Skift Aviation Forum 2026: Building and Betting in One of the World’s Fastest-Growing Aviation Markets

The Decision Brief SKIFT AVIATION FORUM Aditya Ghosh, Founder, Homage Ventures & Advisors Moderated by Rafat Ali, CEO and Founder, Skift THE TAKEAWAY Airlines can make convenience a premium proposition by reducing the friction customers encounter before, during, and after a flight. Aditya Ghosh argued that the commercial test is whether travelers value those improvements enough to support their cost, particularly on short-haul routes. PATHS FORWARD Treat convenience as a product feature. Ghosh described faster refunds, smoother boarding, reliable baggage delivery, and better ground connections as ways to improve short-haul flying; airlines could prioritize the friction points most relevant to their customers. Adapt proven digital experiences. Ghosh contrasted repetitive airline booking processes with commerce apps that remember preferences and simplify repeat purchases, offering a model for making travel transactions easier. Test investment against willingness to pay. Ghosh said India’s high fuel costs and low fares make it essential to deliver services at costs customers will support; convenience improvements face the same commercial discipline. WHAT TO WATCH Where convenience earns a premium. Traveler response to faster refunds, simpler booking, and smoother connections could help airlines identify improvements worth funding. How short-haul expectations evolve. Ghosh’s focus on hassle-free two- to four-hour journeys raises questions about how broadly convenience-led premiumization can extend across markets and trip types. Access all the Skift Takeaways from this event, as well as full session videos, presentation documents, and more editorial coverage at our Skift Aviation Forum attendees hub.