Commercial Aviation
Heritage Aviation Adds Airbus H130 to Expand Regional Connectivity in India
Heritage Aviation contracts Airbus H130 helicopter to enhance passenger transport and UDAN regional connectivity, focusing on North East India.
This article is based on an official press release from Airbus.
Heritage Aviation Pvt. Ltd. has signed a contract to acquire a new Airbus H130 helicopter, a move aimed at bolstering its passenger transportation capabilities and supporting regional connectivity across India. The agreement was formalized on January 30, 2026, at the Wings India 2026 aviation exhibition in Hyderabad.
According to the official announcement from Airbus, the new helicopter is scheduled for delivery in September 2026. Heritage Aviation plans to deploy the aircraft primarily for passenger transport and “heli-pilgrimage” tourism. Furthermore, the operator intends to utilize the H130 to service routes under the Government of India’s UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) Regional Connectivity Scheme, which subsidizes flights to unserved and underserved locations.
A central component of this acquisition is Heritage Aviation’s strategy to expand operations into North East India. The region, known for its challenging terrain and limited road infrastructure, has been a focal point for the UDAN scheme’s recent phases, which offer Viability Gap Funding (VGF) to operators willing to establish reliable air links in hilly states.
Rohit Mathur, Founder and CEO of Heritage Aviation, emphasized the importance of government policy in driving this expansion. In a statement provided by Airbus, Mathur highlighted the untapped potential of the region:
“The helicopter industry in India is witnessing strong tailwinds due to the Government of India’s favourable policies… The new H130 will be used to expand our regional connectivity footprint in other areas including North East India, which largely remains virgin territory for private helicopter operations.”
Sunny Guglani, Head of Airbus Helicopters for India and South Asia, noted that Heritage Aviation has been a key player in bridging “last mile connectivity” gaps. He added that the new addition would support the national ambition to widen the regional connectivity network while expanding heli-pilgrimage routes.
The Airbus H130 is a single-engine light utility helicopter widely utilized in high-altitude and tourist operations. It is powered by a Safran Arriel 2D turboshaft engine equipped with a dual-channel Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system.
Key specifications relevant to Heritage Aviation’s mission profile include: We view this acquisition as a calculated move by Heritage Aviation to standardize its fleet against a backdrop of intensifying competition in the Indian civil helicopter market. The operator currently utilizes a mix of Airbus H125 and H130 aircraft. By adding another H130, Heritage is reinforcing its capacity to serve high-demand pilgrimage sectors, such as the Char Dham Yatra, where it competes directly with operators like Himalayan Heli Services and Global Vectra Helicorp.
The specific focus on North East India suggests a shift toward government-subsidized stability. While pilgrimage tourism is seasonal and highly competitive, UDAN contracts provide a steady revenue stream. The H130’s large window visibility and high-altitude performance make it a preferred asset for these dual roles, scenic tourism and rugged utility transport. Industry estimates generally place the cost of a new H130 between $3.3 million and $4.4 million USD, representing a significant capital investment in the operator’s long-term growth strategy.
When will the new helicopter be delivered? What is the primary use for this aircraft? How many passengers can the H130 carry?
Heritage Aviation Expands Fleet with New Airbus H130 for Regional Connectivity
Strategic Focus on North East India
Technical Capabilities of the H130
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
The Airbus H130 is scheduled for delivery to Heritage Aviation in September 2026.
It will be used for passenger transportation, heli-pilgrimage tourism, and regional connectivity flights under the UDAN scheme, with a specific focus on North East India.
The H130 features a spacious cabin that can accommodate up to seven passengers plus one pilot.
Sources
Photo Credit: Airbus
Airlines Strategy
Singapore Airlines and Malaysia Airlines Formalize Joint Business Partnership
Singapore Airlines and Malaysia Airlines formalize a strategic partnership to coordinate flights, share revenue, and expand codeshares on the Singapore-Malaysia corridor.
This article is based on an official press release from Singapore Airlines.
On January 29, 2026, Singapore Airlines (SIA) and Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAB) officially formalized a strategic Joint Business Partnerships (JBP). The agreement marks a significant milestone in Southeast Asian Airlines, following the receipt of final Regulations approvals from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) earlier this month and the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) in July 2025.
According to the joint announcement, the partnership allows the two national carriers to coordinate flight schedules, share revenue, and offer joint fare products. This move is designed to deepen cooperation on the high-traffic Singapore-Malaysia air corridor and expand connectivity for passengers traveling between the two nations and beyond.
The formalized agreement enables SIA and MAB to operate more closely than ever before. Key components of the partnership include revenue sharing on flights between Singapore and Malaysia and the alignment of flight schedules to provide customers with more convenient departure times. The airlines also plan to introduce joint corporate travel programs to better serve business clients operating in both markets.
A central feature of the JBP is the expansion of codeshare arrangements. Under the new terms, Singapore Airlines will expand its codeshare operations to include 16 domestic destinations within Malaysia, such as Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Penang, and Langkawi. Conversely, Malaysia Airlines will progressively codeshare on SIA flights to key international markets, including Europe and South Africa.
Goh Choon Phong, Chief Executive Officer of Singapore Airlines, emphasized the mutual benefits of the agreement in a statement:
“Our win-win collaboration strengthens both carriers’ operations, while delivering enhanced value to customers across our combined networks. This also reinforces the long-standing and deep people-to-people and trade links between Singapore and Malaysia, supporting economic growth and connectivity that will benefit both nations.”
The path to this partnership began in October 2019 but faced delays due to the global pandemic and necessary regulatory scrutiny. The Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) conducted a thorough review, raising initial concerns regarding competition on the Singapore-Kuala Lumpur (SIN-KUL) route, one of the busiest international air corridors globally.
To secure approval, the airlines committed to maintaining pre-pandemic capacity levels on the route. Additionally, the partnership explicitly excludes the groups’ low-cost subsidiaries, Scoot (SIA Group) and Firefly (Malaysia Aviation Group). This exclusion was a critical revision submitted to regulators to ensure fair competition in the budget travel segment. Datuk Captain Izham Ismail, Group Managing Director of Malaysia Aviation Group, highlighted the strategic importance of the deal:
“This collaboration brings together complementary frequencies and aligned schedules, enabling deeper connectivity between Malaysia and Singapore. Over time, it reinforces MAB’s competitive position by enhancing scale, relevance, and network resilience across key markets.”
Consolidation in a High-Volume Corridor
The formalization of this JBP effectively allows Singapore Airlines and Malaysia Airlines to operate as a single entity regarding scheduling and pricing on the full-service Singapore-Kuala Lumpur route. By coordinating schedules, the carriers can avoid wingtip-to-wingtip flying (flights departing at the exact same time), thereby optimizing fleet utilization and offering a “shuttle-like” frequency for business travelers.
While this strengthens the full-service proposition against low-cost competitors like AirAsia, the regulatory exclusion of Scoot and Firefly is a vital safeguard for consumers. It ensures that price-sensitive travelers retain access to competitive fares driven by the budget sector, while the JBP focuses on premium and connecting traffic.
When does the partnership officially begin? Will this affect frequent flyer programs? Are budget airlines included in this deal?
Singapore Airlines and Malaysia Airlines Formalize Strategic Joint Business Partnership
Scope of the Partnership
Expanded Connectivity and Codeshares
Regulatory Journey and Exclusions
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
The partnership was formally launched on January 29, 2026, following the final regulatory approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia.
Yes. While reciprocal benefits for earning and redeeming miles were enhanced in 2024, the JBP is expected to deepen integration, offering better recognition for elite status holders and improved lounge access across both networks.
No. The low-cost subsidiaries Scoot and Firefly are excluded from this joint business arrangement to comply with regulatory requirements and preserve competition.
Sources
Photo Credit: Montage
Route Development
Atlantic Street Capital Sells GAT to PrimeFlight in Aviation Services Deal
Atlantic Street Capital sells GAT Airline Ground Support to PrimeFlight, expanding North American aviation services amid union antitrust concerns.
This article is based on an official press release from Atlantic Street Capital and summarizes additional industry reporting regarding regulatory developments.
On February 5, 2026, Atlantic Street Capital (ASC), a private equity firm specializing in lower middle-market investments, announced the sale of its portfolio company, GAT Airline Ground Support, Inc. The buyer is PrimeFlight Aviation Services, a global provider of aircraft and passenger services backed by The Sterling Group and Capitol Meridian Partners. While financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed, the deal marks a significant exit for ASC, which has held GAT since 2017.
The acquisition represents a major consolidation event within the North American aviation ground services sector. By acquiring GAT, PrimeFlight significantly expands its operational footprint, integrating a network that includes ground handling, cargo handling, and catering services. However, the transaction has immediately drawn scrutiny from labor organizations concerned about market dominance and workforce impacts.
According to the official press release from Atlantic Street Capital, the firm acquired GAT in 2017 from the founding family. Over the course of its nine-year ownership, ASC transitioned the company from a family-owned business into a professionalized industry leader. This period included the strategic acquisition of Sky Café, which allowed GAT to expand its catering services into the Canadian market.
Peter Shabecoff, Managing Partner at Atlantic Street Capital, highlighted the firm’s operationally intensive strategy in transforming GAT. The sale to PrimeFlight is positioned as the next phase of growth for the ground support provider. Piper Sandler & Co. served as the financial advisor to GAT, while Kirkland & Ellis LLP provided legal counsel.
Data regarding the operational scale of both companies underscores the magnitude of this mergers. According to industry reports and company profiles:
The integration of GAT’s 6,000-strong workforce and its specific expertise in ground and cargo handling is expected to complement PrimeFlight’s existing service portfolio, creating a “one-stop-shop” for airline vendors.
While the companies tout the strategic benefits of the merger, the deal faces immediate headwinds from organized labor. According to a statement released by UNITE HERE Local 11 on February 5, 2026, the union has formally requested that federal regulators intervene.
The union sent a letter to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) urging them to block the acquisition on antitrust grounds. The labor group argues that the merger would reduce competition, potentially leading to higher prices for airlines and consumers while suppressing worker wages. “The union highlights that PrimeFlight and GAT have overlapping operations at 27 airports, including major hubs like Atlanta (ATL), San Francisco (SFO), and Phoenix (PHX).”
, Summary of UNITE HERE Local 11 Complaint
The union contends that the combined entity would hold a dominant market position in 44 states, raising concerns about the reduction of competitive bidding options for air carriers.
The Push for Modernization and Efficiency
We observe that this transaction aligns with a broader trend of consolidation in the aviation services market, driven by the need for economies of scale. As airports and airlines push for greener operations, ground handling companies face increasing capital requirements to transition toward Electric Aviation Ground Support Equipment (eGSE). Larger entities like the combined PrimeFlight-GAT are generally better positioned to absorb the significant capital costs associated with electrifying tugs, loaders, and other ramp equipment.
However, the regulatory environment in 2026 remains aggressive regarding mergers that may reduce labor market competition. The specific overlap at major hubs identified by UNITE HERE Local 11 could trigger a more prolonged review process than a standard private equity exit would typically warrant.
Who is the seller in this transaction? What companies are backing the buyer, PrimeFlight? Why is the union opposing the deal?
Private Equity Firm Exits Aviation Services Investment Amidst Industry Consolidation
Transaction Details and Strategic Context
Scale of the Combined Entity
Labor Opposition and Regulatory Challenges
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
The seller is Atlantic Street Capital (ASC), a private equity firm that has owned GAT Airline Ground Support since 2017.
PrimeFlight Aviation Services is backed by private equity firms The Sterling Group and Capitol Meridian Partners, who acquired the company in 2023.
UNITE HERE Local 11 argues that the merger reduces competition, which could harm worker wages and increase costs for airlines. They cite overlapping operations at 27 airports as a key antitrust concern.Sources
Photo Credit: GAT
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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