Air India Express adds Jodhpur, Udaipur routes: Air India Express has announced the introduction of flights from Jodhpur and Udaipur, taking its rapidly growing network to 60 destinations. Starting November 1, 2025, the airline will operate daily direct flights connecting both cities to Delhi, the national capital and Bengaluru, the largest hub of Air India Express. These additions are part of Air India Express’ Winter Schedule 2025. This network expansion brings access to two of Rajasthan’s most iconic destinations – Jodhpur, the famed ‘Blue City’ known for its majestic forts and vibrant culture, and Udaipur, the ‘City of Lakes’, celebrated for its palaces, serene lakes, and timeless art traditions. These new connections will open greater opportunities for tourism, trade, education, and cultural exchange between these cities and India’s key metros. With the addition of Jodhpur and Udaipur, Air India Express now operates from three cities in Rajasthan. The airline operates 75 weekly flights from Jaipur, offering direct connectivity to eight Indian cities and Dubai. This launch follows the airline’s recent network expansion to Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, and Dehradun, offering direct connectivity to Bengaluru. In this year alone, supported by its rapidly scaled fleet of 115 aircraft, the airline has added six other destinations – Dimapur, Hindon in National Capital Region, Kathmandu, North Goa, Patna, and Phuket – with more to be announced as part of its Winter Schedule 2025.
Etihad Airways’ new A321LR makes India debut: Etihad Airways has launched its game-changing new A321LR aircraft on all flights to and from Kolkata, bringing a refined luxury experience to the popular Indian route. The sold-out inaugural flight, EY222, touched down at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Airport (CCU), Kolkata, India at 8.35pm on 24 September. All of Etihad’s eight return flights per week between Abu Dhabi and Kolkata will now be operated by the A321LR. The upgraded A321LR service reinforces Etihad’s commitment to the Indian market where it operates 183 flights per week to 11 destinations across India. The extensive network connects guests seamlessly between India and the Middle East, and conveniently onwards to Europe, Africa and North America. As well as an increase in visitors travelling to India, Etihad is also catering to rising demand from corporate travellers as well as overseas students and those visiting friends and family. The A321LR is designed to deliver Etihad’s premium cabin standards and award-winning flying experience to short and medium-haul sectors. The aircraft is configured to provide elevated comfort, refined design and high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity across all cabins.
T’Way Air inaugurates Cheongju-Denpasar direct flight: South Korean low-cost airline T’Way Air officially inaugurated a new international route connecting Cheongju and Denpasar using the Boeing 737 MAX. Operating three times a week, this route marks a strategic step in expanding the airline’s global network while opening new access between South Korea and Indonesia. This direct flight is scheduled to depart from Cheongju International Airport (CJJ) at 17.00 local time and arrive at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) at 23.15 local time. The return flight from DPS to CJJ is scheduled to depart at 00.15 local time. To ensure smooth this flight operations, PT JAS Aero Engineering Services (JAE) is trusted by T’Way Air as its Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) partner in Indonesia, providing technical support including Aircraft Certification, Technical Ramp, and Ground Support Equipment (GSE) services. This trust reaffirms JAE’s position as an internationally certified MRO provider with a strong focus on safety.
Akasa Air Partners with OpenAirlines: Akasa Air has announced its partnership with OpenAirlines, a global leader in fuel efficiency solutions for aviation. Akasa Air will implement SkyBreathe, the innovative solution developed by OpenAirlines, to optimise its fuel management and carbon footprint while driving efficiency in its flight operations. The analytics-led solution will enable the airline to analyze flight data in a more precise manner and identify fuel-optimising opportunities. Through artificial intelligence and big data algorithms, SkyBreathe 360° eco-flying platform provides actionable insights, allowing airlines to highlight fuel-optimising opportunities, drive operational efficiency, engage airline professionals in sustainable practices, and significantly reduce their environmental footprint. SkyBreathe leverages the world’s largest fuel efficiency database, which includes over 21 million recorded flights, providing the airline with a comprehensive tool to enhance its operations, reduce fuel consumption by up to 5% without aircraft modifications, and cut CO2 emissions. The platform’s user-friendly interface is designed for easy and team-oriented use and is accessible to various actors, including pilots, dispatchers, maintenance engineers, and fuel managers.
Air India unveils ops plan for Navi Mumbai: The Air India group announced its plans to commence commercial flights from Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA, IATA code: NMI), operated by Adani Airport Holdings Ltd., starting from the airport’s first phase of operations. In the initial phase of the new airport’s operations, Air India group’s value carrier, Air India Express, will operate 20 daily departures or 40 Air Traffic Movements (ATMs) flights from and to NMIA, connecting 15 Indian cities. The Air India group intends to scale up to 90 daily departures (180 ATMs) by mid-2026, including up to 5 daily international flights from NMIA. By mid-2027, Air India group aims to further expand its operations to nearly 140 daily departures (280 ATMs) from NMI, seamlessly connecting passengers to key domestic and international destinations. Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India, said: “We look forward to commencing operations at Navi Mumbai International Airport, as Mumbai joins the league of world cities with more than one airport. We are happy to work with Adani Airports to build NMIA not only as a point that connects to the rest of India, but also as one of the country’s key global transit hubs in the long term. At the Air India group, we are proud to lead the charge in connecting the West to the East and beyond via India, and our expansion at NMIA will support India’s growth as a global aviation hub.”
Qantas A321XLR fleet takes to the skies: Qantas is celebrating the launch of its newest aircraft with its first two next-generation Airbus A321XLR aircraft taking off for their first commercial flights. The two A321XLR aircraft, ‘Great Ocean Road’ (VH-OGA) and ‘Outback Way’ (VH-OGB), are operating their inaugural commercial services between Sydney and Melbourne and Sydney and Perth respectively. Qantas is the first airline in the Asia Pacific region to fly the new aircraft type, and the fourth airline globally. The A321XLR features a wider and longer cabin than previous generation narrowbody aircraft, with wider seats, higher ceilings, larger windows, fast and free Wi-Fi and space for around 60 per cent more bags than Qantas’ Boeing 737s. The A321XLR use less fuel per seat than the 737 it replaces, enabling a reduction in carbon emissions. Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson said the A321XLR aircraft represented a significant milestone in the Group’s fleet renewal programme. “Seeing our A321XLRs take to the skies with customers for the first time is a proud moment for everyone involved and testament to the incredible efforts of the teams across Qantas and Airbus,” Hudson said. Qantas’ third aircraft is expected to arrive in November, with the fleet to grow to seven by June 2026.
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