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‘Sad sack’ who never compromised safety – friends and colleagues on Air India pilot Sumit Sabharwal – Airlines/Aviation News

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Air India plane crash: Captain Sumit Sabharwal, the 56-year-old pilot at the helm of the ill-fated Air India flight 171, is being remembered by friends and colleagues as a man of few words but deep integrity. While cockpit recordings indicate he may have cut fuel supply moments before the tragic crash in Ahmedabad that killed 260 people, those who knew him describe a life devoted to safety, discipline, and quiet sacrifice.

Having logged over 15,600 flying hours, including more than 8,500 on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Sabharwal’s record until 12 June was spotless. A veteran since joining Air India in 1994, he transitioned from the Boeing 777 to the Dreamliner in 2015, mastering its controls with unwavering professionalism.

‘Sad sack’ with a gentle soul

Friends recall Sabharwal’s melancholic demeanour, earning him the affectionate nickname “Sad Sack.” But beneath the brooding eyes lay a pilot with unmatched clarity and kindness. Captain Kapil Kohal, a long-time friend and fellow Air India pilot, described him as “quiet, reserved, deeply humble” and said his soft voice often needed repeating, reports The Telegraph.

“Despite four stripes, he never threw his weight around,” said Kohal. “He was a hero in the cockpit and a mentor to many. His room during training had just two shirts and two pairs of shoes. Minimalist. Focused.”

Former colleague Neil Pais echoed the sentiment: “He never raised his voice, never lost his temper. Yet, he never compromised on safety. If something was wrong, he’d say it but always gently.”

Sabharwal was battling personal grief in silence. Since the death of his mother in 2022, he had moved from Delhi to Mumbai to live closer to his elderly father, whom he cared for deeply. He had also separated from his wife and was considering early retirement to be with his father full-time.

Sunil Lokhande, the security guard at his Mumbai residence, recalled Sabharwal’s last words before the crash was “Please, take care of papa. I’ll be back soon.” Lokhande added that the captain often brought fruits and shared meals with him. “You’d never guess he carried any sadness inside,” Lokhande said, as quoted by The Telegraph (UK).

Unanswered questions in the cockpit

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) report revealed that both engine fuel switches were moved to the cut-off position, resulting in catastrophic loss of thrust. A US black box data assessment suggested Sabharwal himself may have operated the switches. First Officer Clive Kunder, who was co-piloting the Dreamliner, questioned why the captain would take such an action.

Though the report stops short of assigning blame, it has led investigators to examine Sabharwal’s medical history amid claims of depression. His last Class I medical clearance, however, was passed as recently as September.

Amid speculation and scrutiny over the plane crash, Sabharwal’s friends have pushed back against narratives of fault. “Whatever anyone says, he stayed with the aircraft until the end,” said Kohal. “He followed every protocol. He was an ace pilot and to me, a true captain.”



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'Vested interest': Civil Aviation Minister slams Western media over coverage on Air India plane crash – India TV News

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‘Vested interest’: Civil Aviation Minister slams Western media over coverage on Air India plane crash  India TV News



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Rising Air Travel Demand Pushes Market

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The global Aviation Leasing Market Size was estimated at USD 244.69 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 408.24 billion by 2034, growing at a steady CAGR of 5.25% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034.

Driven by surging global passenger traffic, fleet modernization, and airlines’ increasing preference for asset-light business models, aviation leasing is becoming an integral part of the commercial aviation ecosystem. Market growth is further fueled by the rising demand for fuel-efficient aircraft, expansion of low-cost carriers, and favorable leasing regulations.

Key Market Drivers

• Growing Global Air Passenger Traffic

Post-pandemic recovery and increasing disposable incomes are driving robust air travel demand across emerging and developed economies.

• Airline Preference for Asset-Light Models

To reduce capital expenditure and maintain financial flexibility, airlines are increasingly opting for operating leases rather than outright aircraft purchases.

• Fleet Modernization and Efficiency

Airlines are leasing newer, fuel-efficient aircraft to meet stringent emission standards and reduce operating costs.

• Expansion of Low-Cost Carriers (LCCs)

Rising demand for affordable air travel is boosting the growth of LCCs, which heavily rely on leased aircraft for flexible capacity management.

• Attractive Tax and Regulatory Structures

Supportive leasing frameworks in key hubs like Ireland, Singapore, and Hong Kong continue to strengthen market opportunities.

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Market Segmentation Highlights

1. By Lease Type:

• Dry Leasing (Dominant – 72.6% share in 2024)

Most common lease type where the lessor provides only the aircraft without crew, maintenance, or insurance.

• Wet Leasing

The lessor provides aircraft along with crew, maintenance, and insurance – mainly used for seasonal capacity or short-term demands.

2. By Aircraft Type:

• Narrow-Body Aircraft

Leading segment due to high demand from low-cost and regional airlines for short and medium-haul routes.

• Wide-Body Aircraft

Used for long-haul international operations by major airlines.

• Regional Jets

Gaining traction for point-to-point connectivity and short-haul routes.

3. By Lessor Type:

• Operating Lessors

Hold the majority share by offering flexible lease structures and fleet management services.

• Financial Lessors

Banks and financial institutions providing aircraft as part of asset-backed financing deals.

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Regional Analysis

North America – Market Leader (38.3% share in 2024)

• Strong presence of major airlines and well-developed aviation infrastructure.

• High demand for fleet replacement with fuel-efficient models.

Europe

• Leading aviation leasing hubs like Ireland dominate the region, driven by tax incentives and favorable legal frameworks.

Asia-Pacific

• Fastest-growing region with rapid expansion of LCCs, increasing air connectivity, and growing middle-class passenger base in China, India, and Southeast Asia.

South America & MEA

• Gradual adoption of leasing models supported by fleet expansion plans of regional airlines.

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Competitive Landscape

The Aviation Leasing Market is moderately consolidated, dominated by key global lessors and financial institutions offering customized lease solutions. Companies focus on fleet diversification, sustainable financing, and strategic partnerships to expand market share.

Key players include:

These players continue to strengthen their portfolios with new-generation aircraft and flexible lease structures to meet diverse airline needs.

Key Market Opportunities

• Rising Demand for Sustainable Aviation

Lessors investing in new fuel-efficient aircraft to align with airlines’ decarbonization goals.

• Growth in Emerging Markets

Untapped growth potential in Asia-Pacific, Africa, and Latin America with expanding air connectivity.

• Increased Adoption of Sale and Leaseback Agreements

Airlines monetizing existing fleets to raise capital and improve liquidity.

• Digital Transformation

Adoption of digital platforms for lease management, fleet monitoring, and predictive maintenance.

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IndiGo launches flight operations from Hindon Airport, connecting 9 cities

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Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu has launched new flight routes from Hindon Airport in Ghaziabad, to be operated by IndiGo.

After Air India Express, IndiGo becomes the second airline to mark its presence in Hindon Airport. Four months ago, Air India Express started its operations here.

Hindon Airport in NCR will now be connected with nine Indian cities — Bengaluru, Kolkata, Varanasi, Goa, Patna, Chennai, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Indore through IndiGo services.

“This is an (Udan) success of, Hindon, Ghaziabad, western Uttar Pradesh, and entire country. This is an Udan of the ambitions and aspirations of common Indians,” the Union minister said from the Hindon Airport.

Airlines fleet, airports, terminal capacity, and flyers have doubled in India over the past decade, the minister said, reflecting the growth India’s civil aviation sector has made.

“During 2024-2034, civil aviation in tier II and III cities will grow and we will have to unlock the potential. Hindon will serve as an example,” the minister said.

With operations from both Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) and Hindon Airport (HDO), flyers based out of the National Capital Region will be served by these two airports.

The Hindon Airport’s development work was taken up in 2019 under UDAN at Rs 50 crore, in collaboration with Indian Air Force, Minister Naidu said in his address today.

Minister, during his speech, said the annual flyers from Hindon Airport was about 8,000 in 2019, which has risen to upwards of 80,000 now.

Union Budget 2025-26 has put an additional thrust on the ever-growing domestic civil aviation sector.

Inspired by the success of the previous regional connectivity scheme, a modified UDAN scheme will be launched to enhance regional connectivity to 120 new destinations and carry 4 crore passengers in the next 10 years.

The UDAN scheme, launched in April 2017, focuses on improving unserved air routes in underserved regions. India’s aviation industry has experienced significant growth in the past decade, and the number of operational airports in the country has since doubled.

The government aims to make India a global aviation hub by 2030.



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