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 …

CGH Earth, a pioneer in responsible tourism in India for the last four decades, is proud to announce the launch of CGH Earth Saha, an exclusive collection of handpicked escapes across India. Known for creating unique experiences that captivate guests and foster a deep connection with nature, local traditions, and communities, CGH Earth is expanding its portfolio with intimate and private getaways that embody the essence of togetherness and personalised luxury. In Sanskrit, ‘Saha’ means all together. The concept behind CGH Earth Saha is rooted in the idea of togetherness. Nestled in stunning locations across India, CGH Earth Saha features a diverse range of unique holiday options. Depending on the property, guests can reserve an entire villa or bungalow or opt for individual rooms, providing flexibility for larger groups or couples seeking a serene retreat. Commenting on adding CGH Earth Saha to the brand’s selective portfolio, Michael Dominic, Managing Director, CGH Earth, stated, “The growing trend toward smaller, more personalized spaces for family holidays inspired the creation of CGH Earth Saha. This initiative aligns perfectly with our vision of providing intimate, meaningful holiday experiences while remaining true to our core values. CGH Earth Saha is a testament to our commitment to delivering authentic experiences intertwined with environmental stewardship and community engagement. Each property embodies the local ethos, offering guests a deeply immersive experience that connects them with the land, its people, and its rich cultural heritage.” He further added, “Every moment at CGH Earth Saha is thoughtfully crafted to create cherished memories with loved ones in settings that honour both local traditions and the natural world. Having long offered Chittoor Kottaram and Beach Gate Bungalows as part of the villas …

SriLankan Airlines has once again been recognized as the Leading International Airline in South Asia under the Visitors’ Choice Awards category at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2024, marking its second consecutive win in this prestigious category.  This accolade reinforces the airline’s status as a powerhouse in the aviation industry of South Asia, with an unmatched legacy of service and hospitality, and a comprehensive flight schedule serving 85% of the South Asian region. SATA, an annual event, celebrates the best of South Asia’s hospitality and travel industries and is widely regarded as one of the region’s most eminent travel awards, endorsed by over 18 regional tourism organisations. Winners are determined based on votes from both industry professionals and passengers, making the award a reflection of industry excellence and customer satisfaction. Commenting on the award, Fawzan Fareid, Regional Manager India, Bangladesh & Nepal, SriLankan Airlines, said, “We are honoured to be recognized as a leader in the region by our valued customers. South Asia is integral to our network, and SriLankan Airlines spares no effort in providing seamless connections between the region and the world, while delivering our renowned Sri Lankan hospitality onboard, along with meals and entertainment thoughtfully tailored to suit localised preferences. I would like to dedicate this award to all the teams overseeing South Asia for their unwavering commitment to serve our customers.” SriLankan Airlines’ vision is to provide passengers with an authentically Sri Lankan experience, characterized by the warmth and hospitality that is so distinct to the country. This vision is reflected in every award the airline has scored for service, including the continuous Four-Star Rating in the Major Airline category at the Airline Passenger Experience …

Lisha Krishnan, Travel Trade, Tourism Office, Spain won the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Cultural Tourism’ award at the India Travel Awards. Upon receiving the award, she said, “The NTO’s collaborations aim to create a bridge between Spain and India ultimately allowing the Indian travellers to truly explore and experience the Spanish culture.”

Two-day Mélange 2024, organised by Team MTF, concluded successfully in Mumbai. Thanking participants, Pradeep Saboo, Co-organiser, Mélange, said, “Your faith and confidence in Mélange have been the key to our achievements.” Mélange 2025 will be held on 20 to 21 September, he said.

Outward remittances by Indians rose to their highest level in 10 months to nearly $2.8 billion in July 2024, stated an RBI report. The increase is the result of a spike in overseas travel spending, the share of which also jumped to 60% from 51% a year ago. Indians spent $1.6 billion in overseas travel in July as against $1.3 billion in June and an average of $1.2 billion in the first quarter, it added.