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Delhi, 3rd August 2026: IndiGo has announced that Willie Walsh has assumed charge as its new Chief Executive Officer to lead the airline’s next era of growth and global ambition. IndiGo had announced his appointment as its new CEO in March 2026. Bringing over four decades of global aviation leadership experience, Walsh will work closely with the Board and the management team to build on IndiGo’s strong operational foundations while advancing its strategic ambitions and creating long-term value for customers, shareholders and all other stakeholders. Welcoming Walsh to the organisation, Rahul Bhatia, Managing Director, IndiGo, said, “As IndiGo enters its third decade and stands poised for the next phase of its growth, I am delighted to officially welcome Willie as the airline’s Chief Executive Officer. His extensive global experience in the aviation industry, combined with his operational and strategic expertise, will be instrumental as IndiGo accelerates its international expansion strategy. I am confident that under his leadership, IndiGo will further strengthen its standing on the global aviation stage and increasingly contribute to continued development of the Indian aviation sector.” Commenting on taking charge, Willie Walsh, Chief Executive Officer, IndiGo, said, “IndiGo has built a remarkable legacy over the last two decades, establishing itself amongst the largest airlines in the world in a short span of time. With India becoming one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets, the opportunities ahead for IndiGo are immense. There could not be a more exciting and opportune time for me to join IndiGo than now. I look forward to working with the entire IndiGo team to build on the airline’s success and take it to greater heights globally.” Walsh is widely regarded as one of the aviation industry’s most accomplished, respected and influential leaders. Renowned for his pragmatic and resolute management, he has successfully led major airlines through growth, transformation, and complex operating environments. His distinguished career highlights commence from his role as a pilot at Aer Lingus to working his way up the ranks to become the CEO of the airline in 2001. He has held leadership positions at several respected aviation organisations including CEO of British Airways (2005–2011); CEO of International Airlines Group (2011– 2020); and most recently serving as Director General of International Air Transport Association (IATA). As CEO, Walsh will lead the airline’s overall management and strategic direction, with a focus on accelerating its global growth trajectory, driving operational excellence, strengthening network and commercial strategy, and further enhancing customer experience. He will work closely with the Board and the leadership team to guide IndiGo through its next stage of growth, reinforcing its leadership position in the industry.

Gurugram, 1st August 2026: Air India today deployed its brand-new B787-9 aircraft on Delhi-Toronto flights, bringing the airline’s all-new cabin product and onboard experience to Canada for the first time and significantly elevating passenger experience. Building on this milestone, Air India announced the expansion of its Canada operations for the Winter 2026-27 season with: A new non-stop service between Mumbai and Toronto Overall capacity between India and Canada increasing by 4,400 seats each month Premium seat capacity to Toronto boosting by 71% New, seasonal Mumbai-Toronto service with upgraded interiors Air India will launch a seasonal 3x weekly non-stop service between Mumbai and Toronto between 25 October 2026 and 26 March 2027, adding nearly 2,000 seats each week between India and Canada and making it the only carrier operating direct flights between the two cities. The service will be operated by Air India’s Boeing 777-300ER aircraft with significantly upgraded cabin interiors, featuring 8 luxurious First Class suites with privacy sliding doors, 40 flat beds in Business Class, and 280 seats in Economy. Travellers between Mumbai and Toronto will also enjoy WiFi internet connectivity on board the upgraded B777-300ER aircraft. Through Air India’s hubs at Mumbai and Delhi, customers travelling to/from Canada can connect seamlessly to destinations including Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Ludhiana, and Vadodara, among several other Indian cities. 100% new or upgraded product deployment to Toronto from January 2027 Of the 10x weekly flights Air India operates on the Delhi-Toronto route this Winter, 7x weekly services will be operated by the brand-new Boeing 787-9 aircraft, featuring the airline’s latest cabin products. The remaining 3x weekly services will be initially operated by Boeing 777-300ER aircraft and will transition to the new Boeing 787-9 from January 2027 as more aircraft join the fleet. With that, all Air India flights to and from Toronto will feature all-new or significantly upgraded cabin interiors, delivering a consistent premium experience across the market. The deployment of the new and upgraded aircraft to Toronto from Delhi and Mumbai enables Air India to boost premium seat capacity to Toronto by 71%this winter, offering more First Class, Business Class, and Premium Economy options to travellers. Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India, said: “Canada is one of Air India’s most important international markets, with deep people-to-people connections driving strong demand for travel, particularly during the festive and holiday season. The launch of our seasonal Mumbai-Toronto service this Winter will provide travellers more choice and convenience at a time when many are travelling to reunite with family and friends. At the same time, we are also progressively introducing our newest aircraft and the latest onboard products to North America, reflecting our intent to put our best foot forward in one of the world’s most competitive long-haul markets. Together, these initiatives mark another important step in our journey to make Air India a world-class airline and the preferred gateway between India and the world.”

Gurugram, 31st July 2026: The Indian defence and avionics company, Samtel Avionics has appointed Akhil Gupta as a Strategic Advisor through his firm M/s Inversion Advisory Services. In this role, he will play a key role in advising the company’s expansion into new-age technology domains including space, satellite systems, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and optronics. He brings with him decades of leadership experience and has been closely associated with the Bharti Airtel group. Under this role, Akhil Gupta will assist Samtel Avionics in preparing the company’s long-term strategy for aviation, space and advanced electronics businesses along with advising in financial management, capital structure, IPO readiness, and corporate governance. Speaking on this development, Puneet Kaura, Managing Director and CEO, Samtel Avionics shared, “We are delighted to welcome Akhil Gupta as a Strategic advisor to Samtel Family. His deep expertise of scaling businesses, strategic investments, corporate governance, and understanding of new-age high technology sectors will bring lot of value as we accelerate our expansion into space, satellite, UAV, and advanced electronics domains. His guidance will help us build a strong foundation for Samtel’s next phase of growth.” Sharing his thoughts on this association, Akhil Gupta said, “India is entering an exciting phase of growth in the aerospace, defence and space sectors, creating significant opportunities for companies with strong technological and manufacturing capabilities. Samtel Avionics has built a robust foundation in mission-critical Defence technologies, supported by a clear commitment to innovation and indigenization. I am pleased to associate with the company at this pivotal stage of its journey and look forward to working with the leadership team to shape a scalable, future-ready organization as it expands into strategic technology domains, particularly in space segment.” Notably, the appointment comes at a time when Samtel Avionics is aggressively expanding beyond its current defence avionics portfolio into space technologies, satellite systems, drone manufacturing, and advanced electronic solutions. The company has recently announced significant investments in future-focused aerospace and defence capabilities to contribute towards India’s aim to indigenise defence and space ecosystem of the country.

Farnborough,UK, 23rd July 2026: Every 3.5 minutes, someone in India dies in a road accident. With over 170,000 lives lost on Indian roads each year, and only 1 in 5 patients reaching trauma care within the critical “golden hour,” urban congestion and geographic distance remain some of the biggest barriers to survival – not the absence of medical expertise. To help close this gap, Ubifly Technologies Private Limited (“The ePlane Company”) and Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited have signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the Farnborough International Airshow 2026, on to bring electric air ambulances and medical delivery drones into India’s emergency healthcare system, connecting emergency patients across high-density urban corridors and remote access areas directly to the trauma care they need, without the delays of urban traffic or the expense of traditional helicopter transfers. Why the Golden Hour Matters For trauma, cardiac, and stroke patients, the first hour after an emergency often determines the difference between recovery and tragedy. Yet today, patients frequently lose that hour to traffic, distance, and the need to stabilize at any nearby facility before being moved again to specialized trauma care thereby losing precious time. This collaboration is designed to change that with a faster, more direct path from the point of emergency to definitive care. A New Kind of Emergency Network The collaboration brings together air and road ambulance network complementing one another:: Electric Air Ambulances: ePlane’s e200X aircraft, designed for rapid inter-hospital transfers, trauma response, cardiac and stroke emergencies, and organ transport, moving patients up to 7 times faster than road transport – at a fraction of the cost of a traditional helicopter transfer. Medical Delivery Drones: Through its subsidiary Amber Wings, ePlane’s unmanned aerial vehicles are designed to rapidly move blood products, organs, vaccines, medicines, and diagnostic samples between facilities – cutting critical delivery times from hours to minutes. Apollo’s Network of 1066 ambulances, hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and diagnostic centers, A combination of above, creates the foundation for a connected emergency response system –  one that could bring life-saving care to some of India’s most congested and difficult to access cities. Looking Ahead As part of the collaboration, Apollo has indicated its intent to examine the possibility for orders for e200x air ambulances and Amber Wings’ medical delivery drones. The MOU also outlines the possibility of a future strategic investment by Apollo in ePlane, subject to future agreement on terms. Both parties intend to work with India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation and other relevant authorities to help bring this vision to life, alongside continued discussions on infrastructure needed to support these operations. Leadership Commentary “India loses far too many lives simply because help cannot arrive in time,” said Dr Prathap C Reddy, Chairman, Apollo Hospitals Group. “As the founder of Apollo Hospitals, which  pioneered India’s private healthcare model, I have long believed that access, along with deep clinical expertise –  is what saves lives. This collaboration with The ePlane Company reflects our commitment to bringing Apollo’s clinical excellence to every corner of the country, however remote.” “Every minute matters when someone’s life is on the line,” said Prof. Satya Chakravarthy, Founder & CTO of The ePlane Company. “Working with Apollo Hospitals allows us to explore how our electric aircraft and drones can help close the gap between accident and treatment, especially for the millions of Indians living far from specialized trauma care.” Top image caption: Aditya Reddy, Director, Apollo Hospitals Group; S. M. Krishnan, Senior Vice President – Finance & Company Secretary, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited; Suneeta Reddy, Managing Director, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited; Prof. Satya Chakravarthy, Founder & CTO, The ePlane Company; and Karthik Reddy, Director, Apollo Hospitals Group, Divya Manchanda EVP Business Partnerships & AAM Strategy ,The ePlane Company.

London, 16th July 2026: Farnborough International Airshow has confirmed that the Italian Air Force (Aeronautica Militare) and the United States Air Force (USAF) will bring an impressive line-up of aircraft to the 2026 event, further strengthening the show’s position as a global showcase for aerospace and defence capability. The Italian Air Force – Reparto Sperimentale di Volo Eurofighter display team will present a Eurofighter Typhoon multirole fighter, designated locally as the F-2000A, across all 5 days of the airshow. It will also showcase two aircraft on static display: C-27J Spartan T-346A Master The C-27J Spartan is a rugged tactical transport aircraft designed for demanding operational environments, while the T-346A Master is a cutting-edge advanced jet trainer used to prepare pilots for next-generation fast-jet operations. Adding to the significant United States presence at the show, and joining the U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team, the USAF will bring a powerful static aircraft line-up: USAF UH60M Black Hawk USAF C-130J Hercules USAF CH-47F Chinook USAF F-35A Taking place from 20–24 July 2026, Farnborough International Airshow will convene global aerospace, defence and space leaders for five days of aircraft displays, exhibition activity, technology showcases and major industry announcements. Its flying and static displays are among the show’s most anticipated features, giving trade audiences and visitors a close-up view of current and future aviation capability. For the latest Farnborough International Airshow aircraft display information, visit: https://www.farnboroughairshow.com/the-show/aircraft-listing/

Delhi, 15th July 2026: Akasa Air and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has signed a MoU to collaborate on advancing the adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in India. The partnership marks an important step towards strengthening the country’s SAF ecosystem and supports India’s broader decarbonization ambitions, while aligning with global aviation sustainability frameworks including ICAO’s CORSIA mandate. Under the MoU, Akasa Air and BPCL have collaborated on establishing a framework for supply and offtake of SAF blended Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) at designated airports across India. The partnership will also focus on enabling long-term supply readiness by sharing indicative demand forecasts, supporting production planning and working towards a phased increase in SAF blending as the domestic ecosystem matures. Both organisations will also jointly support the development of India’s SAF ecosystem through knowledge sharing, policy advocacy and engagement with government and industry stakeholders. Commenting on the partnership, Ankur Goel, Chief Financial Officer, Akasa Air, said: “At Akasa Air, sustainability is one of our core values, shaping decisions we make across our business. Since inception, we have focused on building a modern, efficient airline through next-generation aircraft, technology and responsible practices on ground and in air. Our collaboration with BPCL builds on this foundation by strengthening our operational readiness for Sustainable Aviation Fuel and supporting the development of the supply ecosystem in India.” Speaking on the occasion, Subhankar Sen, Director (Marketing), BPCL, said: “BPCL is committed to providing comprehensive fuel solutions to the aviation sector through reliable supply, operational excellence and innovation. We have undertaken several digital transformation initiatives, including our state-of-the-art automation platform ‘Be-Winged’, to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency across the aviation fuel business. As India advances towards a low-carbon future, BPCL is actively pursuing multiple green energy initiatives and is committed to supporting the aviation industry’s decarbonization journey through sustainable and innovative energy solutions.” The MoU was signed by Sujit Kumar, Chief General Manager – Marketing (Aviation), BPCL, and Ankur Goel, Chief Financial Officer, Akasa Air, in the august presence of Subhankar Sen, Director (Marketing), BPCL, and Sanjeev Kumar, Business Head – Aviation, BPCL in the presence of senior leaders from BPCL and Akasa Air. This announcement further underscores Akasa Air’s commitment to shaping a more sustainable future for Indian aviation, while supporting the Government of India’s broader energy transition and decarbonization goals.

Putrajaya, Malaysia, 7th July 2026: In a landmark step towards accelerating aviation decarbonisation across Asia-Pacific, the SAF Association (SAFA) and NGen Energy Sdn Bhd had launched the India–APAC Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Working Group – a high-level regional platform designed to drive policy leadership, industry collaboration, investment mobilisation, and market development for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The announcement marks the beginning of a long-term strategic partnership between the SAF Association and NGen Energy to establish one of the region’s most influential industry-led platforms dedicated to advancing the SAF economy across India and the Asia-Pacific. As governments and aviation stakeholders intensify efforts to meet net-zero commitments, the India–APAC SAF Working Group will serve as a catalyst for regional cooperation, bringing together policymakers, airlines, airports, energy companies, fuel producers, technology developers, certification bodies, financial institutions, investors, research organisations, and international agencies to collectively shape the future of sustainable aviation. The Working Group aims to become the leading platform for dialogue, collaboration, and action on SAF across the region, helping bridge policy ambitions with commercial implementation while strengthening regional supply chains and investment opportunities. Building the Future of the Regional SAF Economy The India–APAC SAF Working Group will focus on five strategic pillars critical to the development of a globally competitive SAF ecosystem: ● Feedstock Development – Unlocking sustainable feedstock potential through agricultural residues, municipal solid waste, industrial waste streams, biomass, and next-generation feedstocks. ● Certification & Sustainability Standards – Promoting internationally recognised sustainability certification, lifecycle emissions accounting, and harmonised sustainability frameworks. ● Regional SAF Trade & Supply Chains – Facilitating cross-border trade, commercial partnerships, offtake agreements, logistics integration, and market access across the Asia-Pacific region. ● Policy Leadership & Harmonisation – Encouraging coordinated policy development, regulatory alignment, and knowledge exchange between governments and industry. ● Investment & Project Development – Connecting investors, project developers, financial institutions, and technology providers to accelerate bankable SAF projects and large-scale commercial deployment. Beyond policy discussions, the Working Group will establish specialised task forces, executive roundtables, technical committees, investment forums, research collaborations, capacity-building programmes, and annual regional dialogues to accelerate implementation across the SAF value chain. Establishing a Regional Leadership Platform The India–APAC SAF Working Group represents a shared commitment by the SAF Association and NGen Energy to build an enduring regional institution capable of supporting the next generation of sustainable aviation growth. By fostering stronger collaboration between India and the Asia-Pacific region, the initiative seeks to position the region as one of the world’s leading centres for SAF production, innovation, investment, technology deployment, and sustainable aviation policy. The Working Group will actively engage with governments, multilateral organisations, financial institutions, industry associations, and private sector stakeholders to create practical pathways for scaling SAF production and accelerating aviation decarbonisation. Rohit Kumar, Secretary General, SAF Association, said, “The transition to Sustainable Aviation Fuel is no longer a national conversation – it is a regional and global imperative. The India–APAC SAF Working Group reflects our vision of creating a permanent platform that brings together governments,industry, finance, technology providers, and academia to collectively shape the future of sustainable aviation. The SAF Association is committed to providing strategic leadership that transforms dialogue into implementation, accelerates investment, and builds resilient regional SAF value chains. Together with NGenEnergy, we are laying the foundation for a new era of cooperation that will help position India and the Asia-Pacific as global leaders in sustainable aviation.” LT Leong, President & Executive Director, NGen Energy Sdn Bhd, said, “The future of Sustainable Aviation Fuel will be built through partnerships that combine policy vision with industrial capability. As Malaysia strengthens its role in the regional clean energy transition, NGen Energy is proud to partner with the SAF Association in establishing the India–APAC SAF Working Group. We see this platform as a catalyst for attracting investment, enabling technology collaboration, strengthening regional supply chains, and accelerating commercially viable SAFprojects. Together, we are creating a strategic platform that will help define thefuture of sustainable aviation across Asia-Pacific.”

Delhi, 4th July 2026: Akasa Air has inductee  40th aircraft in its growing fleet, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s journey. The first leg of the aircraft’s delivery flight commenced from Seattle, USA, to Reykjavik, Iceland and concluded with the final leg from Cairo, Egypt, to Bengaluru, India. Bearing registration number VT-YBQ, the Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 aircraft arrived at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru on July 3, 2026.  Within four years of commencing operations, Akasa Air has emerged as a formidable player in the Indian aviation landscape, while establishing a strong foundation for long-term growth. The milestone comes at a time when the airline continues to expand its network, strengthen its operational capabilities, and invest in building an airline for generations. The aircraft is purpose-built to Akasa’s specifications and equipped with Safran Z200 seats, a next-generation seating solution designed to elevate the in-flight experience. The seats feature a generous four-inch recline, an ergonomically contoured backrest, and enhanced cushioning for superior sitting comfort, alongside thoughtfully positioned additional conveniences such as USB-C and USB-A ports to support the needs of today’s hyper-connected travellers. Akasa Air has placed a firm order for 226 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, with a pipeline of 186 additional aircraft scheduled for delivery over the next six years. As India’s aviation sector continues to witness sustained growth, the airline remains committed to contributing meaningfully to the country’s evolving air travel ecosystem. With continued expansion, Akasa Air remains on track to become one of the top 30 airlines across the globe by the turn of this decade

New Delhi,3rd July 2026: Air India has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SIA Engineering Company Limited (SIAEC) to explore a collaboration in Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) which will contribute to the development of India as a global aviation MRO hub. The MoU was signed in Mumbai on 3 July 2026 by Air India Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Campbell Wilson, and SIAEC Chief Executive Officer, Chin Yau Seng. This follows Air India’s earlier collaborations with SIAEC to strengthen maintenance and component support for its growing fleet and network expansion: Signing of a 12-year Inventory Technical Management (ITM) agreement with SIAEC for extensive component support coverage for Air India’s current fleet of Airbus A320 family aircraft on 21 February 2024; Appointment of SIAEC as Air India’s Base Maintenance strategic partner for the development of the airline’s Base Maintenance facilities located in Bangalore on 11 May 2024. The latest MOU aims to deepen the partnership between both parties by tapping on SIAEC’s MRO and technical expertise to bolster Air India’s established airline operations network by jointly developing a world-class MRO ecosystem in India. This collaboration could include the potential formation of an MRO Joint Venture in India, serving the increasing needs of the Indian and regional aviation markets. Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India, said: “India’s rapid aviation growth is driving the need for a stronger, more self-reliant MRO ecosystem within the country. As fleet sizes expand and operations scale up, developing local maintenance capacity will be important to support efficiency, resilience and long-term growth. Partnerships such as this can play a constructive role in enabling that broader direction and developing India as a global aviation hub.” Chin Yau Seng, Chief Executive Officer SIAEC, said: “India is one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets, and the continued development of its MRO capabilities will be an important step in strengthening its position within the global aerospace ecosystem. Through this MOU, we look forward to exploring how SIAEC’s technical expertise can support the progressive build-up of capabilities and capacity in India, alongside our ongoing partnership with Air India.” The potential collaboration, which is legally non-binding, is likely to be progressively firmed up with material developments in future.