Air India on Monday (9 December) confirmed that it has placed an order to purchase 100 more Airbus aircraft, comprising 10 widebody A350 and 90 narrowbody A320 family aircraft, including A321neo. These 100 new aircraft are in addition to the company’s orders of 470 aircraft that was placed with Airbus and Boeing last year.

Highlighting various developmental initiatives at the Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav in Delhi, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Minister of Communication, Govt. of India, said, “Northeast India is witnessing remarkable growth through improved connectivity, including advancements in airports, road infrastructure, and investment in infrastructure.”

Singapore Tourism Board invites travel trade for a webinar today at 3pm, focusing on latest offerings that are tailored for India’s MICE requirements. Gain valuable insights and curate enriching itineraries on Singapore for your clients. For more info, please contact Jaspreet Kaur at jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532.

Singapore Tourism Board invites the travel trade for an exclusive webinar focusing on the latest offerings for world-class events that are tailored for India’s MICE requirements. Gain valuable insights to help create enriched itineraries for your corporate clients, showcasing the best of what Singapore has to offer. For more information, or to register, please contact Jaspreet Kaur at jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532. Registration link: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/655/5v7qwi3k5  

The Danna Langkawi, an esteemed member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, announced its partnership with 1524 Delhi, a leading travel representation agency in India. This exciting partnership comes at a pivotal moment as direct flights now connect India to Langkawi, providing Indian travellers unparalleled access to a luxurious tropical retreat. Nestled between lush hills and the sparkling Andaman Sea, The Danna Langkawi offers Indian travellers a haven of elegance and comfort. Renowned for its timeless charm and impeccable service, the resort promises unforgettable experiences tailored to every guest. With a variety of luxurious accommodations, including elegantly appointed and newly refurbished rooms, suites, and beachfront pool villas, The Danna Langkawi redefines privacy and sophistication for discerning travellers. The resort also boasts a diverse choice of culinary delights. Guests can savour authentic Malaysian flavours, Italian specialties, and international favourites across its fine dining venues, each complemented by a curated selection of wines and cocktails. Beyond its dining experiences, The Danna Langkawi invites guests to rejuvenate at The Danna Spa, which offers bespoke treatments blending traditional healing practices with modern wellness techniques. For those seeking adventure or cultural immersion, The Danna Langkawi provides personalised activities, including sunset cruises, rejuvenating beach yoga, cooking class, island-hopping excursions, and cultural tours that highlight Langkawi’s natural beauty and rich heritage. Families are equally well-catered for, with spacious accommodations and dedicated amenities such as The Danna Jr. Club, ensuring a memorable stay for all ages. 1524 Delhi is a boutique Luxury Lifestyle Services and Marketing firm that provides a comprehensive range of Sales, Marketing and PR representation services in India to global luxury hotel companies and independent hotels. With a focus on strategic partnerships, innovative campaigns, …

The Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI) successfully concluded its elections on 5th December 2024, marking the end of the 2022-2024 term. The association introduced its new team for the term 2024-2026. Working committee members President: Himanshu Kesari Patil, Kesari Tours and Travels Vice President: Shravan Bhalla, High Flyer General Secretary: Sidharth Khanna, Khanna Enterprises (Regd.) Joint Secretary: Monia Kapoor, Travel O Holidays Treasurer: Gurdeep Singh Gujral, Gujral Tours and Travels The new leadership team is well-positioned to guide OTOAI with vision, dynamism, and a commitment to propelling growth in the outbound tourism sector. The election process was managed by Sanjay Datta, Managing Director, Airborne Holiday, who served as the Election Officer for the OTOAI elections. Executive Committee Members To strengthen the governance structure, the Executive Committee (EC) comprises both retained and nominated members. The EC members for the term 2024-2026 include: Riaz Munshi, N. Chirag Travels Adl Abdul Karim, Flycreative Online Ankush Nijhawan, Travel Boutique A Unit of Lap Travels Rohit Shorey, Destination Travel Services Vineet Gopal, Engee Holidays Vinayak Laud, Vinaayak Holidays The new team will officially commence their duties on 6 December, 2024. With a focus on innovation, collaboration, and member engagement, the 2024-2026 team is dedicated to advancing OTOAI’s goals and promoting outbound tourism both domestically and internationally. OTOAI extended gratitude to the outgoing OTOAI team for their remarkable contributions, which included hosting impactful events, forming strategic collaborations, and signing numerous MOUs that enhanced the association’s footprint.  

As from the start of the 2025 season, the Hahnair logo will feature on the VCARB-02 mirrors Visa Cash App RB announces that from next year, it will enjoy a multiyear agreement with Hahnair, a leading executive charter airline, that joins the team as its Official Private Aviation Partner. With another 24 Grands Prix calendar on the way in 2025, all of it squeezed into just nine months, time saved travelling across continents is an important component of a team’s state of readiness to race. With a commitment to quality and attention to detail, Hahnair will play a critical role in optimising the team’s logistics throughout the season. Hahnair is renowned for its tailored charter flights that cater to the unique needs of its passengers, running a modern fleet, with the very latest technology ensuring maximum energy efficiency. As from 2025 it will use SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) to further reduce its environmental footprint, aligning with Formula 1’s own investment in SAF as part of the sport’s commitment to reach Net Zero by 2030. “We are excited to partner with Hahnair as we navigate through this extensive racing calendar,” said Laurent Mekies, Team Principal, VCARB. “Their specialised services will greatly support our logistical capabilities, ensuring that our team operates at peak efficiency throughout the season.” Peter Bayer, CEO, VCARB further adds “The partnership will enable the Team to efficiently manage travel logistics, not only between races but also addressing the challenges posed by the distance between our aero engineers based in the UK and our factory in Italy.” “As we embark on this partnership with the VCARB Team, we look forward to providing exceptional travel solutions that meet their unique logistical demands,” said Daniel …

As per ‘India Accommodation Barometer 2024’ report by Booking.com, online travel platforms are a crucial tool for Indian hoteliers, with 77 per cent leveraging them to increase visibility and attract international visitors. Indian hoteliers see the use of online platforms as an opportunity to increase visibility to a global audience.

Kinjal Shah, Senior Vice President, Co-Group Head, ICRA has estimated a rise in domestic air passenger traffic to 164-170 million in FY2025, reflecting year-on-year growth of 7-10 per cent, while the international passenger traffic for Indian carriers will reach 34-36 million for the full year, representing a YoY growth of 15-20 per cent.

Officials from the Ministry of Tourism informed that Indians recommending a visit to India to their non-Indian friends will be rewarded if the trip gets materialised. Such Indians on their return may be received at the airport by the ministry representatives. Now, Indians abroad can register and claim rewards at ‘Chalo India’ portal.