DUBAI AIR SHOW BOEING TOPS THE CHARTS

This year's edition of the Dubai Air Show featured 20 national pavilions and showcased an impressive array of over 180 aircraft. The event provides a global platform for the exchange of insights, innovations, and collaborations in the dynamic field of aviation.

A 'DREAM'LINER LANDS AT THE ANTARCTIC

Servicing the scientists in Antarctica with a big wide body has been a long-term goal to reduce the carbon footprint in the region. Norse Atlantic Airways did that with a 787

SIX THINGS DEFINED INDIAN AVIATION THIS YEAR

It has been a gung-ho year for Indian aviation. The numbers are again back to record levels. The growth is again red hot and the airports and airlines are all in the black. AMEYA JOSHI REPORTS

From isolation TO LIBERATION

After languishing in solitary confinement at an abandoned Armenian zoo for five agonising years, 15-year-old lion Ruben, the once-loneliest lion in the world, embarked on an extraordinary journey of redemption, thanks to the concerted efforts of Animals Defenders International (ADI) and Qatar Airways Cargo.

2,000 ENGINEERS OVER THE NEXT TWO YEARS IS AIRBUS' MISSION IN INDIA

Airbus is set to significantly expand its engineering workforce in India, with plans to hire an additional 2,000 engineers over the next two years.

74 PERCENT WAS THE DOMESTIC PAID FIRST-CLASS LOAD FACTOR

Achieved by Delta in August 2023, signifying that, on average, 74 percent of first-class seats were sold rather than offered as upgrades to elite members.

2,264 FIRST-CLASS SEATS INVENTORY

Has firmly established Emirates as a dominant player in the market. This figure surpasses the 700 first-class seats British Airways offered at second position Korean Air coming third with 690 seats.

22.81 PER CENT WAS THE REMARKABLE INCREASE IN PASSENGER NUMBERS

In August, compared to the same period in the previous year, according to recent data from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Bengaluru Airport set to expand with T3

The Bengaluru Airport is gearing up for significant expansion with the construction of a third terminal, Terminal 3, expected to be operational in the 2030s.

Ayodhya Airport set to soar with November launch

The ambitious Ayodhya Airport project, known as the Maryada Purushottam Shriram International Airport, is currently progressing at an accelerated pace, to provide enhanced facilities for devotees and travellers shortly.

Pune airport's new terminal nears launch

The Pune airport's newly constructed terminal building is nearing operational status following the commencement of power supply and successful facility testing.

Air India launches 'Project Abhinandan'

Air India has introduced Project Abhinandan' to enhance the airport experience for its passengers.

Akasa and Air India Express: Pilot poaching accusations fuel legal battle

In the dynamic world of Indian aviation, two prominent carriers, Akasa Air and Air India Express, have found themselves embroiled in a legal battle over allegations of pilot poaching.

Vietnam Air, Boeing near $10 billion Max deal

Vietnam Airlines is reportedly set to sign a preliminary to purchase 737 jets, approximately $10 billion.

Future Aircrafts: Hydrogen or electric ?

Reducing emissions that leads to costly taxes and restrictions plus a reduction in operating costs for airlines will the key drivers as OEMs look at new technology options for future aircrafts. This is the only element that most manufacturers are agreed upon.

A new airline in the desert

Ready to muscle its way into the big boys club of Emirates, Qatar and Turkish, Riyadh Airline RIA) is the new kid on the black. Will it be able to create a mark? Will it be able to draw enough passengers to the Kingdom? Can it beat the other big hubs? We will know when the airline launches in 2025.

Joyce's messy exit

Qantas' longest-serving CEO is out, but the airline faces a monumental PR disaster!

A NEW BEGINNING AT GIFT CITY

With Air India and Indigo acquiring their new aircrafts from the GIFT City in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, leasing is likely to take off in a big way from India.

Mumbai International Airport continues to grow

CSMIA's passenger traffic surges to 12.7 million in Q3. In Q3 2023, CSMIA recorded passenger traffic of over 12.7 million, marking a growth of 33 per cent compared to Q3 2022 (9.6 M). CSMIA witnessed a total of 60,861 domestic ATMs and 20,438 international ATMs in this period, reinforcing its status as a cornerstone of the aviation industry.

Boeing nears type certification for 737 MAX 7; Readies 737 MAX 10 for Tests

Boeing is on the verge of securing type certification for the 737 Max 7, the compact member of its single-aisle jet family. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is anticipated to grant its approval for the aircraft sometime between November and December. Some reports even suggest that the type certification might be issued as early as November. This development paves the way for the 737-7, as it's colloquially known, to potentially enter commercial service in early 2024.

Expanding routes to Maldives

In the winter of 2018, Indian Airlines experienced a renaissance of sorts. SpiceJet was recovering from the brink of bankruptcy in 2014, Go Air had just ventured into international operations, and IndiGo was growing stronger with every new addition to its fleet. It was the perfect time for airlines to seek out new destinations, and they had their sights set on the Maldives.

IATA tests digital identity journey

IATA, in collaboration with a consortium of industry partners, successfully trialled a groundbreaking digital identity travel experience.

Honeywell's Forecast: Steady growth in business aviation sector

Honeywell's recently released Global Business Aviation Outlook for 2023 reaffirms the prediction that business jet manufacturers are set to deliver approximately 8,500 aircraft with a combined value of nearly $300 billion over the next decade. This forecast remains consistent with the previous projection from 2022.

A 'resurrected' Quikjet takes wing

E-commerce has given a new life to India’s fledgling dedicated cargo carrier Quikjet. The Bangalore-based carrier -- it has been around from 2007 -- has faced more downs than ups in its more than a decade-long journey. In fact, Quikjet’s history has put paid to the theory that dedicated freighter carriers have potential to do business in India. On average, in the last three decades, at least one domestic airline -- and that includes cargo carriers -- have shut shop. Among them were Aryan Cargo Express (went down in 2011), Deccan Cargo & Express Logistics Pvt Ltd (2014) and Quikjet Cargo Airlines Pvt Ltd (2017).

Foundation stone laid for Ambala Cantonment airport

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar recently inaugurated the foundation stone laying ceremony for a domestic airport in Ambala Cantonment, emphasising its potential to enhance connectivity and stimulate economic growth. This civil enclave, designated under the UDAN scheme, will occupy 20 acres adjacent to the Air Force Station.

MALAYSIA AIRLINES STRATEGIC INDIA EXPANSION

Malaysia Airlines has overcome a series of severe setbacks over the past few years and is now consolidating, growing and rationalising its fleet and its routes. India is a key market for the company and this month it will launch a record three routes to Kuala Lumpur from the South, the North and the West of India!

AKBAR AL BAKER'S STORIED TENURE AT QATAR AIRWAYS ENDS

Undoubtedly the most high-profile CEO of a global airline, the hugely controversial and talented Akbar Al Baker exited from the QA on November 5. A profile of the man and his larger-than-life contribution in making it the world-class airline that it is today.

THE SUSPENSE SURROUNDING JET AIRWAYS' REVIVAL

Will 9W ever be resuscitated? No one knows. But so far the Jet Airways story has been like a snakes and ladders game with more misses than hits

THE AIX TANGO

With a new livery, new routes new aircraft and a merger that is almost complete, Air India Express (AIX) is on a tango that is all chutzpah and energy. Synergising with Air India, the LCC driven ably by Aloke Singh is sure to give market leader Indigo a run for its money.

Embraer's strong performance in jet deliveries

Embraer witnessed a notable surge in both the deliveries of commercial jets and its business jets division during the second quarter of 2023.