Air India deepens Boeing partnership to power long haul growth

Air India announced a major expansion of its Boeing order book, placing an additional order for 30 Boeing 737 aircraft, taking its total Boeing commitment to 250 aircraft. The airline also entered into a multi-year agreement with Boeing Global Services for the 787 Component Services Program, covering its entire Dreamliner fleet, both existing aircraft and those on order. Together, these moves reinforce Air India's long-term fleet modernisation strategy, enhance operational reliability, and support the scale-up of its long-haul international network. Boeing India noted that the lifecycle support programme will enable faster turnarounds, expert repairs and seamless fleet performance. The announcements underscore Air India's transformation into a world-class global carrier, with fleet expansion and aftermarket support forming the twin pillars of its operational and service excellence strategy.

Air India Converts A321neo Orders to A321XLR

Air India announced the conversion of 15 of its Airbus A321neo orders to the Airbus A321XLR, with deliveries expected between 2029 and 2030. The A321XLR will enable the airline to operate new non-stop international routes and optimise medium-haul operations with enhanced range and fuel efficiency. The move reflects Air India's strategic focus on expanding its international footprint, improving network flexibility and deploying next-generation aircraft to serve long-thin routes economically. The conversion strengthens the airline's long-term fleet planning and reinforces its ambition to build a globally competitive narrowbody and medium-haul network.

India-Russia aviation ties deepen

At Wings India 2026, India and Russia signed agreements aimed at strengthening aviation cooperation. Key highlights included an agreement on the production of sanctions-proof SJ-100 aircraft, the export of six Il-114-300 aircraft to India, the showcase of Russia's luxury Aurus business jet, and the Il-114-300's maiden overseas demonstration flight. These developments reflect a renewed strategic partnership in aerospace manufacturing, regional aircraft deployment and business aviation. The agreements also highlight diversification of India's aviation partnerships amid shifting global supply chains and geopolitical dynamics.

Czech L 410 NG to be assembled in India

Sakthi Aviation and Defence Systems Pvt Ltd (SADSPL) and OMNIPOL Group signed an MoU at Wings India 2026 to bring the Czech L 410 NG 19-seater aircraft to India. The collaboration includes assessment of modalities to set up a final assembly line in India, enabling Transfer of Technology and strengthening the local aviation manufacturing ecosystem. The initiative aligns with India's Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, supporting regional connectivity, industrial capability development and integration into global aerospace supply chains. The L 410 NG is well-suited for regional operations, particularly in short-runway and remote-area environments, reinforcing India's regional aviation ambitions.

ATR and Fly91 sign eight-year Global Maintenance Agreement

ATR's eight-year Global Maintenance Agreement (GMA) with Fly91 marks a significant milestone for India's regional aviation sector. Announced at Wings India 2026, the agreement supports Fly91's expanding ATR 72-600 fleet and aligns with the airline's disciplined growth strategy focused on cost efficiency, reliability, and operational stability. The long-term, manufacturer-led maintenance partnership provides predictable maintenance costs, high fleet availability, and enhanced technical support, critical enablers for sustainable regional network expansion. Building on their relationship established at Fly91's launch in 2024, the extended GMA underscores the growing role of OEM-backed maintenance models in strengthening India's regional connectivity under the UDAN framework. The agreement also highlights how structured, long-term MRO partnerships can de-risk airline growth, improve asset utilisation, and support the broader development of India's tier-2 and tier-3 aviation markets.

HAL-PHL helicopter deal strengthens offshore and regional connectivity

PHL signed a purchase contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the supply of 10 Dhruv NG helicopters during Wings India 2026. The helicopters will support offshore operations and enhance last-mile connectivity, particularly in hilly regions, northeastern states, and remote island territories such as Lakshadweep and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The contract exchange, witnessed by the Minister of Civil Aviation, marks a significant step in strengthening aviation services in challenging terrains. The initiative reflects India's commitment to improving regional air connectivity while promoting Atmanirbharta in aerospace manufacturing. By deploying indigenous rotary-wing platforms across utility, offshore and connectivity missions, the agreement reinforces the strategic role of helicopters in bridging infrastructure gaps and expanding access across India's diverse and difficult geographies.

Odisha emerges as a hub for aviation and drone skilling

At Wings India 2026, the Government of Odisha signed two landmark MoUs in civil aviation, positioning the state as an emerging hub for aviation and drone technology. A Flying Training Organisation will be established at Dandbose Airport in Mayurbhanj to train 50 commercial pilots annually, while Odisha's first UAV (Drone) Training and Testing Centre will be set up at Rangeilunda Airstrip in Ganjam to train over 100 UAV pilots each year. These initiatives will support critical applications across agriculture, infrastructure, logistics and disaster management, while generating employment and building future-ready skills among youth. The agreements reflect Odisha's commitment to strengthening its aviation ecosystem and contributing to India's broader technology-driven growth agenda.

Jewer Doors big announcement

Global aircraft hangar door specialist Jewers Doors has announced the establishment of a wholly owned subsidiary in India, reinforcing its long-term commitment to the country's rapidly expanding aviation and MRO ecosystem. The move aligns with the Government of India's Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives and positions India as a regional centre of excellence for South Asia and beyond. The British engineering firm, known for delivering complex, mission-critical hangar door systems worldwide, cited India as one of the most important global aviation growth markets. The decision builds on its successful execution of high-security infrastructure projects in India, including the country's largest aircraft hangar door for the VVIP fleet. The new subsidiary will support localisation, skills development, and sustained engagement across both civil and defence aviation sectors.

Helicopter Connectivity Gets a Boost: Heritage Aviation and Airbus

Heritage Aviation Pvt Ltd signed a contract with Airbus for one H130 helicopter to expand heli-pilgrimage and regional connectivity operations under the UDAN scheme, with delivery scheduled for September 2026. The aircraft will support passenger transportation, heli-pilgrimage and regional connectivity missions, complementing Heritage's existing H125 and H130 fleet. Founder and CEO Rohit Mathur highlighted strong tailwinds driven by favourable government policies and rising demand, particularly in under-served regions such as North East India. Airbus Helicopters' Sunny Guglani emphasised the helicopter's role in bridging last-mile connectivity gaps across India's remote and hard-to-access terrains. Known for performance, efficiency and comfort, the H130 is well-suited for environmentally sensitive and mountainous regions, reinforcing helicopters as critical enablers of regional mobility.

Regional Air Mobility Takes Flight: IndiaOne Air and Sarla Aviation

At Wings India 2026, IndiaOne Air and Sarla Aviation signed a partnership aimed at advancing air taxis and short takeoff and landing (STOL) aircraft in India. The collaboration brings together airline operational experience and cutting-edge aviation technology to develop mobility solutions tailored for Indian conditions, regulations and passenger needs. With the presence of the Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, at the signing ceremony, the partnership signalled strong institutional support for next-generation regional mobility. The agreement underscores India's readiness to lead the regional mobility revolution, moving air taxis and STOL operations from concept to operational reality. The focus now shifts from whether these platforms will fly in India to when and at what scale.