Aviation Source
• Len Varley
Air India is introducing its new Boeing 787-9 cabin on Delhi–Toronto flights, adding Mumbai–Toronto service and 4,400 monthly Canada seats while accelerating 787-8 retrofits through Shanghai MRO. Separately, United will deploy its 222-seat “Elevated” 787-9 on Houston long-haul routes from October 2026.
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Air India is introducing its new Boeing 787-9 cabin on Delhi–Toronto flights, adding Mumbai–Toronto service and 4,400 monthly Canada seats while accelerating 787-8 retrofits through Shanghai MRO. Separately, United will deploy its 222-seat “Elevated” 787-9 on Houston long-haul routes from October 2026.
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Air India, Japan’s SkyDrive and Suzuki Motor Corporation signed an MoU to assess eVTOL aircraft for time-critical medical logistics in India, including air ambulance applications in congested cities. Separately, SASMOS HET Technologies and The ePlane Company agreed to support EWIS development for the e200X eVTOL.
IndiGo Managing Director Rahul Bhatia said the airline expects to wait until around 2030 before making its next major aircraft purchase, giving it time to assess next-generation aircraft technologies. Bhatia also defended IndiGo’s 66% domestic market share and outlined the carrier’s growing role in India’s international tourism strategy.
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Air India has begun phased Boeing 787 modifications following an FAA airworthiness directive concerning a door issue, while the FAA proposes seat inspections on select 737 MAX variants. Separately, EASA is seeking broader ultrasonic fan-blade inspections for CFM56-7B engines powering the global 737NG fleet.
The UK parliament has been informed that an investigation into the Air India Boeing 787 crash remains active, with thrust-control analysis continuing after the accident. The minister also said tests conducted in Seattle found no anomalies in the fuel switch, while formal progress continues to be reviewed.
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Singapore Airlines reported a S$76 million quarterly loss despite record revenue as jet-fuel costs jumped and Air India’s continued restructuring drag deepened group losses. Separately, Tata flagged Air India’s transformation timeline slipping amid “external headwinds,” while SIA also pushed back key premium-cabin rollout on the A350-900 to 2027.
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India is advancing a hub-and-spoke international network proposal covering 44 airports, including four major hubs. In parallel, Air India is rolling out hub feeder connectivity from Amritsar via “Easy Connect” and is restoring Delhi–Toronto nonstops from Aug. 1, 2026 by eliminating the Vienna fuel stop. ATR also argues regional turboprop aviation can strengthen archipelago connectivity across Indonesia.
The head of India’s largest conglomerate that owns Air India said rebuilding the struggling flag carrier could take about a decade. The overhaul is expected to cover both fleet changes and improvements to passenger service quality as part of a broad turnaround effort.
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