Bell announces order of first Bell 407GXi in India with TransBharat Aviation
New Delhi, 28 May 2026: Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. company, today announced the order of the first Bell 407GXi helicopter in India to TransBharat Aviation Private Limited, one of India’s most established non-scheduled rotary-wing operators. Founded in 1990, TransBharat Aviation has been a trusted Bell customer for decades, operating a fleet that includes the iconic Bell 206B3 and the Bell 407. The acquisition of the Bell 407GXi will extend TransBharat’s legacy of innovation and operational excellence, equipping the company with cutting-edge technology to meet the evolving demands of high-altitude hill operations, utility surveys, and corporate transport throughout India. “The sale of the first Bell 407GXi in India reflects the confidence that operators like TransBharat Aviation place in Bell aircraft,” said David Sale, managing director, Asia Pacific, Bell. “This aircraft represents the ideal combination of advanced avionics, exceptional performance, and reliability for the diverse and challenging missions flown across India. We are honored to support TransBharat Aviation as they continue to set new benchmarks in the Indian aviation industry.” TransBharat Aviation’s Bell 407GXi will join a global fleet of more than 1,500 Bell 407s that have collectively logged over six million flight hours across utility, corporate, air medical, and public safety missions worldwide. “TransBharat Aviation has always been committed to delivering excellence in aviation, and the addition of the Bell 407GXi to our fleet is a reflection of that commitment,” said Siddharth Shankaran, CEO, TransBharat Aviation. “This aircraft not only enhances our operational capabilities but also strengthens our ability to serve communities right across India. We are excited to bring this state-of-the-art platform to the country and believe the 407GXi will be instrumental in connecting underserved communities, including through our participation in the UDAN regional connectivity scheme.” As one of the oldest non-scheduled operators in India, TransBharat Aviation has consistently demonstrated its dedication to maintaining the highest standards of safety, engineering, and operational integrity. With its investment in the Bell 407GXi, TransBharat Aviation continues to lead the way in sustaining flight and advancing the aviation industry in India.
Globe Air Cargo France strengthens All Nippon Airways and Nippon Cargo Airlines’ joint cargo presence in France
France, 27th May 2026: ECS Group’s Globe Air Cargo (GAC) France is working closely with All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Nippon Cargo Airlines (NCA), to promote and strengthen NCA’s position in the French market. As the two airlines join their networks together, GAC France acts as a single point of sale out of France, ensuring optimum load factors and digitally enhanced commercial processes. “GAC France is at the forefront of this historic cargo integration and will actively contribute towards optimising NCA’s capacity and network usage. Its objectives for the next 6–12 months are clear: strengthen NCA’s market position and share by increasing its visibility; and expanding and consolidating key accounts, focusing both on existing partners and targeting potential customers,” says Jean Ceccaldi, Chief Executive Officer of ECS Group. “What makes the partnership particularly interesting, is the group’s combination of freighters and passenger flights serving France. This integration of services means a broader offer for customers in terms of products, capacity, and destinations – and all from a single team interface.” “We are proud to support NCA in strengthening its presence in France. By combining GAC France’s local market expertise with NCA’s strong network and product offering, we can create new opportunities for our customers while delivering greater visibility, efficiency and added value across key verticals,” adds Franck Tordjman, Managing Director of Globe Air Cargo France. GAC France already has an established, centralised ANA Cargo team that proactively coordinates all operations and customer follow-ups. It places a dedicated focus on key accounts and specific verticals (such as aerospace, pharma, automotive, and high-tech). Through the integration of NCA’s customer segments, those verticals will also include oversize cargo, CAO and other high-value or specialised commodities. NCA’s Boeing 747-8F fleet operates 5 weekly flights from Paris – Charles de Gaulle (CDG) airport, via Amsterdam or Frankfurt to Japan (NRT/HND/OKA/KIX/NGO/FUK). Daily flights are available to Hong Kong (HKG) and Shanghai (PVG). Bangkok (BKK) is served three times per week, and flights to Singapore (SIN) and Taipei (TPE) are operated twice per week. “The larger the network and greater the product scope, the more important it is to ensure maximum process efficiency,” Jean Ceccaldi. “And that can only be achieved through digitalisation which is standard throughout ECS Group. From real-time capacity access though the booking platform, to immediate quote-to-booking functions, to optimum capacity usage thanks to SkyPallet, NCA will benefit from GAC France’s experience in combining innovation with in-depth market knowledge.”
Can Dedicated Medical Travel Corridors Be the Future of the Medical Tourism Industry?
By Rajeev Taneja, Founder, GlobalCare Health Medical tourism is rapidly evolving into a more connected, patient-centric healthcare ecosystem where continuity of care, coordinated support systems, and cross-border collaboration matter as much as clinical excellence itself. According to Future Market Insights, the global medical tourism market is projected to grow from USD 312.5 billion in 2026 to nearly USD 1000.2 billion by 2036, registering a CAGR of 12.3%. This rapid expansion is shifting the conversation from treatment access alone to how healthcare systems can build structured pathways that support patients throughout their entire medical journey. With a rapidly growing global medical tourism industry, the conversation is shifting from treatment access to treatments but more about how healthcare systems can create structured pathways for patients to follow during their entire medical process. This is where medical travel corridors are emerging as a significant concept in the global healthcare delivery system. These corridors function as structured healthcare partnerships between countries, hospitals, facilitators, insurers, and travel authorities. The aim is to simplify the patient journey through coordinated systems that support everything from medical visas and treatment planning to recovery and follow-up care. Instead of patients navigating fragmented systems independently, medical travel corridors create a more seamless and organised healthcare experience. Earlier, medical tourism focused on enabling patients to travel internationally for specialised procedures, lower treatment costs, or faster access to healthcare services. However, despite advancements in hospital infrastructure and medical expertise, the ecosystem has often remained fragmented. The patient often manages multiple service providers, visas, travel, accommodation, medical records and post-treatment follow-ups independently, an experience overwhelming for them both emotionally and logistically. The future will largely be determined by whether healthcare ecosystems can provide continuity of treatment as healthcare becomes seamless. Today, patients demand more from their experiences than merely being able to undergo surgical procedures or see specialists. They expect guidance, transparency, emotional reassurance, and coordinated support before, during, and post-treatment. This is particularly pertinent across high-growth medical tourism destinations, including India, South-east Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, as the cross-border healthcare demand remains. Markets are growing more interconnected, necessitating closer regional healthcare cooperation. Such developments encompass enhanced referral networks, synchronized hospital collaborations, patient support in different languages, telemedicine consultation, integrated patient health records and arranged post-treatment follow-ups. Technology is turning out to be one of the most effective tools in facilitating this process. Telemedicine platforms, virtual consultations, diagnosis through artificial intelligence, Tele-ICU support systems, and doctor-to-doctor collaboration networks aid health organizations in organizing treatment plans across borders effectively. Patients can now begin consultations, second opinion services, and follow-ups even after returning home without any break in communication. The increasing use of digital health care and medical tourism will drive it towards a more integrative and patient-centric healthcare ecosystem approach, rather than just focusing on one-off services to the tourists. The emphasis will now be on creating healthcare experiences for their patients before, during, and even after the procedures. This is due to the fact that there are some challenges in the field of healthcare that cannot be met by one healthcare institution alone. There will be a need for collaborations in the industry if its future is to be bright. Dedicated medical travel corridors can also play a significant role in improving trust and accessibility in healthcare. Faster medical visa processes, coordinated airport support, culturally sensitive patient services, and structured recovery planning can make international treatment far less intimidating for patients and families. This kind of collaboration is now very necessary, since there is nothing one entity can do to solve all the issues associated with global healthcare on their own. Future success in medical tourism will be dependent on strategic partnerships that ensure information sharing and coordinated patient care. The creation of medical travel corridors will be essential in building trust between different health care entities. Faster medical visas, assistance at airports, cultural competence among the staff handling the patients, and recovery plans will go a long way in making international medicine less frightening for the patients and their loved ones. Ultimately, the way forward for the field of medical tourism will depend on how effectively healthcare systems can create seamless, coordinated, and patient-centric care across borders. The development of medical travel corridors is the move towards such an integrated health-care environment.
Transport Corporation of India (TCI) Announces Strong Growth in Q4 FY2026 Financial Results
Gurugram, May 26, 2026: Transport Corporation of India Ltd. (TCI), India’s leading integrated multimodal logistics and supply chain solutions provider, today announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended March 31, 2026. Financial Highlights for Q4/FY2026: – Revenue: TCI reported a consolidated revenue of Rs.1336 Cr, marking a growth of 11.6% compared to ₹ 1197 Cr in the same period last year. – EBITDA: The Company’s Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) stood at Rs.174 Cr, a 7.4 % increase from Rs. 162 Cr in Q4/FY2025. – Profit after Tax (PAT): PAT rose by 8.7% to Rs. 125 Cr, compared to Rs. 115 Cr in the corresponding quarter of the previous year. Consolidated Standalone Management Commentary Vineet Agarwal, Managing Director, Transport Corporation of India Ltd. commented, “Q4 FY2026 reflected TCI’s steady execution and disciplined operations in a dynamic business environment. Our diversified portfolio, integrated multimodal capabilities and customer-led approach continued to strengthen our market position. TCI saw healthy traction across warehousing, multimodal movement and sector-specific logistics solutions, with our 3PL, cold chain and warehousing offerings serving customers across FMCG, consumer durables, renewables, e-commerce and quick commerce. Momentum across rail, road and coastal shipping, supported by continued investments in warehouses, hubs, trucks and rail car carriers, is strengthening our long-term capabilities, alongside our exploration of EV trucks to advance greener logistics. Looking ahead, we remain focused on leveraging our investments in technology, multimodal infrastructure, green logistics and strategic partnerships to create enduring value for our customers, communities and shareholders.
Avion Express Appoints Vytenis Suklys as Chief Executive Officer
Lithuania, 26th May 2026: Avion Express, global ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance) operator has appointed Vytenis Suklys as Chief Executive Officer, effective from 1st of June.Vytenis Suklys brings a strong background in both airline business and financial management. He previously served as Chief Financial Officer of Avion Express, giving him deep familiarity with the company’s operations and strategy. Beyond aviation, he has accumulated broad experience within large logistics business group. In his new role, he will focus on strengthening operational performance and driving the company’s continued growth across global markets. Suklys succeeds Darius Kajokas who led the company for more than eight years, overseeing a period of exceptional growth, international expansion, and operational excellence.“I am proud to take on the CEO role and fully embrace the challenge ahead. Avion Express has an exceptional team and a strong business model that I know well. The company is in great shape following its recent transformation, and I am excited to build on this foundation. My focus will be on continuing to grow the business, deepening our customer relationships, and expanding our international footprint. I look forward to working with our talented people to take Avion Express to its next level,” said Vytenis Suklys, Chief Executive Officer of Avion Express. Jonas Janukenas, CEO of Avia Solutions Group, added: “I am delighted to welcome Vytenis and trust his leadership. I would also like to thank Darius for his dedication and the strong foundation he leaves behind. As we look to the future, Avion Express remains a pivotal cornerstone of Avia Solutions Group’s global growth strategy. Under Vytenis’s leadership, we are confident the company will continue to expand its international footprint, capitalise on new market opportunities, and deliver leading services to our customers globally.” The appointment marks a significant milestone for Avion Express as the company concludes an optimisation process and scales its international presence. Its ACMI operations in Brazil, launched last year, are progressing on track, with further fleet expansion planned for Avion Express Brasil in 2026. The company’s leadership transition is a planned and carefully considered step, designed to align with this new strategic chapter. “Over the past eight years, I am proud to have contributed to the successful development and growth of Avion Express. I would like to thank the team for their professionalism and dedication to the company. I believe these qualities will serve as the foundation for the company’s continued growth and strengthening of its market position in the years ahead,” says Darius Kajokas. Avion Express currently provides ACMI services to major carriers including Eurowings, Transavia, and Air Algérie, and operates charter flights for tour operator Novaturas. The company continues to grow its international customer base as demand for flexible ACMI capacity expands across multiple regions. As part of Avia Solutions Group, the world’s largest ACMI provider, Avion Express plays a central role in delivering agile capacity solutions to airlines worldwide.
Saudia takes delivery of the first Airbus A321XLR in the Middle East and Africa
Toulouse: Sunday, May 25, 2026: Saudia, the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, takes delivery of its first Airbus A321XLR, becoming the first airline in the Middle East and Africa to take delivery of the extra long-range narrow-body aircraft. The milestone supports Saudia’s fleet growth program and reflects its continued investment in advanced aircraft models that enhance operational efficiency, guest experience, and sustainability performance. With a range of up to 8,700 kilometers and a flight duration of up to 9 hours, the A321XLR gives Saudia greater flexibility to operate longer international routes with the efficiency of a narrow-body aircraft. This capability enables Saudia to expand international connectivity more efficiently, aligning aircraft capacity to market demand while maintaining a high-quality onboard experience. The aircraft also marks the first delivery to feature core elements of “The New Saudia Experience”, Saudia’s new onboard offering focused on comfort, connectivity, entertainment, dining, and service consistency across the guest journey. The cabin is configured with 24 Business Class suites designed for privacy and comfort, alongside 120 Guest Class seats featuring enhanced seat design, 13-inch personal entertainment screens, and convenient charging ports to support a more comfortable guest journey. Further enhancing the onboard experience, the aircraft will be equipped with high-speed inflight connectivity designed to support browsing, live streaming, virtual meetings, and access to major entertainment platforms. Business Class guests will also benefit from Saudia’s in-flight chef service, offering a personalized dining experience with a selection of Saudi and international cuisine. His Excellency Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, said: “The delivery of the A321XLR reflects the momentum of Saudia’s ongoing transformation. As we continue to grow our fleet, our focus is not only on adding capacity, but on investing in aircraft, products, and capabilities that strengthen Saudia’s competitiveness and support the Kingdom’s aviation ambitions. The New Saudia Experience reflects this direction, bringing together enhanced onboard products, service quality, and operational efficiency to deliver a more distinctive journey for our guests.” Saudia Group’s fleet investments also carry wider industrial and economic value for the Kingdom. Through its recent deal with Airbus for 105 confirmed aircraft, the Group is supporting local content, creating opportunities for Saudi suppliers, and strengthening Saudi participation in global aviation supply chains. As part of the agreement, Airbus will continue working with suppliers in the Kingdom to support their qualification for global aviation supply chains, helping build national capabilities and generate long-term economic value beyond aircraft acquisition. Saudia is scheduled to add 15 Airbus A321XLR aircraft to its fleet by 2027, as part of its wider fleet growth program. The aircraft will support network growth across key travel segments, including tourism, business, major events, and pilgrim travel, contributing to Vision 2030 and the Saudi Aviation Strategy as the Kingdom prepares to host major global events in the years ahead, including the AFC Asian Cup 2027, Expo 2030, and the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
TIAT Mumbai Selected as Training Partner for IndiGo’s Cadet AME Programme
Thakur Institute of Aviation Technology, Mumbai, emerged as an official training partner for IndiGo’s cadet AME Programme Thakur Institute of Aviation Technology (TIAT), Mumbai, has been selected by IndiGo, India’s preferred airline, as an official training partner for its Cadet Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) Program, aimed at developing a future-ready aviation maintenance workforce. This strategic collaboration focuses on building a highly skilled, future-ready aviation maintenance workforce to support India’s rapidly expanding aviation industry.As India advances toward becoming one of the world’s largest aviation markets, the sharp increase in aircraft inductions and air traffic has created a pressing requirement for DGCA-licensed, technically competent Aircraft Maintenance Engineers. The Cadet AME Programme has been developed to address this industry need through a structured, airline-oriented training framework that prepares candidates for real-world maintenance operations. By combining TIAT Mumbai’s academic expertise with IndiGo’s operational scale, the program sets a new standard in technical aviation education. TIAT will deliver training through its modern infrastructure, advanced instructional systems, and experienced aviation professionals, ensuring that cadets gain both conceptual depth and strong practical orientation.The initiative aims not only to strengthen India’s long-term aircraft maintenance capability but also to provide aspiring engineers with a clearly defined and industry-aligned career pathway. Leadership Comments Mr. Parichay Datta, Senior Vice President – Engineering, IndiGo, added: “India has emerged as one of the world’s fastest‑growing aviation markets, with a scale and momentum that increasingly influence global aviation. IndiGo’s long‑term growth, complemented by a pipeline of about 900 aircraft scheduled for induction in the coming years, underscores the critical need for a future‑ready workforce. The partnership with TIAT, Mumbai, to introduce the Cadet AME Programme reflects a strategic investment in developing skilled maintenance professionals essential to IndiGo’s expansion and to the continued advancement of India’s aviation ecosystem.” Programme Overview and Selection Process Under this programme, TIAT, Mumbai will select 30 cadets from its 2026–27 academic cohort in the Category B1.1 (Aeroplanes Turbine) stream. The selection process will involve: • A comprehensive entrance examination and academic assessment conducted by TIAT • A final evaluation and personal interaction by IndiGo along with medical fitment clearance Selected cadets will undergo theoretical training and hands-on workshop instruction at TIAT’s training facilities. In addition, Actual Environment Training (AET) will be conducted at IndiGo facility enabling cadets to gain first hand exposure to airline maintenance practices. The curriculum will place strong emphasis on DGCA regulatory requirements, technical accuracy, safety standards, and applied understanding. Employment Pathway Upon successful completion of all DGCA-approved modules and examinations, and subject to fulfilling all stipulated criteria and vacancy, IndiGo will offer participating cadets employment as Junior Cadet AMEs . By seamlessly integrating structured academic learning with airline level operational exposure, the Cadet AME Programme aims to ensure a consistent supply of skilled Aircraft Maintenance Engineers, supporting the safety, reliability, and scalability of India’s fastest-growing aviation sector. Eligibility Criteria for IndiGo Cadet AME Programme 1: Nationality • The candidate must be an Indian national. 2. Educational Qualification • Minimum 10+2 (Higher Secondary) in the Science stream or equivalent • Minimum 60% aggregate in: :Physics :Chemistry :Mathematics 3. Language Proficiency • Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory. 4. Medical Fitness through CA form 19 • The candidate must be physically fit. • Colour blindness is not permitted. Contact Details: Mob: +91-8828888830 / +91-8451928651 Website: https://tiatmumbai.in/
Liebherr and Finnair sign Airbus A350 nose landing gear overhaul agreement
Germany,22nd May 2026: Liebherr-Aerospace has been selected by Finland’s flag carrier Finnair to perform the overhaul of the nose landing gear systems for Airbus A350 aircraft.Leveraging on its extensive experience as both theOriginal Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and a specialized center for maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) of landing gear systems, Liebherr-Aerospace’s facility in Lindenberg (Germany) will perform all overhaul activities inhouse. “The industry is moving now into the next global landing gear overhaul wave, entering a decisive planning phase for anticipating and securing future slots,” said Alex Vlielander, Chief Customer Officer at Liebherr-Aerospace & Transportation SAS. “We are delighted and grateful to Finnair for this agreement, which marks a significant step forward in our partnership and highlights the strong mutual trust between our companies. It further strengthens our role as a key support partner for Finnair’s A350 fleet.” The nose landing gear system for the Airbus A350 has been developed, manufactured and certified by OEM Liebherr-Aerospace Lindenberg GmbH, Liebherr’s center of competence for flight controls, landing gear systems, gears, gearboxes as well as electronics.
Air India debuts its first signature maharaja lounge at San Francisco
SFO, 22nd May 2026: Air India has opened the newest signature lounge at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), called ‘The Maharaja Lounge’. Officially opening its doors to guests on May 23, the launch of the new lounge marks yet another pivot in the ongoing transformation of the airline’s product and service, extending the “new Air India experience” to one of its key international gateways. Located near Gate A1 in the International Terminal at SFO, The Maharaja Lounge is spread over 3,300 sq. ft. and features luxurious, contemporary interiors that blend modern design sensibilities with elements rooted in Indian aesthetics. The lounge offers a seating capacity of 80 guests and is available to Air India’s First and Business Class guests, and Platinum and Gold members of the airline’s Maharaja Club loyalty program. It also features a dedicated zone reserved exclusively for Air India’s First Class guests. Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India, said: “The opening of the Maharaja Lounge at San Francisco builds on the recent launch of our flagship lounge at Delhi, marking the beginning of a new generation of signature lounges for Air India. North America has long been a key pillar of Air India’s network, and our continued investments reflect both, this commitment and our ambition to introduce a new standard of travel experiences in the region in time to come.” “As Air India continues to transform into a world-class global airline, we are focused on delivering a consistent, elevated experience across our network, blending modern luxury with the warmth and timeless appeal of Indian hospitality.” The spatial elegance of the lounge is defined by the following curated zones, each designed to uplift the interior landscape.