Construction of a toll highway between Samarkand and Bukhara is planned, which will reduce travel time to one and a half hours

According to information from three sources close to the situation, India's largest airline, IndiGo, is discussing the possibility of acquiring 100 regional aircraft from the Brazilian manufacturer Embraer, with a potential option for an additional 50 units. This could become one of the largest orders placed with the Brazilian manufacturer.

Sources who wished to remain anonymous emphasized that negotiations are in the early stages and the deal is not yet guaranteed. Furthermore, they noted that the aircraft model has not yet been determined, and the final order volume may change. It is anticipated that any deliveries may not begin before 2030.

This volume of discussed aircraft has come to public knowledge for the first time. No immediate responses were received from IndiGo or Embraer regarding requests for comments.

The successful sale of 100 aircraft could cost billions of dollars at base prices, although such deals often include discounts. Previously, Embraer promoted its regional aircraft among Indian airlines and concluded a non-binding agreement with Adani Defence & Aerospace this year to study the possibility of establishing an final assembly line for older E175-E1 models, which carry up to 88 passengers, in India.

The company also produces larger models, the E190-E2 and E195-E2, equipped with more modern and fuel-efficient engines capable of carrying 114 to 146 passengers, respectively.

Advantage for Embraer

A successful deal would be a significant success for Embraer in the world's third-largest domestic aviation market, where airlines are expanding their fleets to capitalize on long-term air travel demand.

Currently, Star Air, a small regional airline, is the only Indian company operating Embraer aircraft. In March, Embraer CEO Francisco Gomes Neto told Reuters that the plan to establish an assembly line in India depends on orders of at least 200 aircraft, and that aircraft assembled in India could be delivered starting in 2028 if orders are placed by the end of the current year.

The order from Embraer would allow IndiGo to increase routes to regional areas and replace some of its turboprop ATRs, which would enable it to offer more seats on existing routes.

IndiGo CEO Willie Walsh, who took over in August, stated that IndiGo will expand long-haul flights without sacrificing its low-cost short-haul business. The company plans to grow its fleet to approximately 600 aircraft by 2030, up from 442 in September. The core of the fleet consists of narrow-body Airbus aircraft, but the fleet also includes 44 turboprop ATRs.

Harley-Davidson introduced its most compact and budget-friendly motorcycle, the Harley-Davidson X350T, at the EICMA 2026 exhibition. The launch of this model coincides with changes in the VAT structure in India.

Last year, the government announced changes to VAT rates: a rate of 18% applies to motorcycles with engines up to 350 cubic centimeters, while a rate of 40% is set for more powerful models. Thanks to this new tax regime, the new Harley model in India will fall into the 18% VAT category, which will help the brand keep prices low. However, the company has not yet disclosed pricing information.

The changes in taxation also affect the portfolio of Bajaj Auto, which has begun equipping some of its motorcycles with 350cc Triumph engines, although the names of these models remain unchanged. However, Harley-Davidson chose a different approach: instead of reducing the power of existing models, the company released an entirely new motorcycle with a smaller engine.

The Harley-Davidson X350T features a design largely similar to its larger counterpart, the X440T. The motorcycle is equipped with features such as ABS, traction control, various riding modes, and electronic throttle. The company stated that the bike will provide segment-leading torque, although specific figures were not disclosed.

The most budget-friendly cruiser model from the company, the Sprint 440, equipped with a 440cc engine that produces 27 hp and 38 Nm of torque, was also presented at EICMA 2026. Harley plans to launch this new model in the USA early next year, as well as in India. In India, the X350T will be sold alongside the X440T, allowing the company to benefit from the preferential 18% tax regime for the 350cc engine. Although prices have not been announced, the X350T will become the brand's most affordable model in India.