iWorld
Blackcab Agency Network wins Avion India digital mandate
Creative agency to lead social strategy, content and performance marketing for aviation training centre.
MUMBAI: Blackcab just took off with a high-flying client because when your brand needs altitude in digital skies, you don’t wing it, you hire the jet fuel. Blackcab Agency Network has been appointed as the digital strategy and brand building partner for Avion India, Mumbai’s first DGCA-approved full flight training simulator facility located at Juhu Airport.
The mandate sees Blackcab handling Avion India’s end-to-end digital presence, including social media strategy (Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin, Youtube), content creation, performance marketing and campaign execution. The agency will produce on-site content showcasing simulator sessions, student journeys and behind-the-scenes glimpses of pilot training.
The partnership arrives as India’s aviation sector experiences robust growth, with rising demand for skilled pilots and aviation professionals. Blackcab’s role will be to translate Avion’s technical training environment into compelling, aspirational digital narratives that connect with students exploring careers in aviation.
Blackcab Agency Network co-founder Aayush Bansal said, “Our role with Avion India is not just to tell a story, but to build a structured digital ecosystem that drives measurable results. From managing social platforms to creating performance-led campaigns, we are ensuring every touchpoint builds awareness, engages aspiring pilots, and supports student intake.”
Avion India director Parth Mulay added, “We started Avion with a simple vision, to build a training environment where pilots truly feel prepared for real airline operations. Blackcab has helped us present our simulators, infrastructure, and the real pilot journey in a way that feels authentic and inspiring for aspiring pilots.”
The appointment marks Blackcab’s expansion into the aviation training sector while strengthening its portfolio across diverse industries.
In a sky where ambition needs clear runway signals, Blackcab isn’t just flying the brand, it’s giving future pilots the digital navigation they need to soar.
iWorld
Meta tests Instagram Plus with stealth features and extended story tools
New paid tier targets everyday users with more control and privacy perks
MUMBAI: Meta appears to be doubling down on subscriptions, quietly testing a new premium tier called Instagram Plus that brings a mix of privacy, control and visibility tools to everyday users of Instagram.
Unlike Meta Verified, which is geared towards creators and businesses, the new offering is aimed squarely at regular users who want a little more control over how they show up and what they see on the platform.
At the heart of Instagram Plus is a rethink of Stories, the app’s most widely used feature. The test introduces the ability to view Stories anonymously, meaning users can watch or preview content without appearing in the viewer list. It also adds “rewatch insights”, allowing users to see how many times their own Stories have been viewed, a metric that has long been a source of curiosity.
There is more. Stories can stay live for up to 48 hours instead of the usual 24, giving posts a longer shelf life. Users can also create multiple audience lists beyond “Close Friends”, making it easier to tailor content for different circles such as work, family or social groups.
For those chasing visibility, a weekly “Story Spotlight” feature lets users push a post to the front of their followers’ feed. Meanwhile, searchable viewer lists make it simpler to track who has seen a Story, and a new “superlike” reaction adds a more animated way to stand out in direct messages.
The feature set may feel familiar to some. Several of these tools have previously existed through third-party workarounds or have been widely requested by users, particularly the ability to browse Stories discreetly.
Pricing for the test is deliberately modest, suggesting a strategy focused on scale. Early trials show subscription costs at roughly $1 to $2 per month in markets such as the Philippines, Mexico and Japan. The feature has not yet rolled out in India, the United States or Europe, though a broader launch later in 2026 is widely expected if the pilot gains traction.
The move reflects a broader shift in Meta’s business model. With digital advertising facing increasing competition and regulatory scrutiny, subscription products offer a more predictable revenue stream. Rivals such as Snapchat Plus have already found success, building a sizeable paying user base with similar premium add-ons.
For Meta, the bet is simple: give users more control, a touch of stealth and a dash of exclusivity, and they may be willing to pay. If the early signs hold, Instagram Plus could turn everyday scrolling into a slightly more curated, and monetised, experience.
