Category Archives: Aviation

Air India has rolled out an integrated self-check-in and baggage-drop service for its passengers flying from India to all destinations operated by the airline in Europe, the UK and Canada. Air India was the first airline to have introduced this service from India to international destinations in the US and Australia, besides airports in the domestic network. Air India is now extending the facility to a total of 19 airports – London (Heathrow and Gatwick), Birmingham, Paris, Vienna, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Milan, Zurich, Toronto, Vancouver and to all five destinations in US (New York, Newark, Chicago, Washington and San Francisco) and two in Australia (Sydney and Melbourne) – from airports in India. The initiative reaffirms Air India’s commitment to leveraging technology to elevate customer experience and deliver world-class service across every touchpoint. The integrated self-check-in and baggage-drop service offers smooth and faster check-in process at the airport, significantly enhancing passenger experience. With this facility, Air India passengers can enjoy a seamless digital process to print boarding passes and baggage tags and drop bags on their own, eliminating the need to queue up for check in at counters. The kiosks allow travellers to customise their trips by selecting and even paying for their preferred seats or update their frequent flyer number and contact details. This initiative cuts down on the time spent queueing up at the counters and helps passengers breeze through the airport to reach their boarding gates in time. Over the last one year, Air India has introduced several customer initiatives including the Premium Lobby that offers exclusive check-in for first, business, and premium economy passengers, the dedicated Family Assistance counters at Delhi airport offering support to passengers travelling …

Virgin Atlantic has introduced a first-of-its-kind rewards programme exclusively for Indian travel agents. Exclusive Virgin-style Rewards and Benefits including epic experiences and exclusive event invitations. A first-of-its-kind for Virgin Atlantic in India, Sky High Club is more than a loyalty programme – it is a celebration of the passion, hustle and heart that define the Indian travel industry. With every booking, agents will now have the chance to earn points and unlock a world of extraordinary rewards and unforgettable experiences

India’s aviation sector is expanding rapidly, but overall profitability remains elusive not just for Indian carriers, but globally as well, said Marie Owens Thomsen, Chief Economist, IATA. Asia Pacific trails with a forecast of only $2.6 per pax. While India likely sits below the regional average due to high costs & competitive pricing, she added.

SriLankan Airlines welcomed an Airbus A330-200 wide-body aircraft that arrived from Paris. The aircraft, bearing registration number 4R-ALT, performed a low fly-past over Colombo and Katunayake before touching down at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA). This latest addition brings SriLankan’s fleet to 23 aircraft, reinforcing the airline’s commitment to fleet expansion and paving the way for greater operational flexibility on long-haul routes, as it prepares for future growth amid rising passenger demand. Sarath Ganegoda, Chairman, SriLankan Airlines, commented on the induction, “This marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for SriLankan Airlines, both operationally and in shaping our long-term fleet strategy. The addition of this aircraft enhances our capacity to meet the growing demand, while strengthening our contribution to national tourism goals. As Sri Lanka continues to ascend as a top-tier travel destination, this aircraft will play a key role in connecting global travellers to Sri Lanka.” Yasantha Dissanayake, Acting Chief Executive Officer and Group CFO, SriLankan Airlines, added, “This is the first wide-body aircraft to be inducted into the fleet after a lapse of seven years. It will allow us to expand our reach in both existing and new markets, offering improved flight times, better connectivity and more direct services to the country, whilst enhancing cargo capacity in support of Sri Lanka’s export trade. The aircraft also features inflight amenities that meet the expectations of today’s traveller and provides a more comfortable flying experience.” Capt. Patrick Fernando, Chief Technical Officer, SriLankan Airlines, said, “This is part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen the fleet and induct more wide-body aircraft in the near future. The aircraft is equipped with wireless in-flight entertainment and individual USB charging ports at every seat …

Virgin Atlantic is taking its partnership with India’s travel trade community to new heights with the launch of Sky High Club – an exclusive new rewards programme created especially for travel agents across the country. A first-of-its-kind for Virgin Atlantic in India, Sky High Club is more than a loyalty programme – it is a celebration of the passion, hustle and heart that define the Indian travel industry. With every booking, agents will now have the chance to earn points and unlock a world of extraordinary rewards and unforgettable experiences. Shivani Singh Deo, India Country Manager, Virgin Atlantic commented, “At Virgin Atlantic, we have always believed in the power of partnerships and Sky High Club is our way of recognising the travel agents who make incredible journeys possible every single day – and we are here to champion, celebrate and reward them like never before.” As agents progress through the programme, the benefits grow even more rewarding – a reflection of Virgin Atlantic’s ongoing commitment to recognising and celebrating those who consistently go the extra mile. India’s travel agents have always been more than just supporters of the journey – they are an integral part of it. With the launch of the Sky High Club, Virgin Atlantic reaffirms its dedication to the travel trade community as we soar to new heights, together. The Sky High Club is now officially cleared for take-off. Welcome aboard.

IndiGo, Delta Air Lines, Air France-KLM and Virgin Atlantic announced plans to build an industry-leading partnership connecting India with Europe and North America, with ambitions to grow to a global scale. India, one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets, is at the heart of this collaboration. By linking IndiGo’s extensive domestic network with Delta’s strength in North America and the transatlantic, the extensive reach of Air France-KLM in Europe and North America, and the U.K. and transatlantic presence of Virgin Atlantic, the partnership is poised to offer travelers broader access, smoother journeys, and a more consistent experience across continents. Linking dozens of cities in the United States, Canada, Europe and India, the airlines aim to meet rising demand for international travel while setting new standards for connectivity and cooperation in global aviation. Pieter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo said: “IndiGo has embarked on an ambitious journey to become a global airline by 2030. This partnership represents another important milestone to pursue commercial synergies, operational excellence and innovation. This announcement not only expands our relationship with Air France–KLM and Virgin Atlantic but also marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter as we welcome Delta Airlines as a valued partner. We are particularly excited to start our long-haul expansion from this Summer and connect with our partners’ networks to provide greater access to Europe and North America. This strategic partnership enables a compelling combined customer proposition in the form comprehensive intercontinental connectivity, seamless experience and great loyalty value. It also lays the groundwork for us to exchange best practices in areas of technology, operational excellence and service delivery.”

Air India and Air Mauritius have expanded their existing codeshare partnership to offer travelers improved connectivity across the Indian Subcontinent and the African region. The two airlines signed the expanded codeshare agreement on the sidelines of the 81st IATA AGM in New Delhi, in the presence of Campbell Wilson, CEO & Managing Director, Air India, and Kishore Beegoo, Chairman, Air Mauritius. As part of the strengthened bilateral codeshare agreement, Air India and Air Mauritius will place their designator codes on a total of 17 routes between India, Mauritius, Réunion, South Africa, and Madagascar. With the enhanced codeshare partnership, Air India will place its ‘AI’ designator code on Air Mauritius flights to and from Cape Town and Johannesburg in South Africa, and Antananarivo in Madagascar, for Air India guests to seamlessly travel to these cities via Mauritius on a single ticket and baggage checked through to their final destination. Air India already codeshares on Air Mauritius flights between Mauritius and Mumbai, Delhi, and Réunion. Air Mauritius currently places its ‘MK’ designator code on Air India flights between Mumbai and Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Goa, Delhi and Bengaluru, Chennai. As part of the enhanced codeshare, Air Mauritius will place its ‘MK’ designator code on Air India flights between Mauritius and Mumbai. Thus, all flights operated by Air India and Air Mauritius between the two countries will have each other’s designator codes, thereby multiplying flight options for customers of either carrier. Campbell Wilson, CEO & Managing Director, Air India, said: “India is one of the largest tourism source markets for destinations in Southern Africa, including Mauritius and South Africa, as well as a strong trade partner to the region.This expanded codeshare partnership …

Air Cambodia, the national carrier of Cambodia, has appointed Aeroprime Group as its exclusive Passenger GSA in India, effective 1st July 2025. Abhishek Goyal, Executive Director & CEO, Aeroprime Group, says, “Managing both passenger and cargo operations for Air Cambodia allows us to offer integrated solutions and further strengthen the bridge between India and Cambodia. With Aeroprime’s commitment to exceptional customer service, an expansive sales network, and focused efforts on building brand awareness, we aim to boost visibility and demand for the airline in the Indian market. We look forward to making it even more accessible and appealing to Indian travellers.”

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that the 82nd IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in June 2026, hosted by LATAM Airlines Group. “We are excited to accept LATAM’s offer to host IATA’s 82nd AGM in Rio de Janeiro. The last time the IATA AGM was in South America was in 1999, also in Rio. It will be a great opportunity to take stock of changes over two decades of development that have seen strengthening air connectivity successfully support major world events like the FIFA World Cup and the Olympics. By meeting in the largest aviation market in South America, the AGM will highlight the great potential for aviation to be an even more powerful strategic force driving social and economic prosperity,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. “LATAM is proud to host the IATA AGM in Brazil in 2026, the main market for our airline group connecting South America to the world. In addition to facilitating a successful gathering of our industry leaders, we look forward to showcasing the contributions and enormous potential for aviation in Brazil and throughout South America. We are confident that Rio de Janeiro, one of the most spectacular cities in the world with its unparalleled hospitality and beauty, will ensure a warm welcome and a memorable experience for all attendees,” said Roberto Alvo, CEO of LATAM Airlines Group.

At the IATA AGM 2025, Air Cambodia announced the appointment of Aeroprime Group as its exclusive Passenger General Sales Agent (GSA) in India, effective 1st July, 2025. This appointment marks a significant expansion of the existing partnership between Air Cambodia and Aeroprime Group. In addition to serving as the Exclusive Pan India Cargo General Sales & Service Agent (GSSA) for Air Cambodia, Aeroprime Group will now manage both passenger and cargo sales, operations, and related services in the Indian market. “We are delighted to strengthen our collaboration with Aeroprime Group by entrusting them with both our passenger and cargo business in India,” said David Zhan, CEO, Air Cambodia. “Their proven expertise and extensive network make them the ideal partner as we continue to expand our footprint in this important market.” Aeroprime Group, headquartered in New Delhi, is a leading aviation services provider with a robust track record in airline management, sales, customer support, etc. across multiple countries and cities. With this expanded mandate, Aeroprime Group will be responsible for driving Air Cambodia’s passenger and cargo sales, supporting marketing initiatives, and ensuring seamless experiences for both travellers and freight customers in India. “We are honoured to be appointed as the exclusive Passenger GSA for Air Cambodia in India,” said Abhishek Goyal, Executive Director & CEO, Aeroprime Group. “Managing both passenger and cargo operations for Air Cambodia allows us to offer integrated solutions and further strengthen the bridge between India and Cambodia. With Aeroprime’s commitment to exceptional customer service, an expansive sales network, and focused efforts on building brand awareness, we aim to boost visibility and demand for the airline in the Indian market. Cambodia is renowned for its stunning temples, especially …