Technology

Technology

JetZero selects Greensboro, North Carolina for first U.S. factory

GREENSBORO, N.C., June 14, 2025: JetZero, the aerospace start-up pioneering an all-wing design airplane, today joined North Carolina Governor Josh Stein, state officials and honored guests in announcing Greensboro, North Carolina as the location for its first advanced manufacturing and final assembly facility. The state-of-the-art factory, located on the Piedmont Triad International Airport grounds, will produce JetZero’s Z4 airplane, designed to transform commercial aviation through fuel efficiency, cutting-edge engineering and an elevated passenger and flight crew experience. The new site will create more than 14,500 jobs, delivering positive economic impact on the region and providing opportunities for collaboration with academic and vocational training institutions. JetZero will be capable of producing up to 20 Z4 airplanes per month at the factory’s full run rate, expected to be achieved by the late 2030s, contributing significantly to the United States’ goal of revitalizing American manufacturing and U.S. exports, and securing for generations the U.S. leadership in aerospace innovation. “I am thrilled to welcome JetZero and its 14,000 good-paying jobs and unprecedented innovation to Guilford County,” said Governor Josh Stein. “From first in flight to now the future of flight, North Carolina and our skilled workforce is soaring.” “North Carolina offers the ideal combination of talent, infrastructure, and forward-thinking leadership to support our mission to reshape aviation,” said Tom O’Leary, CEO and co-founder of JetZero. “This facility is a critical milestone in bringing our all-wing Z4 to market. I applaud the leadership of Governor Josh Stein and his team as well as the leadership of the North Carolina General Assembly, and whole host of local leaders and organizations for working with us to bring JetZero to North Carolina, the birthplace of aviation.” “JetZero’s arrival is a powerful validation of PTI’s long-term vision to build an airport that is more than a place of transportation, but a center of aerospace excellence,” said Kevin Baker, Executive Director, Piedmont Triad Airport Authority. “This era-defining project reflects everything we’ve worked toward at PTI to create high-paying jobs and a sustainable, innovation-driven future for the airport, the region and the state.” The state’s aerospace ecosystem, access to world-class research, university and technical colleges, and commitment to bringing innovative businesses to the state were key factors in JetZero’s selection. The company is working closely with state and local officials on workforce development and training programs. Construction on the facility is expected to begin in the first half of 2026, with first customer deliveries in the early 2030s. When career opportunities at JetZero become available, they will be posted to JetZero’s Career page as well as NCworks.gov, the state’s leader in connecting employers with skilled talent. ACCELERATED DEVELOPMENT THROUGH DIGITAL TOOLS JetZero is taking a clean-sheet approach to designing and building the factory. Working with Siemens including their Smart Infrastructure, Electrification, and Automation divisions, headquartered in North Carolina, JetZero is designing the greenfield factory to leverage the latest digital and industrial AI tools to ensure the most efficient and cost-effective production and operating model. Siemens also supports JetZero’s design/build/test model for the Demonstrator aircraft, a full-scale prototype slated for first flight in 2027. Siemens tools enable accelerated design, adaptable manufacturing, and digital test, shaving years of development time while upholding the highest quality and safety standards. “JetZero’s upcoming facility, powered by Siemens technologies, demonstrates that revitalizing American manufacturing is more than just a vision—it’s becoming reality,” said Barbara Humpton, President and CEO, Siemens USA. “Together, we’re poised to accelerate innovation, create high-quality jobs, and position North Carolina as the next great U.S. aerospace hub—laying the foundation for a stronger, more competitive future.” AIRLINE DEMAND JetZero has secured investments and conditional purchase agreements from Alaska Airlines (an undisclosed number of orders) and United Airlines (100 orders and 100 options) and expects to announce further investments and agreements this year. Approximately 14 airlines have joined JetZero’s Airline Working Group to provide input on their needs, including the requirement for the Z4 to readily fit into today’s airport infrastructure. The Z4 will meet that requirement. “JetZero’s all-wing aircraft design has the potential to transform the passenger in-flight experience while enabling a step-change improvement in fuel efficiency,” said Andrew Chang, head of United Airlines Ventures (UAV). “Today’s site selection for their new advanced manufacturing facility is an important and exciting milestone for the company to take their aircraft from concept to commercialization.” Z4: MEETS AIRLINE DEMAND FOR “MIDDLE MARKET” AIRPLANE & LOWER EMISSIONS The new facility will be the cornerstone of JetZero’s production, enabling the company to help airlines meet growing demand for air travel at a significant operating cost advantage. JetZero’s Z4 will deliver up to 50% better fuel efficiency due to its all-wing design, with lift provided by the entire wingspan and lower drag compared to a tube & wing airplane. The Z4 will seat ~250 passengers and can fly routes of up to 5,000 nautical miles, a combination of capabilities that airlines need to serve the ‘middle market’ between high-density single-aisle aircraft and larger twin-aisle aircraft. Demand for air travel is forecast to double by the 2040s (compared to 2019 levels), while the aviation industry also aims to decarbonize operations by 2050. “You can only grow and meet demand while also decarbonizing through innovation,” Mr. O’Leary said. “And while we’re at it, let’s make the flying experience incredible.” The Z4 addresses today’s tube & wing passenger pain points. A wider boarding door addresses the bottleneck on the jet bridge, and passengers can seamlessly proceed directly to their cabin without having to pass through other cabins. The Z4 is configured with six passenger bays, with their own dedicated aisle; each seating bay has no more than 12 rows, creating a private jet feel. Each seat has its own dedicated overhead bin, eliminating bag stowage anxiety. The central galley acts as a service hub and allows cabin crew to efficiently serve all passengers. Lavatories are located as far away as possible from the central service hub, and passengers with reduced mobility will have a wheelchair accessible lavatory. Thanks to the unique interior space

Technology

Asia-pacific sets global benchmark in baggage handling as air travel hits records

Delhi,13th June 2025: Asia-Pacific’s aviation sector stood out globally in 2024, achieving the world’s lowest mishandling rate at 3.1 bags per 1,000 passengers, a level it has consistently maintained over recent years. According to the newly released SITA Baggage IT Insights 2025, this steady performance highlights the strength of regional investment in automation, tracking, and baggage management, even as system complexity and passenger numbers continue to soar. The global picture also tells a story of progress. Despite a 8.2% increase in worldwide traffic in 2024, the overall mishandling rate dropped to 6.3 bags per 1,000 passengers, down from 6.9 the previous year and 67% lower than in 2007. The total number of mishandled bags increased to 36.2 million, compared to 36.1 million the previous year. Of the 36.2 million mishandled bags, over 61% (22.2 million) were resolved and closed in SITA WorldTracer® within 48 hours, underscoring the industry’s ability to quickly reunite passengers with their luggage. Specifically, 16% were resolved within 12 hours, 38% within 24 hours, and 46% within 48 hours. But while these results show clear improvement, baggage mishandling still cost the industry an estimated $5 billion in 2024 and passengers are increasingly expecting more from the industry. The costs, from courier returns and customer service to claims handling and lost productivity, highlight the urgency of continued investment in real-time, automated, and data-driven baggage systems. “In air transport, transformation isn’t a phase, it’s the norm. The industry is constantly evolving, driven by technology, passenger expectations, and global change.” said David Lavorel, CEO of SITA. “We’ve seen a radical shift with automation and the widespread use of real-time tracking. Passengers now expect their baggage experience to be as easy and transparent as using a rideshare or delivery app. It’s no longer just about moving bags, it’s about delivering a smooth, connected journey. Airlines are ready to tap into technology that improves the passenger experience while keeping costs down and being simple to roll out. Together with our partners, we’re reimagining baggage handling to give passengers full visibility and control from departure to arrival, giving them peace of mind and making travel simpler and better.” Tech maturity, not experimentation Airports and airlines are now handling greater baggage volumes with more precision. Real-time tracking, AI-powered analytics, and self-service solutions are no longer experimental, they are becoming standard and they are clearly having an effect. This shows the real impact of investing in smart, data-driven baggage systems. In 2024, 42% of passengers had access to real-time baggage updates, up from 38% the year before. Nearly half of travelers say mobile tracking would boost their confidence in checking in a bag, and 38% value the addition of digital ID tags. Airlines have responded by prioritizing visibility across the baggage journey. Currently, 66% offer automated bag drop, and another 16% plan to by 2027. On the airport side, 65% plan to roll out biometric self-service bag drop by the same year. A partnership between tech and trust One of the standout innovations in 2024 was the integration of Apple’s Share Item Location feature with SITA WorldTracer®. Passengers can share the location of their Apple AirTag with airlines, allowing quicker baggage recovery. British Airways, Lufthansa, Qantas, Cathay, and Virgin Atlantic are among the adopters. This integration also powers WorldTracer’s Auto Reflight, which automatically reflights bags on the original bag tag, identifies the cause of mishandling, and begins resolution with no human intervention required. Where most bags go missing and how the industry is responding Delayed bags remain the most common issue, accounting for 74% of mishandled baggage, down from 80% in the previous year. Lost or stolen bags made up 8%, while damaged or pilfered bags increased to 18%, up from 15% in 2023. Transfer mishandling was the biggest contributor at 41%, showing improvement from 46% the previous year. Tagging or ticketing errors, security issues, and similar factors rose slightly to 17% (up 3 percentage points), while loading failures remained steady at 16%. Operational issues such as customs delays, weather, or capacity constraints increased to 10%, up from 8%. “We’re making progress, but baggage still causes stress,” said Nicole Hogg, Director of Baggage at SITA. “Passengers want reassurance. The future of baggage is rapidly evolving with automation, computer vision, and mobile tools, we’re making the experience much more reliable.” New standards aim to cut mishandling further In 2025, the air transport industry approved the new Modern Baggage Messaging (MBM) standard. Designed to enhance data quality, MBM Version 2 is expected to reduce mishandling by another 5%. These improvements build on IATA Resolution 753, which mandates baggage tracking at four key stages. The focus now is on using shared data to predict and prevent issues, not just report them. Baggage as a service, not a challenge Airports like Red Sea International in Saudi Arabia are already implementing next-generation baggage solutions, including off-airport check-in and real-time tracking, powered by SITA Bag Journey. “Every bag matters,” Hogg added. “This isn’t just about reducing errors. It’s about creating trust in the journey and the technology is clearly making that possible.” The SITA Baggage IT Insights 2025 report reflects the views and data of 280 airlines and IATA passenger traffic. SITA applies a weighting system, based on IATA passenger traffic statistics, to its WorldTracer® data to calculate the baggage mishandling rates. ( This report is shared by SITA and is published unedited. )

Technology

IT Service Provider ISO-Gruppe Is BARIG’s New Business Partner

Frankfurt , June 12, 2025: The IT service provider ISO-Gruppe, which is based in Nuremberg, Germany, is now “Technology & Innovation” business partner of the airline association BARIG (Board of Airline Representatives in Germany). The companies within the ISO-Gruppe develop future-oriented IT solutions for air traffic, air freight, airports, and other tourism sectors. “On several occasions, the ISO-Gruppe has already demonstrated great expertise in our industry,” says Michael Hoppe, BARIG Chairman and Executive Director. “We are therefore looking forward to the exchange with a company that relies on future technologies, such as blockchain, and creates new opportunities for its customers. Furthermore, air freight is also an important sector. Here, the company is driving forward standardization and automation with digital solutions, such as the implementation of the IATA standard ONE Record.” The ISO-Gruppe offers airlines modern booking and distribution solutions as well as digital services that ensure smooth processing and greater efficiency. It also supports its customers with upselling and the integration of additional services. “We have an experienced team that not only knows its craft in IT, but which is also very familiar with aviation, air freight, and the related requirements,” emphasizes Peter Hildenbrand, Director Business Development at the ISO-Gruppe. „As BARIG’s business partner, we can help shape the necessary transformation in many areas of the aviation industry and contribute our expertise to this process.” The ISO-Gruppe employs around 700 people at several locations in Europe and North America. The ISO-Gruppe’s customers include scheduled and leisure airlines, airports, aircraft manufacturers, as well as leading providers in the fields of tourism and telecommunications.

Technology

Vietravel Airlines signs five-year renewal of Radixx Passenger Service System with Sabre

Singapore and Hu, Vietnam,9th June 2025: Vietravel Airlines has renewed its Passenger Service System (PSS) agreement with Sabre Corporation for another five years,underscoring the airline’s confidence in Sabre’s Radixx platform as a key enabler for growth. Vietravel Airlines constitutes an integral component of the aviation and logistics ecosystem of T&T Group. This integration was solidified in December 2024 when T&T Group became a strategic shareholder of Vietravel Airlines, positioning T&T as the first conglomerate in Vietnam to possess both airport and airline assets concurrently. T&T Group is currently developing a comprehensive investment strategy to realize its objective of establishing Vietravel Airlines as a leading regional carrier, with a dual focus on expanding passenger transport and pioneering the development of air cargo services. “Extending our partnership with Sabre is an important step as we move into the next phase of our journey,” said Vu Dao Duc, CEO, Vietravel Airlines. “The Radixx platform has equipped us for scale, while enhancing the service experience for our passengers. As we continue to grow, we’re confident Sabre’s technology will continue to power our ambitions.” Sabre’s Radixx PSS offers end-to-end retailing, passenger servicing, and operational capabilities. Vietravel Airlines will continue to use a comprehensive suite of Sabre’s advanced Radixx technology, including: • Radixx Res® – for core passenger services and retailing capabilities, • Radixx EzyCommerce® – for a seamless, omni-channel digital experience, • Radixx Go® – for efficient airport and departure control operations, and • Radixx Insight® – for actionable analytics and decision-making support. The technology allows Vietravel Airlines the option to add further loyalty and data capabilities as well as providing access to new markets through Global Distribution System (GDS) channels and interline/codeshare agreements with airline partners, bringing additional revenue opportunities. Vietravel Airlines also recently integrated Sabre’s Payment Gateway into its Radixx PSS solution, enhancing its payment methods and providing a more flexible and diverse range of payment options for customers. “This renewal is a testament to the strength and value of the Radixx platform,” said Nico Stoman, Head of Radixx Sales and Account Management, Sabre. “We’re proud to continue to support Vietravel Airlines with powerful, retail-driven solutions that scale with their ambitions. This agreement reflects their commitment to digital innovation and underscores Sabre’s role in enabling next-generation carriers to deliver more dynamic, customer-focused experiences.”

Technology

Thales unveils inflight entertainment & services lab in Bengaluru

Bengaluru, 5th June 2025: Thales unveiled a state-of-the-art Inflight Entertainment (IFE) and Services lab at its Engineering Competence Centre (ECC) in Bengaluru. Aligned with the vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, this lab will serve as a hub for the design, development, and testing of next-generation IFE systems. The lab is equipped with advanced tools to support and serve airlines in India and around the world. The inauguration ceremony was held in the presence of Honourable Minister of Industries, Government of Karnataka, Shri MB Patil, Consul General of France in Bengaluru Mr Marc Lamy, executives from Air India, Indo-French Chamber of Commerce & Industry, along with Olivier Flous, Senior Vice President, Engineering and Digital Transformation, and Francois Colonna, Director Engineering Competence Centre, Bengaluru from Thales, among other dignitaries. Thales’s Engineering Competence Centre in Bengaluru is a key force driving the development of advanced aerospace and defence solutions. With the addition of the new IFE and Services lab, Thales is further expanding its R&D capabilities in India supporting the country’s journey to become a global innovation hub for civil aviation. This state-of-the-art facility replicates an aircraft equipped with an IFE system, allowing for comprehensive testing and an immersive customer experience review. The lab is a hub for software design, development, and rigorous testing crucial for secured aircraft data deployment, alongside meticulous hardware inspection and testing. Commenting on the inauguration, Hon’ble Minister Shri MB Patil said, “Today’s inauguration of Thales’s Inflight Entertainment and Services Lab at its Engineering Competence Centre reinforces Bengaluru’s position as a global innovation hub. It’s a testament to Karnataka’s robust aerospace and defence ecosystem. Thales’s footprint in India, particularly here in Bengaluru, is already substantial and has been contributing significantly towards the growth of aerospace, defence and cybersecurity & digital identity for years. Their Engineering Competence Centre has become an integral part of the local industry. Many congratulations to the Thales team for this significant milestone that will strengthen the aviation sector not just within Karnataka, but across the nation.” Mr Marc Lamy, Consul General of France in Bengaluru, said, “Thales is a name synonymous with French excellence, a global leader at the forefront of advanced technologies. The inauguration of this IFE (Inflight Entertainment) and services lab is a moment of immense pride, reflecting the vibrant spirit of innovation and partnership that defines both our nations, France and India. This perfectly embodies the spirit of the upcoming year 2026 designated by President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the ‘Indo-French Year of Innovation’.” Olivier Flous, Senior Vice President, Engineering & Digital Transformation, Thales, said, “The inauguration of our new lab dedicated to Inflight Entertainment solutions and support and services for airlines marks a significant step towards enhancing both the passenger experience and operational efficiency of carriers. This new facility at our Engineering Competence Centre in Bengaluru underscores our commitment to the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ vision, developing future-ready aviation technologies in India, for India, and for the world. We look forward to continue leveraging our global technological expertise and India’s vast talent pool to foster a robust local civil aviation ecosystem.”

Technology

Cathay Pacific and Sinopec join forces in a sustainable aviation fuel initiative

Hong Kong, 30th May 2025: Cathay Pacific has announced it has entered into an agreement with China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec) to refuel some of its flights departing from Hong Kong International Airport with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) produced and blended with conventional aviation fuel by Sinopec, demonstrating the expanding reach of SAF produced in the Chinese Mainland in the global SAF supply chain. The airline uplifted a batch of SAF produced by the Sinopec Zhenhai Refining & Chemical Company (ZRCC) at Hong Kong International Airport in April. ZRCC is one of the leading SAF manufacturers in Asia to independently develop bio-jet fuel technology. This batch of SAF was converted from used cooking oil using the hydrotreated esters and fatty acids (HEFA) pathway. As part of the first batch of SAF exported by ZRCC to Hong Kong, it has been certified by International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) that it can reduce the lifecycle carbon emissions by about 80%, compared with conventional jet fuel. What is SAF? SAF is an alternative aviation fuel produced from waste materials or other non-fossil carbon sources. As demonstrated by this batch, SAF has the potential to significantly lower its lifecycle carbon emissions as compared with fossil fuels, helping address the environmental impact of passenger and cargo air transport. This agreement with Sinopec demonstrates the potential for further cooperation between the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong in the SAF supply chain. Adoption of SAF from the Chinese Mainland Cathay General Manager Sustainability Grace Cheung said: “Our purchase and use of SAF products from ZRCC goes beyond just a fuel uplift; it marks our initiative to expand the upstream and downstream value chain of SAF produced in the Chinese Mainland. Through cooperation with Sinopec, we hope to support greater adoption of SAF produced in the Chinese Mainland and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.” Last year, Cathay Pacific also adopted two batches of SAF from the Chinese Mainland, which were uplifted at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and London Heathrow Airport respectively. Looking to the future In recent years, the production and adoption of SAF has gained momentum across Asia. Cathay Pacific is working closely with different partners with the aim to expand the use of SAF in Asia. In March 2025, Cathay Pacific reached an agreement with fuel supplier SK Energy, which will supply SAF to Cathay Pacific from 2025 to 2027 in South Korea. At the same time, Cathay Pacific will continue to draw on its own experience to support Hong Kong to scale up SAF usage with supportive policy, in order to further strengthen Hong Kong International Airport’s status as a leading international aviation hub.

Technology

Rossell Techsys announces Q4 results: Projects steep growth in FY 2025–26

Bengaluru, May 29, 2025: Rossell Techsys Ltd. provider of engineering and manufacturing services to global aerospace and defense OEMs has announced its financial results for the Q4 ended March 31, 2025. The company reported total revenue of INR 8,914 lakh, marking a 55% year-on-year (YoY) growth and a 17% increase over the previous quarter. Key Financial Highlights – Q4 FY 2024–25 :- Total Income: INR 8,914 lakh (↑ 55% YoY, ↑ 17% QoQ) :- Gross Profit: INR 4,051.8 lakh (↑ 47% YoY, ↑ 11% QoQ)) :- EBITDA: INR 1,659 lakh ((↑ 119.3% YoY, ↑ 10.9% QoQ) :- Profit After Tax (PAT): INR 686 lakh (↑ 351% YoY, ↑ 38.2% QoQ) “Our strong Q4 results demonstrate the success of our customer-first strategy and operational discipline,” said Rishab Gupta, Managing Director, Rossell Techsys Ltd. “With robust demand, expanded capabilities, and continued innovation, we are well-positioned for sustained growth in FY 2025–26 and beyond.” Strategic Outlook Rossell Techsys supports both indigenous defense programs and global platforms under Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives and it has plans to scale operations, enter higher-value domains, and deepen global engagement. R&D efforts will focus on automation, innovation, and operational scalability to meet growing customer expectations.Rossell Techsys currently serves over 30 global clients, including Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Honeywell, IAI, BAE Systems, and the Indian Air Force.

Technology

Finnair introduces world’s first ‘Native Order’ booking system

New Delhi, 14 May 2025: In its first,Finnair has gone live with the world’s first ‘Native Order’ booking system which the airlines seeks to provide the industry with digital innovations and modern retailing capabilities. The Finnair’s CEO, Turkka Kuusisto, created the first native order in the world, on Finnair.com by booking a flight from Finnair’s Helsinki hub to London Heathrow. Native orders are a foundational retailing capability that allow airlines to manage customer orders directly in a single record – aligned with IATA One Order directives – and a cornerstone for the traveler centric retailing transformation in the airline industry. Finnair has partnered with Amadeus to become the launch customer for Amadeus Nevio, an Offer and Order based solution built on modular and open technology. This collaboration reinforces Amadeus’ commitment to delivering advanced retailing capabilities and the company’s readiness to support pioneering airlines, like Finnair, with the transformation to offers and orders. As the first airline globally to transition to this new model, Finnair is spearheading the industry-wide technology transformation from PNRs to ‘Offers and Orders’, paving the way for modern retailing and ultimately, a better experience for airline customers. The move marks an important step in the transition from the Passenger Name Records (PNRs) and e-tickets issued today, towards the new Offers and Orders model. Bringing together all the necessary information, from flight details, services, preferences and personal information, an order will now combine the currently separate documents to create a simple, integrated customer record. By doing this, Finnair aims to further modernise and simplify its processes across customer journeys, while also facilitating easier communication between the airline and its partners. Other benefits of this industry-leading move include the ability to create personalised, frictionless experiences for customers at every touchpoint, giving Finnair the freedom, agility and security to transform, differentiate, and boost its business. Tiina Vesterinen, Finnair VP Digital Customer and Revenue, said: “The move to Offers and Orders supports our move towards modern retailing, enabling, for example, dynamic product bundles and enhanced ancillary sales, and improved relevancy to customers with personalisation in the future.” “This is a massive technological transformation, where everything changes: architecture, integration, data, applications, processes, ways of working. However, it is even more of a business transformation enabling us to re-think how we best serve our customers in the digital channels.” “We are excited about the opportunities that the change brings us and encourage all the parties in the industry to join the transformation.” Cyril Tetaz, EVP Airline Solutions at Amadeus, commented: “Amadeus and Finnair have reached a key milestone in delivering more traveler-centric air travel by implementing a single order management system.” “This innovation brings the shopping basket concept to the airline industry, connecting any travel service such as air, transfer, or hotel into a single record. Orders are the foundation that enable a truly connected journey. This is a significant step forward in the retailing transformation and showcases our commitment to investing in and delivering advanced technology solutions for our customers. We’re turning vision into reality.”

Technology

Riyadh Air and Ink Innovation partner to define delivery management

Riyadh, 7th May 2025: Riyadh Air, the digitally native national carrier of Saudi Arabia, is joining forces with travel technology provider Ink Innovation to deliver a next-generation air travel experience—one designed from the ground up for flexibility and convenience. At the heart of this collaboration is a shared ambition: to set a new standard for what air travel can be in a world shaped by e-commerce, cloud computing, and travellers’ expectations. “Ink is a standout partner of the Riyadh Air family. They’ve brought innovation to the table at times beyond where we’ve been thinking,” said. “They’ve stimulated all sorts of incredible ideas in how we’ve been trying to create the seamless journey, the journey that embraces how digital can play an even bigger part.” Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air said: “Ink is a key partner to Riyadh Air and continues to foster innovation at every step of the journey. As a like-minded tech-innovator, it is an ideal collaborator as we aim to provide an outstanding digital experience for our guests at their first travel touchpoint.” Moving beyond legacy systems Airlines have long struggled with outdated infrastructure—systems built to move passengers from point A to B but not to delight, empower, or adapt. This partnership aims to change that. Riyadh Air and Ink Innovation are implementing a full Delivery Management System aligned with the IATA Modern Airline Retailing (MAR) model. The platform lets you manage and interact with orders in real time, without outdated systems that rely on PNLs or PNRs. This puts travellers in charge of their journeys. Passengers will be able to make changes on-the-go, add services mid-trip, and connect with third-party content in one streamlined experience. Instead of static, pre-booked trips, travel becomes modular, personal, and responsive. Proven in the field The system has already proven its readiness in real-world operations. Riyadh Air achieved its Air Operator Certificate using Ink’s platform, with proving flights across key international cities including Munich, Kuala Lumpur, Mumbai, and Cairo. All flight handling, check-in, and load control functions were completed using Ink’s digital tools. “What we’re trying to do with Ink…is offer a brilliant service to our customers. For me, our customers are the guests who travel on the aircraft, as well as the teams who work at the check-in desks and departure gates at airports. If they see our system as easy to use, straightforward, and highly reliable, they will be happy to work on their flights and offer even better service to our customers,” said Peter Bellew, Chief Operating Officer at Riyadh Air. By leveraging mobile-based operations and cloud-native architecture, Riyadh Air teams can respond instantly to passenger or operational needs—whether a last-minute seat change or managing disrupted flights without the drama typical of legacy systems. From airline to travel ecosystem The broader ambition goes well beyond the airport terminal experience and check-in upgrade. Ink and Riyadh Air have built their system to connect travellers to hotels, airport transfers, local experiences, and multimodal transport like rail. It is designed to support upselling, cross-selling, and personalised service delivery, all aligned with the modern expectations of today’s traveller. While many airlines continue to plan digital upgrade and launch Delivery systems in 2027 and beyond, Riyadh Air and Ink will fully deploy this system in 2025. This initiative delivers on the Modern Airline Retailing promise—not someday, but now. “We are developing a platform that aligns perfectly with the Modern Airline Retailing model,” said Shawn Richards, CEO and Co-Founder of Ink Innovation. “Our vision for travel is about empowering passengers much more than they are today. We believe that travellers will want the ability to change, enhance, or remove parts of their journey with ease. Right now, that’s not possible.” Ink provides a dynamic platform designed to evolve with passenger travel.

Technology

SolitAir selects PPS Flight Planning and Ops Control from AIR SUPPORT A/S

Dubai, March 25, 2025: SolitAir, the UAE’s only dedicated cargo airline operating express daily scheduled services between Dubai and high-yield key trade routes across the Global South, has selected AIR SUPPORT A/S’s PPS Flight Planning and OpsControl aircraft tracking solutions to power its flight operations. The partnership underscores AIR SUPPORT A/S’s dedication to delivering state-of-the-art flight planning and operational solutions that empower airlines to optimize their performance. By integrating PPS Flight Planning and OpsControl, SolitAir will benefit from industry-leading technology that enhances operational efficiency, fuel optimization and precise aircraft tracking. The recent launch of PPS-X, the 10th generation of AIR Support A/S’s renowned flight planning system, brings even greater reliability, fuel calculation accuracy and optimized flight routing – keyfactors in supporting SolitAir’s commitment to seamless logistics and cost-effective operations. “We are proud to welcome SolitAir to the PPS family,” said Stephen Young, Vice President of AIR SUPPORT A/S. “PPS Flight Planning has proven itself as the go-to solution for airlines across the world when efficiency, reliability, quality and accuracy are demanded by the customer. Our cutting-edge solutions will not only support SolitAir in achieving outstanding operational performance and cost savings but also enhance the workflow for their dispatchers. By deploying complex integrated OCC environments tailored to SolitAir’s needs, we are making their operations smoother and more efficient than ever.” Hamdi Osman, Founder and CEO of SolitAir, said: “We are excited to partner with AIR SUPPORT A/S and integrate their cutting-edge PPS Flight Planning and OpsControl solutions into our operations. This collaboration is a significant step towards enhancing the efficiency, reliability and scalability of our services as we continue to expand our fleet and global network. With their innovative technology, we are confident that SolitAir will be able to provide even more efficient and cost-effective air cargo solutions to our customers, ensuring seamless operations and superior performance across our key markets in the Global South.” SolitAir, operates a growing fleet of narrow-body Boeing 737-800 freighters and the airline will add several new aircraft to its fleet this year, supporting the company’s expansion plans into India, key markets in Africa, Central Asian countries and other Middle Eastern hubs. The airline aims to connect over 50 cities within the Global South, within a six-hour flying radius from its Dubai World Central (DWC) headquarters.

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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