Expanding routes to Maldives
Cruising Heights|November 2023
In the winter of 2018, Indian Airlines experienced a renaissance of sorts. SpiceJet was recovering from the brink of bankruptcy in 2014, Go Air had just ventured into international operations, and IndiGo was growing stronger with every new addition to its fleet. It was the perfect time for airlines to seek out new destinations, and they had their sights set on the Maldives.
Expanding routes to Maldives

Go Air and IndiGo made quick work of announcing flights to the Maldives, significantly increasing the limited number of direct flights between the two countries. IndiGo, true to its nature, outperformed its competitors in terms of the number of flights offered.

The people of India embraced this newfound accessibility to the Maldives, and Instagram was inundated with picturesque holiday photos and videos. Before this, Air India's flights from Bengaluru and SpiceJet's from Trivandrum were the primary connections to the Maldives. However, the new flights started pouring in from major Indian cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru. The Maldives had become not only accessible but also affordable for Indian tourists.

As the Maldives remained a favourite destination, the second boom is now beginning, and it promises to be even bigger. Vistara and IndiGo are the first airlines to announce new flights, with IndiGo once again taking the lead with the most flights. The planned routes will connect Delhi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kochi, and Mumbai to the Maldives.

Travellers from India can now conveniently access Maldives with nearly 500 additional seats each day in both directions. Looking at the numbers, it's clear that the Maldives is on the rise as a favoured travel destination. In the October-December quarter of 2018, following the first wave of expansion to the Maldives, 51,000 passengers travelled between India and the Maldives on direct flights. In the same quarter the following year, this number increased to 60,000 passengers. To put it in perspective, this amounts to nearly 700 passengers travelling each way daily.

Denne historien er fra November 2023-utgaven av Cruising Heights.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra November 2023-utgaven av Cruising Heights.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA CRUISING HEIGHTSSe alt
Jets, Tech, And Green Goals
Cruising Heights

Jets, Tech, And Green Goals

The key themes at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024 revolved around innovation and sustainability. Sizeable aircraft orders, advancements in eVTOL technology, and a strong commitment to environmental goals underscore an industry that is not only rebounding from past challenges but also setting the stage for a more sustainable and technologically advanced future, reports ATUL CHANDRA.

time-read
10 mins  |
August 2024
FREIGHT IN FLIGHT
Cruising Heights

FREIGHT IN FLIGHT

In 2023, Indian airports handled over 3.15 million metric tonnes of cargo, with international freight dominating. As the sector aims to meet the government's ambitious annual target of 10 million metric tonnes (MMT) by 2030, this goal will require dedicated freighter aircraft, technological integration, infrastructure development, and regulatory improvements, among other things. By JAIDEEP MIRCHANDANI, Chairman, Sky One

time-read
3 mins  |
August 2024
ELEVATING PASSENGER EXPERIENCES
Cruising Heights

ELEVATING PASSENGER EXPERIENCES

Panasonic Avionics Corporation is setting new standards in in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) with the launch of its state-of-the-art software design and development facility in Pune, highlights

time-read
6 mins  |
August 2024
CAUGHT IN PAPER JAM
Cruising Heights

CAUGHT IN PAPER JAM

Despite rapid digital advancements in passenger air travel with the airline market expected to surpass $35 billion by end of this decade, the air cargo industry remains bogged down by outdated legacy systems, impeding progress in efficiency and real-time tracking. A special report by

time-read
7 mins  |
August 2024
PITCHING FOR SUPPORT
Cruising Heights

PITCHING FOR SUPPORT

India's air cargo industry is gearing up for a major transformation, aiming to nearly triple its capacity by 2030. Current infrastructure handles about 6.5 million tonnes, but meeting future goals will require significant investments to expand capacity, streamline operations, and adopt cutting-edge technologies. Industry leaders at a recent ACFI Annual Conclave emphasised the need for strong government support to overcome challenges, urging policymakers to address operational constraints and improve connectivity, reports

time-read
8 mins  |
August 2024
BATTLE FOR THE SKIES
Cruising Heights

BATTLE FOR THE SKIES

As India's international air traffic experiences significant growth over the past few decades, the competition between Air India and IndiGo intensifies. Vistara's merger within Air India and the significant aircraft orders position the combined entity as a formidable player, while IndiGo's ambitious expansion plans and international focus set the stage for a competitive future, analyses

time-read
7 mins  |
August 2024
"We Aim to Bridge the Training Gap in Indian Aviation"
Cruising Heights

"We Aim to Bridge the Training Gap in Indian Aviation"

In a candid conversation with CRUISING HEIGHTS, KHUSHBEG JATTANA, General Manager India of Simaero, discusses the strategic timing of Simaero's entry into the Indian aviation market. He addresses the challenges posed by existing pilot training programmes from major airlines like Air India and IndiGo, and elaborates on Simaero's plans to complement these efforts with state-of-the-art training solutions. Jattana also sheds light on the potential growth in the South Asian region and the company's vision for the future.

time-read
4 mins  |
August 2024
POWERING UP
Cruising Heights

POWERING UP

Urban Air Mobility providers are accelerating their eVTOL development programmes, reports

time-read
6 mins  |
August 2024
Transforming Air Traffic Control Training: CAE's Cutting-Edge Approach
Cruising Heights

Transforming Air Traffic Control Training: CAE's Cutting-Edge Approach

In this interview, MARIE-CHRISTINE CLOUTIER, CAE's Vice-President of Performance, Strategy, and Marketing, discusses CAE's air traffic control training program. Highlighting strategic partnerships, advanced technologies, and global initiatives, the interview reveals how CAE addresses the growing demand for skilled air traffic controllers and flight service specialists. From their dedicated Montreal facility to expanding efforts across the globe, CAE is committed to providing tailored, state-of-the-art training solutions for the aviation industry's future.

time-read
5 mins  |
August 2024
POWERING A GREEN FUTURE
Cruising Heights

POWERING A GREEN FUTURE

FIA 2024 witnessed a growing order book for aircraft engine manufacturers and provided important insights into the development of sustainable powerplants.

time-read
10 mins  |
August 2024