Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
Star Air Plans 40-Aircraft Embraer Order to Expand Fleet by 2030
Star Air targets fleet growth from 11 to 50 aircraft by 2030 with a potential order of 40 Embraer jets backed by new investors and UDAN scheme support.
Star Air, the aviation arm of the Sanjay Ghodawat Group (SGG), is reportedly in the advanced planning stages of a significant fleet expansion that could reshape regional connectivity across India. According to recent industry reports, the airline is eyeing a new order for approximately 40 Embraer aircraft. This strategic move is designed to propel the carrier from a niche regional player to a substantial national connector, targeting a fleet size of roughly 50 aircraft by the year 2030.
This ambitious growth trajectory marks a pivotal shift for the airline, which currently operates a modest fleet of 11 aircraft. The expansion plan is not merely aspirational; it is supported by concrete financial developments. For the first time in its history, Star Air has sought and secured external capital, validating its business model to the broader investment community. This influx of funds is expected to fuel the acquisition of new assets and the development of supporting infrastructure.
The timing of this potential order aligns with the broader maturation of the Indian aviation market, particularly in the regional sector. By focusing on Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities often bypassed by larger carriers, Star Air has carved out a profitable niche. We observe that this expansion is heavily influenced by the government’s UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, which incentivizes connectivity to underserved airports, providing a stable foundation for the airline’s aggressive growth strategy.
To support this massive scaling of operations, Star Air successfully raised ₹150 crore (approximately $18 million) in November 2025. This capital injection represents the first tranche of a planned ₹350 crore Series B funding round. Notably, this round attracted marquee investors, including Micro Labs Limited, a pharmaceutical major, and Deepak Agarwal, the promoter of Bikaji Foods. Prior to this, the airline was fully funded by its parent company, the Sanjay Ghodawat Group. The transition to external funding indicates a maturing corporate structure and high investor confidence in the airline’s operational efficiency.
The capital raised is earmarked for specific strategic pillars: fleet expansion through deposits and leases, the broadening of the route network, and the establishment of in-house MRO capabilities. Developing internal MRO facilities is a critical step for any growing airline, as it significantly reduces long-term operational costs and ensures higher aircraft availability. This vertical integration suggests that Star Air is planning for sustainable, long-term operations rather than short-term market capture.
Regarding the hardware, the potential order for 40 aircraft is expected to be finalized or placed in 2026, with deliveries staggered to meet the 2030 target. Industry analysis suggests the order will likely include more Embraer E175 jets, which the airline currently operates with success. Furthermore, there is strong speculation regarding the inclusion of the newer Embraer E190-E2 or E195-E2 jets. Embraer has been aggressively pitching these “Profit Hunter” E2 series aircraft to Indian carriers, citing their fuel efficiency and lower seat costs as ideal solutions for the price-sensitive regional market.
“This fundraise brings us closer to our vision of building a comprehensive aviation platform spanning airline operations, NSOP services, MRO facilities, cargo, and aviation training.”, Shrenik Ghodawat, Managing Director, Sanjay Ghodawat Group
Star Air’s operational philosophy differs significantly from the dominant low-cost carriers in India, such as IndiGo or the Air India group. While major carriers focus on high-volume trunk routes connecting metropolitan hubs like Delhi and Mumbai, Star Air targets “thin” routes. These are connections between smaller cities, such as Hubballi, Kishangarh, Jamnagar, and Kolhapur, and major metros. By utilizing aircraft with 50 to 76 seats, the airline can achieve break-even load factors with fewer passengers, a feat that is mathematically impossible for competitors flying 180-seat Airbus A320s or Boeing 737s on the same routes.
The backbone of this strategy is the government’s UDAN scheme, which provides viability gap funding and route exclusivity for a fixed period. This subsidy structure mitigates the financial risk of opening new routes and protects the airline from immediate competition. While other regional carriers like TruJet and Air Costa have struggled or ceased operations, Star Air has maintained profitability by adhering to a disciplined cost structure and matching capacity strictly to demand. The decision to stick with Embraer aircraft further consolidates this advantage, as these jets are capable of landing on the shorter runways common in smaller Indian towns, opening up destinations inaccessible to larger narrow-body jets. However, this rapid expansion is not without challenges. The global aviation industry is currently grappling with severe Supply-Chain constraints, particularly regarding engine parts and aircraft deliveries. If Star Air opts for the E2 series, they will need to navigate the availability of Pratt & Whitney engines, which have faced global scrutiny for supply delays. Additionally, tripling the fleet size necessitates a massive recruitment drive. Finding and training skilled pilots and technicians to man 50 aircraft by 2030 will be a logistical hurdle in a market already facing a shortage of qualified aviation personnel.
“As we progress toward our 50-aircraft goal by 2030, our focus remains on maintaining operational excellence, safety, and delivering a seamless experience for our customers.”, Captain Simran Singh Tiwana, CEO, Star Air
Star Air’s move to acquire approximately 40 new Embraer aircraft signals a vote of confidence in the future of India’s regional aviation sector. By securing external funding and committing to a specific fleet type that matches the unique demands of Tier-2 and Tier-3 connectivity, the airline is positioning itself as a critical link in the national transport grid. If successful, this expansion will not only quadruple the airline’s capacity but also enhance economic mobility for smaller Indian cities.
Looking ahead, the execution of this order and the subsequent integration of new aircraft will be the true test of the airline’s management. Balancing rapid growth with operational reliability, while navigating global supply chain volatilities, will determine if Star Air can transition from a successful niche player to a major national airline. As the order is expected to be finalized in 2026, the industry will be watching closely to see how this ambitious roadmap unfolds.
Question: How many aircraft does Star Air plan to order? Question: Who are the new investors in Star Air? Question: What aircraft types does Star Air currently operate?
Star Air Eyes Major Fleet Expansion with Potential 40-Aircraft Embraer Order
Strategic Capital and Fleet Composition
The Regional Advantage and Operational Model
Concluding Section
FAQ
Answer: Star Air is in the planning stages for an order of approximately 40 Embraer aircraft to reach a target fleet size of 50 by 2030.
Answer: In its recent Series B funding round, Star Air raised capital from investors including Micro Labs Limited and Deepak Agarwal, the promoter of Bikaji Foods.
Answer: As of late 2025, Star Air operates a fleet of 11 aircraft, consisting of Embraer ERJ-145s and Embraer E175s.
Sources
Photo Credit: Star Air
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
EgyptAir Receives First Airbus A350-900 to Modernize Fleet
EgyptAir accepts its first Airbus A350-900, starting a fleet overhaul with 16 aircraft to expand long-haul routes and improve efficiency.
This article is based on an official press release from Airbus and additional fleet data.
EgyptAir has officially taken delivery of its first Airbus A350-900, registered as SU-GGE, marking a significant milestone in the carrier’s modernization strategy. The handover, which took place on February 9, 2026, positions the Cairo-based airline as the first operator of the A350-900 in North Africa.
According to an official press release from Airbus, this aircraft is the first of 16 A350-900s ordered by the Egyptian flag carrier. The delivery underscores EgyptAir’s commitment to phasing out older wide-body jets while expanding its long-haul network capabilities to new destinations in North America and Asia.
The arrival of the A350-900 represents a pivotal shift in EgyptAir’s long-haul operations. The airline originally signed for 10 aircraft during the Dubai Airshow in November 2023, later expanding the commitment with a top-up order for six additional units. These new airframes are intended to replace the carrier’s aging Boeing 777-300ER fleet, offering improved operating economics and passenger comfort.
In a statement regarding the initial order, Yehia Zakaria, EgyptAir Holding Chairman and CEO, highlighted the flagship status of the new type:
“The A350-900 will be our flagship aircraft… adding the world’s most modern and efficient widebody aircraft to our fleet will be instrumental in expanding our offering.”
Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer at Airbus, noted the economic advantages the aircraft brings to the airline’s network:
“The A350 is the one and only aircraft enabling EgyptAir to open up its network with benchmark economic efficiency, not to mention passenger comfort.”
EgyptAir has outlined a phased entry-into-service plan for the new fleet. Initially, the aircraft will be deployed on trunk routes to London and Paris to facilitate crew familiarization. Following this integration period, the airline plans to leverage the A350’s 9,700 nautical mile range to launch non-stop services to the U.S. West Coast and key Asian markets, including Shanghai, Beijing, and Tokyo.
The new A350-900 features a two-class configuration designed to maximize capacity while introducing updated premium amenities. According to fleet data, the aircraft accommodates a total of 340 passengers. Technological upgrades are a focal point of the new cabin. The aircraft is equipped with Panasonic Avionics’ Astrova in-flight entertainment system, providing 4K OLED screens and high-fidelity audio. Additionally, passengers across all classes will have access to USB-C fast charging ports and high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity.
The transition to the A350-900 aligns with broader industry sustainability goals. Powered by two Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, the aircraft is reported to burn 25% less fuel compared to the previous generation aircraft it replaces. This efficiency gain corresponds to a 25% reduction in CO2 emissions.
Furthermore, the A350 is recognized as the quietest aircraft in its class, possessing a noise footprint 50% smaller than older jets, a critical factor for operations at noise-sensitive airports in Europe and North America.
EgyptAir’s delivery secures its position as the sole active operator of the A350-900 in the North African region, a status solidified by the shifting strategies of its neighbors. While other carriers in the region had previously expressed interest in the type, market dynamics have led to cancellations and delays.
For instance, Air Algérie cancelled its order for A350-1000s in early 2025, opting instead for Airbus A330-900neos. Similarly, Tunisair cancelled its A350 commitments in 2013. Other regional orders, such as those from Libyan carriers Afriqiyah Airways and Libyan Airlines, remain stalled due to long-standing instability. Consequently, EgyptAir currently faces no direct regional competition operating this specific airframe, potentially offering it a product advantage on competitive routes connecting Africa to Europe and the Americas.
Sources:
EgyptAir Accepts Delivery of First Airbus A350-900, Initiating Major Fleet Overhaul
Fleet Modernization and Strategic Expansion
Operational Deployment
Cabin Configuration and Passenger Experience
Environmental Performance
AirPro News Analysis: Regional Market Context
Airbus Press Release
Photo Credit: Airbus
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
India to Purchase $80B Boeing Aircraft in $500B US Trade Deal
India plans to buy up to $80 billion in Boeing aircraft within a $500 billion trade pact with the US, including tariff reductions and energy diversification.
This article summarizes reporting by CNBC and Priyanka Salve, alongside official government statements and AirPro News analysis.
In a landmark development for global aviation and trade, India has announced plans to purchase up to $80 billion in Boeing aircraft as part of a broader strategic partnership with the United States. According to reporting by CNBC, India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, confirmed that New Delhi expects to sign a formal trade deal with the U.S. in March 2026.
The aviation commitment is the centerpiece of a massive $500 billion trade pact intended to span the next five years. While the headline figure for Boeing jets stands between $70 billion and $80 billion, officials indicate that the total value of the aviation sector deal, including engines, MRO services, could exceed $100 billion.
This agreement signals a profound shift in India’s geopolitical and economic strategy, trading market access and energy realignment for relief from punitive U.S. tariffs.
The scale of the reported aircraft purchase underscores India’s position as the fastest-growing aviation market in the world. According to details shared by Minister Goyal and summarized by CNBC, the deal allocates a specific $70–$80 billion tranche for Boeing airframes.
Industry observers note that this figure likely aggregates the value of deliveries from existing record-breaking orders alongside new commitments. Air India, owned by the Tata Group, placed a historic order in 2023 for 470 aircraft (split between Boeing and Airbus) and finalized an additional order for 30 Boeing 737 MAX jets in January 2026. Similarly, Akasa Air holds a substantial order book extending through 2032.
Boeing executives have previously confirmed plans to deliver approximately two aircraft per month to Indian carriers to meet surging travel demand. The inclusion of engines and aftermarket services pushes the total aviation package over the $100 billion mark, cementing the U.S. aerospace giant’s foothold in South Asia.
Contextualizing the Order Book: While the $80 billion figure is staggering, we believe it is crucial to interpret this as a “delivery value” commitment over the five-year pact rather than solely a new purchase agreement for unannounced jets. At current list prices (after standard discounts), $80 billion represents roughly 600 to 800 narrowbody jets or a significant mix of widebodies. Given Boeing’s current backlog constraints, fulfilling $80 billion in entirely new orders within five years would be logistically improbable. It is more likely that the Indian government is guaranteeing the execution and payment of the massive backlogs already held by Air India, Akasa, and potentially SpiceJet, framing these commercial milestones as diplomatic victories. Beyond aviation, the trade deal outlines a reciprocal reduction in trade barriers. The United States has agreed to slash tariffs on Indian imports from 50% to 18%, a move expected to boost Indian exporters. In exchange, India has committed to purchasing $500 billion in American goods and services over five years.
A critical component of the negotiations involves India’s energy procurement. Following the invasion of Ukraine, India became a primary consumer of discounted Russian crude. However, the new trade framework reportedly includes provisions for India to shift away from Russian energy.
U.S. President Donald Trump explicitly claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed to stop buying Russian oil. However, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has maintained a more nuanced public stance. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that energy security remains the nation’s “supreme priority,” noting that India would diversify based on commercial viability. This includes potential resumption of imports from Venezuela and increased purchases from the United States.
“Energy security is the supreme priority [for India’s 1.4 billion citizens].”
— Randhir Jaiswal, MEA Spokesperson (via press briefing)
The trade deal has triggered sharp criticism within India. The opposition Congress party has characterized the agreement as a surrender of sovereignty, particularly regarding the pressure to alter energy partners and lower agricultural tariffs.
Opposition leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Jairam Ramesh have voiced concerns that the influx of U.S. agricultural products could harm local farmers, warning of potential protests similar to those seen in 2021. Minister Goyal has defended the pact, asserting that it protects sensitive sectors like dairy and agriculture while securing essential technology and energy partnerships.
When will the deal be signed? Is the $80 billion for new planes only? What does the U.S. offer in return? Will India stop buying Russian oil?
Breakdown of the $100 Billion Aviation Commitment
Commercial Implications
AirPro News Analysis
The Broader Strategic Trade Pact
The “Russian Oil” Pivot
Domestic Opposition and Political Fallout
Frequently Asked Questions
According to Minister Piyush Goyal, the formal trade agreement is scheduled to be signed in March 2026, following a joint statement expected in early February.
The figure likely represents a mix of new commitments and the value of deliveries from existing massive orders (like Air India’s 2023 deal) scheduled for the next five years.
The U.S. has agreed to reduce tariffs on Indian goods from 50% to 18%, significantly improving market access for Indian exporters.
While the U.S. President claims an agreement is in place, Indian officials state they are diversifying energy sources based on commercial viability and security, without explicitly confirming a total ban.
Sources
Photo Credit: Daily Shipping Times
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
CDB Aviation Delivers Three Boeing 737-8 Jets to WestJet in 2026
CDB Aviation delivers three Boeing 737-8 aircraft to WestJet, increasing leased jets to 13 and supporting fleet growth for summer 2026.
This article is based on an official press release from CDB Aviation.
On February 5, 2026, CDB Aviation announced the successful delivery of three Boeing 737-8 aircraft to WestJet. According to the official press release from the Irish subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co., Ltd., these deliveries mark the completion of a lease agreement originally announced in January 2024. The addition of these aircraft brings the total number of CDB Aviation-leased jets in the WestJet fleet to 13, reinforcing a strategic partnership that began in 2020.
The newly delivered aircraft are part of WestJet’s broader strategy to modernize its fleet and expand its network capacity for the 2026 summer schedule. By securing these airframes directly from CDB Aviation’s existing order book, WestJet has bypassed some of the manufacturing delays currently affecting the global aviation supply-chain. The airline continues to hold the largest narrowbody order book of any Canadian carrier.
The three Boeing 737-8s (commonly referred to as the MAX 8) were delivered on February 5, 2026. These aircraft were leased directly from CDB Aviation’s order book with Boeing, a mechanism that allows airlines to access capacity more quickly than through direct manufacturer orders in a constrained market.
According to data associated with the delivery, WestJet’s 737-8 fleet is typically configured to seat 174 passengers, split between 12 Premium seats and 162 Economy seats. The aircraft are equipped with satellite-supported Wi-Fi and in-seat power, aligning with the carrier’s focus on passenger connectivity. The 737-8 is powered by CFM LEAP-1B engines, which deliver approximately 15% greater fuel efficiency and a 40% reduction in noise footprint compared to the previous generation 737-800NG.
Both companies highlighted the strength of their ongoing relationship. Luís da Silva, Head of Commercial, Americas at CDB Aviation, emphasized the history between the two entities in a statement included in the release:
“We’ve built a strong partnership with the WestJet team since the inaugural transaction between our companies in 2020. To date, we have financed and leased a total of 13 737-8 aircraft which support this strong and growing Canadian airline.”
Jennifer Bue, Senior Vice President and Treasurer at WestJet, also commented on the significance of the delivery for the airline’s growth trajectory:
“CDB Aviation is a valued partner of WestJet. The relationship enables WestJet to continue our momentum driving our growth strategy.”
This delivery comes at a critical time for WestJet as the airline approaches a total fleet size of nearly 200 aircraft, including its subsidiaries. The additional capacity is slated to support an aggressive network expansion, including new international connections such as Toronto to Medellín, Colombia, and increased frequencies to sun destinations. The Role of Lessors in a Constrained Supply Chain
The delivery of these three aircraft highlights a vital trend in the 2026 aviation market: the increasing reliance on lessors to bridge the gap caused by OEM production delays. While manufacturers work to clear backlogs, lessors like CDB Aviation, who hold significant positions in the delivery queue, are becoming essential partners for airlines needing immediate lift. For WestJet, leasing directly from CDB’s order book allows them to circumvent the long wait times associated with direct orders, ensuring they can capitalize on the projected travel demand for the summer 2026 season. This transaction underscores that in the current climate, access to delivery slots is just as valuable as capital.
How many aircraft does CDB Aviation lease to WestJet? What is the primary benefit of the Boeing 737-8 for WestJet? When was this deal originally agreed upon?
CDB Aviation Delivers Three Boeing 737-8 Aircraft to WestJet
Transaction Details and Fleet Configuration
Aircraft Specifications
Executive Commentary
Strategic Implications for 2026
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
With the delivery of these three aircraft on February 5, 2026, CDB Aviation now leases a total of 13 Boeing 737-8 aircraft to WestJet.
The 737-8 offers significantly improved fuel efficiency (approximately 15% better than the 737NG) and a longer range (approx. 3,550 nm), allowing WestJet to operate routes like Western Canada to Europe or Toronto to South America more economically.
The lease agreement for these specific aircraft was originally announced on January 23, 2024.
Sources
Photo Credit: CDB Aviation
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