The Indian AvGeek

In this episode of The Indian AvGeek, we welcome Ameya Joshi, Founder of NetworkThoughts.com to unpack Delhi Airport’s rise as a global transfer hub, explore underserved corridors, and chart India’s changing network dynamics. From terminal revamps and new mega-hubs to airline slot wars and bold contrarian forecasts, Ameya lays out the strategic moves that will define the next decade of Indian aviation. ✈️ In this discussion, we explore Delhi Airport’s remarkable transformation into a global transit hub, with international-to-international transfers surging 244%. This impressive growth positions Delhi as the best directly connected airport to North America and Europe in South and Southeast Asia. ✈️ Our conversation covers Delhi’s strategic positioning on the East-West corridor, particularly highlighting the success of the Central Asia-Southeast Asia route, where IndiGo’s connections between Bangkok, Phuket and Central Asian cities like Almaty, Tashkent, Tbilisi, and Baku alone drove a 500% increase in transit traffic. We discuss what Delhi Airport needs to become more competitive globally, including infrastructure improvements to Terminal 3 and the potential game-changing impact of an inter-terminal train system. ✈️ The episode delves into Air India’s evolving hub strategy at Delhi, including the recent announcement that 60 of its 180 daily domestic departures will relocate. We examine how this restructuring supports Air India’s European expansion and smaller station connectivity ambitions ✈️ Looking ahead, we discuss the imminent opening of two crucial airports: Noida International Airport (DXN) at Jewar, set to be inaugurated in few weeks, with commercial operations beginning within 45 days and an initial capacity of 12 million passengers annually, and how it might take three years to reach full capacity. We also touch on Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMI), inaugurating this month with the potential to reach its 20 million passenger capacity within the first year of operations ✈️ The discussion turns to India’s evolving airline landscape, where Akasa Air has ascended to become the country’s third-largest carrier. We analyze what it will take for Akasa to solidify its position beyond simply benefiting from SpiceJet’s operational challenges. Speaking of SpiceJet, we examine their puzzling strategy of inducting an Airbus A340 on wet lease, arriving by September-end 2025, potentially for London routes via Gatwick or Stansted ✈️ We explore IndiGo’s strategic partnerships, particularly their collaboration with the SkyTeam alliance carriers including Delta, Air France-KLM, and Virgin Atlantic, positioning them for deeper European and North American connectivity. The episode addresses IndiGo’s upcoming Athens route using India’s first Airbus A321XLR, with six weekly flights split between Delhi and Mumbai starting January 2026. We debate whether the Delhi-Athens market can support both IndiGo and Aegean Airlines’ planned services and discuss the implications for route development. ✈️ Finally, we explore the future of Indian aviation, including the potential for joint venture agreements between Indian and international carriers, the impact of New Distribution Capability (NDC) on revenue management, and bold predictions for India’s aviation landscape over the next 18-24 months. Ameya shares his take on India-Dubai and India-Singapore bilateral capacity, questioning whether relaxed restrictions would truly generate additional demand given current market dynamics. ✈️ Throughout our discussion, we examine how infrastructure constraints, geopolitical factors, and competitive dynamics shape India’s aviation future, while Delhi Airport positions itself among the world’s top five airports within the next decade. Ameya Joshi - @khabri_lal Vishal Mehra - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@vis⁠hal1mehra⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

A milestone episode for The Indian AvGeek. For our fiftieth show we welcome Nathaniel Pieper, an airline lifer who now leads Oneworld. Expect a conversation that blends airline boardroom strategy with the pure joy of flight — fleet tales, alliance chess, lounge plans for India, and the kind of technical nitty gritty only someone who’s ridden the industry for decades can tell. ✈️ How it began — Nat’s first sparks for aviation and the formative moments that steered him from Northwest to a career shaped around alliances and network strategy. ✈️ Alliances as vocation — Why alliances became a repeated thread through his roles at Northwest, Delta, Alaska and now as Oneworld CEO ✈️ Fleet futures — A frank take on the Airbus A321XLR’s ambition to deliver 757-like range and economics and how that shapes network planning ✈️ Lessons learnt from Alaska Airlines — How leading Alaska’s Oneworld entry and previous alliance work at Delta inform Nat’s priorities and decision-making ✈️ Oneworld’s identity — A clear articulation of the alliance’s value for member airlines and passengers and how Oneworld positions itself differently from Star Alliance and SkyTeam. The practical criteria, simulations and KPIs Oneworld uses when evaluating new members to strengthen network value rather than dilute it ✈️ India on the radar — Why India matters for Oneworld, the current absence of an Indian member, and the concrete alliance benefits that can be tailored for Indian flyers including loyalty, network connectivity and premium services beyond lounges. ✈️ Oneworld lounge in India — The roadmap for up to 10 new Oneworld lounges in the coming years and the practical hurdles and opportunities of opening lounges in Indian airports ✈️ Codeshares versus alliances — How airlines like IndiGo choose between codeshares, multilateral alliances, or remaining unaligned and what strategic tradeoffs CXOs weigh ✈️ Segmenting the alliance — Whether Oneworld will remain a unified network or evolve into layered offerings to partner with LCCs for VFR and leisure demand without eroding premium yields ✈️ Commercial returns of an alliance — The financial and operational KPIs that justify alliance investment, and how ROI is measured across fees, shared revenue and resource commitments ✈️ Network coordination — The role Oneworld plays in reducing route duplication while growing members’ networks and where member autonomy still rules ✈️ Technology and distribution — Oneworld’s perspective on NDC, digital distribution, dynamic packaging and the technology roadmap that will enable seamless passenger experiences ✈️ Personal moments — Nat’s favourite airline, his most memorable flights from a passenger and executive point of view, and why keeping a flight journal since 2006 defines him as one of us. Vishal Mehra - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@vis⁠hal1mehra⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Indian AvGeek continues to be India’s premier aviation podcast, bringing you fortnightly deep dives into airlines, airports, industry trends, and the personalities shaping the world of aviation.

Episode 49 features Jay Shabat, the founder of Airline Weekly (now Skift Airline Weekly) and senior aviation analyst at Skift. In this episode, Jay shares his unique journey from revenue analyst at US Airways to becoming one of the industry’s most respected voices, teaching IATA courses worldwide, and publishing influential industry analysis. Along the way, Jay shares timeless lessons, academic insights, and behind-the-scenes moments that shaped his view of the industry’s peaks and troughs. In this wide-ranging conversation, we unpack: •  Key drivers of record global demand and the premium cabin boom through 2026 •  The future of consolidation, alliances, and potential break-ups in global aviation (Spirit, Frontier, Sun Country, JetBlue, Southwest) •  India’s domestic duopoly, factors behind its rapid expansion, and how IndiGo is positioning to crack intercontinental flying •  Emerging hot spots: Saudi and Middle East ambitions with Riyadh Air; lessons from Latin America and Africa for India’s next billion flyers •  The AI revolution in revenue management, pricing strategy, and customer experience •  Jay’s crystal-ball view of 2030: market structure, technology, and the passenger experience •  His one strategic recommendation for India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation—what to prioritise first, airlines or airports? Tune in for a narrative that blends Jay’s real-world data analysis, storytelling flair, and actionable insights into the global charts—and India’s place among them. Vishal Mehra - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@vis⁠hal1mehra⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Episode 48 of The Indian AvGeek featured Behramjee Ghadially, Senior Manager, Route Network Planning at CAMAIR and aviation analyst. We unpacked the latest in network planning, fleet deployment, and market opportunities across Asia, Africa, and the Gulf. The show was led, however, with the revival of India–China direct flights and how airlines like Air India and IndiGo are positioned to capitalize on this reopening. Before the suspension in 2020, the route network included 539 monthly flights, with Chinese carriers dominating approximately 70% of capacity. Behramjee provides insights into which routes should be prioritized first - Beijing, Shanghai, or emerging destinations like Hangzhou and Shenzhen that can be efficiently served by narrow-body aircraft, and if Akasa would like to throw its hat in the ring! We also discussed in detail Ethiopian’s growing footprint in India, Thai and Lufthansa’s alliance-driven strategies, and Emirates’ evolving role in the subcontinent. Expect data-driven insights, candid takes on livery faux pas, and a lightning AvGeek quiz that I failed and passed! You will hear comprehensive insights into the rapidly evolving landscape of international aviation connectivity between India and key global markets. From network planning strategies to aircraft economics, fleet deployment decisions to competitive positioning—this conversation covers the full spectrum of modern airline operations and strategic planning. Vishal Mehra - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@vis⁠hal1mehra⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Episode number 47 of The Indian AvGeek, Vishal sits down with Mike Malik—veteran airline sales leader turned marketing chief at Cirium, to trace a remarkable journey through aviation. From sales at American Airlines and leading Aloha Air Cargo to co-founding Maxjet, Mike shares stories of entrepreneurial grit and strategic pivots that shaped his career. We then dive into Cirium’s mission: how this data powerhouse powers on-time performance reports, underpins airport and airline planning, and supports emerging markets like India with analytics on regional connectivity, network optimization, and sustainability. Along the way, Mike reflects on rebranding FlightGlobal into a unified Cirium, the challenges of old IT systems (remember only 26 fare buckets?), and the future of aviation tech—from AI assistants baked into operations tools to new products tailor-made for Asia-Pacific growth. Key topics covered include: • Mike’s early days in airline sales and the genesis of Maxjet’s low-fare, all-business-class model • Cirium’s customers, core offerings, and impact of its On-Time Performance rankings • The role of data and analytics in optimizing routes, regional connectivity, and profitability in India • Challenges of digital transformation in airlines and how to overcome legacy IT constraints • Leveraging data for sustainability, environmental tracking, and new green aviation solutions • Insights on Asia-Pacific expansion, Cirium’s brand vision, and products beyond Emerald Sky • Advice for young professionals entering aviation analytics or airline management • Leadership lessons in driving innovation, transformation, and buy-in across people and processes Whether you’re an aviation insider, data geek, or simply curious about how numbers shape every takeoff and landing, this episode delivers fresh perspectives on the present and future of global and Indian aviation. Vishal Mehra - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@vis⁠hal1mehra⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This isn’t just a cabin tour with John Walton, Editor-in-Chief, The Up Front—it’s a conversation about culture, ambition, and the art and science of making every inch of metal feel like home. Whether you’re an AvGeek, a frequent-flyer strategist, or simply curious about how airlines craft memorable journeys, John’s insider stories and strategic insights will equip you to see every flight in a whole new light. * The spark that drew John into the world of premium cabins and #PaxEx * Two decades of luxury in the sky: flatbeds, studio suites, and beyond * The Emirates “Game Changer” enigma: 9 out of 250 aircraft, and what it says about marketing vs. reality * The surprise seat launch of the last five years—and why it turned heads * IndiGo’s premiumization playbook, from Mumbai-Manchester, as well as Amsterdam, and its A350 seat puzzle * Alliance chatter: Could 6E formally join SkyTeam (and what that means for frequent flyers)? * Air India’s J-class Collins Horizon Premier and the Safran Unity saga behind the scenes * First class on the 777X: dreams, delays, and design cues from AI’s leadership * Economy innovation at Emirates: height-boosted seats, tech-driven comfort, and certification hurdles * Insider takeaways from Paris Air Show and the unsung ATR deal brewing at IndiGo * Wide-body retrofit opportunities outlined in John’s new publication, The Up Front * The most underrated seat John’s flown—and the stealthy airline quietly winning at PaxEx * A glimpse at 2025’s hottest new suites and their decade-defining potential * If John could redesign one element of air travel, what would it be—and why does it matter to you John Walton - @thatjohn Vishal Mehra - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@vis⁠hal1mehra⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this special edition of The Indian AvGeek, we have three of India’s leading aviation experts—Sanjay Lazar, Devesh Agarwal, and Captain Kishore Chinta—to dissect the preliminary AI171 crash report. Through a blend of technical insight and human-factors analysis, they chart the accident timeline, examine cockpit ergonomics, and question the selective data release by AAIB. From the fuel control switch movements in the EAFR data to the haunting cockpit voice exchanges about who “cut off” the engines, our panel explores: - Initial reactions to the preliminary report - How EAFR switch positions frame the crash sequence - Pilot decision-making and stress at low altitude - Possible motives behind withholding CVR and DFDR transcripts - Technical and aerodynamic reasons for asymmetric engine relight - Implications for cockpit switch-locking designs and walk-around call-outs - Relevance of FAA’s 2018 SAIB NM-18-33 on fuel-switch locks - The curious omission of GE’s GEnx-1B SB 73-0097 R01 from the report - Distinctions between mandatory and advisory safety bulletins - Priorities after RAT deployment: MAYDAY, systems configuration, or flying the profile - Intuitiveness of the 787’s fuel-control layout and best practices to prevent inadvertent cuts - Mechanics of international cooperation among AAIB, NTSB, DGCA, and others - Potential global ripple effects on Boeing 787 operations - Critical evidence and analysis are still needed for a conclusive investigation - How the scope and timeline of the final report will differ from preliminary findings Captain Kishore Chinta - ⁠@Capt_CK⁠ Sanjay Lazar - ⁠@SJLazars⁠ Devesh Agarwal - ⁠@BLRaviation⁠ Vishal Mehra - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@vis⁠hal1mehra⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🎙️ In this riveting conversation, Jean-Pierre Clercin, Commercial Head of ATR in APAC, talks us through the evolving turboprop narrative in India and beyond. From new orders at the Paris Air Show 2025 to insights on regional connectivity, we dig into how ATR plans to serve a fast-growing Indian market projected to need 200+ ATR aircraft. JP candidly reflects on the U.S. market and the dominance of RJs, IndiGo, Fly91, ATR’s monopoly status post-Q400, and whether final assembly lines in India are on the cards. We also explore supply chain advantages, ecosystem building with universities, and the company’s vision for India's regional aviation over the next 10–15 years. There’s laughter, nuance, and even a flashback to ATR’s first pitch to IndiGo. Vishal Mehra - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@vis⁠hal1mehra⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, The Indian AvGeek dives deep with Brian Sumers, founder and editor of The Airline Observer. From the emotional roots of his aviation journey to hot takes from the IATA AGM in New Delhi, Brian reflects on how airline strategy, sustainability, and industry dynamics are evolving. We unpack IndiGo’s rise, Air India’s international ambitions, and Rakesh Gangwal’s legacy, while sizing up the future of supersonic travel and aircraft innovation like JetZero. A sharp look at India’s ascent in global aviation—and the turbulence that still lies ahead. The Indian AvGeek streams on all major podcast platforms. Brian Sumers - @briansumers Vishal Mehra - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@vis⁠hal1mehra⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The world’s most renowned points & miles guru, the founder of The Points Guy, Brian Kelly, joins this episode of The Indian AvGeek. Brian talks in detail about the growth of the points and miles scene worldwide and how it has evolved. We spoke extensively about his new book, “How to Win at Travel,” sharing key insights for travelers and points enthusiasts alike. Brian spoke about how consumers seem more loyal to their credit card companies than airlines and why getting an airline-specific credit card mostly results in heartbreak. Vishal Mehra - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@vis⁠hal1mehra⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This week Arvind Chandrasekhar, the Director of Sales India and Head of Network, Fleet Management at Lufthansa Consulting, discusses in detail the world of aviation consulting. We delve deep into the business of airports in India, ranging from the projects undertaken by Lufthansa Consulting to challenges & opportunities for airport infrastructure in the country for the next five years.  We also discuss “Make vs Buy,” airport commercial and marketing teams, the geoeconomics of MROs, lessons from European hubs, Indigo and Low Cost Long Haul and various other topics. Vishal Mehra - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@vis⁠hal1mehra⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The 40th episode of The Indian AvGeek features Abhijit DasGupta, the head of planning and revenue management at IndiGo. Abhijit details everything, from his background at Jet Airways to joining IndiGo & the first challenge he had. We discussed how new routes are selected, decisions on fleet orders, working with airport marketing teams, lease operations with Turkish Airlines, the importance of connecting traffic, the involvement of Indian carriers in next-gen aircraft, premiumization strategy, DXN/NMI, hub development, XLRs, ACMI leases, Norse Atlantic 789s, what IndiGo of the future looks like, UDAN, Boeing!, IATA AGM 2025, and much more. Vishal Mehra - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@vis⁠hal1mehra⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Brett Snyder, the founder of Cranky Flier and the host of The Air Show podcast, joins to discuss a wide variety of issues. From the impact of tariffs on aviation to Boeing and Airbus, Embraer’s NGNB, the importance of the Indian market for US airlines, Norse Atlantic planes with IndiGo, XLRs, Air India, regional aviation, Alaska Airlines’ plans for India, next-generation aircraft, and lessons that smaller Indian airlines can draw from the US market on how to compete with the Goliaths. Brett Snyder - ⁠@crankyflier⁠ Vishal Mehra - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@vis⁠hal1mehra⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Pradeep Panicker (CEO of Hyderabad International Airport) joins episode 38 to discuss near and long-term plans for the airport, one of the most important in the country. We discuss the reasons for HYD’s success, future infrastructure plans, sensory passenger experience, how the airport attracts international airlines, identification of lateral demand, opening new domestic city pairs, regional aviation, cargo plans, MRO, connecting traffic at the airport, and even Groupe ADP. Vishal Mehra - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@vis⁠hal1mehra⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Mauro Oretti joins the podcast to talk about alliances in detail. We discussed mergers vs. alliances. Entries and exits at SkyTeam: What does success look like to the alliance? The lack of Indian carriers in the alliance— if the close partnership with KLM-AF would lead to IndiGo becoming a member, the importance of the Indian market, SkyTeam-branded lounges, the next-generation alliance, SkyTeam’s 25th anniversary celebrations at IATA AGM, and the future of airline alliances. Vishal Mehra - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@vis⁠hal1mehra⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Richard Aboulafia, Managing Director of AeroDynamic Advisory, joins me to discuss various topics, ranging from the past to the present and the future of the aviation industry. We discuss his thoughts on the A, B, C, and E of the sector - Airbus, Boeing, Comac, and Embraer - in detail. Right from their existing aircraft programs to their future plans. We also discuss Richard’s detailed views on the Indian airlines and how they can have an outsized global impact, influence future aircraft development, and influence the supply chain around it. Vishal Mehra - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@vis⁠hal1mehra⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Episode number 35 of The Indian AvGeek features Alok Anand, from Acumen Aviation, continuing our in-depth chat from last week about aircraft leasing in India and the various intricacies around the business. In this episode we dive deeper into different types of leasing models (SLB and PLB), how Indian airlines are leasing, why it is essential to have a homegrown aircraft leasing industry in the country, anecdotes from Alok’s career, assessment of profitability and risks in leasing, why lessors often don’t buy aircraft directly, and the challenges for aviation in the next five years. https://www.flightpathwithalok.com/ Alok Anand - @AlokAnand77 Vishal Mehra - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@vis⁠hal1mehra⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Just as the Indian Parliament approved a bill to empower Cape Town convention and aircraft protocol, Alok Anand joined us to give an in-depth perspective of the Indian aircraft leasing market, how the entire process works, wet and dry leasing, as well as leasing done via GIFT City by Indian airlines so far and if it is any good? Alok Anand - @AlokAnand77 Vishal Mehra - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@vis⁠hal1mehra⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

I caught up with Rafat just a few days after the conclusion of a very successful Skift India Forum 2025. We engaged in a comprehensive conversation about the power of travel, the intricate relationship with aviation, the Indian market, and the potential benefits of a "connected trip." We also discussed in detail his thoughts on Air India and IndiGo, the potential of artificial intelligence in travel, and how airlines can work more closely with other players in the sector, including hotels, to up their game! Rafat Ali - @rafat Vishal Mehra - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@vis⁠hal1mehra⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Episode number 32 features Daniel Bircher, Chairman and MD at the Noida International Airport. Detailed discussion involving all aspects of the airport launching soon. ✈️Daniel’s background in aviation, how he got into the business. ✈️His time at BLR as the director of operations. How those learnings are helping him at DXN? ✈️When will DXN commence operations? ✈️Will cargo operations start earlier or passenger operations? ✈️Will DXN compete with DEL or complement DEL? ✈️Primary catchment area of the airport. ✈️How is DXN attracting traffic and airlines from DEL? Will it become Code F compliant? ✈️PaxEx features at the airport, contract, or airline led lounges? ✈️Domestic and international airline partners at the start. ✈️What’s DXN’s pitch to international airlines? ✈️Domestic/International traffic mix in the first 12 months. ✈️How will DXN support regional aviation? ✈️When will the flight to Zurich from DXN happen? ✈️MRO, Cargo, and General Aviation plans at DXN. ✈️Global trends in airport management. ✈️Split between aero/non-aero revenue. ✈️Retail, duty-free and F&B mix at the airport. ✈️The importance of Skytrax for airport operators. ✈️What challenges do airport operators in India face? ✈️What are the future expansion plans of the Noida International Airport? ✈️Will Zurich Airports look at other greenfield/brownfield airport development opportunities in India? Vishal Mehra - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@vis⁠hal1mehra⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠