Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has reported significant growth in its operational performance for the third quarter of 2024, according to its latest performance report. The airline transported over nine million guests, marking a 10% increase compared to the same period in 2023. This achievement was supported by more than 49,500 flights, reflecting a 9% increase in flight operations. Additionally, Saudia logged 146,700 flight hours, representing an 11% increase over last year, with an impressive on-time performance rate of 87.8%. Internationally, Saudia carried over five million guests, reflecting a 9% growth, and on more than 21,900 flights, a 5% increase compared to last year. The airline’s international fleet logged over 102,400 flight hours. On the domestic front, Saudia served over four million guests, demonstrating a 12% increase, with more than 27,500 flights operated, marking a 13% increase. Domestic flight hours surpassed 44,200, with a commendable on-time performance rate of 91.5%. H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General, Saudia Group, stated: “The aviation industry is uniquely defined by its skilled workforce and cutting-edge systems that ensure sustained operational excellence. We remain committed to delivering innovative services that enhance the travel experience for our valued guests, and our new strategy meticulously addresses every aspect of air travel—from security and safety to expanding seating capacity to meet growing demand.” From January to September 2024, Saudia successfully transported over 25.3 million guests across 143,800 flights. Looking ahead, the addition of 131 new aircraft to Saudia’s fleet will significantly expand flight offerings and seating capacity across its network of over 100 destinations spanning four continents. This growth will also introduce new international routes, aligning with the airline’s strategy to connect the world to …

Chef Eabin Mathew, Principal, BGS Institute of Hotel Management, Bengaluru while receiving the ‘Most Promising Hotel Management College’ award at the India Travel Awards 2024, said, “The award will be instrumental in helping us advance our ideas and secure a place in the industry”.

Skyscanner’s new ‘Travel Trends Report’ unveiled Shillong as the most popular destination for Indian travellers in 2025. The report, which offers insights into the pulse of Indian travellers in the coming year, also revealed that 66% of Indians plan to “travel more” in the coming year.

Pradeep Shetty, President, Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), revealed that India’s hospitality industry contributes 12-13% to the GDP and employs over 12% of the workforce. These figures place the industry ahead of both the automobile and IT sectors in terms of economic contribution.

Focusing on sustainable travel and tourism trends at ITB Asia 2024, Liz Ortiguera, Managing Director for Asia Pacific, WTTC, said, “76% of travellers now seek sustainable travel options, with that figure climbing to 99% in some Asia Pacific markets while emphasising sustainability, community engagement, and Asia Pacific’s pivotal role in the sector’s future.”

India is presently the world’s fastest-growing aviation market with demand surpassing the supply of aircraft and a strong order book of more than 1,500 aircraft from airlines in India. India’s skies are dominated by low-cost carrier IndiGo which holds around 60% market share and the Tata group airlines, with around 30% market share. As more than 80% of India’s commercial fleet is leased, there is tremendous potential for aircraft leasing activity within India. Even if some of these aircraft are leased from India, it will bring down the costs as the leases will be immune to exchange rate volatility. Leasing done through foreign jurisdictions like Ireland is vulnerable to exchange rate fluctuations. GIFT City – Can it snatch leasing business from Dublin? The Government of India has recognized the potential of the aircraft leasing and financing business. Accordingly, in October 2020, ‘aircraft lease’ was designated as a ‘financial product’ that can be offered by entities set up in International Financial Services Centres (“IFSCs”) in India. IFSCs are essentially special economic zones dedicated to financial services. IFSCs provide tax benefits and flexibility in foreign currency transactions. In the last few years, there has been a surge in activity from the Gift City, India’s first IFSC, with more than 28 aircraft lessors already registered, which have leased more than 120 aviation assets, including aircraft, helicopters and engines. The success of GIFT city to a large extent hinges on tax incentives. Recognising this, the Indian Government provides a range of tax benefits to units established in the GIFT City, similar to some of the well-established aircraft leasing hubs like Ireland, Singapore, and Dubai. These tax benefits include a tax holiday for any 10 …

Celebrating its 25-year milestone in the industry and its partnership with the travel industry in India, Hahnair, a German scheduled, and executive charter airline organised its anniversary event at the Meridien Hotel in New Delhi. Over 80 travel agency partners attended the event along with Kimberley Long, Hahnair’s Vice President of Agency Distribution, Bharat Kapoor, Regional Vice President, Archana Nautiyal, Service Desk Manager, and Pawan Kumar Soni, Office Manager. Being one of the company’s top five global markets, the celebration highlighted the significant contributions of Hahnair’s Indian partners in its journey and underscored the company’s commitment to supporting the growth of the travel industry in India. Since 1999, the company has offered indirect distribution services to other airlines and thus, provides ticketing solutions to 100,000 travel agencies in 190 markets. With 25 years of experience, the company has established itself as the market leader. Today, Hahnair’s partner network encompasses more than 350 partner airlines. The evening also served as an opportunity to share Hahnair’s strategic plans for the future and reflect on the successes achieved through strong partnerships and a shared vision. With this, the company looks forward to expanding its footprint in India and continuing its collaboration with Indian travel agencies.

Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has recently announced the inauguration of its new First and Business Class Check-In Lounge at Terminal 1 of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to enhance the travel experience for Saudia’s premium guests, including travelers from India, as part of the airline’s commitment to luxury and exceptional service. A New Standard in Travel Comfort Officially inaugurated by H.E. Eng. Ibrahim bin Abdulrahman Al-Omar, Director General, Saudia Group, the lounge is a luxurious sanctuary offering exclusive amenities tailored for elite travelers. With 10 dedicated check-in counters and comfortable seating areas, the lounge ensures a seamless and relaxed start to every journey. Guests are welcomed with traditional Saudi coffee and dates, embodying the warm hospitality that Saudia is known for. Tailored Services for Indian Travelers As Saudia continues to strengthen its ties with the Indian market, this new lounge represents a significant enhancement to the overall travel experience. Travelers can expect personalized services that cater to their specific needs, ensuring comfort and convenience from the moment they arrive at the airport. The lounge also features a dedicated café counter offering a variety of hot and cold beverages, perfect for travelers looking to unwind before their flight. Alignment with Saudi Vision 2030 The opening of the First and Business Class Check-In Lounge is part of Saudia’s broader strategy to establish Jeddah as a true aviation hub, optimizing connectivity and transit traffic. This initiative supports Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to attract 330 million visits to the Kingdom, welcoming travelers from around the world. Commitment to Premium Travel Experience Riyadh M. Alhudhaif, General Manager, Jeddah Hub, stated, “Unveiling Saudia’s new First …

InterGlobe Enterprises (InterGlobe), a leading Indian [Travel] conglomerate with business ventures in Aviation, Hospitality, Logistics, Technology, and Travel-related Services, has completed 35 successful years. Founded in 1989, the company has grown from a modest Travel Enterprise into a diversified cluster of entities, consistently delivering exceptional value to its customers, employees, and shareholders. This significant milestone underscores the Company’s consistent growth and diversification, reflecting its commitment to delivering excellence across its portfolio of businesses. InterGlobe began its journey as a General Sales and Services entity with InterGlobe Air Transport and steadily expanded its reach across the Travel industry. IndiGo (InterGlobe Aviation) is India’s largest and most preferred passenger airline and among the fastest-growing airlines globally. Additionally, the Group also addresses the needs of the Aviation industry through CAE Simulation Training Private Limited and the School for Aircraft Maintenance Engineering. The Company strategically diversified into Hospitality through a joint venture with Accor and launched InterGlobe Hotels, one of India’s leading Hotel Development companies. Today, InterGlobe boasts a hospitality portfolio of 43 hotels globally, including the recently launched “Miiro,” a new lifestyle hotel brand with a distinctive collection of individually designed hotels in Europe. Committed to growth, the Company entered the Logistics sector with MOVIN, a Logistics brand launched through a joint venture with UPS. More recently, InterGlobe announced the launch of AIonOS, a venture poised to transform the AI landscape in the country. On the occasion, Kapil Bhatia, Group Executive Chairman of InterGlobe, said, “InterGlobe’s journey of 35 years exemplifies growth, innovation, and dedication. From modest beginnings, we have grown steadily but surely, driven by our commitment to Excellence, Partnership, and our People. We are deeply grateful for the trust of our …

Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, one of India’s tech-savvy and fastest-growing hospitality chains, is proud to unveil its latest property, Cozzet Bindal, Jamshedpur, bringing a fresh combination of comfort, convenience and modern amenities to the steel city of India, Jamshedpur. Cozzet Bindal, Jamshedpur, offers 46 well-appointed rooms designed to provide a peaceful retreat for travellers. Each room is thoughtfully furnished to ensure a revitalizing experience, featuring contemporary amenities like plush bedding, air conditioning, high-speed internet access, flat-screen TVs, minibar, tea coffee maker and eco-friendly toiletries. Whether one is visiting for business or leisure, Cozzet Bindal offers an ideal accommodation option. “With the opening of Cozzet Bindal, Jamshedpur, we are further strengthening our presence in India’s growing mid-segment hospitality market. We will continue to introduce our properties in the markets where there is a demand for world-class branded, value-for-money hotels. Guests staying at a Cozzet property are assured of a comfortable stay at an affordable price,” said Sarbendra Sarkar, Founder & Managing Director, Cygnett Hotels & Resorts. Cozzet, Bindal provides exceptional banquet facilities for large-scale events like weddings and receptions in Jamshedpur, along with corporate gatherings and board meetings. The tailor-made banquet menus are crafted to perfection. The specialized professionals of the property are committed to working closely with guests to ensure the event is a spectacular success. The hotel offers Columbia, a large banquet hall with an area of 16,000 square ft. which can host a gathering of 1000 to 1400 guests. The venue is ideal for MICE events, grand weddings, workshops and celebrations. While SUMMIT is a sophisticated venue for corporate events and private functions and it can accommodate a gathering of about 60 to 80 guests. The hotel also …