IndiGo taps regional players for jet leases-

IndiGo, India’s largest air carrier, has reportedly entered into wet-lease agreements for seven aircraft — two from Qatar Airways and five Airbus A320s from Turkey-based Freebird Airlines — to support domestic operations, The Hindu Businessline reports, citing industry sources. The aircraft are expected to be inducted between December 2025 and January 2026.

Zoom out: The Indian government recently directed IndiGo to cut its domestic winter schedule by 10%, following the cancellation of over 4k flights in early December after the airline failed to adequately manage new pilot rest regulations. Beyond pilot availability constraints, IndiGo has grounded several aircraft due to ongoing Pratt & Whitney engine issues, as well as delays in aircraft deliveries from manufacturers.

Separately, India’s aviation regulator has increased scrutiny of IndiGo’s Turkey-linked wet-lease arrangements after Ankara allegedly backed Pakistan during the May India-Pakistan clash, according to The Hindu. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has said IndiGo can operate five wet-leased Boeing 737s from Turkey until 31 March 2026, with a “sunset clause” barring any further extension.

SCA’s USD 85 mn tugboat order signals confidence in Red Sea stabilization

The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) is effectively betting on a near-term normalization of maritime traffic, signing contracts worth some EGP 4.2 bn (c. USD 85 mn) to commission 10 new tugboats, a senior government official tells EnterpriseAM.

This is the first major capex commitment the SCA has made since regional conflicts sent Red Sea traffic plunging, and sends the market a signal that the authority is moving from crisis management to recovery mode. By expanding the fleet and expediting maintenance on key dredgers, the SCA is positioning itself for the return of the ultra-large container vessels that drive the bulk of its tonnage fees.

ALSO FROM EGYPT- The Unified Procurement Authority (UPA) launched a new platform designed to facilitate Egyptian manufacturers’ access to African markets, according to a statement from the authority. The platform integrates the national e-procurement system (MediQ) with a new interface for the Africa CDC.

By aligning data and regulatory standards with African partners, the authority aims to reduce the bureaucratic friction that often hampers Egyptian pharma exports to the rest of the continent. It also cements the UPA’s role as the operator of the Africa CDC’s North African capacity-building hub.

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