22 Aug 2025

#4 August 2025: India Aviation Newsletter

Azorra Expands into India with E175 Deliveries to Star Air

Azorra has delivered two Embraer E175 aircraft to Indian regional carrier Star Air, marking its entry into the Indian market. The second aircraft, configured with 88 all-economy seats, recently arrived in Bengaluru, Karnataka, following the delivery of the first E175 in April 2025. Two additional E175s will be delivered in the coming months, as part of a four-aircraft lease agreement signed earlier this year.

Simran Singh Tiwana, CEO of Star Air, commented:
“Welcoming two additional Embraer E175s aligns perfectly with our strategy of connecting tier-two and tier-three cities in India. As we enter our next phase of growth, these aircraft will allow us to scale operations and increase network connectivity, while enhancing passenger comfort and optimising cost-efficiency. We are delighted to begin our partnership with Azorra and look forward to building on this relationship in the years to come.”

BLR Airport Honoured with Nadaprabhu Kempegowda International Award

Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (KIAB/BLR Airport) has received the Nadaprabhu Kempegowda International Award in recognition of its significant role in advancing Karnataka’s economic growth. The award celebrates BLR Airport’s contributions to preserving local culture, fostering community development, and promoting sustainability.

Hari K Marar, Managing Director & CEO of Bangalore International Airport Limited, said:
“We are truly honoured and grateful to receive this recognition. It is a proud moment for everyone at BLR Airport and for Karnataka as a whole. This award reaffirms our commitment to delivering a world-class airport experience—one that not only connects people and economies, but also respects our environment and cultural heritage. We thank the Government of Karnataka for bestowing this honour.”

IndiGo Further Strengthens International Connectivity from Mumbai

IndiGo has announced new direct services from Mumbai to Tashkent (Uzbekistan) and Almaty (Kazakhstan), starting on 1 and 2 September 2025, respectively. These four-times-weekly routes follow the recent launch of the Mumbai–Tbilisi service, reinforcing the airline’s commitment to positioning Mumbai as a strategic international hub.

Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales, stated:
“Building on our successful operations from New Delhi to Tbilisi, Almaty, and Tashkent, we are pleased to now connect these destinations with Mumbai as well. Recently, we also commenced long-haul flights from Mumbai to Manchester and Amsterdam—marking our entry into Europe. With these additions, IndiGo further strengthens its global footprint from India’s financial capital.”

Acumen’s Take

On Azorra’s Entry into India via Star Air

Azorra’s inaugural leasing agreement in India signifies the expanding appeal of regional aircraft in the subcontinent’s aviation landscape. The E175 is particularly well-suited to India’s tier-two and tier-three connectivity push under the UDAN scheme. As regional traffic grows and slot constraints tighten at major metros, Acumen anticipates a renewed focus on right-sized aircraft that can serve thinner routes efficiently—a trend lessors and OEMs are watching closely.

On BLR Airport, Receiving the Kempegowda Award

This recognition reflects BLR Airport’s role as a catalytic force in Karnataka’s development. Beyond infrastructure, the airport’s integrated approach to sustainability, culture, and community engagement aligns with global best practices. From an investment perspective, it reinforces the attractiveness of airport-linked commercial developments in India—especially as passenger volumes rebound and non-aero revenues become increasingly vital.

On IndiGo’s Expansion from Mumbai

IndiGo’s move to connect Central Asian destinations directly from Mumbai bolsters its ambition to establish the city as a major international hub. Coupled with recent European route launches, this diversification represents a shift in IndiGo’s network strategy—one that leverages narrowbody economics for medium-haul international expansion. For asset managers and lessors, this points to rising demand for A321XLR-type aircraft and related lease structures in the Indian market.

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