Category Archives: Aviation

IndiGo is strengthening its international network with the launch of new codeshare connections via Istanbul to USA. This strategic expansion opens up world of possibilities for Indian travelers, allowing seamless access to New York, Boston, Chicago, and Washington, effective from June 15 2023, through its codeshare partnership with Turkish Airlines. These new connections mark an important milestone, with Indigo’s entry into a new continent, reinforcing its commitment to enhancing international connectivity from India. Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales, IndiGo, expressing excitement, “We are thrilled to expand our codeshare partnership with Turkish Airlines, for the first time across the Atlantic to the USA. New York, Boston, Chicago, and Washington are renowned for their cultural significance, iconic landmarks, and vibrant lifestyles. By offering seamless travel experiences at affordable fares, we aim to create more opportunities for Indian travelers to discover and connect with these exceptional destinations”. He also explained how this connection will not only support burgeoning trade and commerce between countries but also offer increased option to students and tourists alike. He said, “This expansion reinforces our vision to strengthen international reach while offering on-time performance, and hassle-free service across our unparalleled network”. IndiGo passengers will gain access to a multitude of destinations across the United States, including New York, the bustling metropolis that never sleeps; Boston, the historical hub of academic excellence and cultural heritage; Chicago, the vibrant city known for its architecture and deep-dish pizza; and Virginia, where the Dulles International Airport serves as a gateway to the captivating Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Whether it’s strolling through Central Park in New York, exploring the Freedom Trail in Boston, marveling at the Cloud Gate sculpture in Chicago, or visiting …

ITA Airways and Turkish Airlines jointly declares the commencement of codeshare partnership that will be effective within July 2023. The signed agreement between the two flag carriers will be offering flexibility in terms of flight choices for customers of both airlines between Italy and Türkiye. Through this codeshare partnership, ITA Airways’ marketing flight numbers will be placed on Turkish Airlines’ flights between Rome and Istanbul; and Turkish Airlines will place its marketing numbers on 9 destinations of ITA Airways within Italy from Rome, including Brindisi, Bari, Catania, Florence, Genoa, Palermo, Lamezia Terme, Turin and Trieste. Mr. Bilal Ekşi, CEO, Turkish Airlines, said “Rome and Istanbul have always been exceptional cities to attract and connect people. I firmly believe this codeshare agreement between Turkish Airlines and ITA Airways will be developing the existing network with even more destinations and foster cooperation and traffic between two countries with high potential”. He also informed how this partnership is a way to generate positive energy for tourism, expand Turkish Airlines’ reach and enhance customer benefits. Fabio Lazzerini, CEO and General Manager, ITA Airways, “With the codeshare partnership with Turkish Airlines, ITA Airways’ commercial strategy of growth makes a step forward, together with the existing partnerships with the world’s leading carriers”. “This partnership opens up a privileged access route to Istanbul, one of the most fascinating and historically rich cities in the world for all ITA Airways passengers. This agreement represents the Company’s 32nd codeshare: an excellent result we have achieved in less than two years”, he added.

Vinay Dube, CEO, Akasa Air, has said that India has one of the best airfare regimes in the world. “The airfares on an average in India are the most customer friendly in the world in any kind of sizeable aviation economy. However, gouging is not a good thing and shouldn’t happen.”

Jyotiraditya Scindia, Union Minister of Civil Aviation, in a press conference recently, has said that 13 routes were proposed in the International UDAN Scheme, of which 4 have been awarded viz: Guwahati-Dhaka, Guwahati-Bangkok, Imphal-Mandalay and Agartala-Chittagong.

 Today, the Italian National Day, marks the launch of the new ITA Airways Washington Dulles – Rome Fiumicino direct flight. The inaugural flight, which departed today at 4:20 p.m. from Dulles International airport, was operated with the new Airbus A330neo, the first aircraft completely built according to ITA Airways’ new cabin design. To celebrate the launch of the new intercontinental route and the entry into service of the new aircraft, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the departure gate in the presence of Pierfrancesco Carino, Vice President International Sales ITA Airways, Chryssa Westerlund, Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer, Washington Metropolitan Airports Authority, and Min. Plen. Alessandro Gonzales, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Italy in Washington.   To further underline the importance of the new connection between North America and Italy, ITA Airways was partner of the Italian National Day celebrations held yesterday at the Italian Embassy in Washington. On the occasion, the Ambassador of Italy in Washington, Mariangela Zappia, said: “ITA Airways’ new connection and plans to expand its network in the United States are important, long-awaited steps that bring America even closer to Italy and allow us to strengthen not only tourist flows but also the political, economic and cultural relations between our two countries”.   The Washington destination inaugurates the expansion of ITA Airways’ intercontinental network for the 2023 summer season and is enhanced by the introduction of the new Airbus A330neo, which made its first commercial flight today. The Airbus A330neo is the benchmark in terms of technology, digitization, innovation, efficiency, design, and ultimate expression of Made in Italy, reflecting the fundamental pillars of ITA Airways. The new Airbus, A330neo dedicated to the marathon …

Jazeera Airways, Kuwait’s leading low cost carrier, is operating direct flights from Kuwait to the Sphinx International Airport in Egypt. The airport is situated two hours away from Cairo International Airport and only an hour away from downtown. The airport offers a convenient route to other parts of Egypt including historical sites such as the Pyramids, the Great Sphinx and even the forthcoming Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza. It also connects to the popular Red Sea resorts like Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada. Rohit Ramachandran, Chief Executive Officer, Jazeera Airways said “We are delighted to fly to our seventh destination in Egypt, with Jazeera Airways being  first GCC carrier to operate direct to Sphinx International Airport”. “With four flights a week to this great leisure destination, we also offer a convenient and affordable travel option for tourists as well as locals. I would like to especially take this opportunity to thank the Egyptian Civil Aviation authorities for their tireless efforts to open up greater connectivity to this beautiful country. ” The two terminals at the airport handle up to 900 passengers an hour with an annual capacity of 1.2 million passengers per year. This facilitates a faster journey for arriving and departing passengers through the airport. The airport also helps reduce congestion at the Cairo Airport as well as traffic in the capital. Travelers’ can actually save up to two hours in the rush hour traffic by opting to travel through this airport. Jazeera Airways now serves a total of 66 destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Central & South Asia and Europe. Flights can be booked easily through the www.jazeeraairways.com, or on the Jazeera App.

Jyotiraditya Sciindia, Civil Aviation Minister, said, “Civil aviation is expected to grow from 14.5 cr passengers to 45 cr passengers by 2030. There is a huge potential in the aviation sector to be explored both in terms of passenger traffic and infrastructure”.

Vistara has started non-stop, 5x weekly flights between Mumbai and London (London Heathrow), to be operated by the state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. Vinod Kannan, CEO, Vistara, recently said that London has been the most lucrative route in Europe for them.

Vistara inaugurates its non-stop, 5x weekly flights between Mumbai and London . The inaugural flight, operated by the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, departed from Mumbai at 14:35 Hours (IST) and is scheduled to arrive at London Heathrow Airport at 19:55 Hours (BST). It is known for its distinctive features such as comfortable three-class seating, modern interiors, wireless connectivity on-board, cutting-edge in-flight entertainment system with live TV at 35,000 feet and wellness lighting solution to name a few. Mr. Vinod Kannan, Chief Executive Officer, Vistara, said, “We are excited to launch direct connectivity between Mumbai and London – a historically significant route for trade, business and leisure alike. While Mumbai is the financial capital of India, London holds critical importance in the global financial world while also being a popular destination for travel and tourism from India”. “The new route, at convenient departure and arrival timings, is in line with our continued efforts towards offering more flexibility and ease to our customers when planning their travel with India’s best airline. We believe that our world-class product complemented with our globally awarded service make for just the right combination for an exceptional flying experience”, he added With this Vistara celebrated the launch of the new international route with a ceremonious lamp lighting ceremony at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. Customers will be offered themed delicacies on the inaugural flight including regional favourites – pav bhaji and keema pav, and London’s speciality beer – Brewdog Punk IPA, on the return flight.

Akasa Air announced a special ‘Monsoon Bonanza’ sale across its network, offering travelers an opportunity to book their upcoming travel at reasonable fares. The airline is offering a 10 per cent discount on “Saver” and “Flexi” fares upon booking one-way or return flights to 16 destinations across India. Customers can avail discounts through www.akasaair.com, Android & IOS app and through travel agents and several Online Travel Agencies (OTAs). Customers have a chance to check off their travel wish lists at affordable prices from serene landscapes of Bagdogra, to exotic beaches of Goa, to a historic tour of Lucknow. Bookings are open for a period of one week from 0001 hours of 30 May 2023 to 2359 hours of 5 June for travel from 1 July 2023 onwards using the code ‘Monsoon’ to avail the offer. Akasa Air has reveals’ multiple best-in-class products and services to ensure an inclusive, warm, comfortable, and efficient flying experience. The Boeing 737 MAX aircraft seats provide ample legroom and come with USB ports in a majority of aircraft, allowing passengers to charge their gadgets and devices. Café Akasa, the in-flight catering service offers an assortment of healthy and delectable meals, including festive menus and unique options to offer customers an indulgent gourmet experience in the skies.  The airline allows customers to travel with their pets in the cabin or carry them in cargo based on their size. Furthermore, in an endeavour to make travel inclusive, Akasa Air also recently introduced its safety instruction card in Braille for persons with visual impairment. Akasa Air, India’s fastest-growing network since its launch in August 2022, has carried over 2 million revenue passengers and crossed the milestone of operating over …