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Kuda Villingili

A Fusion of Opulence, Adventure, and Sustainability

Air travel has gained momentum, but is it affordable for the common man?

The Indian air travel industry has been going through a state of euphoria since the two mega aircraft orders by Air India and IndiGo for close to 1000 aircraft between them, from Boeing and Airbus, were announced recently. There was renewed enthusiasm from deep-pocketed investors into the air transport sector after the entry of the TATA Group, Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, and the Adani's into the airline and airport business. A palpable sense of expectation of greater things from India's aviation sector is noticed by investors, politicians, and the public in general. Home to the world's largest population and very low air travel penetration, aviation surely is viewed as the next big sector on the horizon for India.

Jettwings Airways sets new course as first airline from Northeast India

In a significant announcement, Jettwings Airways revealed its plans to be the first airline from Northeast India to have acquired the necessary certification. The airline aims to provide luxuryoriented services, enhance connectivity, and explore international routes. Their commitment to a seamless passenger experience includes personalised services and advanced technology integration.

Propelled by winds of growth, Akasa spreads its wings into the boundless blue

Nine months into operations, Akasa Air, the new entrant in the Indian civil aviation sector, has already grabbed a five per cent market share, while adding a record 19 aircraft to its fleet and reaching out to 16 destinations in the country. The airline recently announced an order for four additional Boeing 737-8 jets at the recent Paris Air Show, a follow-up to the already placed order of 72 aircraft taking it to a total of 76 aircraft. For a start-up airline, this indeed is a towering achievement within a short time. To gain more insight, TTJ interacts with Praveen Iyer, CoFounder, and Chief Commercial Officer, and Belson Coutinho, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing and Experience Officer, as they keenly share their viewpoints and some dynamics of India's newest airline.

Virgin Atlantic flying high on wings of Sustainability

Virgin Atlantic's biggest focus presently is to achieve the position of the most loved travel company and maintain sustainable profitability. Alex McEwan, Country Manager, South Asia, Virgin Atlantic, elucidates the strength of the Indian aviation sector, the rationale behind satisfied customers, the airline's growth, and network expansion plans, and how sustainability remains central to the airline.

SriLankan remarkably optimistic through the veil of visible challenges

Air passenger demand in 2023 rapidly recovers to pre-pandemic proportions on most routes, and with tourism returning to Sri Lanka, the country's national carrier, SriLankan Airlines looks forward to meeting the growing demand. Richard Nuttall, CEO, SriLankan Airlines, identifies their biggest challenge which is in restoring capacity and the main objective presently is to reinstitute their fleet and network to pre-pandemic levels. The number of flights to India is yet well below normal and restoration of the narrow-body fleet is essential for rebuilding and reinforcing their presence in terms of destinations and frequency.

LOT Polish Airlines provides seamless connectivity throughout Europe and North America

LOT Polish Airlines entered India in September 2019 with nonstop flights between Delhi and Warsaw giving Indian travellers access to Central and Eastern Europe. Amit Ray, Director India, DACH Markets and Italy, and Head of Global Corporate and Strategic Sales, LOT Polish Airlines shares the latest insights on LOT Airlines airline and India operations.

Korean Air strategising on inbound-outbound traffic imbalance

As skies open up post-pandemic, 2023 sees Korean Air focus on the resumption of temporarily suspended routes. Exploring new routes will be their next main objective once all suspended routes are fully functional. The airline contemplates increasing its seat capacity on the Incheon -New Delhi route and simultaneously exploring new opportunities in South India. Kim Chan, General Manager, Korean Air, India, and Bangladesh is excited about the recommencement of their services in India, as the airline takes the Indian market with extreme earnestness. He calls upon Indians to visit and experience the beauty of Korea, winged with the efficient services of Korean Air.

TBO Academy Offers 'Attractions' the Opportunity to Mark their Presence

TBO Academy, the leading provider of travel education and resources has announced the launch of 'Interactions with Attractions', an exciting global campaign promoting attractions around the world. Through this campaign, the academy aims to create a strong online presence for these extraordinary attractions, in order to promote tourism and cultural exchange on a global scale.

Malaysia Airlines strengthening customer base across the Indian network

With the reopening of borders in 2022, Malaysia Airlines has since emerged on a stable footing financially and operationally, with parent company Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) having achieved three consecutive quarters of financial profitability since 3Q 2022. Ahmad Luqman Mohd Azmi, Chief Executive Officer-Airlines, MAG, says that now the airline is aggressively investing in their customers by elevating their products and offerings from fleet modernisation to enhancing the overall cabin experience.

Jazeera transcending boundaries of customers' requisites

Jazeera Airways pledges foremost focus on providing its customers with comfortable and enjoyable travel experiences. Their continuous and relentless strive is to expand their network and improve offerings. Romana Parvi, Regional Manager, South Asia, Jazeera Airways, conveys that they are constantly evaluating and looking out to add new routes and destinations, whilst being committed to providing a wide range of travel options and comfortable travel experiences for every passenger.

Getting there. But not there yet!

Aviation, which had come to a grinding halt owing to the pandemic in 2020, has since travelled a long way from operating evacuation flights, converting passenger aircraft to cargo, to now resuming regular operations. As the world's outlook turns positive, are things all well and good, or do challenges still persist? TTJ speaks to Anju Wariah, Director, Group Business Development (Airlines), STIC Travel Group, to get a grab on the current sequence of events.

Oman Air extends horizon with impeccable service level at every touchpoint

Distinguishing itself for its personalised service, authentic Omani hospitality, and meticulous attention to all elements of the guest journey, Oman Air continues to position itself among the world's major carriers. Sunil V A, Regional Vice-President, Indian Sub-Continent and Far East, Commercial Sales, Oman Air gives an insight into the airline which is growing from strength to strength and has established a strong international presence as it now flies as far as Europe and the Far East.

Vistara fortifying its domestic network while expanding globally

Hailed for its distinguished flying experience, Vistara continues to maintain the highest standards of hospitality with best-in-class offerings. Vinod Kannan, Chief Executive Officer, Vistara believes that Vistara's achievements in the last eight years including being the youngest and the only Indian airline to be featured in the World's Top 20 Airlines by Skytrax, ranked 16th, and the goodwill amongst their customers keep them motivated to continue growing and setting new benchmarks in the aviation sector.

The Role of Ancillary Services in Today's World of Travel and Tourism

Travel trends have undergone a huge shift in recent years. With leisure, as well as business travel, gradually penetrating most sectors of the population, the demand for exclusively curated travel packages has parallelly gone up. This is where selling travel ancillary services comes into the picture as it adds a personal touch to a traveller's overall experience.

India's dominant airline IndiGo charts impressively stirring expansion mode

At IndiGo, the fundamental principle that governs the business model is low-cost leadership. The airline is in a constant endeavour to lower costs and provide affordable, on-time, hassle-free travel experiences to its customers whilst simultaneously aiming for growth. Vinay Malhotra, HeadGlobal Sales, IndiGo, conveys that they have defined three strategic pillars of reassure, develop, and create to support their growth plans as they are looking to double in size and scale by the end of this decade.

Empowering employees to deliver unforgettable experiences to every guest

Taj Hotels has been the forerunner and custodian of authentic Indian hospitality. The brand believes in providing a unique luxury hospitality experience known as 'Tajness.' Their philosophy is built on the principles of warmth, kindness, and above all, exceptional service to their guests. Rahul Joshi, General Manager, Taj Hotel and Convention Centre, Agra, tells that Tajness is ingrained into every facet of their business, which ultimately leads to a strong relationship with their guests and employees.

'Guest experience is driven across all levels at our hotel'

Ramandeep Marwah, General Manager, Hyatt Regency Pune and Residences joined the hotel in February 2023. With his extensive experience in the hospitality industry, Ramandeep looks forward to leading the hotel to new heights of excellence.

Cordelia Cruises' Big Sea Bash A celebration of success

Having completed 208 sailings, carrying 1,75,000 plus cruise guests, sailing to six different ports of call, and staging 600 live shows on-board its cruise liner in 2022-23, Cordelia Cruises has indeed come a long way and positioned itself as India's premium cruise line.

AAMAGHATI - An Oasis of Rustic Elegance and Understated Luxury

Ranthambore, the tiger haven of Rajasthan, is not only known for its famed striped resident, flora, fauna, and unique topography but also for the luxurious resorts that lie just outside the park limits. These unique, chain-owned, and standalone properties cater to the top echelons of wildlife enthusiasts and vacationers. Aamaghati is the latest addition to this exclusive club.

From Passion to Prominence Pranav Kapadia's Entrepreneurial Journey in the Travel Industry

With a deep-rooted passion for travel inherited from his family, Pranav Kapadia, Founder, Global Destinations, embarked on a remarkable journey that led to the establishment of Global Destinations in 2008. Over the years, the company has grown to represent over 20 international clients and has built a reputation as a trustworthy and reliable partner in the travel sector. In this article, we delve into Kapadia's entrepreneurial journey, his approach to managing personal and professional life, and his perspectives on the importance of technology in the industry.

Dubai A Futuristic City Embracing Sustainability and Attracting Global Investors

At a media roundtable held during the Arabian Travel Market 2023 in Dubai, Bader Ali Habib, Head of South Asia, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), shares how Dubai, 'City of the Future,' has established itself as a hub of innovation, investment opportunities, and smart living. Beyond its iconic skyline and luxurious amenities, Dubai's government has taken significant strides to create a comfortable and forward-thinking environment, encompassing both social and physical infrastructure.

Sea World Abu Dhabi Unveiling the Exquisite Realms of Marine Marvels

Miral Group welcomes a remarkable addition to its collection of iconic attractions at Yas Island, introducing a marvel, unlike anything the world has witnessed before. In a comprehensive exploration, Travel Trade Journal delves into the mesmerising realms of the 'epic ocean' and highlights a compelling story of why a visit to Seaworld Abu Dhabi is an absolute imperative this summer.

Relationships and new connections, recipe for success

Auxilia Networks is a boutique tourism consultancy firm set up to provide value to agencies and organisations in overseas markets that want to enter the India market or expand their presence here, and to foster engagement between foreign and Indian trade entities. Over the years, Paramjit S. Bawa, Founder and Principal, Auxilia Networks, has built and grown a wide network of tourism contacts all across India and many other parts of the world, which he is now leveraging to make his business work.

Holiday Moods Adventures launches portal for bespoke Polar itineraries

Holiday Moods Adventures (HMA), a Delhi-based, 26 years old experiential and adventure tour operating company, launched its B2B portal on April 28, 2023. Earlier, this year, Havila Kystruten Operations AS (Norway) appointed HMA as its cruise distributor in India. Tejbir Singh Anand, Managing Director, Holiday Moods Adventures, shares insights on the latest developments in the company.

ITC Hotels delivering superlative experiences backed by technology and workforce

ITC Hotels has always been the trendsetter in the market and has taken some incredible initiatives to keep up with the trends like sustainability, global perspective, and finding balance with the new consumer habits. Benita Sharma, Area Manager North, Luxury Hotels and General Manager - ITC Maurya, shares a few aspects of the brand that prides itself on moving with the times and serving its customers in the most modern, convenient, innovative, and efficient way possible.

Champagne Towers and Immersive Experiences to Woo Younger Cruisers

The cruise industry had its fair share of hardships during the tough times of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this was a time of great learning and self-introspection, resulting in a critical evaluation of trends, habits, and consumption patterns. The cruise lines are now back with a bang and the party has just begun.

Tamil Nadu to leverage its Tourism Strengths to achieve more footfalls

According to the India Tourism Statistics 2022 report, Tamil Nadu ranked first in domestic tourist arrivals in 2021 and also reflected good numbers in international arrivals, albeit, there was a slump in inbound travel. With a great mix of ancient civilization, heritage, rich history and culture, grand temples, colorful festivals, vibrant art forms, urban disposition, and natural beauty, Tamil Nadu has carved a unique position for itself as one of India's most-visited destinations. The Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) is optimistic about more tourist footfalls into the state as they are giving impetus to many tourism initiatives and laying special focus on improving infrastructures and amenities. In this exclusive interview with TTJ, Sandeep Nanduri, IAS, Director of Tourism and Managing Director, TTDC, shares how they are promoting Tamil Nadu in the domestic and international arena and the initiatives taken to strengthen the state to become a much more fascinating travel destination than it is.

Get Bedazzled on the Nile...

Operating an elegant and luxurious fleet of three cruise vessels plying the Nile, Mayfair Cruises is one of the top river cruise operators in Egypt. With great expectations from the India market, Maggie Petrova, Commercial Director, Mayfair Cruises, was in Mumbai recently to share more about their product portfolio and their readiness for the India market as she invites more Indians to visit Egypt and unravel the mysteries of the Nile, on-board one of their luxurious vessels.

MOKSHA Luxury in the tranquil foothills of the Himalayas

Moksha Himalaya Spa Resort near Chandigarh offers a serene getaway with wellness amenities, nestled in the tranquil Himalayan foothills. This idyllic retreat offers a multi-sensory experience that pampers the mind, body, and soul. Immerse yourself in a world of natural beauty and peacefulness, where only the sounds of birds and rustling bamboo interrupt the calm.