Category Archives: Aviation

India is set to introduce facial recognition technology (FRT) for international air travel, with a pilot project planned for June 2025, according to Suresh Khadakbhavi, CEO, Digi Yatra Foundation. “We do not want to overcommit. However, we are working in this direction,” Khadakbhavi stated.

Merger involved harmonisation of operational manuals across two low-cost carriers, transfer of aircraft, besides operational, safety and maintenance approvals Air India Group is in the process of merging four airlines into two as part of its 5-year Vihaan.AI transformation program Air India Group has completed the operational integration and legal merger of Air India Express and AIX Connect (erstwhile AirAsia India) into a larger Low-Cost Carrier. The formation of the merged entity, which will operate under the ‘Air India Express’ name and a unified airline code IX, marks a significant milestone in the transformation journey of Air India Group, which is merging four airlines into two. The group is simultaneously in the process of merging Vistara into Air India to set up a world-class global airline. The merger process for Air India Express was completed in less than a year since the airline’s refreshed brand was unveiled. It involved the harmonisation of operational manuals, as an enabler for the merger, and the transfer of Air operator certificates (AOCs). Given the complexity of such a merger, it required close working with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), who supported and monitored the process throughout. The merger also received support of Ministry of Civil Aviation (MOCA), Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and other key stakeholders. On Tuesday, Vikram Dev Dutt, Director General, DGCA, handed over the updated AOC to Aloke Singh, Managing Director, Air India Express, in the presence of Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer of Air India and Chairman, Air India Express, at the DGCA headquarter in New Delhi. Vikram Dev Dutt, Director General, DGCA, said: “The successful integration and merger of AIX Connect with Air India Express is …

Salil Nath, Founder and CEO, Travesla, has launched India’s newest GSA and Airline and Travel Management company. With 12 years at Etihad, including heading operations across the Indian subcontinent, Nath aims to revolutionise GSA services by offering 360-degree commercial solution for airlines.

As technology is transforming the aviation sector, Ricardo Letosa, Head of Business Strategy, SITA, said, during CAPA India Digital Aviation Summit 2024, “85% pax want travel documents auto-linked to digital identity. In fact, we have provided digital ID enrolment, and biometrics to three AACO airlines.”

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 …

While receiving ‘Most Promising African Airline Award,’ on behalf of EgyptAir Rasha Abdelmouneim, Country Manager, India & Sri Lanka, Egyptair, said, “This award means a lot to Egyptair, and I am honoured to be here.” EgyptAir is keen to capture India’s major market share, especially the MICE segment.  

The number of operational airports in the country has increased from 74 in 2014 to 157 in 2024, said the Ministry of Civil Aviation, with plans to expand this number to 350-400 by 2047. Meanwhile, the domestic air passengers have more than doubled, making India the third-largest domestic aviation market. The Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS-UDAN) launched in 2016 has significantly contributed to this growth.

Winner of ‘Best Airport’ at the recent India Travel Awards 2024, GMR Hyderabad International Airport is developing India’s first Airport City (Aerotropolis) spread across 1,500 acres in its vicinity. Ashish Kumar, Chief Commercial Officer – Aero & Cargo, GMR Hyderabad International Airport, said that GMR leverages technology extensively and is one of the most innovative airports in India.

Drukair, Royal Bhutan Airlines, is pleased to announce the expansion of its international network with the introduction of twice-weekly flights from Dubai to Paro, starting on 28 October, 2024. This new route will strengthen Drukair’s global connectivity, offering seamless travel options for passengers from the Middle East, Africa, Europe, North and South America, and other Western regions. It also underscores Drukair’s commitment to promoting tourism, trade, and diplomatic ties between Bhutan and the UAE. As a major global hub, Dubai opens up exciting opportunities for travellers from the UAE and beyond, whether for business, leisure, or cultural exchanges. Key Details: Inaugural Flight Date: 28 October, 2024 Route: Paro (PBH) – Dubai (DXB) v.v. Frequency: Twice Weekly As Bhutan’s national carrier, Drukair remains committed to providing safe, comfortable, and reliable air travel. The new route offers passengers the unique experience of flying ‘On the Wings of the Dragon’ between Bhutan and the vibrant city of Dubai. “Launching services to Dubai is a proud moment for Drukair. It reflects our expanding international presence and our dedication to connecting Bhutan to the world,” said Tandi Wangchuk, Chief Executive Officer, Drukair. This route is expected to boost tourism in Bhutan, attracting visitors from the Middle East and beyond, while also providing convenient travel options for Bhutanese residents and expatriates in the UAE and neighbouring regions.  

DreamFolks has announced the launch of its newest service – highway dining for travellers. This service will be available at over 600 outlets along key highways across the country.  This new offering marks DreamFolks’ expansion beyond airports and railway stations to provide enhanced convenience for highway travellers. DreamFolks members can now enjoy specially designed meals at popular restaurants on more than 60 key highway routes emanating from major cities,      including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Kolkata. The service offers travellers a seamless, hassle-free dining experience while on the road. Commenting on the launch, Liberatha Kallat, Founder and CMD of DreamFolks, said,“At DreamFolks, we are committed to delivering premium experiences to travellers. With this launch, we’re excited to extend our services to highway travellers, providing them with access to quality dining options throughout their journeys. As we continue to identify opportunities to enhance the travel experience across multiple touchpoints, expanding our offerings to highways is a natural progression. This new service reflects our vision of creating seamless and elevated travel experiences at every mode of the journey.” The DreamFolks highway dining service offers travellers an exclusive range of thoughtfully crafted meals, combining gourmet flavours with unparalleled convenience. Designed to elevate the dining experience for discerning road travellers, this service ensures that every meal reflects our commitment to quality and sophistication. As highway networks continue to grow and road travel gains popularity, DreamFolks is proud to extend its premium hospitality to ensure travellers enjoy exceptional dining at every stop along their journey. With this latest offering, DreamFolks reinforces its commitment to delivering a seamless travel experience and expanding its footprint in India’s growing travel ecosystem. From airports and railway stations to …