Recent News

Astana, 22nd Oct 2025: Air Astana took delivery of a new Airbus A321neo from the manufacturer’s facility in Hamburg, Germany on 17th October 2025. This is the sixth aircraft of this type to join the Air Astana Group fleet. Air Astana’s fleet now comprises of 62 modern Airbus and Boeing aircraft, contributing to enhanced operational efficiency and reliability.Despite ongoing challenges in the aviation industry, the airline continues with the steady renewal of its fleet as part of a sustainable growth strategy. The Air Astana Group plans to increase the fleet to 84 aircraft by 2029.

New Delhi, 17th Oct 2025: Directorate General of Civil Aviation has introduced auto generation of Computer Numbers for Flight Crew (FC) candidates applying through the Pariksha website/portal, with effect from 16th October 2025. This initiative is aimed at utilization of DigiLocker facility, streamlining the application process, enhancing ease of doing business and eliminating manual document submission and verification. The implementation will be carried out in a phased manner: Phase I: Auto-generation of Computer Numbers will be available for candidates who have passed 10th and 12th examinations from CBSE Board, subject to successful verification through DigiLocker. Subsequent Phases:- The facility will be extended to candidates from other recognized Board whose 10th and 12th mark sheet/certificate are available in DigiLocker. The Auto-Generation system will automatically allot a Computer Number immediately upon successful submission of online application on DGCA Pariksha Portal, as per the eligibility criteria prescribed by DGCA. This step is part of larger initiative and directions given by Minister of Civil Aviation  Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapau to digitise all the processes in DGCA/BCAS offices through eGCA and other platforms to ensure ease of flying and the approval processes for students/pilots/and stakeholders with quick response and no human intervention.

Andhra Pradesh, 16th Oct 2025: Marking another step towards Aatmanirbharta in defence, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi dedicated to the nation an Advanced Night Vision factory in Nimmaluru, Andhra Pradesh on October 16, 2025. The facility is among the multiple development projects worth around Rs 13,430 crore which the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for, inaugurated, and dedicated to the nation in Kurnool. Addressing the gathering, he stated that the Advanced Night Vision factory will enhance India’s capability to produce night vision equipment, missile sensors, and drone guard systems, and will elevate the country’s defence exports to newer heights. He added that the entire world had witnessed the success of Indigenous weapon systems during Operation Sindoor. Expressing satisfaction that the Andhra Pradesh government has resolved to develop Kurnool as India’s drone hub, the Prime Minister stated that through the drone industry, several new sectors linked to futuristic technologies will emerge in Kurnool and across Andhra. He cited the success of drones in Operation Sindoor and affirmed that Kurnool will become a national strength in the drone sector in the coming years.

Montreal,October 14, 2025: CAE has announced the launch of new eLearning modules for business aviation in partnership with Advanced Aircrew Academy. This strategic collaboration empowers CAE customers with comprehensive, end-to-end training solutions. By leveraging next-generation eLearning programs, clients can seamlessly consolidate all their training with CAE. The modules will initially support operators under the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and will expand to meet global regulatory needs, offering scalable solutions for operators in North America, Europe, and Asia. These modules will enhance CAE’s extensive eLearning platform, further elevating safety, compliance, and operational excellence across our global training ecosystem. Integrating Advanced Aircrew Academy’s specialized courseware into CAE’s world-class training ecosystem will create a seamless experience that enhances the value of training for business aviation operators. “We’re always looking to improve our customers’ experience by making the training process as convenient as possible,” said Timothy Schoenauer, Senior Director, Global Business Aviation Training Solutions at CAE. “Through this partnership with Advanced Aircrew Academy, we are adding to our extensive library to offer our customers industry-leading modules, simplifying the back-end administration, and providing them with one end-to-end training provider. We will also be offering specialized eLearning training packages for the Americas, Europe and Asia, making it easy for operators to identify the courses their pilots need to take.” “Advanced Aircrew Academy is proud to collaborate with CAE on this initiative,” said Jordan Huibers, co-CEO, Advanced Aircrew Academy. “CAE customers will now benefit from approximately 70 advanced and integrated eLearning courses, developed by subject matter experts and updated regularly, elevating established training programs and enhancing safety.” Through the new eLearning offering, CAE customers will be able to select from three tailored tiers: • Core: Foundational programs meeting FAA & ICAO standards • Plus: Expanded programs designed for corporate flight department operators • Pro: Advanced programs designed for charter/on demand operators

Gurugram 14 October 2025: Air India and Air India Express today announced the addition of 166 weekly flights to and from Patna to meet the surging festive demand around Diwali and Chhath Puja. From 15 October to 2 November 2025, Air India will operate: • 38 additional flights between Delhi and Patna • 38 additional flights between Mumbai and Patna • 38 additional flights between Bengaluru and Patna From 22 October to 3 November 2025, Air India Express will operate: • 26 additional flights between Delhi and Patna • 26 additional flights between Bengaluru and Patna These additional flights supplement Air India’s current schedule of 42 weekly flights to Patna from Delhi and Mumbai, alongside 14 weekly flights operated by Air India Express to Patna from Delhi and Bengaluru, significantly enhancing connectivity for travellers during this peak period. The additional flights significantly boost connectivity to Patna, facilitating more convenient travel for travellers visiting their loved ones during the festive season.

Delhi, 13th October 2025: In the current Financial Year (FY) 2025-26, Ministry of Defence (MoD) has utilised more than 50% of capital outlay by the end of September 2025. In absolute terms, the capital expenditure stands at Rs 92,211.44 crore (51.23%) out of the total allocation of Rs 1,80,000 crore. The MoD had utilised 100% of capital expenditure amounting to Rs.1,59,768.40 crore in the last financial year. The utilisation of over 50% of capital outlay will result in ensuring timely delivery of vital platforms such as Aircraft, Ships, Submarines, weapon system, etc. required for the modernisation of the Armed Forces in the coming year. Majority of the expenditure has been on aircraft and aero engines followed by land systems, electronic warfare equipment, armaments, and projectiles. Capital expenditure is crucial for the defence sector as it funds the acquisition of new assets, research & development, and infrastructural development in the border areas, which are all essential for the country’s national security. Moreover, capital expenditure has a multiplier effect on economic growth and employment generation. With this pace of expenditure and big-ticket projects which are at advanced stages of approval, MoD is committed to fully utilising the allocation under capital head by the end of the current FY also. In parallel, the Ministry is working on the budgetary projections to be discussed for revised estimates. It is to be highlighted that in the current FY, Ministry of Defence had been allocated Rs 1,80,000 crore under capital head at the BE stage by Ministry of Finance. This allocation was 12.66% higher than the actual expenditure of FY 2024-25. Since FY 2020-21, Ministry of Defence has been consistently strengthening the domestic industries by earmarking funds for procurement from them. For FY 2025-26, Rs 1,11,544.83 crore has been earmarked for the domestic industry. Significant expenditure to the extent of 45% has been recorded till date out of the funds earmarked for domestic procurement. This allocation is aimed to boost Aatmanirbharta in defence technology & manufacturing and to attract MSMEs, start-ups, etc. in the sector. Allocation under capital outlay for Services has shown a rising trend over the past several years. It has increased by approx. 60% during the last five years. Courtesy: PIB/MOD

Delhi, 10th Oct 2025: Air India Express has announced the launch of direct flights from Bengaluru, its largest station, to three new destinations in the Middle East: Jeddah and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait. Services to Jeddah will commence from October 26, 2025, while flights to Riyadh and Kuwait will begin on October 27, 2025, further strengthening connectivity between South India and the Middle East. The new routes will benefit a wide range of travellers, including Indian expatriates, business professionals, and families visiting friends and relatives across Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

Delhi, 10th Oct 2025: Minister of Civil Aviation, Rammohan Naidu, chaired the monthly review meeting today with domestic airlines to assess their operational and technical performance, with a special focus on safety and passenger facilitation. The meeting was attended by Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Samir Kumar Sinha, Director General of Civil Aviation, Faiz Ahmed Kidwai and other senior officials. Majority of the airlines viz Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo, Akasa Air, Alliance Air, Fly91, FlyBig and IndiaOne Air participated and presented their performance metrics including action taken reports on security incidents and passenger grievances. Comprehensive discussions were held on safety oversight, fleet management and passenger-centric initiatives. The Minister emphasized strict adherence to safety protocols and urged the airlines to adopt best practices in passenger convenience and service quality. Detailed discussions were held with each airline on identifying bottlenecks in their operations and addressing their challenges. During the meeting, Minister Rammohan Naidu also sensitized airlines to ensure that airfares remain reasonable across the sectors during the upcoming festival season. Airlines assured that passenger convenience will remain their top priority and informed that additional flight capacities have been deployed on high-traffic routes to meet festive demand. The Minister has also directed the DGCA’s Tariff Monitoring Unit to maintain strict vigilance on airfares and ensure compliance with the tariff range declared by airlines. During the interaction, Minister also reviewed grievance redressal done by the airlines and directed them to qualitatively close passenger grievances in a timely manner. The Ministry’s passenger grievance redressal portal, AirSewa has also been upgraded for enabling passengers to register complaints related to high airfares also. Minister Ram Mohan Naidu also encouraged the airlines to embed Prime Minister’s vision of Swachhta in their operations, practices and service delivery. He praised the airlines for their collective efforts in making Indian aviation more sustainable through the adoption of advanced technologies and environmentally responsible practices. These periodic reviews have been institutionalized at the Ministry to strengthen monitoring and coordination on operational matters between the Government and the airlines. (News Courtesy: PIB)

Gurugram, 09 October 2025: Air India has announced an expansion of its services to the United Kingdom as part of its Northern Winter 2025 schedule, adding a fourth daily flight between Delhi and London (Heathrow), effective 26 October 2025. The additional flight increases Air India’s frequency from 24x weekly to 28x weekly this Winter, adding 1,196 seats each way per week between Delhi and London (Heathrow). All Air India flights on the high-demand route are operated by the airline’s new Airbus A350-900 and Boeing 787-9 aircraft. Largest carrier between India and the UK Air India is the largest carrier between India and the UK, operating 61x weekly and deploying 18,066 seats per week (in one direction), which translates to nearly 1.7 million seats annually on routes between the two countries. Air India connects five Indian cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad and Amritsar) to three points in the UK, namely London (Heathrow), London (Gatwick), and Birmingham. New Air India experience on all Delhi-London flights With the added daily frequency, Air India will operate two daily flights on the route with its Airbus A350-900 aircraft and two daily flights with its Boeing 787-9 aircraft. This ensures the consistent availability of Air India’s best widebody cabin products between Delhi and London, with both aircraft types featuring three cabin classes: Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy Class. Services on other UK routes The expanded operations include the optimisation of services on other UK routes, some of which were temporarily adjusted due to operational considerations: • Mumbai-London (Heathrow): Continues to operate double daily or 14x weekly • Bengaluru-London (Heathrow): Reinstatement of 3x weekly flights previously curtailed, bringing the service back to a full 7x weekly operation • Ahmedabad-London (Gatwick): Services on this route were temporarily relocated to London (Heathrow) in July 2025, which now return to London (Gatwick), operating 3x weekly • Amritsar-London (Gatwick): Restored to operate 3x weekly • Delhi-Birmingham: Restored to operate 3x weekly • Amritsar-Birmingham: Will continue to operate 3x weekly