Category Archives: Aviation

IndiGo announced the appointment of Amitabh Kant as a Non-Executive Director on the Board of Directors of InterGlobe Aviation Limited, subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals. Speaking on this, Kant said, “I am delighted to join the Board of IndiGo. In under two decades, the brand has transformed air travel in India, emerging as a global benchmark for operational excellence and customer experience. I look forward to contributing to IndiGo’s and India’s next chapter of trade, tourism, and economic growth.”

Oman Air’s membership into one of the leading global alliances will increase international awareness and inbound tourism potential for Oman, while offering guests access to a full suite of oneworld benefits across the network of more than 900 global destinations. Oman Air has officially joined the oneworld® alliance as its 15th member airline, creating significant new benefits for its guests and elevating Oman’s position on the global map. After a more than two-year integration journey, Oman Air now enters oneworld’s worldwide network of leading airlines, offering seamless travel to over 900 destinations in 170 countries and territories. As a full oneworld member airline, Oman Air’s top tier guests will gain access to all oneworld priority benefits including a network of nearly 700 Business lounges globally, as well as newly opened oneworld branded lounges in Amsterdam’s Schiphol and Seoul’s Incheon Airports. Likewise, Oman Air will provide oneworld Emerald, Sapphire, and Ruby customers with a full suite of oneworld benefits including earning and redeeming miles, earning status points, priority check-in and boarding and lounge access. Bringing the world closer to Oman, Oman Air’s entry into the alliance significantly enhances global access to the Sultanate. Through seamless connectivity across the airline’s 15 worldclass member airlines, travellers from key markets like the United States, Japan and Australia, can now enjoy smoother, more convenient journeys to Oman. “Oman Air is honoured to be joining the oneworld alliance, whose members and global footprint represent the best of what international travellers want to experience,” said Con Korfiatis, CEO, Oman Air. “We are thrilled to be able to welcome oneworld customers to the Sultanate of Oman to experience our unique culture, stunning mountain excursions, beautiful beaches, and, above …

IndiGo announces direct flights between Hindon (Ghaziabad) and Goa, starting July 20. Operating daily except Saturdays, this new route offers a convenient and time-saving travel option for residents of East and Central Delhi, Noida, and Ghaziabad by bringing Goa’s iconic beaches closer than ever. The flexible schedule is designed to cater to the increasing demand during peak travel season, offering more choice and comfort to travellers.

Goa is set to welcome more tourists from Kazakhstan, as charter operators show strong interest in expanding seasonal flights. During recent B2B meetings in Almaty, Goa Tourism’s sustainable travel offerings and its new campaign, #GlowOnArrival, sparked interest among Kazakh tour operators, opening up fresh business opportunities.

In a historic move that will reshape the future of aviation, the world’s most iconic supersonic airplane is poised to fly again by 2026, 50 years after the historic first flight that changed the history of aviation forever. When President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order on 6th June, 2025, quickly dubbed the ‘Concorde Bill’ he lifted a decades-long ban on supersonic passenger flight. Originally imposed due to concerns over sonic booms and environmental impact, it stifled supersonic innovation by preventing flights over land. The new regulation is expected to open the path to a new innovation in aviation, built on the legacy of the iconic Concorde which pioneered commercial supersonic passenger flight. The new Concorde will be 50% lighter, using next-gen composite materials, powered by Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), with an 80% reduction in emissions. The elegant exterior form will not change, but everything else about the airplane will be modern and ground-breaking. The interiors will feature a refined Japanese aesthetic designed by leading sustainable architects. Operating at 60,000 feet, the new Concorde will fly cleaner, greener, quieter, and faster than it did before. Backed by five decades of advances in aerospace engineering, materials science, supersonic travel it will be safer, more sustainable, and commercially viable. But it will be in every other sense – “The Concorde” that is still so beloved around the world. “Beyond its appeal as arguably the most majestic plane to ever take to the skies, Concorde is set to become the global benchmark for sonic boom suppression and sustainability,” said Patricia Bader-Johnston, Vice President and Chief Development Officer at Fly-Concorde Limited. Leading the comeback is Dr. Pano Kroko Churchill, CEO and Founder of …

Priority Pass, owned and operated by Collinson International, announced its partnership with the Chennai Bulls Team, which sees them become the ‘Official Airport Lounge Partner’. The strategic collaboration kicks off at India’s inaugural rugby sevens league, which began in Mumbai on 15 June 2025. The league makes history by being the first of its kind in the country to take place in the sevens format, featuring six teams of elite international rugby talents alongside top-tier players from India, including the Chennai Bulls. As part of its ongoing commitment towards supporting athlete wellness, Priority Pass will be providing a one-year Prestige Membership to every player and coach of the Chennai Bulls Team. This membership will enable the team to gain unlimited access to more than 1,700 airport lounges and travel experiences in over 725 airports across 145 countries, including 70 in India. Commenting on the partnership with the Chennai Bulls Team, Todd Handcock, Global Chief Commercial Officer and Asia Pacific Executive Chair, Collinson International, said, “India’s inaugural rugby sevens league marks a significant step toward establishing rugby as a premier sport in India, while supporting aspiring athletes; and as such, we are thrilled to be supporting the Chennai Bulls. By providing the team with access to Priority Pass’ airport lounges and travel experiences when travelling domestically within India as well as globally, we hope that they can enjoy a better rest before their flights and arrive at their destinations feeling more refreshed and ready to perform at their best.” Gaurav Goyal, Chennai Bulls, India Lead said, “We are thankful for Priority Pass’ dedication and support for our athletes as they embark on this milestone competition. This valued partnership will greatly enhance the travel experience for our teams, significantly easing …

Domestic air passenger traffic is expected to grow by 7-10% in FY2026 on a YoY basis, reaching 175-181 million passengers, following a 7.6% increase on a YoY basis in FY2025 to 165.4 million passengers, according to ICRA.

Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has been named ‘Best Airline Staff Service’ at the prestigious 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards, held recently at the 56th edition of the Paris Air Show 2025 in the iconic Air and Space Museum. The airline also climbed three spots in the global Skytrax rankings, securing 17th place among the world’s best airlines following a comprehensive voting process involving millions of travellers worldwide. This recognition reflects the outstanding dedication and performance of Saudia’s team across all the touch points of the guest journey. From seamless ground services to onboard experiences rooted in authentic Saudi hospitality, Saudia staff have played a pivotal role in enhancing guest satisfaction, strengthening brand loyalty, and elevating service standards. H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General, Saudia Group, said, “This award reflects the dedication of our incredible frontline team and the trust of our guests. Rising from 82nd to 17th in the Skytrax World Airline Rankings is a proud milestone—but it is just the beginning. With bold investments and a clear vision, we are on a journey to become one of the world’s leading airlines.” Edward Plaisted, CEO, Skytrax, said, “We are pleased to present Saudia with the award for Best Airline Staff Service in the Middle East at the 2025 World Airline Awards. The airline’s cabin and ground staff maintain a service style that is both composed and welcoming, and this is delivered consistently by a multi-national team that brings a range of cultural strengths to the customer experience. It is this blend of professionalism and warmth that continues to leave a lasting impression on passengers.” Saudia has demonstrated remarkable progress in recent years, rising from 82nd place …

Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) held a high-level meeting with senior officials of M/s. Air India Ltd. and Air India Express, who are currently operating over 1,000 flights daily across domestic and international sectors. The meeting was convened to review the operational robustness of the airlines and ensure continued compliance with safety and passenger service regulations. The recent surveillance conducted on Air India’s Boeing 787 fleet did not reveal any major safety concerns. The aircraft and associated maintenance systems were found to be compliant with existing safety standards. The regulator recommended the implementation of a more systematic and real-time defect reporting mechanism to ensure that operational and safety-critical departments receive timely updates. This is expected to enhance overall decision-making and reduce downstream disruptions.  

Encalm Hospitality has joined forces with AVIS India to transform the airport experience. Central to this initiative is Atithya by Encalm, the brand’s signature meet and assist service, which now extends beyond the terminal through integration with AVIS India’s premium chauffeured transfers, delivering travellers a unified, elevated, and thoughtfully curated passage. Atithya has long been synonymous with calm, personalised care from the moment guests arrive at the airport. With the addition of AVIS India’s professionally managed fleet, featuring luxury cars, all impeccably maintained with an average age of just 24 months, this experience now extends beyond the terminal. Whether it is a business traveller on a tight schedule or a family setting out on a holiday, guests are seamlessly guided from gate to vehicle, where a well-trained chauffeur awaits to ensure a smooth and comfortable transition. This enhancement elevates the Atithya journey by incorporating door-to-door convenience, including pickups from home, hotel, or office to the airport-and vice versa. AVIS India’s well-versed chauffeurs, hygienic interiors, and 24/7 customer support complement Encalm’s commitment to attentive hospitality and seamless service delivery. Together, the two brands offer a consistent, high-touch standard of care—both within the airport and on the road—allowing travellers to relax and focus on the journey ahead. Bringing together Atithya’s bespoke assistance and AVIS India’s mobility expertise results in a truly integrated end-to-end airport experience, anticipating every traveller’s need and delivering a journey that is as reassuring as it is refined. Commenting on this evolution, Vikas Sharma, CEO, Encalm Hospitality, shared, “Atithya has always been more than just assistance, it is about making travellers feel truly cared for at every stage. Expanding Atithya to include door-to-door transfers aligns perfectly with our philosophy …