Category Archives: Aviation

Sharing his vision for Digi Yatra to be known as the ‘Travel stack of India’, Suresh Khadakbhavi, CEO, Digi Yatra, said, “We would like to enable the next phase of our journey, enabling international end to end seamless travel and to make the app available for Indian and global citizens. We are working with IATA, ICAO and other ministries to make this dream come true.”

ITA Airways has officially received approval to start the integration process into Star Alliance following a verdict by the Star Alliance Chief Executive Board (CEB). Building on its induction into the Lufthansa Group earlier this year, this decision paves the way for its much anticipated entry into the world’s largest airline alliance. The onboarding process will now move at full throttle. Celebrating the milestone, Star Alliance Chief Executive Officer Theo Panagiotoulias stated: “In early 2026, ITA Airways is expected to officially join the Star Alliance network as a full member. The decision by our Chief Executive Board underscores the strong confidence our members have in ITA Airways. As a gateway for Italy, its addition strengthens our global network, offering seamless and connected journeys to more travellers worldwide.” Joerg Eberhart, CEO and General Manager of ITA Airways, said: “We are excited to join the Star Alliance network and to bring the excellence of Made in Italy into the alliance, further enhancing its global reach. This is a significant milestone in ITA Airways’ growth, and we look forward to offering our customers the future privileges of the world’s largest airline network.” ITA Airways will add 360 daily flights to the Alliance network, further strengthening the Alliance’s footprint in the European region. The biggest growth will come from its home cities, especially Rome and Milan, which are currently served by 16 Star Alliance members collectively. Leveraging their legacy within the Alliance, Lufthansa Group is mentoring ITA Airways through its integration journey into Star Alliance. “I am proud that ITA Airways will become the fifth hub airline of the Lufthansa Group to join Star Alliance. As the mentor of the membership process, we will …

Vietjet operated two special relief flights, VJ2875 and VJ2877, using an Airbus A330 and an A321 to transport Vietnamese rescue teams to Myanmar following the devastating earthquake. In support of the emergency response, the airline facilitated the swift deployment of relief personnel from the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security and Ministry of National Defense. The two flights departed from Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport to Yangon on March 30. Vietjet ensured the rapid deployment of these flights by expediting flight permits and technical preparations. Its experienced crew and staff have been assigned to assist the relief mission, reinforcing the airline’s commitment to humanitarian aid. The flights transported 106 rescue and relief personnel from the Vietnamese armed forces, along with trained search-and-rescue dogs and over 60 tons of essential aid supplies, including medical equipment and food, to support earthquake relief efforts in Myanmar. Vietjet CEO Dinh Viet Phuong said: “Vietjet is always ready for special missions. We swiftly completed all necessary preparations and successfully operated two flights to transport emergency rescue teams from the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of National Defense to Myanmar, providing timely support for earthquake relief efforts.” Upon landing at Yangon Airport, Myanmar, rescue personnel from the Vietnamese armed forces, alongside Vietjet staff, immediately begin unloading and transporting essential supplies to designated relief sites. Police and military officers also take part in search-and-rescue operations, provide medical assistance, and support recovery efforts in the aftermath of the earthquake. A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on March 28, causing widespread devastation. The disaster has claimed over 1,600 lives, injured nearly 3,500 people, and left hundreds missing. Strong tremors damaged homes, collapsed bridges, and disrupted roads across the …

From May, SkyTeam member Vietnam Airlines will introduce two new nonstop routes from Hanoi to Bengaluru and Hyderabad, operated by its two-class Airbus A321 aircraft with recliner seats in business class. Hanoi – Bengaluru is launching on 1 May with four weekly flights – each Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. Hanoi – Hyderabad is launching 8 May with three weekly flights operating every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. Vietnam Airlines says these new routes reflect its ongoing commitment to offering convenient travel options and strengthening cultural and economic ties between Vietnam and India.

Akasa Air plans to be among the world’s 30 largest airlines by fleet size by 2030, said Vinay Dube, CEO, Akasa Air. The airline also aims to capture 15% of India’s domestic market share within the next 5 to 7 years. With an aggressive expansion strategy, Akasa is set to increase aircraft orders and enhance its network to compete with established Indian carriers.

Campbell Wilson, CEO, Air India, has indicated that the global aircraft shortage, caused by supply chain issues affecting manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus, is expected to persist for another four to five years. This situation has impacted Air India’s expansion plans, leading to the operation of older aircraft and increased maintenance costs.

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has assured that while technology-driven solutions like DigiYatra and web check-in enhance efficiency, the manual check-in system remains fully operational, ensuring a seamless experience for all passengers, including those without smartphones or those who prefer manual processes.

Saudi Arabia is rapidly emerging as a global business hub, driven by advancements in infrastructure, technology, and tourism that continue to attract significant international investment. Its strategic position at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa enhances trade opportunities, while business-friendly reforms—including regulatory easing and foreign investment incentives—further boost its appeal. In 2025, the Kingdom’s prominence as a business destination will reach new heights with the full opening of Red Sea International Airport improving connectivity and the development of NEOM drawing increased global attention. As Saudi cities gain greater influence on the world stage and more airlines expand routes to the Kingdom, Saudia, the national flag carrier, stands out with a unique set of offerings that distinguish it from its competitors. Founded in 1945, Saudia has grown to become one of the Middle East’s largest airlines, offering a vast network of over 100 destinations from its primary hub in Jeddah. Renowned for its innovation and customer-centric approach, the below offerings showcase why Saudia is the preferred choice for business travellers to discover Saudia Arabia and beyond. Global Connectivity Saudia operates over 530 daily flights, connecting more than 100 destinations across four continents. In 2024, the airline significantly expanded its network, introducing new routes to Phuket, Thailand —while strengthening codeshare partnerships with leading carriers such as AEGEAN Airlines, Kenya Airways, Virgin Atlantic, ITA Airways, and Delta Airlines. These collaborations have enhanced access to major economic centres, including New York, Los Angeles, and Paris. This goes in addition to its already extensive network, with Saudia offering direct flights to the world’s top business hubs, including London, Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Frankfurt, ensuring seamless travel for business professionals. Additionally, the Saudia visa …

According to SpiceJet, the company’s founder, Ajay Singh, will invest ₹294.09 crore into the airline by converting warrants into equity shares, increasing his group’s stake from 29.11% to 33.47%. The investment aims to strengthen the airlines’s financial position, drive growth, and showcase confidence in its future.

Strengthening India x Vietnam connectivity with direct flights from South India Vietnam Airlines, the flag carrier of Vietnam, announced the launch of direct flights from Bengaluru and Hyderabad to Hanoi, further expanding its footprint in the rapidly growing Indian market. Starting May 2025, the airline will operate four weekly flights from Bengaluru (BLR) and three weekly flights from Hyderabad (HYD) to Hanoi, using its modern Airbus A321 aircraft. With the addition of Bengaluru and Hyderabad, Vietnam Airlines will now operate from four major Indian cities, including Delhi and Mumbai, further solidifying its presence in the region. Passengers traveling on the new routes can expect a premium flying experience onboard the Airbus A321, featuring comfortable seating, modern cabin interiors, curated Indian meal options, and Vietnam Airlines’ renowned hospitality. These flights will also provide seamless connectivity from India to popular destinations across Japan, Korea, China, Australia, and ASEAN countries, making travel more convenient for Indian passengers. Nguyen Trung Hieu, Country Manager India, Vietnam Airlines, expressed his excitement about the expansion, stating, “India is an extremely important market for Vietnam Airlines and South India has witnessed a surge in demand for travel to Vietnam. We are excited to cater to this growing segment with the launch of direct flights from Bengaluru and Hyderabad. We are reinforcing our commitment to providing world-class service and seamless connectivity for passengers from all parts of India.” This strategic expansion marks a major milestone in strengthening air connectivity between India and Vietnam, offering seamless access to one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic travel destinations. It also reinforces Vietnam Airlines’ commitment to serving the increasing demand for business and leisure travel between the two countries. Adding to this, Abhishek …