rise, the panel discussion on “India on the Move – Cracking the Code of Outbound Growth,” moderated by Rajeev Nangia, Chief Operating Officer, TRAC Representations India Pvt. Ltd., examined evolving traveller preferences, key international markets, and strategies to further propel outbound tourism. Complementing this, the “AI Revolution & Hyper-Connected Tourism – Are We Ready?” session, moderated by Chirag Agrawal, Co-founder & COO of TravClan, explored the transformative role of AI in reshaping the global tourism landscape. Experts shared insights on leveraging AI-driven innovation to enhance customer experiences and operational efficiencies in the travel sector. The day concluded with a thought-provoking Fireside Chat on “From Viral to Vital: The Impact of Social Media on Destinations.” Leading travel influencers discussed the power of digital platforms in destination marketing and how viral content can turn hidden gems into must-visit locations, transforming tourism economies worldwide. Destination briefings for Rajasthan, Sri Lanka, and Saudi Arabia, among others, explored these much loved tourist regions’ expanding potential. SATTE Awards 2025, marked as a must-attend event on every travel professional’s calendar, recognized excellence across 22 categories, including Hotels, Tour Operators, Tourism Boards, International Cruises, and Travel Agents. This year’s edition saw 231 nominations from 187 companies, including 90+ new entrants, reflecting the industry’s dynamic evolution. The Shakti Awards, an initiative by Informa Markets, honored the contributions of women leaders shaping the future of travel and tourism. The winners were selected by a distinguished jury chaired by Mr. Arvind Singh, Former Tourism Secretary, Government of India, in collaboration with industry veterans. Ernst & Young served as the Process Advisor, with Travel Trends Today as the Official Media Partner. With over 2,000 exhibitors, 40,000+ visitors, and participation from 50+ countries, SATTE 2025 continues to reinforce its position as South Asia’s premier travel and tourism exhibition. The event remains a hub for global industry stakeholders to explore new business avenues, engage in knowledge-sharing, and drive the future of the travel sector. The exhibition showcases a diverse range of exhibitors, including travel agents, tour operators, airlines, hoteliers, and tourism boards. Key visitors include travel professionals, wedding planners, corporate leaders, and procurement heads. This year, SATTE 2025 spotlights both international destinations such as Malaysia, Hong Kong, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Greece, Japan, Uzbekistan, Mauritius, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan, as well as leading Indian states including Gujarat, Rajasthan, Odisha, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Punjab. Core segments such as homestays, adventure tourism, domestic travel, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) are also at the forefront, providing industry stakeholders a platform to showcase brands, generate leads, and share insights.

Recent News

MoCA launched Electronic Personnel License (EPL) for pilots

Delhi, 20th Feb 2025: Minister for Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu, today launched the Electronic Personnel License (EPL), making India the second country in the world to digitalize pilot licenses. Ensuring a tamper-proof and robust licensing system, EPL sets a new benchmark in aviation regulatory excellence. Indian pilots can now securely carry their licenses on their mobile phones via the eGCA app, with real-time access for global agencies. This step places India at the forefront of regulatory excellence, enhancing interoperability and safety. Secretary Civil Aviation V. Vualnam, DGCA DG Sh. Faiz Ahmed, BCAS DG Sh. Rajesh Nirwan and other senior officials were present at the occasion.

Defence, Recent News

EDGE and Lockheed Martin to collaborate on advanced chiplet design capabilities

Abu Dhabi,18 February 2025: EDGE has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Lockheed Martin to collaborate on localising the design of advanced Chiplet-based processors for single-board computers. Signed at the International Defence Exhibition & Conference 2025 (IDEX 2025), the LOI is aimed at enhancing the UAE’s competitiveness in the global aerospace and defence market through a ‘Chiplet Ecosystem Programme’. EDGE entity HALCON, a regional leader in the end-to-end manufacturing and production of smart weapon systems, will lead the strategic collaboration with Lockheed Martin to expand, diversify, and localise the UAE’s single-board computer electronics production capabilities. The ‘Chiplet Ecosystem Programme’ is the latest development from HALCON’s Special Manufacturing Division and will complement the company’s advanced in-house printed circuit board (PCB) assembly facility. Chiplet-based processors permit enhanced targeting and guidance through more sophisticated onboard computation, enabling advanced algorithms for target acquisition, tracking, and guidance. As high-performance processors, they can also efficiently handle data from multiple sensors simultaneously, providing real-time situational awareness.

Recent News

Kyndryl to manage tech ops at Noida Int. airport

Bengaluru, 18th February, 2025: Noida International Airport (NIA) has announced its collaboration with Kyndryl to manage the airport’s modern technology environment and 24X7 support model. Kyndryl will draw on its more than three decades of experience managing and transforming airlines and airports in India and around the world, to provide NIA with the latest frameworks, advanced delivery services, and governance practices to ensure best-in-class technology-driven operations. As a greenfield airport, NIA aims to offer customers a memorable experience while traveling through its terminal. With technology at the center of that experience, Kyndryl will work with NIA to build a robust IT foundation by reviewing existing architecture, establishing frameworks to effectively steer policies, implementing technology delivery changes, security services, asset management, and managing risks and audit compliance during operations. Kyndryl will also manage NIA’s IT estate on Kyndryl Bridge, accelerating the automation of its IT infrastructure, while monitoring the real-time health and performance of its systems. Kyndryl Bridge, an AI powered open integration platform, will be core to the airport’s 24×7 technology support system, helping the airport proactively detect and mitigate issues before they impact operations and customers’ experience at the airport. Kyndryl will also implement robust information security services including first response systems to cyber security incidents, security policy administration and health status monitoring. Speaking on the collaboration Christoph Schnellmann, Chief Executive Officer, Noida International Airport said, “At Noida International Airport, our commitment to excellence drives every decision we make. Partnering with Kyndryl allows us to leverage their global expertise and innovative solutions to create a world-class airport that prioritizes passenger satisfaction and operational efficiency. Kyndryl’s proven track record in managing complex IT environments ensures that we are well-equipped to meet the demands of modern aviation.” “In India, there are many citizens who are yet to take their first flight. Improving people connectivity across India is imperative and supports critical infrastructure needs and the India Government’s national agenda. It’s a privilege to enter into a new customer engagement with Noida International Airport ahead of the airport launch as it allows us to bring into purview the entire gamut of technology, consulting, delivery, and sustainability services that Kyndryl offers as well as grow and develop along with the airport’s expansion and growth,” said Lingraju Sawkar, President, Kyndryl India.

Recent News

Rossell Techsys delivers 48 per cent revenue growth in Q3

Bengaluru, February 18 2025: Rossell Techsys Ltd. (ROSSTECH), provider of engineering and manufacturing solutions for the aerospace and defense sectors reported a record total revenue of INR 75.99 Crores in Q3FY25, reflecting a significant growth of 48% in revenue over the preceding quarter, driven by increase in customer orders. The company was relisted on the stock exchange on 09 Dec 2024, post demerger and segregation of the aerospace and defense business. Key Highlights: The company recorded EBITDA of INR 14.52 Cr an increase of 132% from the previous quarter. The company recorded a PBT of Rs 7.17 Cr, an exponential increase, over the preceding quarter. The company recorded a growth in basic and diluted EPS to Rs 1.32 in Q3. Optimization of operations has improved efficiencies. Talari Suvarna Raju, Ex-Chairman and Managing Director, HAL has joined the Rossell Techsys Limited Board, as an Independent Director of the Company. Detailed results are shared in Annexure I. Key Contributors to Growth in Q3FY25: Rossell Techsys’ strong financial performance was fueled by successful project deliveries, new contract wins, and expanding partnerships with global aerospace and defense clients in Israel, USA, India, and Europe. The company continues to leverage its cutting-edge engineering and manufacturing expertise, high-performance work culture and global supply chain capabilities, driving operational excellence. “This quarter’s results demonstrate our unwavering commitment to precision, quality, and innovation. Securing high-value contracts and executing them seamlessly reflects the trust our clients place in us. As a forward-looking and customer-centric organization, we remain focused on delivering world-class solutions that shape the future of aerospace and defense,” said Rishab Gupta, Managing Director, Rossell Techsys Ltd. Major Contract Wins & Project Completions During the quarter, Rossell Techsys executed multiple high-impact projects for leading aerospace and defense companies, increased its order booking by Rs 50 Cr, taking the total open order book to Rs 750 Cr and strategic agreements to Rs 2800 Cr, reinforcing its position as a preferred partner in high quality assemblies for mission critical platforms. These strategic wins position the company for significant and sustained growth in both domestic and international markets. “The aerospace and defense industries are evolving rapidly, and we are ensuring that Rossell Techsys stays ahead with investments in technology, skill development, and infrastructure. Our focus remains on delivering excellence while expanding our capabilities to meet the increasing demand for advanced capabilities in aerospace and defense assemblies,” said Harsh Mohan Gupta, Chairman, Rossell Techsys Ltd. Looking ahead, the company continues to invest in manufacturing expansion, skill enhancement, and R&D initiatives, ensuring it remains a future-ready enterprise capable of meeting the evolving demands of the aerospace and defense sectors.

Recent News

SriLankan Airlines completes maintenance for Salam Air A321neo

Colombo, 18th Feb 2025: The Engineering team of SriLankan Airlines has completed base heavy maintenance on an A321neo aircraft for Salam Air ahead of the scheduled completion date. The work involved replacing a right-hand main landing gear seal on the aircraft. SriLankan Engineering has been forging a path as a reliable provider of base maintenance services in the region for third parties, with a steady stream of both repeat and new customers.

Recent News

Korean Air to launch flights to Kobe, Japan

Seoul, February 18, 2025: Korean Air will commence twice-daily flights between Seoul Incheon and Kobe from April 18, becoming the first Korean flag carrier to operate this route. The morning flight will depart from Seoul Incheon at 8:25 am, arriving at Kobe at 10:00 am, with the return flight departing from Kobe at 11:00 am and arriving at Seoul Incheon at 1:00 pm. The afternoon service will depart from Seoul Incheon at 3:50 pm, reaching Kobe at 5:30 pm, while the return flight will leave Kobe at 6:30 pm and arrive at Seoul Incheon at 8:40 pm. The flight time is approximately two hours. Kobe, a key city in Japan’s Kansai region alongside Osaka and Kyoto, has been a major hub since opening its port to international trade in 1868. Today, it is known for its blend of Eastern and Western influences, with attractions such as the historic Kitano-Ijinkan district, Nankin-machi Chinatown, and the vibrant waterfront of Harborland. The city is also famous for its scenic harbor views, Arima Onsen—one of Japan’s top three hot springs—and its world-renowned Kobe beef. With its central location, Kobe offers convenient access to nearby destinations. Osaka, Kyoto and Nara lie on the east and Himeji and Okayama to the west, all within an hour’s drive. Osaka, in particular, can be reached in less than 20 minutes via the bullet train. Korean Air will continue to expand its network to meet the growing demand for travel to Japan, enhancing connectivity and customer convenience.

Recent News

Air India enters codeshare partnership with Virgin Australia

Gurugram, 17th February 2025: Air India and Virgin Australia today announced a new codeshare partnership that significantly boosts connectivity and the ease of travelling between India and Australia. The unilateral codeshare agreement enables Air India to place its ‘AI’ code on flights operated by Virgin Australia. This enhances the opportunities that Air India customers have when travelling from Delhi to Melbourne or Sydney and take seamless onward connections on Virgin Australia flights to 16 destinations in Australia and New Zealand1. The enhanced cooperation will also ensure that passengers travelling on a single ticket will have their baggage checked through the entire journey. The 16 cities in Australia and New Zealand include: Adelaide, Ballina/Byron Bay, Brisbane, Cairns, Canberra, Darwin, Gold Coast, Hamilton Island, Hobart, Launceston, Melbourne, Newcastle, Perth, Queenstown (New Zealand)1, Sunshine Coast, and Sydney. “We are pleased to partner with Air India to make it easier for their customers to explore everything Australia has to offer. India is a growing tourism market for Australia and this partnership will encourage travellers arriving on one of Air India’s 14 weekly flights to explore more of our wonderful country thanks to seamless onward connections on the Virgin Australia network,” said Alistair Hartley, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, Virgin Australia. “Australia is one of Air India’s most important international markets, so it is incredibly exciting for us to be partnering with Virgin Australia to expand our presence in the region. While the partnership provides greater ease and access for the large Indian diaspora spread across the continent, it also opens up a whole new range of destinations for holidaymakers wanting to soak up the beaches of Gold Coast, discover Tasmania, or to explore the natural wonders of The Great Barrier Reef,” said Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India. Air India operates 14x weekly flights from India to Australia, flying non-stop daily from Delhi to Melbourne and Delhi to Sydney. The airline utilises its Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft on these routes.The first codeshare flights is to operate from 18 February 2025.

Airports, Recent News

AAI organizes workshop on major infrastructure projects at AAI airports

New Delhi, 15th February, 2025: A two days’ workshop on major infrastructure projects at AAI airports, was being organised by Airports Authority of India on 14th & 15th February 2025 in New Delhi. Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu,Union Minister of Civil Aviation and Murlidhar Mohol, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation and cooperation presided over the opening ceremony of the workshop. Vumlunmang Vualnam, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Vipin Kumar, Chairman, Airports Authority of India and senior officials from MoCA, AAI, DGCA, BCAS, and other stakeholders & industry partners were also present on this occasion. The mission of this workshop is to discuss the key trends and developments in the aviation sector, highlight the issues and challenges, and identify the potential opportunities for stakeholders in the sector. This event will also showcase new and upcoming airports and the emerging technologies being deployed at airports. It has brought together visionaries, policymakers, airport stakeholders and industry experts to explore key trends, address challenges, and unlock new opportunities. The Minister of Civil Aviation Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu said, “This workshop serves as a testament to our collective dedication to shaping a robust aviation ecosystem, paving the way for a dynamic and prosperous future. Civil Aviation is not merely about connecting destinations but about linking the aspirations and dreams of millions across the nation”. In his address MurlidharMohol, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation said, “AAI remains a cornerstone in achieving the GoI’s ambitious vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, shaping the trajectory of India’s aviation landscape for years to come”. AAI has achieved a record turnover of Rs 15,980 crore in 2023-24 which is the highest ever in its history, which includes the highest ever Profit Before Tax (PBT) of Rs 6,214 crore. Indian Aviation Market is one of the fastest growing sectors in the world and to sustain this growth, AAI has set a capital expenditure of Rs 25,000 crore from FY 2025 to FY 2029. AAI has planned a capital expenditure of Rs 5,500 crore for the financial year 2024-25, out of which Rs 4000 crore have been spent already. Highlighting AAI’s achievement, Vipin Kumar, Chairman, AAI said, “AAI is committed to Rapid Development of Airports in the country, aiming to elevate India’s civil aviation sector to global standards”. AAI is leading the way in the swift development of new airports and reconfiguring/repurposing of existing facilities, thereby improving operational efficiency and enhancing connectivity which elevates Indian Aviation to world class standards.

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.

 

Happy Reading!

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

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