21 Feb 2025
#4 Feb 2025: India Aviation Newsletter
Air India and Virgin Australia Announce Codeshare Partnership
Air India and Virgin Australia have launched a new codeshare partnership aimed at enhancing travel connectivity between India and Australia. Under the unilateral agreement, Air India will place its ‘AI’ code on flights operated by Virgin Australia, allowing seamless onward connections from Delhi to Melbourne and Sydney and from there to 16 additional destinations across Australia and New Zealand. Air India’s Chief Commercial Officer, Nipun Aggarwal, highlighted the significance of this partnership in providing easier access for the Indian diaspora and expanding travel options for holidaymakers eager to explore attractions like the Gold Coast, Tasmania, and the Great Barrier Reef.
Boeing and HPCL Partner to Advance Sustainable Aviation Fuel in India
Boeing and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (HPCL) have announced a partnership to advance the production and adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in India. The collaboration aims to scale SAF production, support the certification of domestically produced SAF, and advocate for policy frameworks to develop a strong SAF ecosystem. The partnership also focuses on implementing sustainability standards across the supply chain, initiating training programmes, and sharing best practices. According to Salil Gupte, President of Boeing India and South Asia, SAF is a crucial component in achieving decarbonisation goals within the aviation sector.
IndiGo Connects Kishangarh and Ahmedabad
IndiGo has announced the launch of a new direct flight route connecting Kishangarh and Ahmedabad, beginning on 1st March 2025. This new route marks IndiGo’s 91st domestic and 129th overall destination. The airline continues to expand its footprint in Rajasthan, with Kishangarh becoming its sixth destination in the state, following Jaisalmer, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, and Bikaner. Known as the ‘Marble City of India’ due to its prominent marble market, Kishangarh offers new travel opportunities for business and leisure travellers alike. Vinay Malhotra, IndiGo’s Head of Global Sales, emphasised the airline’s commitment to strengthening regional connectivity and boosting tourism in Rajasthan.
Acumen’s Take
On Air India and Virgin Australia’s Codeshare Partnership:
This partnership is a strategic move that enhances international connectivity while offering significant growth opportunities for fleet expansion and route optimisation. For lessors and investors, such collaborations indicate the increasing demand for cross-border travel solutions. Acumen’s asset management expertise can support stakeholders in structuring mutually beneficial leasing agreements and optimising fleet deployment for international routes.
On Boeing and HPCL’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel Initiative:
The partnership between Boeing and HPCL underscores the aviation industry’s growing focus on sustainability and the transition towards greener energy sources. As SAF becomes a pivotal component of decarbonisation strategies, investors and airlines need to adapt their operational models. Acumen’s consultancy services provide guidance on integrating sustainable solutions into fleet strategies while ensuring regulatory compliance and long-term profitability.
On IndiGo’s New Route Connecting Kishangarh and Ahmedabad:
IndiGo’s continued network expansion reflects the growing importance of regional connectivity within India’s domestic aviation landscape. Such developments offer opportunities for fleet optimisation and new market entry for lessors and financiers. Acumen’s advisory services can assist stakeholders in identifying profitable regional routes and supporting efficient aircraft deployment to maximise operational returns.
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