Day One Highlights: Senior Executive Development Program on Aviation Law and Management

The Senior Executive Development Program on Aviation Law and Management commenced on 20th November 2025 at the Pullman, Aerocity, New Delhi, bringing together leading experts from academia, industry, and regulatory bodies for a focused exploration of aviation safety, liability, legal frameworks, and accident investigation. Organised by Dhirubhai Ambani University – School of Law in collaboration with Université Toulouse 1 Capitole, France, and Spaviatech Law, the programme offered participants an in-depth overview of key legal and operational issues shaping the aviation sector.

Session Speakers

The day began with an Inaugural Session, marked by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. Prof. (Dr.) Avinash Dadich, Founding Director at Dhirubhai Ambani University – School of Law, opened the event with his Welcome Remarks, outlining the university’s vision for strengthening specialised aviation law education and emphasising the importance of multi-disciplinary engagement. 

Following this, Prof. (Dr.) Mattiuse Poumarède, Dean at Toulouse School of Law, Université Toulouse 1 Capitole, delivered the Partner Address, highlighting the relevance of international academic collaborations in advancing aviation regulatory studies. The session concluded with a Vote of Thanks and context-setting by Mr. Sivadhat Madhav Menon, Vertical Head of Aviation Law and Management at the university, who introduced the structure and objectives of the two-day programme.

The first thematic session focused on the International Aviation Legal Framework, International Conventions, and Organisations of Significance. Delivered by Prof. (Dr.) Laurent Grosclaude, Head of the Aviation Law LL.M. Program at Université Toulouse Capitole, the session examined major global aviation conventions and the institutional structures that govern international civil aviation. The discussion provided participants with a foundational understanding of the legal environment that underpins cross-border aviation operations.

The next session explored India’s Aviation Ecosystem – Current Realities and Future Pathways, presented by Mr. Ashwani Acharya, Founding Core Team Member of IndiGo Airlines and CEO of RedBird Flight Training Aviation Pvt. Ltd. His session highlighted the changing dynamics of the Indian aviation landscape and offered a factual overview of developments influencing airlines, training organisations, and the broader ecosystem.

The programme then moved into a session on Drones in India – Opportunities, Challenges and the Way Forward, led by Mr. Amber Dubey, Former Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Senior Advisor at McKinsey and Company. His presentation addressed the evolving policy environment for unmanned aircraft systems in India and outlined the opportunities and regulatory considerations surrounding drone operations.

The final session of the day focused on Air Accident Investigations: Global Best Practices, Safety, and Airworthiness Compliance. It was delivered jointly by Dr. Lalit Gupta, Former Joint Director General at the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Government of India, and Mr. Malik Almajadalawi, Deputy Head of Compliance for Europe at Collins Aerospace. Together, they discussed internationally recognised practices in accident investigation and emphasised the importance of safety systems, organisational compliance, and airworthiness standards.

Bottom Line

Overall, Day One of the programme offered a clear, structured, and informative set of discussions led by subject-matter experts. The sessions collectively provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of international legal frameworks, India’s aviation landscape, drone regulations, and accident investigation methodologies. The day concluded on a productive and engaging note, setting a strong foundation for the sessions scheduled for Day Two.

De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited has secured a significant partnership with IndiaOne Air, a regional airline operator in India. The companies announced their collaboration during the 2025 Dubai Airshow, where IndiaOne Air signed a Letter of Intent to acquire up to ten Twin Otter Series 300-G aircraft.

Strategic Expansion Into Underserved Markets

IndiaOne Air plans to deploy these aircraft to serve remote and underserved regions across India. The Twin Otter 300-G represents the latest generation of De Havilland's proven platform, offering capabilities that perfectly match the airline's expansion strategy. The aircraft will enable IndiaOne Air to establish connectivity in areas where limited airport infrastructure has historically restricted air travel access.

Wing Commander Prem Kumar Garg (Retd), who serves as Chief Executive Officer of IndiaOne Air, explained the rationale behind selecting this particular aircraft model. The Twin Otter 300-G suits the airline's operational requirements as it expands to regional destinations with smaller runway lengths. The aircraft's performance characteristics, reliability, and versatility align with the company's core mission of connecting previously isolated communities and making air travel accessible throughout India.

Supporting National Aviation Objectives

Himanshu Shah, serving as Promoter and Director at IndiaOne Air, emphasized that this partnership advances the airline's long-term vision of becoming India's leading regional carrier serving the country's heartlands. Fellow Promoter and Director Shaishav Shah added that the Twin Otter 300-G embodies the company's commitment to operational excellence and sustainable regional connectivity while supporting the Government of India's UDAN initiative, which aims to provide equitable air access across the nation.

De Havilland Strengthens Indian Market Presence

Ryan DeBrusk, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at De Havilland Aircraft of Canada, welcomed IndiaOne Air into the company's global network of operators. He noted that IndiaOne Air's selection validates the Twin Otter 300-G's proven performance in challenging environments worldwide. De Havilland Canada commits to supporting IndiaOne Air as the airline expands its network and establishes connections between more communities across India.

Aircraft Capabilities Driving the Decision

The Twin Otter Series 300-G brings several technological and operational advantages to IndiaOne Air's fleet. As the newest variant of the globally trusted Twin Otter platform, it delivers improved operational efficiency through advanced avionics systems and provides enhanced passenger comfort. The aircraft's short take-off and landing capabilities make it particularly well-suited for operations in diverse and demanding environments, allowing airlines to serve airports with limited infrastructure that larger commercial aircraft cannot access. This deal marks De Havilland Canada's growing presence in India's rapidly expanding regional aviation sector.

With Inputs from De Havilland

The domestic aviation sector confronts mounting financial pressures as industry analysts project losses will surge to nearly twice their previous levels. Rating agency Icra released findings on Tuesday revealing that airlines will likely record net losses between Rs 9,500 crore and Rs 10,500 crore for the fiscal year ending March 2026, marking a significant deterioration from the Rs 5,500 crore loss estimated for the current fiscal year.

Expansion Plans Collide with Economic Reality

The aviation industry finds itself caught in a challenging paradox where fleet expansion drives up costs even as passenger demand shows signs of cooling. Airlines have committed to substantial aircraft deliveries, which simultaneously increase capital expenditures and operational costs. These new aircraft additions create higher lease obligations and maintenance requirements, straining already tight margins across the sector.

Icra maintains a stable outlook while forecasting modest domestic passenger traffic growth of four to six percent for FY26. The agency projects the industry's interest coverage ratio will hover between 1.5 and 1.7 times during this period, indicating airlines will generate just enough earnings to service their debt obligations with minimal buffer.

Traffic Growth Loses Altitude

Passenger traffic expansion has decelerated noticeably from previous years. The previous financial year recorded 7.6 percent growth, with total passenger volumes reaching 16.53 crore. Current projections suggest this momentum will not sustain into the coming fiscal year.

Multiple factors contribute to this slowdown. Cross-border tensions create uncertainty for international routes, while global disruptions ripple through travel patterns. The June 2025 aircraft tragedy has particularly impacted consumer confidence, triggering travel hesitancy among potential passengers. Recent air traffic control operational disruptions have further complicated the situation, creating additional uncertainty for travelers planning their journeys.

October figures offered mixed signals about recovery prospects. Domestic air passenger traffic reached 1.43 crore, representing a 4.5 percent year-on-year increase and a 12.9 percent sequential jump from September. Airlines expanded capacity during this period, with domestic departures hitting approximately 99,816 flights, marking a 10.8 percent sequential increase and 1.7 percent year-on-year rise.

Supply Chain Constraints Ground Progress

Technical challenges continue plaguing airlines beyond demand-side pressures. Supply chain bottlenecks and engine failures have forced significant portions of fleets to remain grounded. As of March 31, 2025, approximately 133 aircraft across select airlines sat idle, representing fifteen to seventeen percent of the total industry fleet.

These groundings create cascading financial consequences. Airlines incur grounding-related expenses while simultaneously paying higher lease rentals for replacement aircraft. The substitute planes often operate with reduced fuel efficiency, further eroding margins. This combination of increased costs and operational inefficiencies compounds the sector's financial stress.

The projected losses, while substantial, remain considerably lower than the Rs 21,600 crore and Rs 17,900 crore losses reported in FY22 and FY23 respectively, suggesting the industry has achieved some recovery from pandemic-era devastation even as new challenges emerge.

Flydubai, a major carrier based in Dubai, has taken a significant leap by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Airbus for 150 A321neo aircraft, marking the airline's entry as a brand-new Airbus customer. This agreement signals the carrier's strong belief in Dubai's ambitious expansion trajectory and represents a pivotal moment in the aviation landscape of the Middle East.

A Historic Signing at Dubai Airshow 2025

The momentous agreement took shape during the Dubai Airshow 2025, where His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who serves as Chairman of flydubai, joined Christian Scherer, Airbus's CEO of Commercial Aircraft, in formalizing the MoU. Ghaith Al Ghaith, flydubai's Chief Executive Officer, witnessed this historic signing ceremony that unfolded on the airshow's second day, cementing what both parties anticipate will become a lasting partnership.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum emphasized that this landmark deal extends beyond merely acquiring aircraft. The agreement actively supports the vision articulated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who serves as Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, while simultaneously aligning with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. The Chairman highlighted how this strategic move diversifies flydubai's narrow-body fleet composition and reinforces the airline's long-term growth objectives.

Connecting Dubai's Aviation Future

The timing of this agreement holds particular significance for Dubai World Central's expansion plans. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed explained that flydubai aims to play a central role in transforming this facility into what Dubai envisions as the world's largest airport. The A321neo aircraft will enable flydubai to address the next phase of network development while meeting the rising demand that characterizes the airline's operational markets.

Christian Scherer welcomed flydubai into the Airbus customer family, describing the carrier as one of the Middle East's most ambitious and rapidly expanding airlines. Scherer noted that flydubai's decision to introduce the A321neo validates the substantial value Airbus delivers through enhanced range capabilities, operational efficiency, and passenger comfort. Airbus looks forward to supporting flydubai as the airline unlocks new growth opportunities with these aircraft.

Understanding the A321neo Advantage

The A321neo belongs to Airbus's A320neo Family and incorporates cutting-edge technologies including next-generation engines, Sharklets, and cabin efficiency features. These innovations collectively deliver fuel savings and carbon dioxide reductions exceeding twenty percent compared to previous single-aisle aircraft generations. By the end of October 2025, nearly one hundred customers globally had ordered more than seven thousand two hundred A321neo aircraft, demonstrating widespread industry confidence in this model.

Airbus has designed all A320 Family aircraft to operate using up to fifty percent Sustainable Aviation Fuel currently, with the manufacturer targeting full one hundred percent SAF capability by 2030. This positions flydubai to expand its network while maintaining environmental responsibility through more efficient operations and access to sustainable fuel options.

With Inputs from Airbus

The Ministry of Civil Aviation convened a landmark gathering in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh this September, bringing together regional ministers and aviation stakeholders for the North East Region Ministers' Conference on Civil Aviation and the 3rd North East Aviation Summit. The event spotlighted a transformative vision: leveraging aviation infrastructure to unlock the Northeast's economic potential and bridge the connectivity gap that has long hindered the region's development.

Connectivity as a Catalyst for Regional Transformation

Jaideep Mirchandani, group chairman of Sky One, emphasizes that thoughtfully designed connectivity solutions can reshape a region's socio-economic landscape in profound ways. The aviation executive explains that improved access to markets and emergency services directly translates into entrepreneurial opportunities and expanded trade networks. Tourism sectors gain momentum, employment opportunities multiply, and previously underserved communities find themselves empowered with new economic pathways.

The Northeast faces a particular challenge that robust aviation infrastructure can address head-on. Mirchandani points out that strengthening air connectivity will dramatically reduce both the cost and time required to transport goods across the region, creating ripple effects throughout the local economy. This efficiency gain stands to enhance the Northeast's overall growth trajectory and competitive positioning.

Measuring Progress and Building Momentum

The region has already witnessed tangible progress. Airport infrastructure has expanded significantly, with operational facilities growing from nine in 2014 to sixteen today. Domestic passenger traffic has surged upward in response, demonstrating real demand for improved connectivity. The UDAN scheme has played a crucial role in this expansion, streamlining connections to airports in areas that stakeholders once considered too remote for viable commercial aviation.

Mirchandani views the increasing interest from major industry players as a positive indicator for the region's future. He anticipates that additional heliports and cargo facilities will emerge as the aviation ecosystem matures, bringing further benefits to Northeast communities.

Government Support Fuels Future Development

The Union Civil Aviation Ministry recently announced a strategic initiative that Mirchandani describes as a game-changer: four complimentary pre-feasibility studies annually for new Greenfield airports in the Northeast. This commitment from the Centre removes a significant barrier to airport development by eliminating the upfront costs associated with project planning. Mirchandani predicts this support will encourage stakeholders to pursue more aviation projects, potentially creating an expansive network that links remote areas with major commercial hubs and attracts both trade and investment.

Tourism and Employment Opportunities Take Flight

The Northeast possesses immense cultural richness and stands ready to emerge as a tourism hotspot, Mirchandani notes. Aviation-driven development will create employment opportunities spanning multiple sectors, from hospitality and travel services to indigenous crafts and artisanal industries. Local youth who receive proper training will access technical positions within the aviation ecosystem itself, while training facilities and aviation academies can cultivate a skilled workforce drawn from the region.

Sustaining the Aviation Boom

Mirchandani concludes that lasting success requires establishing clear, measurable objectives, identifying potential obstacles, allocating necessary resources, and regularly reviewing progress. The region needs comprehensive long-term planning, strict timeline adherence, private-sector expertise, and operational support including MRO facilities. These elements will determine whether the Northeast's aviation expansion delivers commercially viable and environmentally sustainable growth that endures beyond initial enthusiasm.

European budget carrier Wizz Air has launched an aggressive recruitment drive that aims to transform 1,200 aspiring aviators into fully qualified pilots by 2028, including 240 cadets based in the United Kingdom. The Budapest-based airline unveiled this initiative through its Wizz Air Pilot Academy, signaling a major investment in human capital as it prepares for unprecedented expansion across its European and Middle Eastern routes.

From Application to Airbus: The Journey Begins

The airline has designed a comprehensive pathway that welcomes candidates with zero flying experience, targeting both fresh graduates and professionals seeking career changes. Wizz Air operates one of Europe's youngest fleets and now offers these recruits a structured route into commercial aviation that spans roughly two and a half years from initial selection to cockpit.

Candidates begin with a rigorous six-month selection phase that tests their aptitude for professional flying. Those who succeed enter approximately two years of intensive flight training delivered through approved training organizations partnered with the academy. Graduates emerge qualified to serve as First Officers on Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, flying passengers across Wizz Air's extensive network.

Financial Structure and Entry Requirements

Wizz Air has introduced improved financial arrangements for tuition fees, though specific details remain tied to individual circumstances. The airline requires candidates to hold legal residence and work authorization in one of its operational base countries, be at least eighteen years old, demonstrate English fluency, and possess the physical capability to swim fifty meters without assistance.

Interestingly, the carrier has participated in recruitment events like Pilot Careers Live Dublin despite not currently operating commercial flights to or from Ireland, suggesting strategic interest in tapping into Ireland's established aviation talent pool.

The Career Progression and Earning Potential

The financial pathway offers substantial incentives for successful cadets. Trainees can expect approximately forty thousand pounds during their training period, which rises to sixty thousand pounds upon qualifying as First Officers. Pilots reaching their two-year milestone typically earn around ninety thousand pounds, while those advancing to Captain positions can command salaries approaching two hundred thousand pounds annually.

Supporting a Fleet Revolution

Industry observers connect this recruitment surge directly to Wizz Air's ambitious fleet expansion plan. The carrier targets five hundred aircraft by 2030, positioning itself to transport over one hundred million passengers yearly. This growth relies heavily on its substantial Airbus A321neo order book, which promises enhanced fuel efficiency and reduced environmental impact.

Captain Phil Cullen, who serves as Head of Operations and Accountable Manager at Wizz Air UK, described the programme as a significant investment that strengthens both aviation's future and the UK's economic foundation. He emphasized that the initiative creates stable, long-term career opportunities for young people entering an industry traditionally characterized by lengthy qualification timelines.

Candidates interested in applying can access the airline's careers portal, selecting the Cadet Pilot Program and then Pilot Academy options to begin their multi-stage assessment journey.

With Inputs from Aviation Today