AirAsia kicks off 2024 with a bang, launching the first of its new routes for the year to Kuala Lumpur from the iconic pink city of Jaipur in Rajasthan, commencing 21 April 2024. This marks AirAsia Malaysia’s (airline code AK) first venture from Jaipur to Kuala Lumpur. As Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur is a favourite travel destination for many Indian travellers for business, leisure and temple visits. Malaysia is also famed for scrumptious local food, its deeply rooted heritage stemming from a melting pot of cultures and its shopping havens. Additionally, this route will also serve to enhance connectivity for travellers from Malaysia heading to Jaipur to explore the city’s wondrous charm, vintage forts, majestic infrastructure and much more. To commemorate this new beginning, AirAsia is offering promotional fares from the city to Kuala Lumpur from just INR 7,999* all-in-one way, and from only RM209* from Kuala Lumpur to Jaipur. Book from 9 January to 23 January 2024 on the airasia Superapp or www.airasia.com and fly between 21 April 2024  and 19 March 2025.  

Vistara has announced a direct, 5x weekly flights between Mumbai and Paris (CDG), starting 28 March 2024. This new long-haul route is in addition to Vistara’s 5x weekly service between Delhi and Paris, which has been receiving a favourable response since its launch in November 2021. This will be Vistara’s third long-haul route from Mumbai after London and Frankfurt as the airline aimed to further enhance connectivity between India and Europe. Vistara will deploy its state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, featuring a three-class configuration, on the route. Bookings for the flights are being progressively opened on all channels, including Vistara’s website, mobile app, and through travel agents.

Oman Air has been named the most punctual airline in the Middle East and Africa for 2023, scoring an outstanding 92.50/o On-Time Performance (OTP), the highest among all carriers across all categories. The rankings, published in the 2023 On-Time Performance Review by global aviation analytics leader, Cirium, measured performance data collected from more than 600 sources of real-time flight information. It’s the second consecutive time the Muscat-based airline has taken the top spot, having scored 91 TO/o during 2022. In aviation, on-time performance represents a pivotal cornerstone shaping the passenger experience. Flights that are on time mean smoother, less stressful journeys, making it a key differentiator for guest satisfaction. By committing itself to achieving exemplary on-time performance, Oman Air continues to prove its reliability, reduce travel uncertainties, and increase passenger confidence, underscoring its dedication to elevating the overall travel experience.

FAITH has appointed Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and CEO of IHCL, as its Chairman with immediate effect. He takes over from Nakul Anand who since his retirement will no longer be a member of HAI Executive Committee, thereby relinquishing his position at FAITH. In his new role, Chhatwal will ensure a smooth continuation of FAITH’s initiatives and objectives.

TAFI has urged the PM to show more support to the travel agent channel. It stated, ‘The tourism sector can surely become more robust if all cogs in the wheel of tourism trade do well and work in tandem. The travel agent channel has been largely ignored and remains an area where your support would go a long way.’

Management Consultant & Professor for aviation and tourism industries, Gavin Eccles, says India needs a more integrated vision between air services and tourism. “I have been saying this for the last few years. It is really time for India to look at an inbound aviation strategy. UDAN scheme has been great but what about an India Air Connectivity Programme? I have made many pitches to both the Central Government and the Indian states. Is 2024 the year that India can develop a strong inbound air services programme?”

Italy’s government has passed the budget law for next year. In the package, the government has decided to lower the minimum threshold of tax-free shopping from 154 euros to 70 euros (74.8 dollars) for all non-European tourists visiting the country. This was welcomed by McArthurGlen Group that has its largest shopping outlet in Serravalle.

Speaking about his expectations from 2024, Nishant Kashikar, Country Manager – India & Gulf, Tourism Australia, says, “As we stride into 2024, the India opportunity is immense – a projected 50 million outbound travellers by FY 2030 and one that is ascending the global list of spends on travel. Shorter planning windows but longer stays, a desire for immersive local experiences, and individuals increasingly exploring travel opportunities tied to specific events also define a compelling narrative for the future of outbound travel from India.”

Sharing his views on trends for 2024, Rajeev Kale – President & Country Head, Holidays, MICE, Visa – Thomas Cook (India), says, “Event-based travel is emerging as a significant trend, driven by the enthusiasm of Young India’s millennials, young professionals, and Gen Z. Their keen interest in the thrill of live concerts, events, and cultural immersion is poised to be a driving force for travel in the upcoming year. This demographic seeks immersive experiences that go beyond traditional tourism, reflecting a desire for dynamic and culturally rich journeys.”

The guidance for overall airline industry financials remains unchanged as per CAPA India’s latest report. However, full-service carriers are expected to see a relative deterioration in performance compared with earlier results. Softer yields are expected to result in higher losses for the FSCs.