05 Sep 2025
#1 September 2025: India Aviation Newsletter
ACL Airshop and IndiGo Launch Long-Term Partnership
ACL Airshop has entered a multi-year strategic agreement with IndiGo to provide full Unit Load Device (ULD) management and logistics services, supporting both the airline’s cargo and expanding passenger operations.
The agreement includes the supply and management of IndiGo’s ULD fleet, maintenance and repair services, access to ACL’s global network, and the integration of next-generation tracking technology. The partnership also marks ACL Airshop’s official entry into the Indian subcontinent.
Mark Sutch, Chief Commercial Officer - Cargo at IndiGo, stated:
“As our requirement for ULDs grows, we are delighted to be partnering with ACL Airshop and appreciate that they could quickly and efficiently respond to IndiGo’s requirements and were fully operational in a short span of just two months.”
Azorra Expands into India with E175 Deliveries to Star Air
Azorra has delivered two Embraer E175 aircraft to Indian regional airline Star Air, marking its debut in the Indian market. The second 88-seat aircraft arrived in Bengaluru in July 2025, following the first in April. Two more are expected in the coming months, as part of a four-aircraft lease agreement.
Additionally, Azorra recently acquired four more E175s on lease to Star Air from DAE, as part of its previously announced portfolio acquisition.
John Evans, Founder & CEO of Azorra, commented:
“These deliveries mark our first transactions in India, one of the world’s most rapidly evolving aviation markets. This is a significant expansion of our partnership with Star Air and a major step forward as we strengthen our position across Asia-Pacific.”
Indian Start-Up Alhindair Selects Lufthansa Systems’ Charting Solutions
Kochi-based start-up Alhindair has become the first Indian airline to adopt Lufthansa Systems’ scalable charting solution. Ahead of its planned launch in October 2025, the airline will begin with the paper-based Lido Route Manual before migrating to Lido mPilot, a digital EFB solution.
This partnership marks Lufthansa Systems’ first charting solution deployment in India and lays the foundation for Alhindair to build its entire flight operations infrastructure on the Lido platform.
Reena Rahman, COO and Accountable Manager at Alhindair, said:
“Lido Route Manual provides the reliable foundation we need to ensure safe and standardised navigation from day one. Having a trusted charting solution in place is essential for building efficient and compliant flight operations from the ground up.”
Acumen’s Take
On ACL Airshop–IndiGo ULD Partnership
This collaboration reflects a growing trend among Indian carriers to outsource specialised logistics functions to global experts. As IndiGo continues to scale its cargo and passenger operations, efficient ULD management becomes critical for reliability and turnaround times. ACL’s entry into India also signals the maturing of the country's ground-handling and cargo support ecosystem.
On Azorra’s India Entry Through Star Air
Azorra’s growing footprint in India is a strategic move that aligns with Star Air’s focus on underserved regional routes. With traffic in tier-two and tier-three cities on the rise, the E175 is well-positioned to meet demand efficiently. The portfolio acquisition from DAE also shows how leasing firms are leveraging consolidation to fast-track presence in emerging markets like India.
On Alhindair’s Partnership with Lufthansa Systems
For a start-up airline, Alhindair’s early investment in a scalable digital charting infrastructure is a forward-thinking move. Partnering with Lufthansa Systems sets a high bar for operational compliance and safety. This development is noteworthy as it signals India’s smaller carriers increasingly prioritising tech-backed efficiencies and internationally benchmarked systems from day one.
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