By Shailesh Haribhakti, Chairman, Shailesh Haribhakti and Associates Malaysian Airways Flight 370, which mysteriously disappeared on 8 March, 2014, has once again captured public attention. Recent advancements by Elon Musk’s SpaceX have sparked new theories and discussions about the fate of the aircraft. Could groundbreaking technology help us finally understand what happened that fateful day? This article delves into the intriguing possibilities surrounding the disappearance of Flight 370, the role of emerging technologies, and the implications for future aviation safety. The Enigma of Flight 370 The disappearance of Malaysian Airways Flight 370 remains one of aviation’s greatest mysteries. The aircraft vanished from radar while en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, leading to extensive search efforts across the Indian Ocean. Despite years of investigation, only a few pieces of debris have been found, leaving many questions unanswered. Recently, reports have emerged suggesting that SpaceX has developed technology capable of correlating with Inmarsat satellite signals that were captured during the flight’s final moments. This development has reignited interest in the case and opened up new avenues for investigation. Could this technology finally provide the answers we have been seeking? Theories Abound: Black Holes and UFOs Among the more sensational theories surrounding Flight 370 is the idea that it may have disappeared into a mini black hole, possibly influenced by extraterrestrial forces. While this notion sounds like something straight out of a science fiction novel, it raises fascinating questions about our understanding of space and time. Alternatively, some experts suggest that the aircraft may have veered dramatically off course due to a series of mechanical failures or human errors. If this were the case, it could have flown until it exhausted its …

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company with approximately 9,200 hotels across more than 95 countries, recently held its Annual Roadshow 2024 at the Ramada Gurgaon. The event brought together prominent clients from the region, offering attendees exclusive insights into Wyndham’s leading hotels in India and the Middle East. Through personalised, one-on-one meetings, Wyndham properties engaged directly with potential customers, fostering meaningful conversations and opening opportunities for future partnerships. The roadshow aligns with Wyndham’s focus on deepening relationships with clients in a key market like India, which has experienced a surge in both inbound and domestic tourism. Wyndham currently operates 60 hotels across India and aims to expand its portfolio underscoring its commitment to the region. “India is central to our growth strategy, driven by its expanding economy and evolving travel needs. The Diwali season presents the perfect opportunity for us to express gratitude to our clients and partners for their continued trust. This event allowed us to reflect on our shared growth while laying the foundation for even greater collaborations in the future,” said Sakshi Sehdev Dogra, Head of sales and marketing for Eurasia at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. The Annual Roadshow proved highly productive, generating strong interest and enthusiasm among attendees. Key discussions revolved around Wyndham’s unique offerings, bespoke services, and expansion plans across Tier I and II cities. With the success of this event, Wyndham aims to capitalise on emerging opportunities and further enhance its presence in the Indian hospitality landscape.

International hospitality brand, Atmosphere Core has made two pivotal leadership appointments, reinforcing its commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences and fostering a people-first culture. Maurice Lucien Van Den Bosch as General Manager of RAAYA Maurice Lucien Van Den Bosch returned to the Atmosphere Core family as General Manager of RAAYA by Atmosphere. Born in Australia, Bosch draws from the country’s renowned laid-back yet dynamic culture in his leadership style, fostering a spirit of inclusivity, adventure, and warm hospitality. He brings over 24 years of expertise in resort management, with a demonstrated ability to exceed profit targets, cost-effectively develop new projects, and lead culturally diverse teams with motivation and efficiency. Maurice’s extensive experience includes leadership roles at some of the world’s top hospitality brands in the Maldives, Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. A familiar face within the Atmosphere Core family, Maurice has served as General Manager at both OZEN LIFE MAADHOO and Atmosphere Kanifushi.     Milan Mookerjee as Vice President of Human Resources Milan Mookerjee has been appointed as the Vice President of Human Resources, Atmosphere Core. Veteran Human Resources leader, Mookerjee will oversee talent management and employee growth initiatives across the Atmosphere Core’s resorts in the Maldives. With over 15 years of industry experience, he is a seasoned professional known for aligning HR initiatives with business goals and fostering a human-centric culture. Before joining Atmosphere Core, Milan served as Head of Human Resources and Training at Encalm Hospitality, where he led HR and training functions to drive business growth. He has also held several HR leadership roles at prominent companies in India, with a proven ability to develop talent and design learning programmes tailored to business needs.

VFS Global has worked with the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland since 2010 and under the new agreement will continue to provide Schengen short terms visa services and Residence permit services including biometric enrolment in 32 countries (including India) across 10 regions. Since 2010, VFS Global has handled more than 8.5 million visa applications on behalf of the Government of Finland. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland said, “We anticipate a seamless and professional collaboration with VFS Global. In our tender, we especially highlighted the global coverage of the outsourced services, quality of biometrics and technical capacity, quality control, risk management and customer service. The external service provider receives applications, collects biometric data and application fees and forwards them to the missions. It does not make visa decisions. Visa decisions continue to be the responsibility of Foreign Ministry officials.” Jiten Vyas, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Business Development, VFS Global, said, “VFS Global is delighted that we will continue to serve the Government of Finland as their trusted service provider. We have enjoyed a strong partnership with the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland and welcome the opportunity to renew our services. We look forward to offering visa applicants best-in-class visa solutions, and a seamless application process across 10 regions globally.” 10 regions worldwide where these services will continue to operate are South Asia, the Americas, Southeast Asia, China, the Middle East, North Africa, Africa, Europe, CIS and Russia. VFS Global is responsible for managing the front-end administrative duties only. This includes the collection of application forms and required documents as per the checklist as well as the enrolment of biometrics. VFS Global does not play a …

One Rep Global, India’s award-winning luxury sales and marketing representation company, announced a distinguished addition to its portfolio, Lošinj Hotels & Villas, an extraordinary collection of luxury retreats nestled in Croatia’s scenic Losinj island. This collaboration reinforces One Rep Global’s dedication to delivering unparalleled luxury experiences to discerning Indian travellers. Nestled in the stunning Croatian archipelago, Lošinj Hotels & Villas offers an unrivalled blend of Mediterranean charm, luxurious accommodations, and world-class wellness experiences. With properties such as the Boutique Hotel Alhambra and Hotel Bellevue, the Lošinj Hotels & Villas are celebrated for their sophisticated architecture, impeccable service, and unwavering commitment to sustainability, creating experiences that seamlessly blend luxury with a deep respect for nature. As the exclusive PR representative for Lošinj Hotels & Villas, One Rep Global will focus on elevating awareness among India’s affluent travellers. The initiative will spotlight Losinj collection of opulent accomodations, historic villas and rejuvenating wellness retreats, catering to eco-conscious travellers seeking immersive experiences that harmonise luxury and nature. Hemant Mediratta, Founder, CEO, One Rep Global, commented on the new partnership, “We are thrilled to welcome Lošinj Hotels & Villas into our portfolio. The brand embodies the essence of luxury that Indian travellers desire-exclusive, immersive experiences rooted in heritage and wellness. We look forward to unveiling this hidden Mediterranean treasure to those who seek not just a destination but a profound experience.” Yvan Vermeesch, Owner, Managing Director, XO Private and Advisory Board, One Rep Global, added: “Lošinj is the epitome of luxury and wellness, offering an unparalleled experience for families and celebrations alike. It is a hidden gem in the Mediterranean, uncharted and untouched, making it the perfect escape for discerning travellers. The island’s rich diversity, …

Nok Air, Thailand’s premium budget airline, celebrated the arrival of its inaugural flight DD 938 from Bangkok in Mumbai at 1:05 AM. This marks Nok Air’s second Indian destination, following Hyderabad, which was introduced in February 2023. The inaugural flight to Bangkok departed Mumbai on 28 October, at 2:05 AM. Nok Air will operate a daily schedule of eight nonstop flights between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) in Mumbai and Don Mueang Airport (DMK) in Bangkok, utilising the Boeing 737-800, accommodating 189 passengers. Nok Air’s senior officials, including Chief Commercial Officer, Ranon Viputsiri, were on board the inaugural Bangkok to Mumbai flight, where passengers and crew were warmly welcomed with traditional vermillion and flowers. A special celebration at the boarding gate included goodie bags for passengers, a lamp-lighting ceremony, and a cake-cutting event, highlighting the significance of this new route. “As we embark on this exciting journey, we are confident that our services and unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction will make this route a preferred choice for both leisure and business travellers. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating this historic milestone and experience the comfort and convenience of our flights” stated Ranon Viputsiri. “Two vibrant cities that have long been cultural and economic hubs in their respective regions. This new route not only strengthens our commitment to connecting people but also underscores our belief in the immense potential for growth and collaboration between Thailand and India.” Nok Air is committed to delivering a quality flying experience at affordable prices, reflected in their motto, “We Fly Smiles.” Travelers can choose from two ticket options: Nok Air X-tra and Nok Max. Nok Air X-tra: Includes 20 kg of checked …

In a significant development for India’s entertainment and event management industry, Rajeev Jain, Founder, Director, Rashi Entertainment, has been appointed as Chair of the Entertainment Committee at the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) for the 2024-25 term. This prestigious role underscores Jain’s reputation as an industry leader and his dedication to advancing the entertainment and events sectors in India. As Chair, Jain will serve as a vital link between industry stakeholders and government representatives, focusing on bridging gaps, addressing challenges, and pursuing new opportunities. His leadership is anticipated to drive forward initiatives aimed at strengthening industry resilience and promoting growth in an increasingly dynamic economic environment. “I am truly excited to work alongside visionary leaders and professionals to encourage innovation, build meaningful partnerships, and promote growth in the industry,” Jain said. Expressing his enthusiasm, Jain added, “My experience will be instrumental in helping us collectively achieve our shared goals for the sector. I am looking forward to leveraging this platform to drive positive change and unlock the full potential of the entertainment and events industry.” With Jain’s appointment, the industry anticipates a phase of dynamic growth, driven by strategic advocacy, innovation, and meaningful collaborations under his leadership.  

Travesla is challenging the status quo in the GSA landscape. Led by aviation veteran Salil Nath, it is pioneering a value-driven transformation in aviation, travel, and hospitality. India’s aviation market is poised for extraordinary growth. By 2037, India is expected to handle over 500 million domestic passengers annually, making it the third-largest aviation market globally. Travesla aims to transform the GSA landscape by creating a mini version of the airline or travel brand’s commercial team in India or the respective geography, delivering local expertise with a global vision. Travesla sets new standards for how GSAs can bring tangible value to airlines and all travel and hospitality stakeholders by focusing on partnership, innovation, and holistic solutions. As Travesla officially launches, the company is positioned to lead the representation of global aviation and hospitality businesses in India and beyond, transforming the landscape with its value-driven approach. The mission is clear—adopt a 360-degree approach to commercial success by offering tailored teams, focusing on quality revenue through unparalleled corporate sales penetration, complementary marketing & PR services, and expert aero-political, regulatory, legal, and government liaison services. This approach is helmed by professional leadership with decades of experience in leading airlines globally. Whether you are an airline looking to expand into new markets or a hospitality provider aiming to improve your commercial performance, Travesla’s cutting-edge services are designed to exceed expectations and deliver real, measurable results. Despite the immense potential, the Indian aviation industry grapples with inefficiencies and evolving consumer demands. Traditional GSA models often need to do more to bridge these gaps, focusing on transactional engagements rather than offering the transformative solutions needed to drive meaningful growth and innovation. Airlines and hospitality businesses require partners …

Ethiopian Airlines Group announced a groundbreaking milestone with the upcoming arrival of the very first Airbus A350-1000, the first of its kind in Africa, proudly named “Ethiopia Land of Origins”. This state-of-the-art aircraft represents not only their unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation but also the hard work and dedication of the entire Ethiopian family. The A350-1000 will significantly enhance their fleet, enabling Ethiopia to expand routes, improve fuel efficiency, and offer passengers an exceptional flying experience. It also contributes to the global effort for a more sustainable aviation industry, aligning with their commitment to reducing environmental footprint. With its advanced technology, the A350-1000 will allow them to serve customers better, ensuring their comfort and safety on every flight. This new addition strengthens Ethiopian Airlines’ market presence, opens up new destinations, and creates more opportunities for everyone within the company. Ethiopian Airlines Group is eagerly preparing for the official delivery and operation of the A350-1000.    

SriLankan Airlines is scheduled to launch a new daytime flight between Bangalore and Colombo starting 31 October 2024, bringing the total weekly operations between the two cities to 10 flights. The new flight timings are ideal for both Indian holidaymakers and business event attendees travelling to Sri Lanka for short weekend escapes. Flight UL 1174 will depart from Bangalore to Colombo at 09:40 AM every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, arriving in Colombo at 11:10 AM. The return flight, UL 1173, will leave Colombo at 07:20 AM and reach Bangalore at 08:40 AM every Thursday through Saturday. The schedule of the new service is designed to offer a more flexible travel experience for Bengalureans jetting out to Sri Lanka, whether for a vacation or a workation. It provides more daytime hours on the island while being conveniently scheduled closer to the weekend. This allows travellers to pack more into their itinerary, make the most of their visit, and return home in time for the start of a new week, making it the most convenient flight option for weekend travel to Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka’s popularity as a holiday and MICE destination in the Indian outbound travel market continues to rise, thanks in part to the geographic and cultural proximity of the two countries. Most Indians are likely to find the comforting familiarity of home in Sri Lanka that is not found in other parts of the world. Additionally, the island’s compactness, coupled with the new flight schedule, enables Indians to enjoy a range of diverse experiences in just a few days, from the stunning southern shores and the historical kovils of the north to the cool climes of the central province, …