The Indian AvGeek
Every fortnight, Vishal Mehra goes deep with airline CEOs and COOs, airport route-development chiefs, OEM leaders, loyalty heads and the analysts who keep them honest, from DEL and BOM to AMS, FRA, DFW and beyond. Networks, fleets, slots, alliances, PaxEx and the economics behind every decision. The name is Indian. The conversation is global. The subject is always the business of aviation.
Episodes
Welcome to the Indian #AvGeek
Vishal Mehra, the host of The Indian AvGeek introduces himself and the show, focussing on the Indian skies, and talks about what's in store for listeners as new episodes drop every Monday.
BlueHot IndiGo and RedCold SpiceJet - Ameya Joshi (Network Thoughts)
The first episode of The Indian AvGeek features one the most respected analysts of the Indian aviation industry, Ameya Joshi from networkthoughts.com as we discuss Indigo’s business class launch, how they have pivoted from their original business model, how their network continues to evolve and grow with the recent Middle East expansion. We also discuss SpiceJet board’s approval of Rs 3000 crore Q
Stretch it like IndiGo - feat. Ajay Awtaney (Live From A Lounge)
The second episode of The Indian AvGeek is here and it features one of India’s most authoritative voices on aviation, Ajay Awtaney. Ajay and I discussed a variety of topics with the launch of IndiGo’s premium product, now known as Stretch, as well as its soon-to-be-launched FFP called IndiGo BluChip.
We discuss the new product, passenger perspective on these developments, how it might be a succe
From MasalaJet to Seattle, via GYD!
This week Vishal Mehra talks about all the latest happenings in Indian aviation, from SpiceJet, to Akasa, to Air India and over to airports in the country and the latest news from Boeing.
As always, please do give feedback - it helps. We are now on YouTube too. follow me on @vishal1mehra
Monumental Audits & Acquisitions - feat. Sanjay Lazar
An unmissable episode where Vishal Mehra speaks to Sanjay Lazar, a four-decade veteran of Indian Aviation, with most of his career spent in Air India. Sanjay dishes out on ICAO's safety audit of BCAS, as well as Air India's acquisition of Vistara - and how Singapore Airlines will be calling the shots increasingly.
As always, feel free to give feedback - it helps. I'm on most social platforms as
Move it like a MRO - feat. Devesh Agarwal (Bangalore Aviation)
This week’s episode has Devesh Agarwal, the founder of BangaloreAviation.com talking with Vishal on Air India’s upcoming mega MRO facility in Bengaluru, a new wide-body hangar at Delhi airport, the expansion of Air India Express as well as the forthcoming change of guard at the same airline. Devesh says it as he sees it!
Thank you for listening. Leave us feedback and a rating on your preferred po
The Business of General Aviation - feat. Captain Kishore Chinta
This week's episode features Captain Kishore Chinta, one of the most prolific aviators in the country with a celebrated background in the Indian Air Force and last two decades of flying civil aircraft. He has been an integral part of general aviation in the country and discusses trends, challenges and the future of private flying in the country.
Captain Kishore Chinta - @Capt_CK
Vishal Mehra
Criss-Crossing the Globe with Air India - feat. Rishi Jain
This week's episode features Rishi Jain. We delved deep into the India-UK air travel market, the fight for Heathrow slots and then fantasised together about possible new routes for Air India across its key international markets, the role of Star Alliance.
Rishi Jain - @RJainAviation
Vishal Mehra - @vishal1mehra
The PhoenixJet rises. Again - feat. Ameya Joshi (Network Thoughts)
SpiceJet seems to have secured another lifeline. What does the future look like for the airline, Why have top Indian and International investors put their faith in it, How long will these INR 3000+ crores last for the airline?
We discuss this in detail with Ameya Joshi of Network Thoughts and a radical plan to rebuild the airline from the ground up.
Ameya Joshi - @khabri_lal
Vishal Mehra
The Perfect Ten - feat. Satyaki Raghunath (Bengaluru International Airport)
The 10th episode of The Indian AvGeek features the COO of BLR, Satyaki Raghunath. Satyaki delves deep into the growth of the airport, the business, Talks in detail about IndiGo and Air India, about the new routes recently launched and about to be launched from the airport, how BLR has the best airline marketing team in the country and how they reached out to several North American Airlines. All th
The Mouth of the South - feat. Satyaki Raghunath (Bengaluru International Airport)
This episode is dedicated to the greatest Indian AvGeek — Mr. Ratan Tata.
Part two of my chat with the COO of Bengaluru International Airport, Satyaki Raghunath. This episode focuses on Fairfax’s management of BLR, marketing, and branding of the airport, reaching out to the new traveler, inbound tourism for the country, cargo plans for the airport, NetZero plans, how he thinks airlines like Akasa
“If Mohammad, Jesus & Ram put forward an airport proposal” - feat. Sean Mendis
This week our focus is entirely on Africa and its enormous potential for the India-Africa market. Sean Mendis talks to us about the overall state of African aviation, why Ethiopian Airlines leads the market, Qatar’s buying spree in Africa, Carriers serving the Indo-Africa market, unserved markets on the route, How will A321 XLR EIS help in market stimulation, new carriers which may serve the marke
High Finance: Navigating the skies of Aircraft Leasing - feat. Nitin Sarin (Sarin & Co)
This week’s guest is Nitin Sarin, Managing Partner at Sarin & Co, India’s only aviation law firm. The topics ranged from how aircraft leasing happens, to how an engine lessor takes the much bigger risk, to the Capetown convention, the emerging GIFT city, what MoCA and DGCA can do to make India more attractive for leasing companies, aircraft repossessions in India, and more.
Nitin Sarin -
Regional Rumblings - feat. Manoj Chacko (FLY91)
Episode #14 features the Founder CEO of FLY91, Manoj Chacko, talking about how his time at Kingfisher Airlines led to the initial thought for the regional airline, his business plan, their conversations with bigger airlines, their fleet choice, how they built their network, the role of technology in their operations, if the American regional airline model can work in India, Pilots, myths around AT
Simplifying Airline Marketing - feat. Shashank Nigam (Simpliflying)
As a historic week in the world of Indian aviation continues to rumble, the world’s foremost aviation marketing expert, Shashank Nigam, joins the show to talk about iconic brands of Indian aviation. We discussed the importance of airline marketing and how it differs from the usual marketing we all know.
How airline marketing evolved into health ratings during the pandemic, marketing’s importance
Airline Marketing 101 - feat. Solomon Wheeler
Solomon Wheeler, the ex- head of marketing at Vistara and SpiceJet, joins us to give a peek inside the life of an airline CMO. He touches upon his time at SpiceJet, how closely he worked with the revenue team for sales campaigns, and various marketing campaigns under his tutelage at Vistara including the famed Retrojet and Fly Higher. We discussed Active Revenue Management, how closely marketing i
The Small Narrow Body Edition - feat. Vasuki Prasad (Embraer)
This week’s show features Vasuki Prasad, Embraer Commercial Aviation’s APAC Marketing Director. The first part of our chat discusses Vasuki’s time heading commercial at Vistara, his eventual move to Embraer, the aircraft sales pitch process, Embraer in India, their integrated marketing mix, the relevance of airshows in today’s world, and more.
Vishal Mehra - @vishal1mehra
The Embraer Encore - feat. Vasuki Prasad (Embraer)
Vasuki Prasad (Marketing Director, APAC for Embraer) is back for an encore, and we dive into many topics.
* How Embraer approached new markets
* Future innovations and products
* Impact of ESG guidelines on aircraft sales
* How marketing differs within different divisions at Embraer
* Technical marketing done by OEMs
* How top airline hubs should be judged, basis of revenue
* How passenger reve
Highflying Headlines - feat. Jagriti Chandra (The Hindu)
This week’s show has Jagriti talking about her background in aviation journalism, stories that she is proud of covering, Air India’s latest additional 100 aircraft order, FDTL norms for Indian pilots, wet leasing rules revamp by DGCA, gender rights in Indian aviation circles, and much more.
Jagriti Chandra - @jagritichandra
Vishal Mehra - @vishal1mehra
Indian Aviation in 2024, Part 1 - feat. Devesh Agarwal (Bangalore Aviation)
Episode number 20 of The Indian AvGeek features Devesh Agarwal (BLRAviation) recapping important events of Indian aviation in 2024. We discussed important laws and directives brought in by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, DGCA, before discussing IndiGo’s year in detail. We also discussed Akasa, its highlights and troubles, as well as the demise of Jet Airways and Go First. It is a loaded first part
Indian Aviation in 2024, Part 2 - feat. Devesh Agarwal (Bangalore Aviation)
Episode number 21 of The Indian AvGeek features Devesh Agarwal (BLRAviation) chatting with me on the final part of the 2024 recap for Indian aviation. This week, we started with the leading airports of the country (DEL, BOM, BLR), moved to Boeing, and then Airbus as OEMs. We touched on regional aviation in the country and how 2024 was an important year for it before diving into SpiceJet and Air In
Star Crossed Connections - feat. Sidharth Grover (Star Alliance)
Episode number 22 of The Indian AvGeek features Sidharth Grover, Director of Communications and Marketing at Star Alliance. We started the discussion with Sid’s background at SpiceJet and Vistara before he moved on to Star Alliance. We spoke about the future of airline alliances, how the alliances do marketing, co-ordinating with all 25 partner airlines, future initiatives, the importance of India
Forecasting 2025 for Indian Aviation - feat. Ajay Awtaney (Live From A Lounge)
This week Ajay Awtaney forecasts the year ahead for Indian aviation with me. We discussed IATA’s projections and the expected profitability for Indian airlines. Besides that:
* Biggest tech advancements coming up in 2025
* Most critical challenge for MoCA and DGCA this year
* How are airlines preparing to meet increased travel demand?
* IndiGo’s plans for 2025
* The developing complex fleet of In
Forecasting 2025 for Indian Aviation (part 2) - feat. Ajay Awtaney (Live From A Lounge)
The second and final part of our 2025 industry forecast. We started our discussion straightaway with a banger: Which global airlines are waiting in the wings to launch routes to India? Once that was out of the way, we also discussed:
* Air India’s international expansion plans
* The US Big3’s plan for the Indian market
* Will Air India get A350Ks this year from Airbus? Or an IPO?
* Akasa’s strateg
Flying far, with the A321 XLR - feat. Evan (Analytic Flying)
It’s the quarter-century episode of the Indian AvGeek and do we have a striker or what? Evan from AnalyticFlying.com. We are diving into Airbus’s latest and greatest:
.Is the A321 XLR a misunderstood aircraft?
.Has aircraft marketing been taken too seriously?
.What makes the XLR different from other aircraft in the A320 family?
.IndiGo and the curious case of the Airbus A321 XLRWhat kind of har
DELville to DALLASpuri. Looking at India-US market - feat. Vinay Bhaskara
This week on The Indian AvGeek, we turn our focus on the India-US market and its potential. Vinay Bhaskara joins us on the show to talk about that and also about artificial intelligence in the industry:
* How can artificial intelligence and aviation come together?
* AI & NDC. How can that lead to smarter, better reservation systems and GDS?
* How can artificial intelligence add value to airports?
Wide Body Wonders - feat. Evan (Analytic Flying)
The 27th episode of The Indian AvGeek features Evan from AnalyticFlying.com. We mainly focus on the upcoming wide body aircraft for Air India and IndiGo.
* How does the A321 XLR compare to Boeing’s offerings in the same market segment
* IndiGo’s wet lease induction of Norse 787-9s
* How will Air India use its upcoming A350-900s and A35Ks
* How is IndiGo expected to use its A359s, once they get
Economy to Elite. The Business of Airline Loyalty - feat. Mark Ross-Smith (StatusMatch)
This episode features Mark Ross-Smith, the CEO of Loyalty Status Co - StatusMatch. We discussed the nitty-gritty of the airline loyalty and status matching industry.
* How did he get to lead Malaysia Airlines’ Enrich FFP?
* The story behind starting Status Match
* The status of Indian airline loyalty market
* How has loyalty and status matching evolved into a multi-billion dollar ancillary revenu
The Business of Airline Loyalty (part 2) - feat. Mark Ross-Smith (StatusMatch)
This is the second part of our conversation with Mark Ross-Smith, the CEO of Loyalty Status Co - StatusMatch. In this episode, we go deeper into the business of airline loyalty and status matching.
* How does StatusMatch do its marketing?
* The importance of points/miles websites
* The power of authenticity in loyalty marketing
* Story behind the viral “Chocolate Airlines,” which went viral
* How
Wings, Wisdom, and Willy - feat. Willy Boulter (ex CCO, IndiGo)
The 30th episode of The Indian AvGeek features a veteran of the global aviation industry. With all the news around IndiGo’s expansion into Europe, we sat down with the ex-CCO of IndiGo, Willy Boulter.
- [ ] Willy’s start and background in the aviation industry
- [ ] His time at Etihad and Jet Airways, working experience with Naresh Goyal
- [ ] What made IndiGo such a massive success?
- [ ] How wa
Shooting Straight on Points & Miles - feat. Aadil Bandukwala (The Great Indian Points & Miles Show) - The Indian AvGeek
This show features the co-founder and host of The Great Indian Points & Miles Show, Aadil Bandukwala. We break down points and miles scene for Indian travelers, both new and well-versed.
✈️ Points & miles landscape in India
✈️ Advice to get started in points & miles
✈️ Top tips for international redemptions
✈️ Top credit card recommendations
✈️ How to overcome redemption challenges?
✈️ Emerging t
Behind the Terminals at DXN - feat. Daniel Bircher (Chairman & MD - Noida International Airport, Zurich Airport International) - The Indian AvGeek
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 earlie
Skift Happens: Unpacking the World of Travel & Aviation - feat. Rafat Ali (CEO/Founder - Skift) - The Indian AvGeek
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 trav
Lease, Lift, and Land: Insights on Aircraft Leasing & Asset Management - feat. Alok Anand (Chairman/CEO - Acumen Aviation) - The Indian AvGeek
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
Insights on Aircraft Leasing & Asset Management (Part 2) - feat. Alok Anand (Chairman/CEO - Acumen Aviation) - The Indian AvGeek
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 co
The A,B,C,E of Past, Present and Future of Aviation - feat. Richard Aboulafia (MD - AeroDynamic Advisory) - The Indian AvGeek
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 t
The Alliance Alchemist - feat. Mauro Oretti (Head of Operations, SkyTeam) - The Indian AvGeek
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
The HYD High-Flyer - feat. Pradeep Panicker (CEO, RGIA) - The Indian AvGeek
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 av
The Cranky Cockpit - feat. Brett Snyder (Founder/Author, Cranky Flier)
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
Inside IndiGo’s Flight Plan - feat. Abhijit DasGupta (Head of Planning and Revenue, IndiGo)
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 con
Nose to Tail Insights! - feat. Arvind Chandrasekhar (Head of Network, Fleet Management & Director Sales India, Lufthansa Consulting)
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 d
AvGeek meets Points Geek- feat. Brian Kelly (Founder & CEO, The Points Guy)
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 s
Inside the Business of the Sky: feat. Brian Sumers (Founder/Editor, The Airline Observer)
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 u
Props to the Future: feat. Jean-Pierre Clercin (Commercial Head - APAC , ATR)
🎙️ 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
Unpacking AI171 Prelim Report with India’s Top Aviation Minds
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
Seat 1A. Up-Front and Lie-Flat Truths feat. John Walton (Editor in chief, The Up Front)
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 whol
Flying by the Numbers feat. Mike Malik (Chief Marketing Officer, Cirium)
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 thi
Hub & Spoke Huddle: From Munich to Mumbai via Beijing, feat. Behramjee Ghadially
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 capitali
Aviation Economics at 35000 feet feat. Jay Shabat (Skift Airline Weekly)
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
50 Shades of Oneworld feat. Nathaniel Pieper (CEO, Oneworld)
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 — Na
Delhi Hub Hustle & Airline Tussle feat. Ameya Joshi (Founder, NetworkThoughts.com)
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 avia
The Indian Travel Stack feat. Suresh Khadakbhavi (CEO, Digi Yatra Foundation)
A deep dive into the tech, governance, and everyday friction of modern air travel with the person who helped turn a fringe idea into India’s biometric travel backbone. Suresh Khadakbhavi walks us from a muddy auto ride before his BIAL interview to the pilot with Jet Airways that proved passenger-first biometrics could scale nationally and explains how Digi Yatra is designed to enable seamless jo
Defrastructure & Disruption: The ePlane Story feat. Prof Satya Chakravarthy (Founder, The ePlane Co)
What does it take to reimagine flight for India’s cities — and make it affordable, scalable, and safe? In this episode of The Indian AvGeek, I sit down with Prof. Satya Chakravarthy, Founder, CEO-CTO of The ePlane Company and long-time professor at IIT Madras, to explore how deep-tech innovation is reshaping the skies above us.
From his early fascination with aerospace engineering to his bold le
From Cockpit to Analytics feat. Courtney Miller, Founder & MD, Visual Approach Analytics)
Episode 54
What happens when a pilot, an airline operator, and a strategist decide to reimagine aviation through the lens of data? In this episode, I sit down with Courtney Miller, the mind behind Visual Approach Analytics, to explore how storytelling, visualisation, and forecasting are reshaping the way airlines make decisions.
What we discussed:
• Courtney’s journey into aviation: from the c
The Last MD‑83 and the Next Frontier feat. Arun Kr Singh (President & CEO, TezJet)
Episode 55 with Arun Kumar Singh, the CEO of Kyrgyzstan-based TezJet.
From the hyper-regulated regional skies of India’s UDAN scheme to the mountainous terrain of Central Asia, Arun’s journey is as unique as the fleet he operates. With TezJet launching its direct Bishkek-Delhi service this week, we dive deep into the operational reality of connecting India with Kyrgyzstan. But this isn't just a
The Cheeky Challenger feat. Shivani Singh Deo (Country Manager - India, Virgin Atlantic)
Episode 56
Virgin Atlantic isn’t just flying to India; they are painting the skies red with a staggering 350% growth since 2019. In this episode, Vishal sits down with Shivani Singh Deo, Country Manager – India for Virgin Atlantic, to decode how the "cheeky challenger" of aviation is aggressively expanding its footprint in one of the world's largest aviation markets.
Transitioning from a market
Forecast for 2026 Skies feat. Ajay Awtaney (Founder & Editor, LiveFromALounge.com)
Episode 57: The 2026 Flight Plan with Ajay Awtaney
As 2025 draws to a close, the Indian skies look vastly different than it did twelve months ago. We’ve seen the "arrival" of India on the global stage at the IATA AGM in Delhi, but we’ve also grappled with the sombre reality of the AI171 tragedy and operational meltdowns at IndiGo that tested passenger loyalty to its limit.
In this deep-dive se
Air Canada’s 2026 Flight Plan feat. Mark Nasr (EVP & COO, Air Canada)
Episode 58:
We are kicking off 2026 with a high-altitude deep dive! In the season premiere, Vishal Mehra sits down with Mark Nasr, the Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer at Air Canada.
Mark is the man the AvGeek community knows as the architect behind the revamped Aeroplan, but today, he’s steering the operational ship of Canada’s flag carrier. In this wide-ranging conversa
Inside BBJ's feat. Chris Shindle (Director of Marketing, Boeing Business Jets)
In Episode 59 of The Indian AvGeek, Vishal Mehra sits down with Chris Shindle to explore the evolving world of business aviation through Boeing’s lens. From Honeywell’s forecast of 8,500 new biz jets in the next decade to India’s billionaire class weighing Gulfstreams against BBJs, this conversation dives deep into the trade-offs between speed, cabin volume, and prestige.
Chris explains how a BBJ
Inside CPH: How the Nordics’ No.1 Runs feat. Johan Laurberg (Sr Route Development Manager, Copenhagen Airports)
Episode 60:
What does it take to get a widebody jet from Mumbai to land in Copenhagen? It turns out it’s a mix of high-stakes matchmaking, "slot surgery", and sometimes even a twenty-year game of patience.
In this landmark 60th episode, Vishal Mehra sits down with Johan Laurberg, Senior Route Development Manager at Copenhagen Airports (CPH). We go behind the scenes of one of Europe’s most fasc
Frenemies at the Gate: The Lufthansa - Air India Moment feat. Kevin Markette (Head of Sales-South Asia, Lufthansa Group)
Episode 61
Just as the aviation industry digests the news of the Lufthansa-Air India MoU and the arrival of the Allegris cabin in New Delhi, we sit down with Kevin Markette, Head of Sales for South Asia at Lufthansa.
In this deep dive, we move past the press releases to answer the questions Indian frequent flyers actually care about. From the challenge of choosing between five different busin
The Middle Seat’s Masterclass feat. Scott McCartney (Airlines Confidential Podcast)
Episode 62
This week on The Indian AvGeek, we hit a bucket-list milestone. We are joined by Scott McCartney, the legendary creator of the Wall Street Journal’s "Middle Seat" column. For 29 years, Scott was the ultimate arbiter of the passenger experience, and today, we turn the tables to ask him the hard questions. He is also the co-host of the Airlines Confidential podcast.
We go behind th
On Pieter Elbers and IndiGo feat. Kushan Mitra (The Pioneer) & Ajay Awtaney (Live From A Lounge)
Episode 63
On March 10th, 2026, the Indian aviation industry was rocked by the abrupt resignation of Pieter Elbers from IndiGo. As the architect of IndiGo’s global expansion—introducing wide-bodies, business class, and a massive international footprint—his departure leaves more questions than answers.
Is this a strategic pivot back to the airline’s ruthless LCC roots? Does Rahul Bhatia’s "Mai
Hub & Seek: How Lufthansa is Playing the Long Game feat. Felipe Bonifatti (VP Asia Pacific, ME & JV East, Lufthansa Group)
Episode 64
100 years of Lufthansa. One guest who's been there for 34 of them.
In Episode 64 of The Indian AvGeek, we sit down with Felipe Bonifatti, VP Asia Pacific, Middle East & Joint Ventures East at the Lufthansa Group – the man responsible for the Group's entire passenger airline business across this part of the world, covering brands like Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian, Brussels Airlines, Dis
State of the Aviation Industry (part 1) feat. Thomas Jaeger & Addison Schonland
Episode 65
In our landmark 65th episode, we bring together two of the world’s most formidable aviation analysts for a rare joint appearance. Thomas Jaeger (Founder & CEO, ch-aviation) and Addison Schonland (Founder & Partner, AirInsight Group) join the show to dissect the state of the industry.
We dive deep into the strategic earthquake of Willie Walsh joining IndiGo: Is he there to protect t
State of the Aviation Industry (part 2) feat. Thomas Jaeger & Addison Schonland
Episode 66 of The Indian AvGeek is part 2 of one of the most substantive conversations this show has ever hosted, and it goes deeper.
Thomas Jaeger (Founder, ch-aviation) and Addison Schonland (Founder, AirInsight Group) are back, and this time the conversation turns to the questions that keep airline executives, analysts, and engineers up at night.
We start with the engine crisis, and the numbe
The Future of Airline Loyalty feat. Mark Potter (Managing Director, Etihad Guest)
In Episode 67 of The Indian AvGeek, we are going under the hood of one of the world’s most aggressive loyalty transformations. Our guest is Mark Potter, Managing Director of Etihad Guest.
India is Etihad Guest's second-largest member market globally, and it's growing faster than any other. With 13.5 million members worldwide and a program that's quietly evolving from an airline loyalty scheme in
Slot Archaeology & Airline Networking feat. Wilco Sweijen (Airline Partnerships Dir, AMS Schiphol)
On Episode 68 of The Indian AvGeek, host Vishal Mehra sits down with Wilco Sweijen, Airline Partnerships Director at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, for a behind-the-curtain conversation on how AMS picks its airline partners, courts new routes, and quietly shapes the future of European long-haul aviation.
✈️ India-Amsterdam corridor: 42 flights/week & 8,48,000 pax in 2025, with 26% point-to-point pas
AIX 2026 & The PaxEx Paradox feat. Seth Miller (Founder, PaxEx.Aero)
What does it actually take to build a great passenger experience at 35,000 feet and who's keeping airlines honest when they fall short?
In Episode 69 of The Indian AvGeek, Vishal Mehra sits down with Seth Miller, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of PaxEx.Aero and host of the Dots, Lines & Destinations podcast, one of the sharpest minds covering in-flight product, cabin design, connectivity, and the bu
Will Delhi Do Dallas? feat. Chris McLaughlin (CEO, DFW - Dallas Fort Worth Intl Airport)
What does it take to run one of the world's largest, busiest aviation mega-hubs while actively chasing the world's fastest-growing aviation market?
In Episode 70 of The Indian AvGeek, we sit down with Chris McLaughlin, CEO of Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), to unpack the ultra-long-haul economics, airspace complexities, and massive infrastructure upgrades redefining global travel.
The Multi-Hub Myth feat. Behramjee Ghadially and Sean Mendis
Episode 71 of The Indian AvGeek: Host Vishal Mehra sits down with two of the sharpest minds in the business.
Fresh off AviaDev 2026, Sean Mendis and Behramjee Ghadially join the show for an unfiltered, deeply analytical discussion on the geopolitical and structural shifts in aviation.
As India aggressively pursues a multi-hub model across Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and even Rajkot. We look at whet
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