Air India is the first and only Indian carrier, and among a few in Asia, to have achieved this global standard for excellence in handling, storage, and transportation of time and temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical shipments.

The GDP certification validates Air India’s compliance with international guidelines for the safe and secure distribution of pharmaceuticals. In the financial year 2024-25, Air India transported over 4,000 tonnes of pharmaceuticals across the globe.

“India is one of the world’s key exporters of pharmaceutical products, demanding specialised logistics and precision for their transportation to other parts of the world. This certification provides a shot in the arm to our expertise and capabilities in this specialised space of logistics, assuring partners globally that we are fully equipped to safeguard the integrity of every shipment,” said Ramesh Mamidala, Head of Cargo, Air India.

In its domestic route network, Air India’s GDP-certified stations include major cargo hubs in Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Indore, and Goa. Internationally, the certificate covers major gateways like New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Chicago, London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Paris, and Amsterdam - ensuring seamless connectivity for pharmaceutical shipments both within India and globally.

Turbulence Aware collates anonymised data about turbulence from flights operated by participating airlines. This real-time, accurate reporting in turn helps pilots and flight dispatchers minimise the effects of turbulence and plot the smoothest and most efficient flight paths.

Etihad will deploy the platform across its entire fleet of almost 100 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, which will automatically share reports with IATA’s programme.

The industry-wide programme will benefit from Etihad’s vast and growing network, which will provide broader flight data coverage, both in the region and across the five continents where Etihad flies. The quality of the data continues to improve as more airlines join the programme.

Captain Majed Al Marzouqi, interim chief operations and guest officer at Etihad Airways, said: “As part of our commitment to safety, we are pleased to join IATA’s Turbulence Aware programme and leverage our extensive network and fleet to support the industry in effectively managing turbulence. With real-time, accurate data, pilots can effectively navigate turbulence resulting in smoother journeys.”

Kamil Al-Awadhi, IATA regional vice-president, Africa and Middle East, said: "Access to accurate and timely turbulence data is essential for enhancing flight safety and passenger comfort. We welcome Etihad Airways’ participation in Turbulence Aware, which strengthens the industry’s ability to mitigate the impact of turbulence in real time. Their contribution will further improve global coverage, ensuring flight crews have the information they need to make safer and more efficient operational decisions."

The Saudi Arabian low-cost carrier, which was launched by the kingdom’s flag carrier Saudia in 2017, is scheduled to take delivery of its first A330-900neo in July 2027 with all 10 arriving within three years, said Flyadeal CEO Steven Greenway.

“This is a real endorsement from the board, the Saudia Group and the country,” Flyadeal CEO Steven Greenway told Arabian Aerospace, speaking in advance of the A330neo order ceremony in Toulouse.

Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, said: “This deal marks a pivotal milestone in our ambitious strategy to modernise and expand our fleet. It builds on last year’s historic deal with Airbus for 105 aircraft. This step aligns with our national strategies under Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to connect 250 destinations and facilitate the travel of over 330 million travellers and 150 million tourists by 2030.”

The exact interior lay-out is being finalised but the A330neos will be configured with 420-440 seats in a two-class cabin with 14-21 seats in a premium economy cabin.

The Jeddah-based airline began services with a domestic network and began branching out into international services in 2021.

Greenway acknowledged that Flyadeal’s move into widebody operations is “pushing the envelope with the LCC model”.

“The difference with the Saudi market is you have a huge amount of labour and pilgrimage traffic coming into the kingdom that a lot of other countries don't enjoy. It is high volume, low yield traffic, and we know that if we get our unit costs right, we can have a piece of that pie.”

Flyadeal has been tapping into this market for the past three years using wet-leased Airbus A330s and Boeing 777s conducting seasonal charter services bringing travellers into Saudi Arabia for Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages.

The unique traffic patterns of the Saudi market plus the airline’s familiarity with widebody operations means Flyadeal has already partly mitigated the risks of going for the A330neo fleet, believed Greenway.

The airline’s fleet studies looked at the options of taking used 777s from parent Saudia and refurbishing them and ordering new 787s from Boeing in addition to the A330neo.

The fleet commonality and earlier availability of the A330neo sealed the deal and the type will operate on a network from Saudi Arabia to Europe, South and Southeast Asia without payload restrictions.

The A330neo is exclusively powered by the latest generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines and can fly 7,200 nm / 13,300 km non-stop.

At the end of March 2025, the A330 family had won over 1,800 firm orders from more than 130 customers worldwide.

By 2029, Flyadeal will be operating a fleet of 98 aircraft including its new A330neos along with 88 A320neos and A321neos. Its first of 39 A321neos will begin arriving in 2026, said Greenway.

Embraer delivered 30 aircraft in 1Q25. The result was 20% higher than in the first quarter of last year (1Q24), when 25 aircraft were delivered. 1Q25 deliveries corresponded to 13% of the midpoint (231 aircraft) of the company's full year guidance (between 222 and 240 in 2025) for the combined Executive and Commercial Aviation business units versus an 11% 5-year historical average for the period.

In February, the Phenom 300 series was again recognised as the world's best-selling and most delivered light jet for the 13th consecutive year, according to the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA). In the same announcement, the institution confirmed the light jet as the most delivered twin-engine jet for the fifth year in a row in 2024.

In Services & Support, Embraer said the backlog remained stable at US$4.6 billion in 1Q25, with the company reporting Airlink, Southern Africa’s premier carrier, was the highlight of the period with a spare parts inventory support agreement covering its all-Embraer 68 aircraft fleet. The airline will become the first African customer for the customised Embraer Collaborative Inventory Planning (ECIP) management system, which will optimise inventory levels and reduce operational costs for its fleet.

The airline said at the heart of the transformation is its fleet modernisation, driven by the introduction of the new generation widebody aircrafts that embody the airline’s commitment to safety, operational efficiency, and environmental responsibility.

This year, Royal Air Maroc Cargo is focused on extending its footprint across Africa while targeting emerging opportunities in Asia and the Americas. With a global network of 82 destinations—including key hubs in the United States, Canada, Brazil, Europe, and the Middle East—the airline is uniquely positioned to connect high-growth markets with efficiency and agility.

The PAX widebody fleet play a pivotal role in this strategy, offering a larger network and increased range, fuel efficiency, and cargo capacity. These next-generation aircraft not only enhance Royal Air Maroc’s long-haul capabilities but also align with the airline’s vision for a lower-carbon, sustainable future. Alongside 30 narrowbodies and a dedicated B767 freighter, the widebody fleet strengthens the carrier’s ability to move both bulk and palletised cargo with exceptional flexibility.

“Our vision is to expand Royal Air Maroc Cargo’s global network, connect emerging and established markets, and strengthen Morocco’s position as a trade and logistics hub,” said Yassine Berrada, Vice-President Cargo at Royal Air Maroc. “With the introduction of the new generation widebodies, we are not only increasing our operational capacity but also reducing our environmental impact—helping us build a future that is innovative, responsible, and customer-focused.”

Royal Air Maroc Cargo's Casablanca hub is equipped with a state-of-the-art cargo terminal offering 200,000 tons of annual capacity and specialised areas for sensitive shipments, including perishables, pharmaceuticals, and high-value goods.

The airline continues to elevate its customer service through partnerships with digital platforms like cargo.one and Cargo.AI, ensuring 24/7 access to booking, scheduling, and real-time availability. Future enhancements include real-time tracking, automated documentation, and seamless digital communications, offering clients a transparent and streamlined experience from start to finish.

Sustainability

In addition to operating a fuel-efficient fleet, the airline supports IATA’s Eco Hub initiatives, has implemented solar photovoltaic systems at its facilities, and adopted biodegradable wrapping to minimise waste. The airline also plays a critical humanitarian role, delivering medical supplies and vaccines across the continent in partnership with AIRLINK and other global first aid organisations.

Subject to regulatory approval, this will enable the carriers to further enhance existing service levels to customers and partners across the global air freight market.

The strategic collaboration will bring together the combined expertise and infrastructure of three leading players in the air cargo industry and is aimed at creating significant customer benefits.

A streamlined product offering, enhanced connectivity, faster transit times, and new routing opportunities across their combined extensive networks will deliver greater value and service flexibility to customers worldwide. In parallel, the parties are jointly working at developing industry-leading harmonised safety and security standards for their customers.

This ground-breaking trilateral partnership will significantly improve the accessibility and efficiency of air freight, enabling customers to expand their global air freight. By combining their resources, Qatar Airways Cargo, IAG Cargo and MASkargo plan to build a truly connected, more agile cargo network that will address the evolving needs of global trade and logistics.

Mark Drusch, chief officer cargo at Qatar Airways Cargo said: “Today marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to redefine the global air cargo landscape. This agreement will bring together three strong players to offer unparalleled service and global connectivity, reinforcing our commitment to customer satisfaction and operational excellence.”

David Shepherd, chief executive officer at IAG Cargo said: “This agreement is a testament to our history of bringing businesses together. With years of experience in forging successful collaborations, we understand the real value they bring. This joint business not only unlocks choice and opportunities for our customers but also enhances connectivity for the businesses and industries they serve, further strengthening the role air cargo plays in facilitating global trade.”

Mark Jason Thomas, chief executive officer at MASkargo said: "This strategic collaboration marks a pivotal moment for MASkargo and the air cargo industry. We are excited to partner with Qatar Airways Cargo and IAG Cargo to deliver a new era of value and innovation to our customers. By leveraging our combined strengths and expertise, we will provide enhanced service offerings, expanded global reach, and cutting-edge solutions that address the evolving needs of the global market, ensuring greater efficiency and connectivity for our partners and customers.”

The carriers expect to implement the agreement in the near future, subject to first obtaining the necessary regulatory clearances.

Starting 1 July 2025, the airline will fly direct between Muscat and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol four times per week. The new route was announced at a signing ceremony attended by Con Korfiatis, CEO of Oman Air, and Pieter van Oord, CEO of Royal Schiphol Group, during His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s state visit to the Netherlands last week.

“We’re proud to enter Amsterdam, marking our first direct connection to this vibrant city. As we continue to grow, we focus on destinations that not only align with our strategic goals but also offer long-term opportunities for tourism and business exchange. Europe is our second largest market in terms of revenue and Amsterdam represents a key hub in the region for business and leisure travel. Moreover, the growing economic ties with Oman make it an ideal addition to our expanding European network,” said Con Korfiatis.

Pieter van Oord added: “We are delighted to welcome Oman Air to Amsterdam and have a direct connection between Amsterdam and Muscat. This direct link marks a significant milestone in strengthening ties between our two countries and enhancing connectivity for travellers in both directions. I am convinced that both countries will benefit from this connection.”

Arik De, Etihad’s chief revenue and commercial officer, said: “At Etihad, we have long recognised the need to strengthen our presence in Africa. Over the past year, we have been focusing on a holistic approach that enhances our presence by expanding our fleet, increasing frequencies, and forming key partnerships.”

“We’re encouraged by the positive early results and are pleased to announce the expansion of our Nairobi service to 14 weekly flights, as well as the increase of our Seychelles service to six weekly flights in partnership with Air Seychelles. We’re also introducing daily 787 services to Casablanca and Johannesburg.” 

"Together with Air Seychelles and our groundbreaking relationship with Ethiopian Airlines, these strategic partnerships form a key foundation as we add four new direct routes to Africa from Abu Dhabi this year, underlining our growing commitment to service the dynamic continent."

IATA has called on governments and industry to remain focused on delivering the fundamental expectations of customers—safety and security, digitalisation and sustainability.

“Whether supporting global trade, enabling e-commerce, or delivering vital humanitarian aid, the value of air cargo has never been clearer. To meet customer expectations and navigate an increasingly complex environment, the air cargo industry must continuously strengthen safety and security, fast-track digitalisation, and deliver on its sustainability commitments,” said Brendan Sullivan, IATA’s Global Head of Cargo at the opening of the 18th World Cargo Symposium (WCS) in Dubai, UAE.

Safety: Zero Tolerance for Rogue Shippers

Safety is the top priority for air transport and in the case of air cargo the specific focus is on the safe transport of lithium batteries. IATA calls on government to step up efforts to stop rogue shippers and support ICAO’s work to strengthen Annex 18 of the Chicago Convention—the global framework for the safe transport of dangerous goods by air.

“Shipments of lithium batteries are growing in volume. With that come increased risks associated with undeclared or mis-declared goods. The industry has invested in training, certification, and technology. Governments must match that commitment with robust oversight and enforcement,” said Sullivan.

Security: The Need for Coordinated, Risk-Based Measures 

IATA reinforced calls to governments for a coordinated, risk-based approach to air cargo security following recent incidents involving incendiary devices concealed in shipments. While some states implemented new measures, the lack of alignment led to inconsistent outcomes. This situation reinforces the importance of harmonised responses based on global standards.

“Recent security incidents highlight the need for better coordination among governments. Aviation security cannot be built on fragmented or reactionary measures. Global standards and cooperation are essential,” said Sullivan.

IATA also renewed its call to states to fulfil their Annex 17 obligations by sharing timely and accurate threat intelligence to enable informed risk assessments and operational decisions.

“The industry is best placed to understand its operations and the associated safety and security risks. But governments have infinitely more resources, particularly in intelligence gathering. The best results come when governments and industry work together,” said Sullivan. 

Digitalisation: Accelerating Industry-Wide Adoption of ONE Record 

IATA reinforced the central role of ONE Record as the industry’s standard for end-to-end digital data exchange, supporting improved efficiency, compliance, and transparency. The industry’s goal is clear: by January 2026, ONE Record will become the preferred method of sharing data. To accelerate industry adoption IATA urged:

• Airlines and forwarders to move forward with implementation
• Governments to recognise ONE Record in regulatory data filing requirements
• Developers to build secure, open, and compatible digital platforms

“ONE Record is a foundational shift in how we share, manage, and trust data across the supply chain. Airlines representing 72% of global air waybill volume are on track to implement it. More than 100 IT providers and 10,000 freight forwarders are already aligned. To achieve full value, implementation must accelerate across all stakeholders, and governments must recognise ONE Record in their regulatory frameworks,” said Sullivan.

Sustainability: Commitment Strong, SAF Support Needed 

The air cargo industry continues to embed sustainability into its operations, with growing efforts to reduce waste, implement circular practices, and phase out single-use plastics. For example, IATA guidance to eliminate single-use plastics across the cargo supply chain is now reflected in operational standards.

Progress is also being made on the sector’s largest environmental challenge—reducing carbon emissions. Momentum around SAF is growing, with new agreements across the value chain and more companies committing to SAF use. 

However, SAF volumes remain far below what is needed, and production costs remain high. IATA urged governments to implement policy frameworks to scale up SAF production and reduce costs.

“We are committed to net zero carbon emissions by 2050. But the ramp-up of SAF—our strongest lever—has been disappointing. The major fuel producers have been slow-walking—or sidelining—planned investments in SAF. Aircraft manufacturers have backed off their commitments for medium-term delivery of CO2 saving products such as hydrogen-powered aircraft. And governments have not provided the policy support needed, even though they have a playbook at hand with how the wind and solar energy industries expanded. Instead, they send mixed signals by subsidising fossil fuel extraction while aiming for net zero. Airlines are committed and determined but we cannot do it alone. We need action behind the words of regulators, fuel suppliers and manufacturers,” said Sullivan.

Trade Tensions 

Amid growing trade tensions, IATA reinforced its position that trade drives prosperity, and that any measures undermining the free flow of goods ultimately hurt businesses, consumers, and economies.

“Current trade tensions are deeply concerning. Trade drives prosperity. The more the world trades, the better off we all are. So, whatever the resolution of current trade tensions is, we know that air cargo will be there to deliver the goods people need and want,” said Sullivan.

The deployment also marks the first direct and scheduled freighter connectivity between Narita and the Middle East, enabling faster and more flexible shipments.

Japan has a well-established and diverse manufacturing industry and has long been a priority market for Emirates SkyCargo, with a twice weekly freighter to Kansai International Airport (KIX). The soon-to-be-deployed freighter to Narita International Airport will boost available cargo capacity by 100 tonnes each way. Expected commodities include automobile and machinery parts, semi-conductor parts and sophisticated pharmaceuticals, transported swiftly, efficiently and reliably via the airline’s multi-vertical product portfolio.

Narita International Airport is the largest air- or seaport in Japan, in terms of value of cargo handled, and, with further investment allocated to the ‘New Narita Airport’ Development Plan, the airport is set to become the region’s foremost cargo hub by the end of the decade.

Badr Abbas, Emirates SkyCargo’s divisional senior vice president said: “Expanding our dedicated freighter network is a key priority on our 10-year strategic roadmap and now, as we start to receive our all-new Boeing 777 freighters, we are able to reach new markets with enhanced capacity.

“Demand for our world-class product and services has been steadily growing in Narita, particularly for pharmaceuticals and consumer electronics, transported in the bellyhold of our daily passenger flight, while large or oddly-shaped shipments such as machinery parts were diverted to KIX. The deployment of this freighter empowers us to better support our global customers with direct connectivity to and through Dubai, while growing our operations in Japan.”