This milestone reinforces Godrej’s commitment to advancing India’s aerospace manufacturing capabilities and aligns with its vision to become a key supplier to global aircraft engine OEMs. The contract will significantly expand the company’s offerings in aircraft engine applications, both in terms of technology and production volumes.

“For decades, Godrej has been at the forefront of high-precision manufacturing, contributing to India’s aerospace ambitions and self-reliance in critical technologies. This contract with Pratt & Whitney is not just a business milestone- it is a testament to India’s rising capabilities in complex aerospace manufacturing,” said Maneck Behramkamdin, Business Head, Aerospace business, a part of Godrej Enterprises Group. “By leveraging our advanced infrastructure, deep expertise, and commitment to global quality standards, we are proud to play a role in shaping the future of aviation manufacturing in India. We look forward to strengthening this relationship and expanding our footprint in the global aerospace supply chain.”

With this contract, Godrej Enterprises Group continues to expand its presence in precision aerospace manufacturing, reinforcing its role as a trusted supplier to global OEMs. Godrej Enterprises Group has a total of around 35,000 sq. meters of aerospace manufacturing capacity in India, with another 48,500 sq. meters under development. This is in line with the company’s vision to enable and elevate India’s manufacturing capabilities at a global level.

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AHMEDABAD: Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance, one of India’s leading private life insurance providers, expresses its deepest condolences to the families affected by the tragic aircraft crash in the Meghani Nagar area of Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025. In response to this unfortunate incident, the Company has activated special measures to assist families of its policyholders affected by the crash.

Understanding the immense challenges faced by the affected lives assured’s families during this difficult time, Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance has established a dedicated special claims settlement desk to prioritize the processing of death and disability claims for its customers impacted due to this tragedy. With utmost urgency, an expeditious process has been established to swiftly settle these policy claims.

To simplify the process, Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance has listed a minimal documentation process that nominees, legal heirs, or policyholders need to submit to process their claims. In case the Death Certificate is not immediately available, a certificate issued by the municipal authority or hospital will also be accepted to initiate the claim process, along with the nominee KYC and bank mandate. Claims can be notified, and details can be submitted through any of the following convenient modes:

• Call the company’s toll-free number 1800-209-7272
• Visit one of the nearest branches among the 596 branches across the country
• Email at: claims@bajajallianz.co.in

Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance remains committed to supporting its policyholders through challenging circumstances and will continue to provide prompt assistance to those affected by the Ahmedabad tragedy.

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VT-EXN was sent for retrofit last year. Its retrofit is part of the USD400 million retrofit program announced by the Tata group to upgrade the airline’s entire fleet of legacy narrowbody and widebody fleet.

VT-EXN and the remaining 26 A320neos will be operating on the domestic and short haul international, alongside the 14 new A320neos that have been welcomed into the fleet recently, offer modern amenities in three class cabin configuration – ensuring a uniform upgraded experience of passengers.

As part of the retrofit for all of the 27 A320neo that is scheduled to be completed by the third quarter of 2025, the airline will be installing over 3,500 brand-new Economy Class seats, more than 600 Premium Economy seats, and 200 Business Class seats.

It has taken 450 meters of premium leather, 15,000 meters of high-quality fabric, and 4,000 meters of plush carpeting.

All the refitted A320neo aircraft features eight luxurious Business seats, 24 extra legroom seats in Premium Economy, and 132 comfortable Economy seats. The retrofit includes soothing interior ambiance, spacious legroom, and wider seat pitch, along with modern features such as portable electronic device (PED) holders and USB ports. New carpets, curtains, upholstery, and cabin panels with fresh design motifs will reinforce the brand livery.

The retrofit schedule will also see more legacy aircraft, including 40 widebody B787 and B777 aircraft undergo makeover with the first B787 flying out for retrofit next month.

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GURUGRAM: Air India, India’s leading global airline, has placed an order for 34 trainer aircraft as it prepares to start training cadet pilots at South Asia’s largest Flying Training Organisation (FTO) coming up in Amravati, Maharashtra by the second half of 2025, post regulatory approvals.

The order includes 31 single-engine aircraft from Piper Aircraft in the United States and 3 twin-engine aircraft from Diamond Aircraft in Austria.

The FTO is a leap forward in Air India’s commitment to bolster its training infrastructure as part of its Vihaan.AI transformation program and cultivate a pipeline of pilots as it expands its fleet, becoming self-reliant.

The trainer aircraft, due for delivery starting in 2025, are equipped with glass cockpits, G1000 avionics systems, and Jet A1 engines that will ensure advanced training for aspiring pilots.

The FTO is coming up at Amravati’s Belora airport and will target to graduate 180 commercial pilots every year.

“The new FTO is a strategic move to exponentially expand our training infrastructure and our commitment to building a self-reliant ecosystem of qualified pilots for both Air India and the Indian aviation industry. With this order of 34 trainer aircraft to support South Asia’s largest Flying Training Organisation, we are delighted to be playing a part in building the aviation infrastructure India needs as one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets and to support the government’s vision for an Atmanirbhar Bharat,” said Sunil Bhaskaran, Director, Aviation Academy, Air India.

As part of its commitment to invest in aviation training, Air India opened its new Aviation Training Academy, spread over 600,000 sq ft, the largest in South Asia, in Gurugram. It is also the first airline in India to announce the setting up of an FTO that will complement Air India’s commitment to power India’s aviation ecosystem in the coming years.

At the FTO in Amravati, Air India is developing a state-of-the-art training institute over 10 acres, with digitally enabled classrooms at par with global academies, hostels, a digitized operations center, and its maintenance facility to elevate operational efficiency. The FTO is curated to deliver best-in-class training with high safety standards.

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GURUGRAM: Air India, India’s leading global airline group, is setting up a Basic Maintenance Training Organization (BMTO), which will offer an integrated 2+2 years Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) program certified by the Indian aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

The Air India BMTO is a step towards building a robust, future-ready aviation ecosystem in India. It will serve the ambitions of the airline as it moves ahead in its transformation journey, strengthening the availability of aircraft maintenance engineers as Air India expands its fleet, making it self-reliant.

Air India has signed an agreement with Bengaluru Airport City Limited (BACL), a subsidiary of Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), to develop a build-to-suit facility for the AME program that will feature modern classrooms, well-equipped laboratories for practical training and a team of qualified trainers. The purpose-built campus spread over 86,000 square feet at Bengaluru Airport City, is expected to be operational by mid-2026.

The BMTO will be housed close to Air India’s new 12-bay Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Bengaluru which will be operational in early 2026. The program at the BMTO will include two years of in-classroom academic coursework followed by two years of practical on-the-job training at the MRO.

The BMTO aims to foster a workforce of skilled professionals for aircraft maintenance and engineering operations where students will receive hands-on experience and training, adhering to industry standards and Air India’s specific requirements.

Till the new BMTO facility commences operations, Air India will implement a Cadet AME program with other reputable institutions across Bengaluru and Hyderabad to ensure continuity in its commitment towards AME education and workforce development as well as to support its requirements for aircraft maintenance engineers.

“The Basic Maintenance Training Organization will establish a pipeline of skilled engineers trained to Air India standards from the outset. This facility and program, combined with proximity to Kempegowda International Airport, will enable our AME cadets to gain hands-on, real-world experience as part of their training, supporting their future as industry-ready professionals aligned with Air India’s ongoing fleet expansion needs,” said Sunil Bhaskaran, Director, Aviation Academy, Air India.

The program is designed to meet Air India’s growing fleet maintenance requirements and provides specialized career paths for its AME graduates. Students will also be encouraged to pursue a simultaneous bachelor’s degree through university partnerships, which will enhance their academic and career opportunities.

“Air India’s commitment to establishing a state-of-the-art training facility symbolizes a bold step forward in enhancing India’s aviation capabilities. Education and skill development are vital to sustaining the growth of Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru. The Air India BMTO reinforces our vision of developing a thriving ecosystem that drives innovation and collaboration,” said Rao Munukutla, Executive Director & CEO, of BACL.

Air India has embarked on a five-year transformation journey, Vihaan.AI, that has seen a commitment to more than 500 new aircraft, delivery of which is well underway, and the commencement of a USD 400 million interior retrofit program for legacy aircraft. Air India has also begun in-housing of line maintenance operations across group airlines that will strengthen its self-reliance. In September 2024, Air India Group announced the commencement of construction of a mega MRO facility coming up in Bengaluru, reiterating its commitment to building a strong self-reliant aviation ecosystem for India.

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PUNE: Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic Avionics), a world-leading provider of in-flight engagement and connectivity (IFEC) solutions, has today opened a new software design and development facility in Pune, India. Founded in 1979, Panasonic Avionics delivers engaging experiences that connect airlines with their passengers, revolutionizing the in-flight experience and redefining the value of in-flight engagement and communication (IFEC) systems for a new era of air travel.  Over 200 leading airlines across the world have chosen to install Panasonic Avionics’ in-flight engagement, satellite Wi-Fi connectivity, and digital services on their aircraft.

Panasonic Avionics’ new facility in Pune was opened in the presence of Chief Guest, the Honorable Minister of State for Civil Aviation & Cooperation, Shri. Murlidhar Mohol. He was welcomed to the opening ceremony by Mr Ken Sain, Chief Executive Officer of Panasonic Avionics Corporation, and Mr Manish Sharma, Chairman of Panasonic Life Solutions India and South Asia, and Director of Panasonic Avionics India.

Ken Sain, Chief Executive Officer of Panasonic Avionics Corporation, said: “Innovative, future-focused, and proven software is at the heart of every IFEC solution that Panasonic Avionics develops, creating a digital channel that enables our airline customers to engage with their passengers more effectively than ever before. With its huge number of skilled engineers, and fast-growing aviation sector, India is a natural location for us to invest in for the future of our business, and we look forward to accelerating our software innovation and design capabilities from our new Pune facility.”

Satyen Yadav, Chief Technology Officer of Panasonic Avionics Corporation, said: “Today marks a significant milestone as we embark on a journey to accelerate the delivery of personalized digital experiences for airline passengers. We look forward to delivering cutting-edge software solutions that delight customers both in the region and globally, and to growing our software talent in Pune.”

Manish Sharma, Chairman of Panasonic Life Solutions India and South Asia, and Director, of Panasonic Avionics India, said: “India has become synonymous with ‘Capability, when it comes to software talent’. Today, India is providing IT support and IT services to the world and Panasonic has invested in setting up innovation centers and global capability centers to provide high-quality services to our other subsidiaries across the world. Panasonic Avionics’ facility in Pune is the latest in our series of investments in India and we are looking to cater to multiple markets and airlines with innovative solutions for in-flight engagement and communication (IFEC).”

The new facility is the first in India dedicated to supporting the development and delivery of IFEC solutions. It is employing over 200 skilled engineers at the point of launch, with growth plans in place to scale the software engineering talent at the facility to support the increasing demand from airlines for IFEC solutions that will deliver personalized experiences for their passengers.

Panasonic Avionics’ new software design and development facility is integral to the company’s strategy of enabling airlines to realize their passenger digital engagement visions by using the most innovative IFEC solutions, supported by best-in-class enterprise software tools that are self-service and designed to lower IFEC solution lifecycle costs.

A range of software will be developed, tested, and sustained in state-of-the-art laboratories throughout the facility to deliver passenger experiences for narrowbody and widebody aircraft that meet airlines’ needs. These include the X Series in-flight entertainment system and digital solutions including airline interactives that enable airlines to create unique seatback passenger experiences, IFEC development support via SDKs (software development kits), and mobile companion apps to name a few.

The new facility in Pune will accelerate Panasonic Avionics’ software development capabilities, and help improve the time to market of robust, next-generation IFEC and digital solutions.

To accelerate the growth of the new facility, Panasonic Avionics is developing partnerships with universities in the state of Maharashtra, and right across India, to nurture and develop skilled engineering graduates.

Panasonic Avionics’ new facility in Pune is the latest Panasonic investment in India. Panasonic entered the Indian market in 1972 and since then the company has grown from strength to strength now Panasonic Avionics joins Panasonic Life Solutions India, which currently has 11,000 employees over multiple locations across India.

The new facility has been developed through a ‘build-operate-transfer’ (BOT) operation. It was initiated in 2021 with investment from Panasonic Avionics and has resulted in the creation of a team of skilled engineers who will drive the company’s software design and development from Pune going forward.

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TOULOUSE: IndiGo, India’s largest airline, has placed a firm order for 30 Airbus A350-900 aircraft. The order will help expand IndiGo’s international network to long-haul destinations.

India, the world’s fastest-growing major aviation market, is on the verge of an international travel boom as the economy grows and household incomes rise. The A350 is perfectly positioned to serve the country’s aspirations for long-range travel. The choice of the A350 is a reaffirmation of IndiGo’s continued trust in Airbus and is yet another validation of the aircraft as the undisputed leader in long-haul air travel.

“Today’s historic moment marks a new chapter for IndiGo and will further shape the future of the airline and for Indian aviation at the same time. For IndiGo, after successfully pioneering the Indian skies with an unprecedented journey, its fleet of 30 Airbus A350-900 aircraft will allow IndiGo to embark on its next phase of becoming one of the leading global aviation players. At IndiGo, we take pride in being India’s preferred airline and for offering connectivity to our customers, in and with India. This reaffirms IndiGo’s belief in, and commitment to, the growth of India, and in our strategic partnership with Airbus,” said Pieter Elbers, CEO, of IndiGo.

“A heartfelt thank you to IndiGo for putting its trust in Airbus once again, and to our respective teams who negotiated this agreement for 30 A350s. IndiGo’s first widebody order opens an exciting new chapter in our close partnership. We are proud that our fuel-efficient, next-generation A320 Family revolutionized domestic air travel in India, and that now the A350 is poised to replicate the same success on long-haul routes,” Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales, Commercial Aircraft.

Bound in a relationship of symbiotic growth with India for more than half a century, Airbus products and services have catalysed the growth of the country’s civil aviation sector. While the Airbus A320 Family is supporting the democratisation of air travel in India, the A350 has become the reference aircraft to unlock the true potential of the international market for the Indian carriers.

IndiGo is among the fastest growing airline companies in the world, and is one of the largest A320 Family customers.

The A350 is the world’s most modern and efficient wide-body aircraft in the 300-410 seater category. The A350’s clean sheet design includes state-of-the-art technologies and aerodynamics delivering unmatched standards of efficiency and comfort. Its new generation engines and use of lightweight materials bring a 25 percent advantage in fuel burn, operating costs and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, compared to previous generation competitor aircraft.

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HYDERABAD: Air India Express curated a captivating opening day for the public at the Wings India 2024 event, orchestrating a mesmerizing live performance by celebrated percussionist and Padma Shri Awardee Sivamani. The tarmac with the airline’s newest Boeing 737-8 aircraft on display, VT-BXH, aka ‘Kalamkari’, transformed into a stage as renowned artist Sivamani delivered a captivating performance culminating in an innovative percussionist accompaniment to the Air India Express brand’s sonic identity. The theme of the performance encapsulated Air India Express’s brand identity and intention to differentiate itself by making meaningful connections across people, cultures, and communities. The performance masterfully showcased the cultural and musical diversity of India, with 45 percussion instruments flown in from different parts of the country, representing the 45 destinations Air India Express connects to in India, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, weaving together a sonic tapestry that transcended cultural boundaries.

Air India Express was the only commercial airline to be a part of the flying display at Wings India 2024, where the airline unveiled its unique Kalamkari-adorned tail art on its newest Boeing 737-8 aircraft, VT-BXH, paying homage to the region of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Sivamani, celebrated globally for his exceptional rhythmic skills, captivated the audience with an extraordinary performance using an array of traditional instruments from across regions, including the Chanda, Dhadd, Dhol, Dholki, Dolleh, Dumru, Folk Drum, Gommat, Idakka, Khol, Mridangam, Nagada, Pambai, Shamel, Tabla, Tambourine, Tasha, Tavil, Tapey, Thamte, Thimila, Thumbak Naari, and the Udukkai from India, the Darbukka and Mirwas from the Middle East, and a Gong from Singapore. 

Speaking at the occasion, Siddhartha Butalia, Chief Marketing Officer of Air India Express, said, “Since the launch of the Air India Express brand identity and positioning in October 2023, we have taken great pride in celebrating the artistic talent and diversity of India and the international regions we fly to, making meaningful connections between people, cultures, and communities with a sense of unique Indian warmth, a contemporary premium sensibility, and a more conscious emphasis on sustainability. We are delighted to have been recognized as ‘Sustainability Champion’ at Wings India 2024, to unveil the 9th of our unique tail art designs in our ‘Patterns of India’ theme, and to bring to life our brand sonic identity in its various renditions, with an energy and vibrancy encapsulated in today’s percussionist performance on the tarmac at the inaugural public viewing day of Wings India 2024.”

During the flying display, the skilled pilots of Air India Express showcased the Boeing 737-8 with a host of captivating maneuvers rarely on display to the public and aviation enthusiasts, including short-field take-offs and landings, touch ‘n’ go, low-level runs, and climbing turns. These maneuvers demonstrated the operational capabilities and versatility of the aircraft and the Air India Express pilots.

The Air India Express tail art designs showcase diverse patterns from across the length and breadth of India on every new aircraft, including Bandhani and Patola from Gujarat, Gamosa from Assam, Jamdani from West Bengal, Jamawar from Kashmir, Phulkari from Punjab, Kanjeevaram from Tamil Nadu, Banarasi from Uttar Pradesh, and Kalamkari from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. These designs pay homage to the diversity and craftsmanship of India’s artistic and textile heritage. As Air India Express grows its domestic and international network, delivering exceptional travel experiences powered by award-winning technological innovations, it carries with it the hopes and aspirations of a new India, celebrating cultural and artistic talent and diversity with every flight.

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Speaking about the deal, Mr. Vinod Sahay, President, Aerospace & Defence & CPO, Auto & Farm Sectors, Mahindra, said, “The Mahindra Group is proud of its relationship with Airbus. With this new contract, we further expand our relationship and increase our participation in the ‘Make In India’ initiative of the Government of India. We look forward to delivering on our commitments and continuing this journey of collaborative growth.”

“MASPL is privileged to be an Airbus supplier and we greatly appreciate their continued support to our growth initiatives. This award is a significant expansion of our Airbus portfolio and offers further opportunities for us to work with Airbus on performance, sustainability, and operational excellence,” said Arvind Mehra, Managing Director & CEO, of Mahindra Aerostructures.

MASPL has been a direct supplier to Airbus Group since 2015, and partners with Airbus on numerous initiatives. It has been ranked as a D2P “Challenger” for three years in the Sheet Metal domain, as well as level “A” in the Airbus Industrial Process Capability Assessment (IPCA+) and has won the “Best Performer” award in the 2023 Airbus Supplier Quality Improvement Program (SQIP) awards.

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The aircraft arrived at New Delhi at 13:46 Hrs (local time) today from the Airbus facility in Toulouse, France. The delivery flight, operated using a special call sign AI350, was welcomed by Air India representatives. Air India’s Senior Commander Capt. Monika Batra Vaidya, who is among the first few Indian pilots to be trained on the A350, was on board as an observer.

Air India leads the way in catalyzing the renaissance of Indian aviation, inducting the first new widebody fleet type in India in more than a decade, and thus, becoming the first Indian airline to fly the A350. Air India was also the first Indian airline to have inducted the Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet type in 2012.

Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India, said: “This moment marks a red-letter day for all of us at Air India. The A350 is not just metal and engines; it’s the flying embodiment of the relentless efforts of all Air India employees towards our airline’s continuing transformation and of our commitment to setting new benchmarks. It is also, in many ways, a declaration of Indian aviation’s resurgence on the world stage.”

“As a symbol of the new age of flying, the A350 promises a world-class, long-haul travel experience on our non-stop routes, providing an unparalleled level of comfort. Its excellent flight economics and state-of-the-art technology underscore our dedication to commercially successful operations and achieving our sustainability goals,” Wilson added.

Air India’s A350 will enter commercial service in January 2024, initially operating domestically for crew familiarisation, followed by longer-haul flying to destinations across continents. The schedule of commercial operations with the A350 will be announced in the coming weeks.

Air India’s A350-900 aircraft comes in a three-class cabin configuration with 316 seats designed by Collins Aerospace: 28 private Business Class suites with full-flat beds, 24 Premium Economy seats with extra legroom and multiple other differentiating features, and 264 spacious Economy Class seats. All seats on the aircraft feature the latest-generation Panasonic eX3 in-flight entertainment system and HD screens to provide a superior flying experience.

The aircraft is the first of Air India’s 20 Airbus A350-900S on order, with five more scheduled for deliveries through March 2024. Air India’s firm orders for 250 new aircraft with Airbus include
20 A350-1000.

Earlier this week, the airline started the rollout of its new global brand identity across guest touchpoints, having launched a new consumer-facing website and mobile app. Last week, the airline unveiled its much-anticipated new collection of cabin and cockpit crew uniforms designed by Indian celebrity couturier, Manish Malhotra. Air India’s cabin crew and pilots will be seen in the new uniforms starting with the entry of service of the A350.

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