04 Apr 2025
#1 April 2025: India Aviation Newsletter
Air India Express & Willis Lease Finance Finalise Engine Sale & Leasebacks under ConstantThrust
Air India Express has signed a sale and leaseback agreement with Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC) for 26 CFM56-7B engines powering 13 Boeing 737-800 aircraft. These engines will be managed under WLFC’s ConstantThrust programme, providing enhanced reliability and cost predictability over traditional MRO solutions. This builds on the existing 2022 agreement between WLFC and Air India for 34 CFM56-5B engines on the A320 fleet. Both programmes will be partly managed by WLFC’s team in GIFT City, with CEO Aloke Singh praising the initiative for improving fleet reliability and optimising cash flow.
Air India Launches Centre of Digital Innovation (CODi) in Kochi
Air India has inaugurated its Centre of Digital Innovation (CODi) in Kochi, a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to advancing customer-facing digital solutions, AI, and data-driven technologies. Spanning nine floors, the facility includes innovative collaboration spaces like the ‘Bodhi Tree’, with each floor named after a historic Kerala kingdom. CODi will play a key role in Air India’s Vihaan.AI transformation programme, with Dr Satya Ramaswamy, Chief Digital & Technology Officer, stating the centre will elevate customer experience and internal digital capabilities.
IndiGo Launches Nonstop Flights from Mumbai to Seychelles
IndiGo has introduced direct flights between Mumbai and Seychelles, operating four times weekly, expanding its footprint to 39 international destinations. With over 1300 weekly departures from Mumbai alone, IndiGo’s growing network now connects to 130 destinations worldwide. Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales, noted that the route offers greater flexibility and access to Seychelles’ tourism while enhancing diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations.
Acumen’s Take
On Air India Express & WLFC’s ConstantThrust Agreement
This sale and leaseback deal highlights the increasing appeal of power-by-the-hour engine solutions in managing fleet maintenance and cost control. The expansion of the ConstantThrust programme shows strong performance and trust in WLFC’s engine asset management model, particularly for narrow-body operators in high-utilisation environments. Acumen sees this as a smart move for Air India Express as it continues to modernise and optimise its operating model.
On Air India’s New Digital Innovation Centre in Kochi
CODi represents a bold commitment to digital transformation at the core of Air India’s Vihaan.AI strategy. By creating a dedicated innovation hub, the airline is positioning itself to lead in data-driven decision-making, customer engagement, and operational efficiency. Acumen views this initiative as vital for elevating passenger experience and enabling next-gen airline operations in an increasingly digital aviation landscape.
On IndiGo’s Mumbai–Seychelles Service
The new Mumbai–Seychelles route underscores IndiGo’s focus on strategic leisure destinations that also strengthen bilateral travel corridors. As Indian outbound tourism surges, this service reflects IndiGo’s commitment to meeting customer demand with direct, hassle-free connectivity. Acumen recognises this move as part of IndiGo’s broader regional dominance strategy, balancing affordability with global reach.
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