Times Aerospace Events is delighted to announce the MRO Association of India as a strategic partner.

“Our association is honoured to be partnering with Times Aerospace Events for the second edition of Aviation India,” said C S Tomar, President of the MRO Association of India. “The MRO sector in India is responding strongly to our country’s need for more home-grown engineering and technical services and promoting these efforts at Aviation India 2025 will play a vital role in this drive.”

The event will be a two-day, high-level networking conference & exhibition bringing together aviation professionals, leaders and C-suite executives from airlines, including cargo and business aviation operators, government, regulators, airports, lessors, OEMs, MROs, training, finance & leasing, insurance, law firms and aviation suppliers and services providers from across the entire supply chain.

Aviation India 2025 is also pleased to announce and welcome back the Business Aircraft Operations Association (BAOA) of India as a supporting partner of Aviation India 2025, to help address the issues that face this growing part of India’s aviation ecosystem to the Summit.

Under the title Aviation India 2025: Shaping the pathway for Indian aviation, the summit will debate and examine how the industry is transforming at pace to unlock growth bringing together leaders from across India and the Subcontinent. “Even at this early stage, we are delighted to confirm Air India as a major supporter of Aviation India 2025, and its CEO, Campbell Wilson as one of the keynote speakers at the Summit,” said Mark Brown, managing director of Times Aerospace Events.

To help shape the content and programme of the 2-day summit, Times Aerospace Events is bringing together a panel of Indian aviation experts to assist in this effort.

This panel features:

• Bharat Malkani, Chairman of Max Aerospace and Aviation Ltd

• Willy Boulter, airline C-suite executive, senior aviation consultant, former Chief Commercial Officer, IndiGo

• Sunam Datta, Chief Commercial Officer, Skyplan

• Neelam Mathews, veteran aviation, defence, travel and tourism correspondent

For more information please visit www.aviationindia.aero

This will enhance operational efficiency, ensure regulatory compliance, and streamline processes across its growing fleet of Boeing 737-800 Freighters.

The cargo carrier connects Dubai with key trade hubs across the Global South through a robust network of express daily scheduled services with the aim to cover 50 cities within a six-hour radius of the UAE, ensuring that businesses of all sizes and types seamlessly access their end customers.

By integrating TrustFlight’s cutting-edge Centrik 5 solution, SolitAir aims to enhance service reliability, optimise operational efficiency, and drive sustainable growth.

“To build a resilient and future-ready cargo airline, we recognise the importance of digital transformation from day one,” said Hamdi Osman, founder and chief executive of SolitAir.  “TrustFlight’s Centrik 5 offers the robust digital infrastructure we need to centralise our documentation, enhance safety and compliance, and efficiently manage our multi-hub operations while maintaining strict data privacy between them.”

“We are excited to partner with SolitAir as they embark on their mission to redefine cargo logistics in the AMEISC region,” said Karl Steeves, CEO, TrustFlight. “This collaboration highlights TrustFlight’s commitment to empowering aviation stakeholders with innovative digital solutions that enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability.”

Royal Air Maroc operated its second flight using SAF on February 20, and for the first time to Europe, between Marrakech and Paris, marking a historic first for Paris-Orly Airport. Powered 40% by sustainable fuel, this flight significantly reduces CO2 emissions.

The two partners said in a joint statement: “This initiative highlights the commitment of both companies to promoting more sustainable aviation in Morocco,” the statement explained, noting that the launch is also with the aim of contributing to responsible tourism as the North African kingdom becomes a preferred tourist destination in Africa.’

Matthias de Larminat, managing director of Vivo Energy Morocco, added: “This first delivery represents a “major step in our commitment to decarbonising the aviation sector.”

In order to make aviation more sustainable, SAF and Lower-Carbon Aviation Fuel (LCAF) are two fuels specifically developed to help reduce greenhouse gas lifecycle emissions associated with aviation. SAF can be made either from clean hydrogen and captured carbon dioxide, or renewable or waste-derived aviation fuels. RSG and daa International, the operator of The Red Sea International Airport (RSI), struck the deal with the airport’s fuel supplier, Arabian Petroleum Supply company (APSCO). Airlines operating at RSI now have the option of refuelling using SAF.

Current international standards and recommendations issued by relevant organisations such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) require SAF to be blended with standard Jet A1 aviation fuel. RSI’s SAF supply is blended at 35% SAF and 65% standard Jet A1, which in turn reduces the produced carbon emissions resulting directly from each aircraft that uses this fuel by up to 35%.

“Travel is a way to bridge cultures, broaden horizons and regenerate the mind, body and soul. But travel has a cost, especially for our planet. That is why we promised to transform the industry, moving it towards a sustainable, regenerative future. By bringing Sustainable Aviation Fuel into the Kingdom, we are dramatically reducing our guests’ personal carbon footprint from the moment they arrive and even after they leave.

“More than this, we’re supporting the wider aviation sector to start making choices that are better for the environment,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global.

As part of its ambition to achieve net zero, RSG’s subsidiary air operator, Fly Red Sea, which provides seaplane transfer, charter and scenic tour services across its destinations, will refuel its fleet exclusively with fuels that ensure aviation is more sustainable such as SAF and LCAF.   

This complements RSG’s other solutions to reduce carbon emissions, namely its commitment to power all operations from sunlight. In fact, RSG has already deployed more than 400MWp of solar panels in The Red Sea, which will avoid up to 600,000 tCO2eq per year when fully operational. Additionally, RSG aims to increase the density of mangroves by 50 million by 2030 by protecting, restoring, and enhancing destination habitats, in collaboration with the National Center for Vegetation Cover and other stakeholders.

Michael White, RSI’s Chief Commercial Officer, said: “Introducing sustainable aviation fuel at Red Sea International Airport marks a significant milestone in our commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability. This groundbreaking initiative not only reduces carbon emissions but also aligns with our broader mission to protect The Red Sea's unique and fragile ecosystem.”

 At the World Governments Summit 2025 saw government leaders come together – just as 130km down the Sheikh Zayed highway at the Emirates Hotel in Abu Dhabi, some 180 state representatives were getting into deep debate about regulation, sustainability and innovation at the ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS) hosted by the UAE regulator the GCAA.

On the lawn outside the summit, a single-seat eVTOL sat awaiting clearance to take to the skies for a quick demonstration flight.

Soon that will become a familiar sight as the regulators are clearing the way of hurdles.

The Lift Hexa did leave the ties of earth and GCAA’s assistant director general, strategy & international affairs, Yousuf Hashim Al Azizi said that the UAE is expected to be the first country to operate commercial eVOTLs.  Testing will be carried out this year and commercial operations would begin by the end of 2026 or early 2027.

Government representatives travelled between the two major events and the progress in the sector became clear when the UAE was seen to take milestone step  by announcing the start of air corridor mapping and rdetails of the regulatory framework development for piloted and autonomous air taxis and cargo drones.

Through a strategic partnership between the GCAA and the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) entities—Technology Innovation Institute (TII) and ASPIRE—the UAE is on track to reshape the way people and goods move through urban spaces.

The aerial corridors and regulations are set to be defined within the next 20 months, demonstrating the  UAE’s unwavering commitment to deploying safe, advanced, sustainable transportation solutions that will not only ease congestion but also set a global benchmark for future urban mobility systems.

The plan is that the routes will connect key international airports and iconic places in the UAE, extending further to ensure seamless integration of piloted and autonomous air taxis and cargo drones across the nation’s urban landscapes.

Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, GCAA’s director general said: “Air corridor mapping for piloted and autonomous air taxis and drones is a crucial milestone that will enable the seamless implementation of Advanced Air Mobility into the UAE’s infrastructure. This initiative ensures the safe and efficient adoption of air mobility, delivering transformative solutions to urban transport and paving the way for a smarter, more connected future.”

The government agency is supported by TII’s expertise in airspace management, to ensure the safe integration of piloted and autonomous air taxis and cargo drones into urban environments.

TII said the  new air corridors will offer innovative solutions for passenger and cargo transport, relieving pressure on traditional road networks and improving connectivity.

Dr. Najwa Aaraj, CEO of TII, said: “This transformative collaboration with GCAA is reshaping the future of urban transportation. By advancing airspace management and integrating piloted and autonomous air taxis and cargo drones, we are not only enhancing urban connectivity but also driving sustainable and accessible mobility solutions that will benefit future generations.”

Stephane Timpano from ASPIRE said: “Addressing real-time urban mobility challenges through innovative solutions like air taxis and drones is a major step forward. This initiative directly supports sustainable economic growth by creating a flexible and diverse transport system that eases pressure on urban infrastructure and fosters smarter, more resilient cities.”

Greater use of AI – a subject matter than was extensively covered during the GISS event – will be key to the success of the pioneer project.

Prof. Enrico Natalizio, chief researcher of the autonomous robotics research center at TII, said: “At TII, we’re developing advanced AI-powered control, vision and communication algorithms for autonomous systems that enable real-time decision-making for air taxis and drones. Having mastered this technology, we are able to propose methodologies for AAM corridors design to optimise routes, ensure collision avoidance, and integrate seamlessly with urban airspace, marking a key step toward efficient and safe autonomous air mobility in complex urban environments.”

The three-day event united more than 2,000 aviation professionals including 32 ministerial officials from around the world to share their collective vision and address some of the most pressing challenges in the aviation sector. 

Organised by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), ICAO’s flagship event was deemed a huge success, setting the stage for meaningful progress. Expressing his gratitude to all participants, Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, GCAA’s director general, said: “Aviation is undergoing a transformation and the way we fly is being redefined by innovation and sustainability. Your engagement has made this a truly transformative event.”

Discussions over the last three days have focused on redefining the future of aviation through capacity building, sustainable energy solutions, and enhanced safety measures. The event also underscored the role of aviation in economic expansion, financing strategies, and capacity-building initiatives to support resource-limited states.       

“This event has been a catalyst for real action,” continued Al Suwaidi as he referenced key highlights of the symposium with 36 agreements signed between government and industry leaders, reinforcing a shared commitment to global aviation sustainability and innovation. Highlighting the 135 speakers, 51 exhibitors and 36 sponsors, he added, “The event has reinforced the shared commitment to building a stronger, more sustainable aviation sector.” 

Salvatore Sciacchitano, President of ICAO, commended the discussions and insights shared throughout the symposium, particularly emphasising sustainability and capacity building. “Ministerial speakers provided their insights on sustainability and environmental stewardship, highlighting practical approaches to achieving responsible growth advising our long-term global aspirational goal to achieve our goal of net-zero emissions by 2050,” he said.

Discussions also centred on advancing ICAO’s Finvest Hub initiative, which aims to support infrastructure projects in sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), low-carbon aviation fuels (LCAF), and other green energy solutions.

Artificial intelligence (AI) emerged as a key theme, with experts exploring its role in enhancing efficiency, optimising training systems, and shaping the future of aviation education. The importance of ICAO’s TRAINAIR Plus members was also highlighted, recognising their vital contributions to global aviation capacity-building efforts.

Addressing the urgent challenge of climate change, GISS 2025 saw the launch of the Global Sustainable Aviation Marketplace (GSAM), an initiative spearheaded by the GCAA to establish new pathways to scale aviation decarbonisation and SAF production worldwide. 

As the symposium concluded, ICAO expressed its deep appreciation to the GCAA and all stakeholders for their unwavering support and commitment to advancing the global aviation agenda. Looking to next year, ICAO officially announced that the 2026 edition of GISS will be hosted in Morocco, continuing the drive for innovation and sustainable growth across the global sector.

Maryam Al Balooshi, the UAE’s state lead negotiator for climate change at the GCAA, emphasised the nation’s long-standing commitment to sustainability in aviation. “Aviation is a major contributor to global GDP, and the UAE has been at the forefront of innovation in the sector. From the early adoption of aviation climate resolutions in 2010 to influencing international policy today, we continue to be a hub for progress,” she said.

The UAE has been actively engaged in SAF discussions since 2009, recognising its importance for decarbonising the aviation industry. Al Balooshi highlighted the nation’s strategic approach to transitioning toward SAF, initially advocating for Low Carbon Aviation Fuel (LCAF) alongside Saudi Arabia. This approach ensures a gradual and feasible shift away from conventional jet fuel.

“If we want to change the game, it’s not just about producing a new energy source. We need major oil sectors to transition with us, moving from jet fuel to LCAF and eventually to SAF using existing refineries,” she explained.

The UAE has made significant regulatory and policy investments, including conducting the first Power-to-Liquid (PtL) feasibility study and launching its SAF roadmap in 2023. These efforts culminated in the endorsement of a SAF policy during COP28, positioning the UAE as a leader in the global transition to sustainable fuels.

A key milestone in the UAE’s aviation sustainability agenda was the endorsement of the Conference on Aviation and Alternative Fuels (CAAF/3) framework in 2023. The framework includes four pillars—policy, implementation, regulation, and finance.

Al Balooshi emphasised that finance remains the most critical enabler. “No matter how ambitious our policies and regulations are, without proper financing, we won’t achieve our net-zero emissions target of 5% by 2030. Investments are essential to scale SAF production at pace and integrate cleaner energy into the aviation industry,” she said.

With this week’s Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS), which is being held in Abu Dhabi, spearheading initiatives such as Finvest, a financing hub aimed at attracting investors to support sustainable aviation projects, Al Balooshi added: “Finvest is key to signalling our commitment to sustainability. We need investors to back our vision and ensure the necessary infrastructure is in place.” 

Recognising that sustainable aviation is a global effort, the UAE is pushing for collaboration with other developing nations, including Latin American and African nations to ensure equitable progress. “Our airlines fly worldwide, so we need the right quantity of sustainable fuel available everywhere,” she noted.

With the inaugural SAF MENA Congress already fostering crucial discussions at GISS, the UAE remains committed to leading the way in sustainable aviation. Through continued investment, policy development, and international cooperation, the country aims to solidify its role as a driving force in decarbonising the aviation industry.

“Aircraft burn fossil fuels, producing Greenhouse Gases as by-products, is a major contributor to global warming and is responsible for over 3% of global CO2 emissions,” said IAGA founding member, Henry L Hooi.

“IAGA was created as a common endeavour among international talents to promote a sustainable and green aviation globally. The focus is on SAF, different types of propulsion, hydrogen, electric and also the development of eco-systems surrounding green aviation. We currently have 20 country members across six continents.”

Hooi invited Derrick Luembe, director general of the Civil Aviation Authority of Zambia, for his nation to become a member, which would make the country the first one in Africa to join.

“We hope to work with Zambia jointly to bring pioneering green technologies into Zambia and the African continent,” said Hooi. “This is part of the evolution to go into create a societal, economic and environmental impact for our local communities, and the ownership of the agreement doesn’t belong to each of us, it belongs to all of us as a collaborative effort.”

Launched by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in 2024, the hub facilitates funding and investment for innovative aviation projects, in areas such as infrastructure, sustainability, digitalisation, and emerging technologies.

A key priority of the Finvest Hub is supporting ICAO’s sustainability goals, including financing green airport projects, sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and carbon reduction initiatives. It also promotes the adoption of cutting-edge solutions, such as AI-driven air traffic management, urban air mobility and next-generation aircraft technologies.

“By bridging the gap between aviation projects and global investors, the Finvest Hub will help drive financial resilience and long-term innovation across the industry,” said Juan Carlos Salazar, ICAO’s secretary general, during this year’s Global Implementation Support Symposium.

At the end of last year, ICAO signed an MoU with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) to enable the exploration of pathways to operationalise the Finvest Hub by facilitating the identification of financial resources for scaling up SAF, lower carbon aviation fuels (LCAF) and other clean energy solutions.

“Blended finance, combining public and private investments is crucial,” said Salazar, as he emphasised the role of multilateral and regional development banks in supporting sustainable projects. He also referenced platforms such as the Best Hub for investment matchmaking and the debut of the Global Sustainable Aviation Marketplace (GSAM) at this year’s GISS. “This is the kind of initiative that seeks to create opportunities for different markets and the alignment of policies and encourages collaboration so we can deliver on our aviation goals,” said Salazar.

Salazar also emphasised that the Finvest Hub seeks to support developing countries, aligning with ICAO's long-term strategic plan to double aviation by 2050, particularly in underserved regions.