17 Sep 2026
#3 September 2026: India Aviation Newsletter
Air India Reports ₹22,238 Crore Consolidated Loss in FY26
Air India reported a consolidated loss of ₹22,238.23 crore for the financial year ended March 2026, compared with ₹10,858.83 crore in the previous year. The financial performance reflected lower total income, foreign exchange movements and higher aircraft repair expenditure as the airline continued its wider transformation programme.
Airbus Forecasts 9.3% Annual Growth In India’s Domestic Air Traffic
Airbus expects India’s domestic air traffic to grow at an annual rate of 9.3% through 2045. The manufacturer estimates that Indian airlines will require approximately 3,480 new passenger aircraft over the next 20 years.
Afcom Holdings Signs Long-Term Aviation Fuel Agreement With HPCL
Afcom Holdings has signed a long-term aviation fuel supply agreement with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, effective from 1 September 2026. The agreement secures Jet A-1 fuel supply across HPCL’s pan-India aviation fuelling network as Afcom supports current operations and planned cargo-network expansion.
Acumen’s Take
On Air India’s FY26 Loss
Air India’s wider loss highlights the financial scale and complexity of large airline transformation programmes. Fleet renewal, network development, repair costs and currency exposure can place significant pressure on performance before operational benefits are fully realised.
On Airbus’ India Traffic Forecast
Airbus’ forecast reinforces India’s position as one of the most significant long-term aviation growth markets. Sustained domestic traffic expansion will require continued investment in aircraft capacity, airport infrastructure, financing and operational resilience.
On Afcom Holdings And HPCL
Afcom’s long-term fuel agreement with HPCL supports greater supply certainty as the operator expands its cargo network. Reliable fuel access remains important for cargo airlines seeking to build scalable operations across a geographically diverse domestic market.
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