This follows the merger of the Group’s low-cost airlines Air India Express and AIX Connect (formerly Air Asia India) on
1 October 2024.

The consolidation of the four Tata-owned airlines into one Group operating one full-service and one low-cost airline is part of the ongoing, five-year transformation program, Vihaan.AI, which is focussed on establishing Air India Group as a world-class global aviation company with an Indian heart.

The unified Air India Group now operates over 8,300 weekly flights on 312 routes, connecting more than 100 domestic and international destinations with a fleet of 300 aircraft.

The new full-service entity Air India operates over 5,600 weekly flights and connects more than 90 domestic and international destinations with a fleet of 208 aircraft. The airline will now be flying over 120,000 passengers every day and offers an extended worldwide connectivity to over 800 destinations through more than 75 codeshare and interline partners.

Preparation for the full-service merger commenced in earnest more than two years ago and has seen the induction of more than 6,000 staff from Vistara into a new organisation structure, harmonisation of operating procedures across the four airlines, and alignment of over 140 IT systems. Amongst many other aspects, more than 4,000 vendor contracts have been consolidated, 270,000 customer bookings migrated and 4.5 million Club Vistara frequent flyer accounts inducted to Air India’s recently-redesigned frequent flyer program, Maharaja Club.

Given the unprecedented nature and complexity of the parallel mergers, which coincide with the Group’s significant expansion and transformation programs, close contact was maintained with India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) which supported and monitored the process throughout. The merger also received support from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and other key stakeholders, including multiple international regulators.

Besides the consolidation of the four Tata-owned airlines, the Vihaan.AI transformation program has seen commitment to more than 500 new aircraft, delivery of which is well underway, and the commencement of a USD 400 million interior retrofit program for legacy aircraft. A new 600,000 square feet training facility with the capacity to train 2,000 employees per-day has been opened, and ground has been broken on a 12-bay maintenance base that will be operational in early 2026. More than 9,000 new employees have been inducted and trained, and the airlines’ IT platform has been entirely modernised, amongst much else.

Campbell Wilson, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Air India, said, “The merger of Air India and Vistara completes the consolidation and restructuring phase of the Air India Group’s post-privatisation transformation journey, and is thus a significant milestone.

Over the past two years, teams across the four airlines have worked closely together and with other stakeholders to ensure that the transition of people, assets, operations and, most importantly, customers, was as seamless as possible. Given the scale and scope of this project and its unprecedented nature, I would like to acknowledge the support received from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and others in making this merger possible.

I would also like to acknowledge and thank our staff, who have undertaken this task whilst also driving comprehensive transformation across the business and supporting the induction of over 100 additional aircraft to the operating fleet. Finally, I would like to extend our sincere appreciation for the support and encouragement of our customers, for whom all the effort is ultimately intended, and to re-emphasise our commitment to creating a world-class global airline with an Indian heart.”

The unified full-service carrier will operate flights as ‘Air India’ with the airline code ‘AI’. Post merger, Vistara aircraft will be operated by Air India, with the Vistara crew and service proposition, and can be identified by a four-digit flight number beginning with the digit “2” (e.g. UK 955 will become AI 2955).

In addition, the existing members of Vistara’s loyalty program Club Vistara have been transferred to Air India’s Flying Returns program, now renamed ‘Maharaja Club’.

Consequent to the merger of Vistara and Air India, Singapore Airlines, which held a 49% share in Vistara, becomes a 25.1% shareholder in the resultant Air India group.

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With a fleet of 24 Airbus aircraft, SriLankan Airlines, member of the oneworld alliance, operates flights to 114 destinations in 62 countries. This includes three non-stop flights a week from Frankfurt to Colombo, the capital of the South Asian island country.

“Sri Lanka is a popular tourist destination that welcomes more than 100,000 guests from Germany alone every year,” says BARIG Chairman and Executive Director Michael Hoppe, who has already visited this very interesting country for the first time back in 1992. “We are looking forward to the exchange and collaboration with this renowned airline.”

Sharadha Senevirathne, Country Manager Germany of SriLankan Airlines states: “BARIG’s collaboration with authorities in the political and economic spheres as well as key players in the German aviation industry, is crucial. We are therefore pleased to be a part of this airline association, particularly since BARIG engages in many topics that are important for the efficient and future-oriented development of the aviation industry.”

Since its foundation in 1979, SriLankan Airlines has been dedicated to service, comfort, safety, reliability, and punctuality. Its new fleet of Airbus A330-300 aircraft is equipped with a variety of modern technical features.

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The airline transported over nine million guests, marking a 10% increase compared to the same period in 2023. This achievement was supported by more than 49,500 flights, reflecting a 9% increase in flight operations. Additionally, Saudia logged 146,700 flight hours, representing an 11% increase over last year, with an impressive on-time performance rate of 87.8%.

Internationally, Saudia carried over five million guests, reflecting a 9% growth, and on more than 21,900 flights, a 5% increase compared to last year. The airline’s international fleet logged over 102,400 flight hours.

On the domestic front, it served over four million guests, demonstrating a 12% increase, with more than 27,500 flights operated, marking a 13% increase. Domestic flight hours surpassed 44,200, with a commendable on-time performance rate of 91.5%.

H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, stated: “The aviation industry is uniquely defined by its skilled workforce and cutting-edge systems that ensure sustained operational excellence. We remain committed to delivering innovative services that enhance the travel experience for our valued guests, and our new strategy meticulously addresses every aspect of air travel—from security and safety to expanding seating capacity to meet growing demand.”

From January to September 2024, Saudia successfully transported over 25.3 million guests across 143,800 flights. Looking ahead, the addition of 131 new aircraft to Saudia’s fleet will significantly expand flight offerings and seating capacity across its network of over 100 destinations spanning four continents. This growth will also introduce new international routes, aligning with the airline’s strategy to connect the world to the Kingdom and support the ambitious goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

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The aircraft arrived at New Delhi at 13:46 Hrs (local time) from the Airbus facility in Toulouse, France.

The delivery flight, operated using a special call sign AI350, was welcomed by Air India representatives.

Air India’s Senior Commander Capt. Monika Batra Vaidya, who is among the first few Indian pilots to be trained on the A350, was on board as an observer.

The airline leads the way in catalysing the renaissance of Indian aviation, inducting the first new widebody fleet type in India in more than a decade, and thus, becoming the first Indian airline to fly the A350.

It was also the first Indian airline to have inducted the Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet type in 2012.

Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India, said: “This moment marks a red-letter day for all of us at Air India. The A350 is not just metal and engines; it’s the flying embodiment of the relentless efforts of all Air India employees towards our airline’s continuing transformation and of our commitment to setting new benchmarks. It is also, in many ways, a declaration of Indian aviation’s resurgence on the world stage.”

“As a symbol of the new age of flying, the A350 promises a world-class, long-haul travel experience on our non-stop routes, providing an unparalleled level of comfort. Its excellent flight economics and state-of-the-art technology underscore our dedication to commercially successful operations and to achieving our sustainability goals,” Wilson added.

The airline’s A350 will enter commercial service in January 2024, initially operating domestically for crew familiarisation, followed by longer-haul flying to destinations across continents. The schedule of commercial operations with the A350 will be announced in the coming weeks.

The airline‘s A350-900 aircraft comes in a three-class cabin configuration with 316 seats designed by Collins Aerospace: 28 private Business Class suites with full-flat beds, 24 Premium Economy seats with extra legroom and multiple other differentiating features, and 264 spacious Economy Class seats.

All seats on the aircraft feature the latest-generation Panasonic eX3 in-flight entertainment system and HD screens to provide a superior flying experience.

The aircraft is the first of 20 Airbus A350-900s on order, with five more scheduled for deliveries through March 2024. Air India’s firm orders for 250 new aircraft with Airbus include 20 A350-1000.

Earlier this week, the airline started the rollout of its new global brand identity across guest touchpoints, having launched a new consumer-facing website and mobile app. Last week, the airline unveiled its much-anticipated new collection of uniforms for cabin and cockpit crew designed by Indian celebrity couturier, Manish Malhotra. The airline’s cabin crew and pilots will be seen in the new uniforms starting with the entry of service of the A350.

About Air India:

Founded by the legendary JRD Tata, Air India pioneered India’s aviation sector.

Since its first flight on October 15, 1932, the airline has built an extensive domestic network with non-stop flights to cities around the world, across the USA, Canada, UK, Europe, Far-East, South-East Asia, Australia, and the Gulf.

After 69 years as a government-owned enterprise, Air India and Air India Express were welcomed back into the Tata group in January 2022.

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The partnership will run from 2023 to 2029 in time for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023, which kicks off on 12 January. The package of rights also includes other key competitions such as the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027^TM, AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026^TM, AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024, AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2024, 2026 and 2028, as well as all AFC youth national team competitions during the period.

Qatar Airways’ sponsorship also includes all matches of the AFC Champions League 2023/24 Knockout Stage and three eagerly-anticipated new AFC flagship club competitions which will take place from the 2024/25 season onwards: the AFC Champions League Elite, AFC Women’s Champions League and the AFC Champions League 2.

The airline’s leisure division, Qatar Airways Holidays, is launching travel packages for global fans to attend the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023. With return flights, a choice of hotels, and match tickets, these packages are designed to bring passionate fans closer than ever to the action and transform the way that fans across the continent experience Asian football. Privilege Club members can collect Avios and Qpoints on these travel packages, with the option to book online using Cash + Avios.  

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said, “Qatar Airways is excited to welcome the Asian Football Confederation to our robust sports sponsorship portfolio. This is a monumental occasion that marks our shared commitment to connecting people across borders and promoting competitive sportsmanship.”

He continued: “As the Best Airline in the Middle East, we look forward to welcoming fans from the region on our expansive network to experience Qatar’s unique sports offerings. We will work together with the AFC to help create thrilling moments of football excellence in the upcoming years, kicking off with the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 which is due to be held next month in state-of-the-art venues across the country.”

AFC General Secretary, Datuk Seri Windsor John, said, “It is with great enthusiasm we welcome Qatar Airways on board as the AFC’s newest partner. This collaboration again underlines the ever-growing appeal of the AFC’s world-class competitions and embodies the AFC and Qatar Airways’ shared commitment to excellence and elevating the sports experience for fans worldwide.

“With Qatar Airways, we look forward to expanding our global footprint. This partnership not only connects fans across borders but also enhances the accessibility of our sports events on a truly international scale with seamless and convenient travel experiences.”

The partnership with the AFC highlights Qatar Airways Group’s commitment to its vision of connecting the world, as it continues to bring people together through the power of sport. The national carrier of the State of Qatar is the Official Airline of FIFA, Formula 1, Paris-Saint Germain (PSG), Internazionale Milano, The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), CONCACAF, the IRONMAN Triathlon Series, the United Rugby Championship (URC) and European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR), The Brooklyn Nets NBA Team, and multiple other disciplines including Australian football, equestrian, kitesurfing, motor racing, squash, and tennis.

Qatar secured a historic victory in the last edition of the AFC Asian Cup tournament in 2019. As the host nation of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023, which will take place from 12 January to 10 February 2024, Qatar is set to welcome fans from across the continent. During this tournament, Qatar Airways Group’s B12 Beach Club, located in Doha’s vibrant West Bay area, will be the hotspot for international and local fans to watch screenings, experience live music, and an array of events throughout the tournament. 

This partnership deal will be managed by Asia Football Group (AFG), the AFC’s commercial agency for 2023-2028.

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The aircraft, bearing registration number 9M-MVA, departed from Boeing’s Seattle  Delivery Centre on 13 November 2023 at 10:20 am local time to Honolulu and Guam before continuing its journey home to Malaysia. Flight MH5041, which was flown by  Captain Mohd. Ezaddin Roslan, Captain Izahariman Ibrahim and Captain Arian  Syazwara Adenan landed at KL International Airport at 10:30 am with a total flight time of 21 hours and 45 minutes. 

Proudly adorned in its Malaysia flag livery and new songket motif wau logo, the aircraft was greeted with a water salute upon arrival. The aircraft is scheduled to take its maiden commercial flight on 20 November 2023 from Kuala Lumpur to  Kota Kinabalu. 

The 737-8 will feature state-of-the-art wireless in-flight entertainment, showcasing a wide variety of content that is set to elevate the in-flight entertainment paradigm providing passengers with ample choices. Similar to its refreshed B737-800 NG  aircraft, the 737-8 will offer seating configurations comprising 12 seats in Business  Class and 162 seats in Economy Class.

MAG has an order book of 25 737-8 aircraft through its operating lease with Air  Lease Corporation (ALC), which will be delivered progressively through 2026. 

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The partnership comes after the announcement of Qatar Airways’ Official Airline and Global Partner with Formula 1®(F1®) earlier this year. The partnership will include specialised branding on the driver helmets and caps for the Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2023, along with various events held during the race weekend featuring the BWT Alpine F1 Team and Qatar Airways executives, cabin crew and the public. The airline partnership with BWT Alpine F1 Team showcases the airline’s continued commitment to promoting and expanding motorsport, both within Qatar and globally.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Akbar Al Baker, said: “We are proud to be partnering with the BWT Alpine F1 Team on a multi-year partnership to help us promote the Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2023 and to deliver the best quality experiences for our passengers, customers, and fans who will be attending the Formula 1® race.

Both of our organisations are committed to precision engineering and excellence to make the greatest technological advancements in our fields and to drive the most environmentally sustainable outcomes for our respective industries. We look forward to hosting the Formula 1® community at the Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2023 and wish the BWT Alpine F1 Team all the best for the remainder of the season.”

David Gendry, Vice President, Alpine Sponsoring, Partnerships and Communications, said: “We are proud to team up with Qatar Airways, an incredible global airline that has such high standards. Both Alpine and Qatar Airways share the common objectives of a sustainable future and the use of sustainable fuels, in line with Formula 1®’s goal of becoming net zero by 2030.

We look forward to a close collaboration that represents a unique opportunity for Alpine to further strengthen its presence in Qatar and to connect with fans in the region. The entire team is very much looking forward to visiting Qatar at the beginning of October for the Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2023.”

To rev up the excitement and reflect its commitment to motorsport enthusiasts worldwide, the airline unveiled its new Formula 1® livery painted on a specially branded Boeing 777 aircraft. In just a few short weeks, motorsport fanatics will have the opportunity to watch their favourite teams and drivers push their cars to the limit at the Lusail International Circuit when F1® heads back to Qatar for the Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2023 from 6-8 October 2023.

Both Qatar Airways, BWT Alpine F1 Team, and F1® are committed to working to reduce the environmental impact of their respective industries through responsible practices. As part of the partnership, both entities aim to collaborate on sustainability-focused initiatives to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and strive for a greener future.

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Business & Financial Highlights | Q1 FY24 

• Travel demand for both leisure and business travel witnessed strong growth during the quarter leading to all-time high Gross Bookings in our company’s history. For Q1 FY24, Gross Bookings grew by 31.4%  YoY in constant currency to $2.0 billion. 

• Adjusted Operating Profit was $30.1 million in Q1 FY24, as compared to $16.5 million in Q1 FY23  registering a growth of 83.0% YoY. 

• EBITDA was $25.9 million in Q1 FY24, witnessing a growth of 131.7% YoY. EBITDA margin was at 13.2%  for the current quarter, an expansion of about 530 basis points as compared to the same quarter last year. 

• Profit for the period was $18.6 million in Q1 FY24 as compared to a loss of $10.0 million in Q1 FY23.

Commenting on the results, Rajesh Magow, Group Chief Executive Officer, MakeMyTrip, said, “We have started the new financial year on a positive note, delivering our strongest ever quarter with all-time high gross bookings and profits. Travel demand across customer segments stayed robust in a seasonally strong quarter for leisure travel. The depth of travel-related offerings and quality customer experience that  we deliver, powered by robust technology and product innovations, along with our strong brand are helping  us cater to the evolving consumer preferences and stay ahead of the market.”

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Travellers from India can immerse themselves in Warsaw’s vibrant fusion of cultures, where East meets West – and where history meets modern city life with shopping, dining and lots of unique experiences.

As the proud recipient of the esteemed “Best European Destination 2023” award, Warsaw represents Poland’s rich heritage and modernity. Travellers will be captivated by the city’s enchanting landmarks, such as the meticulously reconstructed Royal Castle, showcasing Poland’s regal heritage through opulent interiors and exquisite artworks. The Museum of Warsaw offers a vivid journey through the city’s past, with artefacts and exhibits that bring history to life.

Gateway to a rich heritage and modernity

Shopaholics will be delighted by Warsaw’s diverse and vibrant shopping scene. Nowy Świat Street, with its stylish boutiques, international brands, and charming cafes, offers a wide array of options. For an authentic shopping experience, the historic Old Town Market Square features local handicrafts, unique souvenirs, and traditional Polish products. Additionally, the Złote Tarasy shopping centre combines world-class fashion with modern design, catering to a variety of tastes.

The charm of Warsaw’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies in its meticulously restored buildings and picturesque cobblestone streets that transport visitors back in time. The colourful facades, historic churches, and the lively ambiance of the city’s charming cafes and restaurants create an immersive experience worth exploring. Just outside the city centre is the majestic Wilanów Palace, a baroque residence surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, offering a serene escape from the bustling city life.

A culinary fusion of cultures

Polish cuisine, renowned for its hearty and flavourful dishes, has something to offer for all including lots of vegetarian food options. Indulge in traditional Pierogi, delectable dumplings with various fillings, or savour the famous Żurek, a sour rye soup that can be prepared in a vegetarian version. Polish cuisine also boasts a wide range of delicious salads, fresh vegetable dishes, and mouth-watering desserts.

When it comes to dining in Warsaw, there are several notable restaurants worth exploring:

Dawat is a more upscale restaurant that serves up traditional Indian cuisine in a luxurious setting. Definitely one of the best of its kind in Poland.

Vege Miasto is a newer vegetarian restaurant that prides itself on offering creative and flavourful plant-based dishes. Their menu changes seasonally, so there’s always something new to try.  

U Fukiera, a Michelin-starred establishment, offers an elegant setting where guests can savour the best of Polish cuisine. 

Zapiecek, a cherished local restaurant chain with multiple locations, has been delighting patrons with a diverse selection of traditional Polish dishes for over a century. 

Bollywood Lounge Warsaw, for Indian and fusion dishes, plus DJ sets, party nights & dance shows:

Travelling in style, flying in comfort

LOT Polish Airlines provides daily nonstop flights from India to Warsaw: Every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from Delhi; every Sunday and Wednesday from Mumbai. India-originating flights depart mid-morning and arrive in Warsaw during lunchtime, giving travellers plenty of time to reach their hotel in downtown from the airport and start exploring this unique city.

On all flights from India, LOT Polish Airlines operates a modern Boeing 787 Dreamliner with many amenities which make travelling more relaxing. On the routes from Delhi and Mumbai, LOT Polish Airlines offers three classes of service: LOT Business Class, LOT Premium Economy Class and LOT Economy Class. Passengers can opt for Indian dishes catered by well-known Taj Sats and they can also enjoy Indian movies and music in the in-flight entertainment program.

The flights from Delhi and Mumbai to Warsaw are available for sale through all major distribution channels.

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Travellers can explore the legacy and adventures of Alula or experience the beauty of Maldives because SAUDIA Holidays’ handpicked package deals will suffice all their travel needs.

Beyond flights, airport transfers and hotels, SAUDIA Holidays will facilitate excursions, guided tours, transports and even on-ground services for hassle-free trip planning. 

Beyond these popular destinations, SAUDIA Holidays also offers various value-for-money holiday packages for places across the world, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, Europe, and America.

The aim is to ensure that its guests get the holiday of their dreams in the easiest and fastest way possible.

It allows them to easily make reservations with more than 900,000 service providers for hotels, flights, and tours around the world.

And if the customer is a member of ALFURSAN, SAUDIA airlines’ frequent flyer program, then it is an added advantage as the customer will be provided with a wide range of exclusive benefits and rewards.

ALFURSAN members are entitled to a world of privileges, including reward tickets and upgrades, global lounge access, additional luggage allowance, priority wait-listing, and many others.

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