SriLankan Airlines is presenting a game-changer with the introduction of ‘Yaana,’ an AI-powered chatbot. Yaana is set to transform customer support and the way passengers interact with the airline by leveraging advanced AI and Natural Language Processing (NLP) technologies to intelligently assist with a wide range of passenger inquiries. Developed in collaboration with CodeGen International, Yaana is now live on SriLankan Airlines’ corporate website. Chamara Perera, Group Head of Information Technology, SriLankan Airlines, commented on this latest advancement in customer engagement technology stating, “Yaana features a generative AI virtual assistant powered by GPT-4 technology and is equipped with sophisticated retrieval capabilities to enhance customer interactions and efficiently address inquiries. The system also utilises a conversational AI framework and custom AI algorithms to deliver rapid, accurate, empathetic and contextually relevant responses. By cross-referencing multiple policy documents, real-time data sets, including flight schedules, Yaana ensures that passengers receive reliable, tailored information.” Dimuthu Tennakoon, Head of Worldwide Sales and Distribution, SriLankan Airlines, expressed his enthusiasm about Yaana’s potential, stating, “Since going live, Yaana has handled close to 12,000 inquiries with remarkable efficiency, autonomously resolving 88 per cent of them. Furthermore, with its scalability, we anticipate Yaana will manage five times the current volume. By providing 24/7 assistance, including real-time updates during disruptions, streamlined booking guidance and personalised support for complex queries, Yaana will significantly enhance customer service every step of the way.” The chatbot will prove especially indispensable during unplanned flight disruptions, a common occurrence in the airline industry, by assisting passengers in swiftly finding alternative travel options. Available globally, Yaana also has multilingual capabilities, making it accessible to SriLankan Airlines’ diverse, global customer base. For SriLankan Airlines, an airline committed to using …

Signs contract for one Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft Will explore further opportunities with Norse Atlantic Airways for contracting more aircraft IndiGo has announced that it has entered into an agreement with Norse Atlantic Airways for damp lease of one Boeing 787-9 aircraft. The aircraft will be arriving in India in the next few weeks and is expected to start operations in March 2025. This partnership underscores IndiGo’s strategic efforts to expand its geographic reach and provide its customers with more options for international travel. The initial term of the agreement is six months, extendable to up to 18 months, subject to regulatory approvals. Both parties remain committed to exploring opportunities to further extend this period, subject to regulatory approvals. IndiGo and Norse will continue exploring opportunities to contract additional aircraft and increase their collaboration further. IndiGo is committed to providing an exceptional travel experience to its customers and expanding its international footprint to cater to the growing demand for international travel to and from India. To support and accelerate its long-haul expansion, IndiGo has placed a firm order for 30 Airbus 350-900 wide-body aircraft with an option for an additional 70 aircraft, with deliveries expected to commence from 2027. Pieter Elbers, CEO, IndiGo, said, “As part of our broader strategy to significantly expand our international network, we are pleased to confirm this damp lease of one Boeing 787-9 aircraft from Norse Atlantic Airways. Our vision is to transform into a global player by 2030 while having strong roots and continuous expansion in India, and we are strategically moving ahead in that direction.”  

Prateek Hira, President & CEO, Tornos shared his comments on Union Budget 2025. “The Indian government has unveiled the Union Budget for the fiscal year 2025-2026. Within the positive announcements by the Finance Ministry that include relaxation in visas for some countries, a focus on 50 tourist destinations, an infrastructure push and a few other initiatives, there is also a deep wound that has been inflicted on the tourism industry, particularly the inbound sector. The budget includes only a slight increase of 4 per cent in the allocation for tourism, which is less than India’s inflation rate, but the worst part, which will have a ramification on the already bleeding inbound sector, is that the international marketing budget for tourism has been reduced to ₹30 million, a reduction of 97 per cent of the already minuscule budget that India had for international tourism marketing. Interestingly, ₹30 million is the budget of many mid-size and large companies for their own marketing and promotions. This move of the Indian government is beyond anyone’s understanding and only points to the fact that India does not want inbound tourists or wants to earn foreign exchange through tourism. The move is in stark contrast to what the government of India speaks at different forums regarding making India a global hub and doubling its foreign tourist arrivals. In this budget, there was no mention of the tourism board, which is an incomplete exercise and could have set many issues right. After the closure of international tourism offices and with no proper marketing strategy in place, the tourism board could have been a saviour. The granting of industry status to tourism and incentivising foreign exchange earnings through …

66.2% increase over 2023 driven by strong passenger growth Passenger numbers surpass 4.9 million, load factor at 78.4% Jazeera Airways announced impressive financial results for 2024, reporting a net profit of KD 10.2 million, a significant 66.2 per cent increase compared to the previous year. The airline’s operating revenue rose by 5.3 per cent to KD 208.6 million, while EBIT surged by 46.8 per cent to KD 17.3 million. Passenger numbers continued their upward trend, demonstrating the most active year on record – exceeding 4.9 million—an increase of 5.1 per cent from 2023, supported by a strong summer travel demand. The airline also achieved a load factor of 78.4 per cent, reflecting high seat occupancy. In Q4 2024, group operating revenue climbed 15 per cent to KD 45.1 million, with quarterly losses reduced by 41.1 per cent to KD 4.2 million, compared to KD 7.14 million in Q4 2023. This was mainly driven by improved revenues and measures implemented to increase operating efficiency. Jazeera Airways Board of Directors recommended a dividend distribution of 40 fils per share. Marwan Boodai, Chairman, Jazeera Airways, said, “Jazeera Airways’ strong performance in 2024 reflects our strategic agility, operational excellence, and commitment to our passengers. A significant growth in profit amid industry challenges underscores our resilience and ambition. As we drive forward with digital transformation in 2025, we remain focused on enhancing connectivity and customer experience. We could not have achieved this success without the exceptional support of our shareholders, passengers, dedicated employees, and supportive stakeholders. We are excited for the journey ahead, building on this momentum to deliver even greater value and innovation in the years to come.” 2024 Operational Review The year 2024 …

In Q4 2024, the independent hotel brand strengthens its global portfolio across nine countries, from a grand hilltop retreat in Udaipur to an eco-friendly island escape in Colombia Preferred Hotels & Resorts announced the addition of 10 new member properties to its global portfolio between 1 October and 31 December, 2024. To celebrate, I Prefer Hotel Rewards members can earn 2,500 bonus points on eligible stays at any of these participating locations for a limited time. Ranging from a restored mansion set in the heart of Santiago’s historic center to an Austrian alpine retreat, each of these unique properties offer a host of memorable guest experiences designed to inspire travelers as they embark on new adventures across the world in 2025 and beyond, with highlights including: Gamboa Rainforest Reserve (Gamboa, Panama) – Lifestyle Collection: Located deep within the lush Panama jungle along the banks of the Chagres River, Gamboa Rainforest Reserve offers an immersive escape in the heart of nature. This rainforest retreat features 166 elegantly designed rooms and suites with private balconies, offering panoramic views of the verdant jungle and winding waterways. Guests can unwind in the resort’s pool or indulge in locally inspired cuisine at a variety of dining options. Activity highlights include guided aerial tram rides through the forest canopy, visits to the Gamboa Sloth Sanctuary, kayaking on the Panama Canal, tours of the nearby Soberanía National Park to spot exotic wildlife, and enriching cultural experiences with indigenous communities. Hotel Magnolia (Santiago, Chile) – L.V.X. Collection: Set in the heart of Santiago’s historic district, Hotel Magnolia seamlessly blends old-world charm with modern sophistication. Housed in a historic building converted into a contemporary hotel, this boutique retreat boasts …

Minor Hotels announced the upcoming debut of NH Collection in Spain’s Balearic Islands, with NH Collection Ibiza to launch in April. Sir Joan hotel in Ibiza, recently acquired by AX Partners, will undergo a refurbishment in line with NH Collection’s premium standards before relaunching under the new brand this spring. Following a comprehensive refurbishment in 2017, this current renovation will further enhance both the quality of its facilities and its services, including the gastronomic offering which will feature a new restaurant and cocktail options. With this, the new five-star NH Collection Ibiza aims to become one of the benchmarks of premium tourism in Ibiza, now with the service and benefits of a great brand to provide unique and unforgettable experiences to its customers. Overlooking the port of Ibiza and the old town, the hotel is a meeting point for national and international visitors to the vibrant island of Ibiza. Its privileged location, now combined with the management of Minor Hotels under the NH Collection brand, will position it as a key asset in the premium segment of the Balearic Islands. Second opening in 2025 for the NH Collection brand The launch of this hotel in April will be the brand’s second of the year, following the recently announced NH Collection Alagna Mirtillo Rosso in Italy, which will open its doors in March. This four-star hotel, located in the heart of the Pennine Alps in the village of Alagna Valsesia at the foot of Monte Rosa, is perfect for skiing enthusiasts. Together, these properties will help strengthen the NH Collection brand portfolio, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year with nearly 100 hotels worldwide. Gonzalo Aguilar, Chief Executive Officer, Minor …

The much-loved A380, featuring The Residence and award-winning cabins, starts serving the popular Asian destination for the first time The double-decker puts over 700 more seats a week on the popular daily service operated by the national airline of the UAE Etihad Airways’ popular A380 made a stylish debut at Singapore Changi Airport on Sunday, 2 February, marking the first time the airline has flown its Big Bird to Singapore. The milestone further enhances the travel experience between the UAE and the Asian powerhouse. The world’s largest passenger aircraft, the Airbus A380, brings Etihad’s celebrated inflight features to the Singapore route, including The Residence – the world’s only three-room suite in the sky. The upper deck also features The Lobby, an exclusive lounge area for First and Business class guests. Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, Etihad Airways, said, “As a vibrant and dynamic city, Singapore is always going to be a key destination in our global network. The decision to deploy our much-loved A380 boosts our travel offering between Abu Dhabi and Singapore and highlights our resolve to go beyond by delivering fantastic travel experiences across Etihad’s growing global network.” “Bringing the A380 to Singapore, along with our broader network expansion plans, including increased frequency on key routes, demonstrates our strong growth momentum in Asia. This added capacity reflects the growing demand we are seeing for travel to and from Singapore.” The UAE and Singapore enjoy robust ties across multiple sectors, including trade, culture, and business, and the route caters to leisure travellers as well as providing strong business connections, particularly in sectors like aviation, energy, and technology. The A380 increases the route’s capacity by 28 per cent, …

Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel & Convention Center announced the elevation of Swapnil Nandurkar as the new Director of Sales. With over 14 years of distinguished experience in the hospitality industry, Swapnil has been an integral member of the hotel’s leadership team, having previously served as the Associate Director of Sales. His extensive career includes roles at prominent global brands such as Taj Hotels Palaces Resorts Safaris, Mumbai & Hyderabad, JW Marriott Pune, where he has consistently demonstrated a passion for excellence, innovation, and business growth. Swapnil’s contributions to Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield have been instrumental in driving revenue growth, identifying new business opportunities, setting and achieving sales targets, and fostering strong client relationships. His strategic insights, combined with a deep understanding of the hospitality sector, have significantly strengthened the hotel’s position within a competitive market. Before his tenure at Sheraton, Swapnil was a part of Sales & Marketing team at Taj Lands End, Mumbai, set new benchmarks for excellence, further cementing his reputation as an industry leader. In his new role as Director of Sales, Swapnil will oversee all aspects of the hotel’s sales strategy. He will be responsible for budgeting, forecasting, and developing initiatives that enhance brand awareness and the hotel’s overall commercial performance. Under his leadership, Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield aims to solidify its position as a market leader, increasing market share and continuing its commitment to delivering exceptional service and experiences to guests. “We are thrilled to announce Swapnil’s elevation to Director of Sales. His deep industry knowledge, leadership skills, and unwavering dedication to innovation are key factors that will continue to drive the hotel’s success and growth in this dynamic marketplace,” said Sanjay Gupta, General …

The official debut of Regenta Resort, a five-star luxury retreat near the famed “Statue of Unity” in Kevadia, Gujarat, was announced by Royal Orchid Hotels (ROHL), following an announcement of the agreement earlier this year. As the 15th ROHL-branded hotel in Gujarat, this new, fully-managed luxury property is well-positioned to become an iconic asset in the state’s burgeoning tourism industry. With 49 rooms ranging from spacious suites with private balconies overlooking tranquil mountains to Presidential Villas with private pools and gardens, Regenta Resort caters to a wide range of travelers’ needs amidst verdant landscapes and picturesque scenery. The retreat features tasteful decor blended with new age charm and convenience replete with ROHL’s signature hospitality and impeccable service. The in-house multi cuisine café Vindhychal offers a wide range of vegetarian dishes, including Indian, Continental, Chinese, and local specialties, ensuring a delightful culinary experience for every palate. Kevadia, located in the Narmada district of Gujarat, has emerged as a prominent tourist and cultural hub. The monumental Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest statue dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel an exemplary figure and the country’s first Deputy Prime Minister, has transformed Kevadia into a major tourist attraction, drawing millions of visitors from around the world. Other than being home of the SOU, Kevadia is known for its vibrant natural beauty, jaw dropping mountain range and serene landscapes including Sardar Sarovar Dam. Chander K. Baljee, Chairman and Managing Director, Royal Orchid Hotels said, “This launch is a reflection of our commitment to expanding our business in western India and meeting the rising demand for high-end accommodations and experiences in strategic locations, both of which are indicators of our guests’ evolving preferences. The region’s significance …

The Indian aviation industry is growing in potential, and there is a rising demand for skilled talent to support this exponential growth. Air India recognises this need and is making significant strides by investing in the training and development of aviation professionals across various domains. Redefining aviation training with the Air India Training Academy Sprawled across 600,000 sq. ft, the Air India Training Academy in Gurugram, is South Asia’s largest aviation training institution. The academy is poised to train over 50,000 Air India professionals in the coming years, encompassing a wide spectrum of roles including pilots, cabin crew, engineers, and security personnel. With a strong focus on creating immersive learning experiences, the curriculum seamlessly blends both classroom training and practical application to foster industry-ready aviation professionals. Air India is also in the process of setting up over 20 Full Flight Simulator (FFS) bays within the academy to support the airline’s existing and future Airbus and Boeing fleet and ensure crew readiness ahead of aircraft deliveries. Cultivating a strong talent pool of pilots through the Flying Training Organisation (FTO) Air India is proactively addressing the growing demand for skilled pilots with its upcoming Flying Training Organisation (FTO) in Amravati at Maharashtra Airport Development Company’s airport. With a target to graduate 180 commercial pilots every year, it not only aims to strengthen Air India’s pilot pool but also contribute to India’s overall aviation landscape. This state-of-the-art flying school – which is South Asia’s largest and the first by any Indian airline in the country – boasts of digitally enabled classrooms as well as world-class hostels ensuring a conducive environment for young adults aspiring to pursue a career in aviation. Air India has …