Category Archives: Aviation

“India’s regional airports can unlock new destinations and democratise travel. If we connect them with well-crafted, thematic tourism circuits, we can drive demand beyond the usual hotspots,” said Suman Billa, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism. He urged closer alignment between the UDAN scheme and tourism promotion strategies. “Every small airport should become a launchpad for a unique Indian experience,” he added.

Malaysia Aviation Group (‘MAG’ or ‘the Group’) reports a positive Net Profit After Interest and Tax (NIAT) of RM54 million for the year 2024, marking a third consecutive year of positive operating profit at RM113million. This performance is further underscored by a robust Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) of RM788 million, achieved despite operational headwinds, including proactive network cuts in Q4 2024, which reduced capacity by 18 per cent. The Group maintained a strong cash balance of RM3.0 billion as of 31 December 2024, without any capital injections from its main shareholder, Khazanah Nasional Berhad, since October 2021. The capacity cuts, driven by supply chain disruptions which extended maintenance times and delays in new aircraft delivery, were implemented during a traditionally strong quarter, impacting the Group’s full-year revenue, which stood at RM13,679mil – a marginal 1 per cent decrease year-on-year on the back of a 6 per cent increase in Available Seat Kilometre (ASK). However, passenger traffic remained robust in the premium segment with stronger load factors for both passenger and cargo segments. The Group also expanded its international network through new routes and deep partnership collaborations. The Group’s positive NIAT was further supported by a reversal of impairment on Rights of Use Assets, Aircraft, Property, Plant and Equipment and Intangible Assets amounting to RM426 million. These impairments, initially recognised during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, were reversed due to improved capacity, revenue, seat factor, and yield experienced in the financial years 2023 and 2024. Operational Highlights: Airlines and Non-Airlines Business Segments Airline Business Segment Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAB) posted an operating profit of RM139 million, an 87 per cent decline from RM1.09 billion in 2023 due …

Malaysia Airlines is ramping up its India operations with an ambitious growth strategy, reaffirming the country’s status as a priority market. The airline currently connects 10 Indian cities with over 76 weekly flights and recently launched services to Kolkata (CCU), reflecting its intent to explore untapped potential. “India remains a key growth market for Malaysia Airlines, and our expanding presence underscores our commitment to enhancing connectivity between India, Malaysia, and beyond,” said Dersenish Aresandiran, Chief Commercial Officer of Airlines, Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG). “In FY25, we anticipate flying approximately 1.3 million passengers from India—a 14% increase from the previous year—driven by our expanded network, seamless interline connectivity, and focus on hyper-personalized services.” With sights set on new destinations such as Trivandrum, Ahmedabad and Amritsar, the airline continues to build its presence through Malaysian Hospitality and tailored travel offerings.

After TAAI’s intervention, IndiGo will reinstate SME fares for retail agents withdrawn earlier due to misuse. Agents must sign an indemnity and upload GST details for every booking. TAAI also ensured OTAs will soon be restricted, creating a fair marketplace. Agents are advised to contact the respective IndiGo sales representatives.

SriLankan Airlines concluded a humanitarian relief mission to Myanmar on 5 April 2025, undertaken at the request of the Government of Sri Lanka. The operation involved the transportation of 26 relief personnel and a consignment of essential relief equipment, including urgently needed medical supplies. Despite significant logistical challenges and time constraints, the SriLankan Airlines team responded with exceptional professionalism and commitment. The mission was planned and executed at short notice following the formal request from the Ministry of Defense. Coordinating with multiple stakeholders under considerable constraints was no easy feat, but the seamless collaboration of all parties involved ensured a safe and timely operation. SriLankan Airlines extends its sincere appreciation to the Secretary of Defense and his team for their unwavering support and cooperation, which was instrumental in the success of this effort. This mission stands as yet another testament to SriLankan Airlines’ continued commitment to humanitarian causes, both at home and abroad, reaffirming its role not only as Sri Lanka’s National Carrier, but also as a proud partner in serving humanity worldwide in times of need.  

LOT Polish Airlines completed the renovation of the Polonez Business Lounge at Warsaw Chopin Airport. The renovated space is now available to authorised passengers, departing from Warsaw. With this comprehensive transformation, LOT elevates its service standards, offering greater comfort tailored to the needs of all travellers. The lounge provides an ideal setting before the next stage of their journey. The refurbishment aligns with the national carrier’s strategic goals for 2024-2028. “We aimed to create a space that not only meets the highest standards of comfort but also redefines the travel experience for passengers who value modernity, exclusivity and a premium atmosphere. The LOT Business Lounge Polonez now combines elegance with functionality offering more space, innovative solutions and carefully selected amenities that enable both relaxation and productivity. We wanted every guest to feel special and experience Polish hospitality at the very heart of our connecting hub, Warsaw Chopin Airport. We are delighted to welcome guests to our LOT Business Lounge Polonez,” said Izabela Leszczyńska, Director, Product Development and Customer Experience, LOT Polish Airlines. A major advantage of the redesigned interior is the expanded usable space the Polonez Lounge now offers over 860 m² for guests, following a 153 m² expansion. As a result, the LOT Polish Airlines lounge offers more than 60 additional seats. New features in the expanded section include a self-service bar and a conference room, equipped with a screen and electrical outlets. Relax Spot by Phenomé x LOT is a unique relaxation space where passengers can enjoy premium skincare treatments. The beauty salon is a rare service available in only a handful of business lounges worldwide, making LOT Business Lounge Polonez truly stand out. Relax Spot by Phenomé …

Ticketing and distribution authority Hahnair celebrates the addition of 8 new partner airlines in the first quarter of 2025. With this extensive technology infrastructure, Hahnair enables partner carriers to sell tickets through more than 100,000 travel agencies in 190 markets. “This remarkable growth is a testament to the value airlines can gain from a partnership with Hahnair,” says Adriana C. Carrelli, Vice President, Airline Business. “With more than 25 years of sales expertise, we offer reliable and cost-effective solutions which bring immediate business results. Our partner airlines benefit from expanded market reach, simplified indirect distribution and interline opportunities with our network of over 350 partner airlines.” “We are pleased to offer travel consultants around the world a wealth of additional ticketing choices,” adds Kimberley Long, Vice President, Agency Distribution, Hahnair. “With easy access to millions of flights on the Hahnair HR-169 ticket stock, we are ensuring business growth for our travel agency partners while supporting them through our 24/7 service desk, free refund service and free insolvency protection with each ticket.” Available in selected GDSs under their own IATA code Air Rarotonga (GZ), Cook Islands EuroAtlanticAirways (YU), Portugal Eurowings (EW), Germany (market restrictions apply) My Freighter, operating under the trade name Centrum Air (C6), Uzbekistan Wideroe (WF), Norway Available in all major GDSs under the code X1 Aero Dili, (8G), Timor Leste LIAT 20 (5L), Antigua and Babuda My Freighter, operating under the trade name Centrum Air (C6), Uzbekistan  Available in all major GDSs under the code H1 BermudAir (2T), Bermuda Travel consultants can easily verify the availability of Hahnair’s partner airlines in their respective markets by utilising the ‘Quick Check’ tool on hahnair.com.

Aloke Singh, MD, Air India Express, said Indian carriers’ capасity is set to outpace demand, potentially leading to lower fares. The airline will add about 15 aircraft in the 2025-26 fiscal year. This 45% capacity increase is expected to raise monthly passenger numbers to 2.5 million from 2 million next year.

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 …