This article summarizes reporting by Hindustan Times.

India Grants Approval to Two New Airlines: Al Hind Air and FlyExpress

The Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation has officially granted No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to two new airline startups, Al Hind Air and FlyExpress, according to reporting by the Hindustan Times. The approvals, issued in late December 2025, mark a significant step in the government’s effort to diversify the country’s aviation sector, which is currently dominated by a few major players.

These new entrants are expected to commence operations in 2026, joining Shankh Air, another startup carrier that received its initial approvals earlier in the year. As noted in the Hindustan Times report, the entry of these carriers comes at a time when the market is heavily consolidated, with IndiGo and the Air India Group controlling the vast majority of domestic traffic.

Profiles of the New Entrants

Based on the regulatory filings and industry profiles associated with the approvals, the two new airlines are adopting distinct strategies focused on regional connectivity rather than immediately challenging legacy carriers on trunk routes.

Al Hind Air

Al Hind Air is backed by the Alhind Group, a Kerala-based travel and tourism conglomerate with a reported turnover exceeding ₹20,000 crore. According to industry data, the airline will be based at Cochin International Airport (COK) and aims to serve as a regional commuter carrier.

The airline’s initial fleet strategy reportedly involves inducting 2–3 ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft. This choice of aircraft suggests a focus on Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities in South India, connecting Kochi with destinations such as Bengaluru, Thiruvananthapuram, Chennai, Kozhikode, and Hubballi. While the carrier plans to eventually expand into international operations with narrow-body Airbus jets, its immediate focus remains on regional connectivity.

FlyExpress

The second carrier to receive an NOC, FlyExpress, is backed by Fly Express International Courier Cargo Service. Based in Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, the airline’s background in logistics suggests a potential hybrid business model that may combine passenger services with cargo operations.

Like Al Hind Air, FlyExpress is expected to launch in 2026. While specific fleet details remain scarce, the carrier is likely to utilize smaller regional aircraft suited for short-haul routes in South-Central India.

Shankh Air and the 2026 Landscape

In addition to the two newly approved carriers, Shankh Air is preparing for a Q1 2026 launch. Unlike its regional counterparts, Shankh Air is positioning itself as a Full-Service Carrier (FSC). It will be the first scheduled airline based in Uttar Pradesh, with hubs planned for the upcoming Noida International Airport (Jewar) and Lucknow.

According to available fleet data, Shankh Air plans to operate Boeing 737-800NG aircraft, offering a two-class configuration. The airline aims to scale rapidly, targeting a fleet of 20–25 aircraft within three years to serve high-demand routes across North India.

AirPro News Analysis: Breaking the Duopoly

The approval of these three carriers highlights a strategic shift in Indian aviation. Currently, the market is characterized by a “duopoly” where IndiGo and Air India Group hold over 90% of the market share. Recent operational challenges faced by major incumbents have underscored the need for greater market stability and consumer choice.

We observe that the government is actively encouraging these new entrants through the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, which subsidizes flights to unserved airports. By establishing bases in regional hubs like Kochi, Hyderabad, and Noida, rather than the saturated Delhi and Mumbai airports, these startups are lowering their entry barriers and aligning with national connectivity goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will Al Hind Air and FlyExpress start flying?
Both airlines have received their No Objection Certificates (NOCs) as of December 2025 and are expected to commence flight operations in 2026 after securing their Air Operator Certificates (AOC).

What aircraft will Al Hind Air use?
Al Hind Air plans to launch with ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft, focusing on regional routes in South India.

Is Shankh Air a budget airline?
No. Shankh Air is positioning itself as a Full-Service Carrier (FSC) with Business and Economy classes, distinguishing it from the low-cost models of Al Hind Air and FlyExpress.

Sources

• Hindustan Times

High Ridge Aviation Adds TUI-Leased Boeing 787-8 to Portfolio

High Ridge Aviation (HRA) has officially announced the acquisition of a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner from BBAM Aircraft Leasing & Management. The transaction, announced on December 22, 2025, marks a significant expansion of HRA’s fleet and establishes new commercial relationships for the lessor. The aircraft, identified by Manufacturer Serial Number (MSN) 34423 and registration G-TUIB, is currently on lease to the European leisure travel group TUI and will remain in operation with the airline.

This acquisition represents a notable milestone for High Ridge Aviation, a company established in 2022. According to the announcement, this deal constitutes the first asset trade between HRA and BBAM, one of the industry’s largest asset managers. Furthermore, the transaction introduces TUI as a new customer within HRA’s growing client base.

Transaction Overview and Executive Commentary

The acquisition involves a mid-size, wide-body aircraft that serves as a core component of TUI’s long-haul operations. The Boeing 787-8 is widely recognized for its fuel efficiency and composite construction, features that have maintained the type’s liquidity in the secondary market. By acquiring this asset with an attached lease, HRA secures immediate revenue generation while expanding its footprint in the wide-body sector.

Greg Conlon, Chief Executive Officer of High Ridge Aviation, emphasized the importance of industry relationships in executing this deal. In a statement accompanying the announcement, Conlon highlighted the company’s strategic focus:

“This transaction is a testament to our team’s extensive experience and long-standing relationships throughout the industry. We are focused on executing disciplined transactions that support operators while delivering durable, long-term value.”

The deal underscores the operational capacity of HRA, which is led by a team of former GECAS executives and backed by the global investment management firm PIMCO. This partnership allows the lessor to leverage a “managed money” model, facilitating scalable capital deployment for assets like the Dreamliner.

AirPro News Analysis: Market Context

The secondary market for wide-body aircraft has seen sustained activity throughout late 2025. As supply chain constraints continue to impact the delivery schedules of new aircraft from major Manufacturers, existing mid-life assets, such as the 2013-vintage Dreamliner involved in this transaction, have retained strong utility and value.

For High Ridge Aviation, this move signals a transition from its initial launch phase into a period of maturity and aggressive growth. Trading with a legacy giant like BBAM, which manages a fleet valued at over $20 billion, demonstrates HRA’s ability to compete and collaborate at the highest levels of the aircraft leasing industry. Additionally, diversifying its portfolio with a TUI-operated wide-body reduces risk by placing assets with established, global operators.

This acquisition was reported alongside HRA’s purchase of an Airbus A330-300 Passenger-to-Freighter (P2F) aircraft, further indicating a strategy to build a balanced portfolio across different asset types and sectors.

Summary of Key Details

• Buyer: High Ridge Aviation (HRA)
• Seller: BBAM Aircraft Leasing & Management
• Asset: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (MSN 34423)
• Operator: TUI (Lease attached)
• Significance: First trade between HRA and BBAM; TUI added as a new customer.

Sources

• High Ridge Aviation

This article is based on an official press release from Fresno Yosemite International Airport.

Fresno Yosemite International Unveils Historic $150 Million “FATforward” Expansion

On December 17, 2025, officials at Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) and the City of Fresno unveiled the most significant terminal expansion in the facility’s 77-year history. Dubbed “FATforward,” the $150 million project introduces a new concourse, a vastly expanded international arrivals facility, and modernized amenities designed to support the Central Valley’s rapid aviation growth.

According to the official announcement, the expansion adds approximately 98,000 square feet to the airport’s footprint. The project was delivered to accommodate record-breaking passenger numbers, which airport data indicates surpassed 2.6 million travelers in 2024. The new facilities officially began operating flights on December 18, 2025, marking a new era for the region’s primary air hub.

Mayor Jerry Dyer and Interim Director of Aviation Francisco Partida led the ribbon-cutting ceremony, emphasizing the project’s role in regional economic development. The expansion was completed without the use of City of Fresno General Funds, relying instead on a mix of federal grants and airport revenue bonds.

Inside the FATforward Expansion

The FATforward program focuses on increasing capacity and efficiency across the terminal. The centerpiece of the project is the new Concourse B, which features modernized passenger holdrooms and two new swing-gate jet bridges. These gates are designed with flexibility in mind, capable of serving both domestic and international flights as demand fluctuates.

A critical component of the upgrade is the new Federal Inspection Station (FIS) for international arrivals. The press release notes that this facility triples the airport’s previous capacity for processing international passengers. This upgrade addresses a key bottleneck, allowing for faster customs processing and a more welcoming experience for travelers arriving from abroad. The area now includes a dedicated “friends and family” welcome plaza.

Operational improvements also extend to security and baggage. A new security checkpoint, which opened earlier in April 2025, features a “recompose” area to improve passenger flow. Behind the scenes, a state-of-the-art baggage handling system has been installed to streamline the movement of luggage from ticket counters to aircraft.

“The Airports Department is proud to deliver this project, a major modernization of our City Airport, designed to meet the fast-paced and growing needs of the traveling public.”

, Francisco Partida, Interim Director of Aviation

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Art, Design, and Regional Identity

Beyond functional upgrades, the expansion integrates a robust public art program intended to reflect the culture and landscape of the Central Valley. This initiative was a key part of the vision of the late Director of Aviation Henry Thompson, whose legacy was honored during the unveiling ceremony.

The facility features several major art installations:

• “We Have Arrived”: A mixed-media mosaic mural by Caleb Duarte located in the parking garage, drawing inspiration from Afro-Indigenous and Latinx futurisms.
• “Flight of Seven Continents”: A suspended sculpture by Polish artist Mirek Struzik at the terminal entrance.
• Security Checkpoint Mural: A large-scale work by Colleen Mitchell-Veyna and Kelsey Gilles depicting local icons, including a 144th Fighter Wing jet and agricultural landscapes.

Interior design elements further reinforce the regional identity. The terminal features terrazzo flooring with a “river” pattern symbolizing the San Joaquin River, while wood accents around video walls evoke the giant Sequoias and Redwoods found in nearby national parks.

Funding and Economic Impact

The $150 million capital project was funded through a diverse portfolio of sources, ensuring no impact on local city tax dollars. Funding streams included Federal Infrastructure Grants under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, FAA grants, Passenger Facility Charges (PFCs), Measure C, TSA grants, and Airport Revenue Bonds.

According to project data, the construction phase generated significant economic activity, creating approximately 683 jobs, with 436 of those positions filled by local workers. The primary contractor for the project was Q&D Construction, with CSHQA serving as the lead architect.

“This is an unforgettable day in the City of Fresno as we unveiled the largest terminal expansion in the Airport’s history. The new expansion strengthens our region’s future by positioning the Airport as a more competitive and attractive facility for growing air service.”

, Jerry Dyer, Mayor of Fresno

AirPro News Analysis

The completion of FATforward arrives at a pivotal moment for Fresno Yosemite International. With passenger traffic exceeding 2.6 million in 2024, the airport has transitioned from a regional spoke to a significant travel node for the Central Valley. The decision to triple the capacity of the Federal Inspection Station is particularly strategic. It directly supports the airport’s growing international portfolio, which includes seasonal service to Guadalajara by Alaska Airlines and expanded connectivity to major hubs.

Furthermore, the immediate transition to the next phase of infrastructure development, a $105 million runway reconstruction project scheduled for January 2026, demonstrates an aggressive approach to modernization. By securing federal funding and avoiding local general funds, airport leadership has managed to scale infrastructure to meet demand without straining municipal budgets, a model that positions FAT well for future route acquisition.

Future Outlook

With the terminal expansion complete, airport officials are turning their attention to airfield infrastructure. A $105 million project to replace the primary runway with concrete is scheduled to commence in January 2026. Additionally, planning is underway for a new Air Traffic Control Tower to replace the existing aging structure.

Travelers can also expect new route options in the coming year. Allegiant is set to launch nonstop service to Portland (PDX) in May 2025, while Southwest will begin daily service to San Diego in October 2025 alongside expanded flights to Las Vegas.

Sources

Sources: City of Fresno Unveils Largest Airport Expansion in History