KLM has commissioned its first Airbus A350 full-flight simulator and plans to "shortly" begin pilot training for the incoming long-haul jet. The CAE-supplied simulator is the first for A350 pilots in the Netherlands, KLM says, noting that the equipment's acceptance process at the Canadian manufacturer's facility in Montreal is similar to that for aircraft deliveries. The simulator's transport, in parts, to Amsterdam and subsequent reassembly at a recently expanded training centre at KLM's Schiphol-East site presented a logistical challenge, the Dutch carrier adds. "Due to its size, the simulator couldn’t pass through the main gate and had to be hoisted over the fence. It is now fully installed and ready for use. The first group of A350 pilots will begin training shortly," the airline states. KLM's first A350 "will join the fleet at the end of 2026", it adds. Air France-KLM in 2023 ordered 50 A350s, spanning both the -900 and -1000 variants, for delivery across the across two mainlines, and took options on another 40. KLM plans to introduce A350s to replace A330s and Boeing 777s in its fleet.

Maldivian has issued a tender seeking a general sales agent in Russia ahead of flights commencing there during 2026. The carrier states in a request for proposals that it is looking to strengthen its presence in the Russian market, which is "one of the top source markets for tourists to the Maldives". The document states that "operations to Russia is planned to commence by 2026", with the expected date that the GSA to be engaged from 1 March. No other specific details on which destinations in Russia would be served were included in the RFP, with bids due by 19 October. Maldivian operates two jet aircraft, an Airbus A320ceo and an A330-200, fleet data shows, and it appears likely that the A330, which is leased from True Noord would be used on the Russian routes. Schedules data shows that the two aircraft are primarily used on flights to destinations in southern India, Bangladesh, China and Thailand. Aeroflot is currently the only operator between Russia and the Maldives, operating nine-weekly services between Moscow Sheremetyevo and Male, while from November it will be joined by Azur Air which will fly thrice-weekly on the Moscow Vnukovo-Male route.

India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation has proposed to relax regulations on carriers to wet-lease aircraft by removing a rule that limits this option to emergency situations only. Under the proposed draft, "only" has been amended to "normally" for the conditions of wet-lease arrangements. In effect, these changes "Wet/Damp Lease (In) shall be permitted only by the scheduled airlines to cover any emergent situation" to "Wet/Damp Lease (In) shall normally be permitted by the scheduled airlines to cover any emergent situation". (italics added for emphasis) These emergent situations include unexpected AOGs, unscheduled maintenance or checks and any other "unforeseen circumstances", details the draft. It also proposes giving the aviation regulator a "one-time basis" discretion to allow the wet-lease of an aircraft. For now, wet-leasing requires a lessor's state to have an ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme Effective Implementation (EI) score of 80% or more. The programme measures the effectiveness of a country's safety oversight system. The DGCA is inviting comments for the proposed amendments until 28 October. The relaxation of rules would make it easier for carriers to increase capacity during peak seasons without having to fulfil the "emergent situation" requirement. IndiGo and SpiceJet, in particular, have been notable users of wet-leased capacity in India. SpiceJet has stated that it plans to wet-lease 18 Boeing 737s and one Airbus A340 for the northern winter scheduling season that starts in late October.