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 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