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Airlines and Aviation

Air India announces Delhi-Gaya flights from September

Air India announced daily flights between Delhi and Gaya, starting 01 September 2025. The daily service on this route will be operated by Air India’s A320 aircraft, bringing the only full-service flying experience to customers travelling to and from Gaya. The opening of this new route adds Gaya as the 46th destination in Air India’s domestic route network. The connectivity to Gaya supports religious tourism and enables seamless one-stop access for travellers from other Asian countries to the gateway to Bodh Gaya, one of the most significant Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world. Air India’s flights to Gaya are timed to enable convenient connections to/from Kathmandu, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Phuket, and Singapore, Colombo, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul-Incheon, and Tokyo-Haneda, SCHEDULE OF FLIGHTS BETWEEN DELHI AND GAYA Flight # Frequency Sector Departure Arrival AI429 Daily Delhi-Gaya 1430 Hrs 1605 Hrs AI430 Daily Gaya-Delhi 1640 Hrs 1800 Hrs    

Airlines and Aviation

Air India and Air India Express appoint dnata as their GSA in the UAE

Air India and Air India Express have announced the appointment of dnata as their General Sales Agent (GSA) and Representative Agency (RA), respectively, in the UAE. The agreement, formally signed at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025 in Dubai, reflects the Air India group’s continued focus on enhancing reach and customer engagement in the strategically important UAE market. Kaizad Postwalla, Head of International Sales – GMEA & North America, Air India, said, “The UAE is a key market in our international network. We are pleased to partner with dnata, whose deep understanding of the region and proven track record in travel services will help us better connect with customers, drive demand, and enhance service delivery in the market.” Dr. Ankur Garg, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India Express, added, “Our collaboration with dnata marks another step in expanding our commercial presence in the region. As our network and fleet grow, this partnership will help us stay closer to our customers and offer them even more reliable and seamless travel options to and from India.” Simon Woodford, Vice President Global Air Services at dnata Travel Group, commented, “Air India group is offerig increasingly accessible and affordable options for leisure and business travel between the UAE and India. We represented Air India in Dubai for passenger sales for almost 50 years between 1967 and 2014 and are delighted to now be appointed by the Air India group, as its operations continue to grow and support millions of travellers.” Under this partnership, dnata will provide comprehensive sales, marketing, and distribution support to both carriers across the UAE, excluding Abu Dhabi and Al Ain for Air India. This localised approach will improve accessibility for travellers and trade partners while supporting the Air India group’s broader growth plans in the region. Air India operates 82x weekly flights from the UAE to India, while Air India Express connects five cities—Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, and Sharjah—with over 240x weekly flights from the UAE. The UAE represents the single-largest international market for Air India Express and remains one of the most significant global markets, serving millions of Indian expatriates and other travellers. With a growing network of 45 domestic and 43 international destinations served by Air India, and 38 domestic and 17 international destinations by Air India Express, the Air India group continues to invest in partnerships and service enhancements that bring India closer to the world.    

Airlines and Aviation

Air India Express announces, ‘Payday Sale’

Air India Express has launched its ‘Payday Sale,’ offering a flat 15% discount on domestic routes for bookings made till May 1, 2025 for travel between May 8 and September 20, 2025, only on the airline’s award-winning website, www.airindiaexpress and mobile app. Air India Express is also waiving convenience fees for Xpress Lite bookings made on its website and app. Xpress Lite, the airline’s exclusive zero-baggage fare, offers guests a budget-friendly option with added benefits. These include the ability to pre-book an additional 3 kg of cabin baggage at no extra cost, along with discounted check-in baggage rates. Guests can check in 15 kg of baggage for ₹1,000 on domestic flights and 20 kg for ₹1,300 on international flights. In addition, the airline's website offers fab deals for loyalty members, including a 25% discount on Xpress Biz fares and upgrades to Xpress Biz seats, the airline’s business class equivalent with an industry-leading seat pitch of up to 58 inches. The Biz seats are available on 38 brand new Boeing 737-8 aircraft that Air India Express has recently inducted as part of its rapid expansion. Loyalty members logged into the website can also enjoy fab deals such as 25% discount on ‘Gourmair’ hot meals, seat selection, Xpress Ahead priority services, 10 kg Xcess Check-In Baggage and 3 kg Xtra Carry-On Baggage. Air India Express continues to offer special discounted fares and additional benefits on its website for students, senior citizens, doctors, and nurses, members of the armed forces, and their dependents, ensuring a wide range of benefits for flyers across its domestic and international network. Recently, Air India Express achieved another milestone with the launch of operations from Manohar International Airport (GOX) in North Goa, introducing new domestic routes and international flights to Kuwait and Abu Dhabi. Additionally, the airline has expanded its summer schedule for 2025 by over 40%, now operating more than 500 daily flights across its growing domestic and international network.  

Airlines and Aviation

Air India to operate daily flights to Tokyo Haneda from 15 June 2025

Air India announced the expansion of its non-stop service between Delhi and Tokyo Haneda, increasing from 4x weekly flights to daily flights, starting 15 June 2025. This enhancement strengthens connectivity between India and Japan, offering greater convenience for travellers and supporting growing trade and tourism between the two countries. This move builds on Air India’s recent shift to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport (from Narita) on 31 March 2025, which reduced travel time to Tokyo Station to approximately 30 minutes. The daily flights, operated with Air India’s Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft, provide passengers with faster access to central Tokyo, as Haneda Airport is just 18 km from downtown Tokyo. “Expanding our Delhi-Tokyo Haneda service to daily flights reflects Air India’s commitment to meeting the rising demand for travel between India and Japan,” said Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India. “This daily service, combined with our deepened codeshare partnership with All Nippon Airways, makes it easier for our guests to explore Japan and connect conveniently to other destinations in the country beyond Tokyo.” Through Air India’s expanded codeshare with Star Alliance partner All Nippon Airways (ANA), Air India guests can conveniently connect from Tokyo Haneda to six major Japanese cities—Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Nagoya, Okinawa, Osaka, and Sapporo—on a single ticket with baggage checked through to their final destination. The daily flights enable seamless connections to domestic Indian destinations like Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Pune, as well as international routes across Asia and Europe. The updated flight schedule, effective 15 June 2025, is as follows: AI358: Departs Delhi (DEL) at 2020 Hrs, arrives Tokyo Haneda (HND) at 0755 Hrs next day (daily). AI357: Departs Tokyo Haneda (HND) at 1150 Hrs, arrives Delhi (DEL) at 1725 Hrs (daily). Bookings for Air India’s Delhi-Tokyo Haneda flights are open on all channels, including Air India’s website, mobile app, and through travel agents.  

Airlines and Aviation

Air India And Air India Express to showcase new experience together at ATM, Dubai 2025

Air India and Air India Express are set to participate in the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, to be held from 28 April to 1 May at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), UAE. Located at booth numbers AS7290 and AS7295 in the Asia pavillion of hall 8, the two airlines will present their complementary strengths in a modern, immersive space, designed to reflect the bold new era of the two airlines. The Arabian Travel Market has been a gateway to global travel and tourism growth, unlocking business potential for the industry for over three decades. Spanning over 100 square metres, the combined booth of Air India and Air India Express at ATM 2025 offers a vibrant showcase of the evolving Tata group airlines, blending tradition with technology and storytelling with service. Designed with a digital-first approach, the pavilion features a captivating Virtual Reality (VR) zone where visitors can step inside Air India’s cutting-edge A350 aircraft and explore its flagship product. Displays of the newly upgraded 787-9 Dreamliner and A321 cabins further reflect Air India’s commitment to world-class comfort and innovation as part of its Vihaan.AI transformation journey. Air India Express brings its distinct personality to life through interactive and visually rich touchpoints. Guests can immerse themselves in ‘Tales of India’—a celebration of the country’s rich cultural diversity told through the airline’s vibrant tail art inspired by regional motifs. The recently launched ‘Inglish Dictionary’, a bold and joyful collection of desi expressions wrapped in Sohrai art, offers a playful peek into how India truly speaks. The ‘Gourmair’ section of the exhibition presents an engaging digital display that highlights the Air India Express’ inflight culinary excellence, offering guests a visual taste of India’s diverse and flavourful cuisine. A prominent highlight of the pavilion is a comprehensive network map, illustrating the expansive reach of both airlines. Air India now connects 45 domestic and 43 international destinations, while Air India Express operates 38 domestic and 17 international destinations. Air India Express operates over 240 weekly flights from UAE to India. The combined pavilion is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the vision, creativity, and synergy that define the new era of Air India and Air India Express. The airlines will also make key announcements during the event including upcoming virtual interline partnerships aimed at enhancing connectivity across global markets. In addition, updates on the new General Sales Agent (GSA) and Representative Agency (RA) in key markets will be shared, further strengthening its presence and accessibility across the region. The Air India and Air India Express team, including commercial and product specialists, will be present at the booth throughout the event to engage with trade partners and travellers.      

Airlines and Aviation

Air India Express has launched operations from Manohar International Airport (GOX) in North Goa 

Expanding its footprint in Goa, Air India Express has launched operations from Manohar International Airport (GOX) in North Goa, complementing its existing services at Goa International Airport (GOI). With operations now from both airports, the airline will operate over 115 weekly flights from Goa—including 75 from GOI and over 40 from GOX—offering travellers enhanced flexibility and improved access to North Goa, renowned for its pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife, bustling markets, and rich cultural heritage. Effective April 15, 2025, Air India Express launched new services connecting North Goa with Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, and Indore, further strengthening domestic connectivity to the region. The airline now operates twice-daily flights to Delhi, daily flights to Bengaluru and Indore, and flights to Chennai on all days except Wednesdays. Services on the Hyderabad–North Goa route will commence on May 3, 2025. Expanding its international footprint from North Goa, Air India Express will also launch direct flights to Kuwait starting May 3, followed by services to Abu Dhabi from May 5, 2025. To mark the commencement of Air India Express operations from North Goa, the airline and the airport operator hosted a celebratory event at Manohar International Airport. The event was attended by Siddhartha Butalia, Chief Marketing Officer, Air India Express; Shashi Chetia, Vice President - Network Planning, Air India Express; and Anand Ramachandran, Deputy CEO, Manohar International Airport, along with key airport stakeholders including representatives from CISF, Customs, and other operational partners. As part of the celebrations, a ceremonial boarding pass was presented to the first guest of the inaugural flight. Schedule Effective 15th April 2025 (All timings are local) Departure Arrival Departure Time Arrival Time Frequency MOPA, North Goa Delhi 14:45; 21:15 17:20; 23:50 2X Daily Delhi MOPA, North Goa 07:10; 18:10 09:45; 20:45 2X Daily MOPA, North Goa Indore 10:15 11:50 Daily Indore MOPA, North Goa 12:20 13:55 Daily Bengaluru MOPA, North Goa 06:25 07:45 Daily MOPA, North Goa Bengaluru 08:15 09:35 Daily Chennai MOPA, North Goa 16:40 18:20 Daily except Wednesday MOPA, North Goa Chennai 18:55 20:35 Daily except Wednesday Schedule Effective 3rd May 2025 (All timings are local) Hyderabad MOPA, North Goa 14:35 16:00 Saturday MOPA, North Goa Kuwait 18:05 20:05 Saturday Kuwait MOPA, North Goa 21:05 04:05 Saturday Schedule Effective 4th May 2025 (All timings are local) MOPA, North Goa Hyderabad 07:00 08:25 Sunday Schedule Effective 5th May 2025 (All timings are local) Hyderabad MOPA, North Goa 10:25 11:50 Mon, Tue MOPA, North Goa Hyderabad 23:20 00:45 Mon, Tue MOPA, North Goa Abu Dhabi 13:15 15:20 Mon, Tue Abu Dhabi MOPA, North Goa 16:20 21:20 Mon, Tue Schedule Effective 8th May 2025 (All timings are local) Hyderabad MOPA, North Goa 13:15 14:40 Thursday MOPA, North Goa Kuwait 16:40 18:40 Thursday Kuwait MOPA, North Goa 19:40 02:40 Thursday Schedule Effective 9th May 2025 (All timings are local) MOPA, North Goa Hyderabad 04:40 06:05 Friday      

Features

Air India’s A350 Embarks on the Journey to Modern Transit Excellence

Air India is in the midst of an ambitious transformation, laying the groundwork to become a top transit airline through its growing fleet of modern aircraft, enhanced passenger experiences, and an evolving network centred on Delhi as a key transit hub. The introduction of the state-of-the-art Airbus A350 is a crucial step forward in this revitalisation, setting the tone for what’s to come. A Promising Step Forward The A350 represents a bold move in Air India’s evolution, offering travellers an elevated experience with its newly designed cabins. Business Class suites feature private enclosures, spacious seating, and innovative storage solutions. Thoughtful touches, such as Ferragamo amenity kits, patterned blankets, pyjamas, and slippers, highlight the airline’s focus on comfort and sophistication. Dining aboard the A350 is another standout feature. Travellers can indulge in a fine selection of Indian cuisine, with dishes like laal maas served on upgraded crockery. With enhanced champagne offerings and stylish tableware, Air India is reimagining inflight dining as part of its push to modernise. One unique feature of the A350 is its rear cabin lounge, where passengers can unwind with drinks and snacks while enjoying the views. These enhancements underscore Air India’s commitment to creating a more enjoyable and inviting travel experience. A Vision for Growth The integration of the A350 is just the beginning of Air India’s larger strategy to modernise its fleet. Plans are underway to refurbish the airline’s 777s and 787 Dreamliners, ensuring consistency and quality across its services. By focusing on fleet upgrades, Air India aims to reinforce Delhi as a transit hub that connects travellers seamlessly across Asia, Europe, and beyond. As a member of Star Alliance, Air India strengthens its position within the global aviation network. Travellers can earn and redeem miles across the alliance’s airlines, benefiting from enhanced connectivity and convenience. Delhi’s role as a transit point is central to this strategy, as the airline positions itself to compete in the international market. Charting the Course for Success Air India’s journey of transformation is one of aspiration and determination. The introduction of the A350 offers a glimpse of the airline’s potential, but it’s clear that this is just the start. With an emphasis on building a modern fleet, expanding its network, and refining its service, Air India is steadily working towards becoming a leading transit airline. The Maharaja is poised for a renaissance, and each step forward cements Air India’s commitment to reinvention. Travellers can look forward to a future where Air India provides seamless, reliable, and comfortable connections, elevating their journeys in the process. Exciting days are certainly on the horizon for this storied airline.

Agreements / Understandings / Contract Signings

Star Air India revs up operations with the Aviator Revenue Management system

Indian regional carrier Star Air is now the first airline in the country to implement Maxamation’s Aviator Revenue Management system in its operations. The advent of the Aviator Revenue Management system at the airline is timely as Star Air plans to operate a fleet of 25 aircraft by 2027 and enhance connectivity across Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities in India.  With new aircraft soon to commence operations, Star Air will target underserved markets and set new standards in air travel in keeping with its drive to connect real India from their base of operations at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport. Maxamation chief executive Peter Brewer said of the implementation: “Star Air is Maxamation’s first customer in India and we are delighted to partner with them. Star Air has an impressive regional model which we have seen work very well in other markets. The Star Air team worked as close partners with our Maxamation team in Australia and in India to deliver the best outcome for the airline. We look forward to being part of the growing Star Air journey in the years ahead.” A necessary addition Given Star Air’s ambitious growth plans, the airline needed an established revenue management partner to help them maximise passenger revenue day in and day out.  As a result, Star Air chose Maxamation and the Aviator Revenue Management system as the best fit for their needs. Star Air’s general manager for revenue management Anil Rajvani is positive about the benefits which Aviator brings to Star Air.  According to Rajvani: “Right from the start the Maxamation team has been fast and professional to work with and have supported us 100% along the way.  The onsite training was centred on our specific needs and left us in a great position to maximise flight revenue. Aviator itself is exactly the automated and user-friendly revenue management system we were looking for. Most importantly, we are already seeing the revenue grow.”

Airlines and Aviation

Air New Zealand codeshares with Air India

Star Alliance Partners Air New Zealand and Air India today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the objective of boosting air connectivity between India and New Zealand. The MoU was signed at an event in Mumbai in the presence of Honourable Prime Minister of New Zealand, Mr Christopher Luxon, and other dignitaries. The MoU includes the establishment of a new codeshare partnership on 16 routes between India, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand, conferring travellers more choice and convenient access between the two countries. Customers will now be able to travel from the Indian cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai on Air India, and connect at Sydney, Melbourne or Singapore onto Air New Zealand-operated flights to Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington and Queenstown. Besides improving customers’ ease of booking and travel, the codeshare aims to increase visibility of the respective markets as tourism destinations. The MoU will also see Air New Zealand and Air India explore the introduction of a direct service between India and New Zealand by the end of 2028, subject to new aircraft deliveries and approvals from relevant government regulators. Air New Zealand Chief Executive Greg Foran emphasised the strategic significance of India as a future destination, highlighting its rapidly expanding tourism market and increasing travel demand.“India represents a key growth market for Air New Zealand, and we are excited about the opportunity to enhance connectivity for travellers between our two countries. This codeshare agreement is an important first step, offering more options for customers while we work to understand what a direct service could look like. “Today’s event underscores the significance of the India market to New Zealand, not only for tourism but also for strengthening business and education ties. We are committed to working collaboratively to grow the travel market over the coming years, ensuring a strong foundation for a successful direct service by 2028,” said Foran. Campbell Wilson, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Air India, said: “As part of Air India’s ongoing transformation, we have been expanding our global network using our own aircraft as well as through new or expanded codeshare agreements with other airlines, chiefly our Star Alliance partners. We are delighted to be deepening our relationship with Air New Zealand, which follows the recent expansion of our codeshare partnerships with Lufthansa Group, Singapore Airlines, and All Nippon Airways. This partnership will not only strengthen our presence and simplify customer journeys, but also help us develop traffic so that, in time to come, we may viably operate a non-stop service between India and New Zealand, which we and Air New Zealand have committed to explore together with the respective authorities.” With India emerging as a growing tourism and business hub, this partnership reflects the airline’s commitment to delivering enhanced travel experiences while supporting trade, tourism, and economic growth. Currently, Air New Zealand customers travelling between New Zealand and India benefit from strong connectivity options via Singapore Airlines, offering a smooth transit through Singapore. The prospect of a future direct route would further strengthen the relationship between the two countries, providing more efficient and accessible travel opportunities. The MoU also outlines Tourism New Zealand’s commitment to growing inbound tourism from the Indian market. Tourism New Zealand’s research shows that 18 million people in New Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai are actively considering traveling to New Zealand, making it a key emerging market. More than 80,000 international travellers arrived from India last year, 23% more than in 2019. The long-term growth potential is significant, with India ear-marked as one of the fastest-growing outbound travel markets. Indian travellers are keen to explore New Zealand’s vibrant landscapes, film sets and rich cultural opportunities. Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive Rene de Monchy said: “It's fantastic to see Air New Zealand and Air India working on stronger international connectivity between the two countries. We know improved aviation links have a crucial role to play in the growth of international tourism and will make it easier for Indian travellers to come and enjoy a holiday in New Zealand. “An added bonus is that travellers from India also have a strong tendency to visit New Zealand in the off-peak months that coincide with their major holiday periods." The codeshare flights will be available for booking progressively, subject to due regulatory approvals.    

Airlines and Aviation

Air India launches ‘Maharaja Club Points Plus’ offer 

Air India has introduced ‘Maharaja Club Points Plus’ offer which enables frequent flyer members to maximise the reward points earned with eligible bank partners. Members can convert their bank points to Maharaja Points and also earn up to 50% bonus points on such conversions between 06 March and 31 March 2025. The offer provides members an opportunity to earn 1 million Maharaja Points*. Members can redeem these points to book Award Flights and Cabin Upgrades to enjoy enhanced travel benefits on Air India and other Star Alliance member airlines. Maximise rewards Maharaja Club members, including those newly enrolled into the programme, can convert the reward points from eligible bank partners to a maximum of 200,000 Maharaja Points per eligible bank partner. With 200,000 Maharaja Points, members can redeem a variety of flight options, for example: Four one-way tickets from Delhi to Dubai (46,000 Maharaja Points each) Five one-way tickets from Mumbai to London (42,000 Maharaja Points each) One round trip from Delhi to New York in Economy Class (124,000 Maharaja Points each) Ten round trips from Delhi to Mumbai in Economy Class (150,000 Maharaja Points each) Eligible Bank Partners Maharaja Club members can convert reward points of these banks to Maharaja Points: ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, DBS Bank, and SBI Cards. How to avail the offer  To avail the offer, one must be a Maharaja Club member; those who are not a Maharaja Club member can become one by signing up on the Air India website or mobile app. Register: Members are required to register for the offer on the Air India website to be eligible for Bonus Maharaja Points. Convert Reward Points: Members can convert Bank Reward Points to a minimum of 5,000 Maharaja Points per eligible bank partner. Earn Bonus Points: Bonus Maharaja Points will be credited within 60 days after the offer end date, with only the first eligible transaction per bank qualifying for the Bonus Maharaja Points. POINTS CONVERTED BONUS PERCENTAGE (%) 5,000-25,000 10% Bonus 25,001-50,000 20% Bonus 50,001-75,000 30% Bonus 75,001-100,000 40% Bonus 100,000+ 50% Bonus (up to 200000 per bank partner)   How Bonus Points are calculated During this offer period, Bonus Maharaja Points are credited based on the first eligible transaction per bank.  Here’s how it works: Example 1: If a member converts 100,000 Maharaja Points from HDFC Reward Points in the first transaction and 50,000 Maharaja Points from ICICI Bank Reward Points in the second transaction, the member is eligible to earn Bonus Points for both transactions based on the respective bank conversion ratio. Example 2: If a member converts 100,000 Maharaja Points from HDFC Reward Points in the first transaction and 50,000 HDFC Reward Points in the second transaction, then Bonus Maharaja Points will only be applicable on the first transaction based on the bank conversion ratio. The second HDFC transaction will not be eligible for additional bonus points. Maharaja Club offers a wide range of benefits, including priority services, lounge access, and enhanced reward options, making every journey with Air India even more rewarding.    

ITB India 2023 – 26 to 28 April 2023, Mumbai India

The 3rd edition of ITB India will take place in-person from 26 - 28 April 2023 in Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, India. This 3-day business-to-business travel and tourism trade fair for India has been put together to bring different facets of the Indian Travel Market.

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