Category Archives: Aviation

Achieving a 16% increase in international traffic and an 18% growth in transit guests Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has concluded 2024 with remarkable growth in its international operations, as highlighted in its latest performance report. The airline transported 20 million international guests on scheduled and additional flights, representing a 16 per cent increase compared to 2023. Transit guest numbers also surpassed 9.3 million, an impressive annual growth of 18 per cent. These milestones underscore Saudia’s unwavering commitment to connecting the world to the Kingdom while contributing to Saudi Vision 2030’s goals in tourism, entertainment, sports, and Hajj and Umrah. In total, Saudia carried 35 million guests throughout 2024, reflecting a 15 per cent year-on-year increase. The airline operated 193,000 scheduled and additional flights, a 10 per cent growth compared to the previous year. Additionally, Saudia achieved an 8.5 per cent increase in flight hours, totalling over 581,000 hours, while maintaining an on-time performance rate of 89.1 per cent, a 2.7 per cent improvement. Guest satisfaction also saw a notable rise, with the Net Promoter Score (NPS) reaching 32.7, a 4.5 per cent increase, indicating enhanced satisfaction and an improved likelihood of recommending Saudia to others. His Excellency Eng. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General, Saudia Group, said, “Operating in the competitive aviation industry demands a constantly evolving strategy. Saudia is committed to achieving sustainable operational excellence while adhering to the highest international standards. This remarkable growth is a testament to the dedication and hard work of Saudia’s employees and the strategic optimisation of our aircraft fleet to deliver exceptional service. We have also made significant strides in enhancing our services and enriching the overall guest experience.” As part …

Strengthens commitment to the Indian market by upgrading aircraft on the Mumbai-Hanoi route, enhancing capacity and comfort with the most modern A350 and B787 aircraft Vietnam Airlines, the flag carrier of Vietnam, announced the upgrade of its aircraft on the Mumbai to Hanoi route, effective 1 May, 2025. Starting 1 May, the flights will operate four times a week using the state-of-the-art Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 aircraft. Both models are renowned for their advanced technology, spacious design, and superior comfort. This upgrade reflects Vietnam Airlines’ commitment to increasing capacity from Mumbai, strengthening air connectivity between India and Vietnam and ensuring a world-class flying experience for its passengers while delivering an unparalleled travel experience. With a spacious cabin layout that includes economy seats with In-flight entertainment (IFE), offering best-in-class extra legroom and full-flat bed seats in business class, passengers can look forward to a restful journey enhanced by a state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment system and gourmet meals options. To specifically cater to Indian travellers, the airline will feature a specially curated Indian menu in addition to other premium amenities. Speaking on the announcement, Nguyen Trung Hieu, Country Manager India, Vietnam Airlines, expressed his enthusiasm, “Following the successful launch of daily A350 flights in Delhi last year, and the overwhelming response from the market, we are thrilled to increase our operations from Mumbai. Upgrading to wide-body operations with our Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 aircraft reflects our unwavering commitment to offering Indian travellers unparalleled comfort and convenience. We look forward to welcoming passengers onboard and providing them with an exceptional journey characterised by renowned Vietnamese hospitality.” Echoing this sentiment, Abhishek Goyal, CEO & Executive Director, Aeroprime Group (India GSA for Vietnam Airlines), …

Southeast Asia has long been a favoured region for Indian travellers due to its connectivity, says Jia-En Poon, Senior Manager, Sales, Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines (SIA), and this trend continued in 2024. “This past summer, Southeast Asian destinations that were the top choice for Indians included Singapore, Bali, and Bangkok. We have also observed travel demand from India to Koh Samui, Krabi, Penang and Malacca,” he says. In terms of traveller profiles out of India, he has observed mainly leisure travellers, workers, and VFR traffic. “India is an important market for Scoot. It is a country with tremendous growth potential as it rapidly establishes itself as one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation market, fuelled by a burgeoning middle class, rising disposable incomes and the expansion of both domestic and international flights routes. Customer preferences are also continuously evolving, and it is important for us to stay close to the market and understand what customers want from a low-cost carrier,” Poon adds. The increase in the number of airports and low-cost airlines has significantly enhanced connectivity throughout the country and to global destinations, making air travel more accessible. He adds, “By 2025, the aviation industry is expected to be in a state of transformation, driven by technological advancements and significant infrastructure investment. While challenges remain, the overall outlook suggests a resilient industry adapting to new realities and striving for a more sustainable future. With these evolutions in the aviation and travel landscape, we need to continually adapt to ensure that these expectations are met. We aspire to find ways to differentiate ourselves from other low-cost carriers.” The airline currently operates to over 70 destinations across 18 countries and …

Samual Machado, MD, India and South Asia, Sabre Corporation, has said that NDC and airlines will not kill GDS. “With NDC, we all will be able to consume the content in a manner where we can be relevant till 10-30 years from now. It has no objective of killing the GDS,” he said while speaking at the TAR Convention in Vietnam.

Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj Airport has started its first-ever night operations after 106 years, paving the way for 24/7 flight services. The airport’s new terminal is set to handle 2,700 pax per hour, ensuring seamless travel for flyers, accommodating increased air traffic and enhancing connectivity for the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025. To meet the demand, the airport has added 20 new flights, covering 14 destinations, including six new routes.

Malaysia Airlines and Firefly have been appointed as official airline partners for the ASEAN Travel Exchange (TRAVEX). A key component of the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2025, TRAVEX serves as a business platform connecting ASEAN buyers and sellers, showcasing a diverse range of destination products and services. The event is scheduled to take place from 15 to 18 January 2025 at the Persada Johor International Convention Centre, Malaysia. As official airline partners, Malaysia Airlines and Firefly will offer seamless travel solutions for delegates attending ATF 2025 and TRAVEX, including buyers and media representatives. By offering extensive connectivity across domestic and international routes, both airlines will ensure convenient access to Johor, Malaysia – the host destination for this prestigious event. The collaboration underscores a commitment to promoting ASEAN as a unified travel destination while showcasing the service and hospitality that define the travel experience with Malaysia Airlines and Firefly. Malaysia Airlines will showcase the essence of ‘Malaysian Hospitality,’ while Firefly will complement this effort by offering connectivity across domestic and regional destinations, supporting accessibility for the event. Dersenish Aresandiran, Chief Commercial Officer, Airlines from Malaysia Aviation Group, said, “Malaysia Airlines and Firefly are honoured to be the official airline partners for TRAVEX 2025. This collaboration underscores a commitment to enhancing connectivity across ASEAN and beyond, ensuring seamless and efficient travel for delegates. By providing exceptional service and culturally immersive travel experiences, Malaysia Airlines continues to strengthen its role as the gateway to Malaysia and beyond for global travellers.” “ATF 2025 serves as a vital platform for shaping a vibrant and sustainable future for ASEAN’s tourism industry,” said Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Director General, Tourism Malaysia. “This forum offers an opportunity to showcase …

As per ICRA’s latest report, the domestic air passenger traffic for December 2024 was estimated at 153 lakh, higher by 7.3 per cent in comparison to 142.5 lakh in November 2024. It witnessed a YoY growth of 10.8 per cent and remained higher by 17.5 per cent than pre-COVID levels of 130.2 lakh seen in December 2019.

The first flight between Tripoli and Rome Fiumicino was launched on 12 Jan 2025 ITA Airways launched its first nonstop flight between Tripoli Mitiga and Rome Fiumicino. To mark the occasion, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at Terminal 3 of Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Fiumicino, attended by Pietro Caldaroni, Chief Communication & Institutional Relations Officer of ITA Airways; Marco Troncone, CEO of Aeroporti di Roma; Ivan Bassato, Chief Aviation Officer of Aeroporti di Roma; Pietro Sferra Carini, Deputy Diplomatic Advisor to the Prime Minister; Pierluigi Di Palma, Chairman of ENAC; Fabio Nicolai, Acting Director General of ENAC; Muhanad Saeid Younus, Ambassador of Libya to Italy; Nicola Orlando, European Union Ambassador to Libya; Raffaello Biselli, Councilor for Commerce and Markets, Productive Activities, and Suap of Fiumicino and Nicola Colicchi, President of the Italian-Libyan Chamber of Commerce. ITA Airways’ flight schedule between Italy and Libya includes two weekly frequencies, on Thursdays and Sundays, at the following times: Departure from Tripoli Mitiga at 1:05 p.m. (local time) and arrival in Rome Fiumicino at 2:10 p.m. (local time). Departure from Rome Fiumicino at 9:15 a.m. (local time) and arrival in Tripoli Mitiga at 12:10 p.m. (local time). “We are proud to inaugurate today our first direct commercial flight between Tripoli and Rome Fiumicino, strengthening commercial and cultural ties between Libya and Italy in support of the bilateral relations between the two Countries,” said Andrea Benassi, General Manager, ITA Airways. “This new flight is yet another demonstration of the Company’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality connectivity for Italy while proudly supporting the progress, growth and development of the Nation and the business communities operating in Libya. The opening of this direct connection between Tripoli …

Currently operates 54 weekly flights connecting Sri Lanka with Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Mumbai IndiGo, India’s preferred airline, proudly stands as the largest foreign carrier out of Sri Lanka. IndiGo currently operates 54 weekly flights to two cities in Sri Lanka-Colombo and Jaffna from four cities in India-Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. These direct flights between India and Sri Lanka are integral to IndiGo’s long-term growth strategy, underlining its commitment to expanding its global presence. Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales, IndiGo, said, “As the leading international carrier operating from Sri Lanka, with connections to four Indian cities, we are proud to mark this milestone, which underscores our commitment to strengthening India-Sri Lanka bilateral relations. By enhancing air connectivity, we aim to stimulate tourism and foster economic growth. Our direct flights provide increased travel options and enhanced flexibility and convenience for our customers. We remain dedicated to delivering punctual, cost-effective, and seamless travel experiences across our extensive network.” The Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, said, “I warmly congratulate IndiGo on becoming the largest foreign carrier out of Sri Lanka, a remarkable milestone that reflects its commitment to enhancing connectivity and strengthening ties between our nations. IndiGo’s increased frequency, including its operations to Jaffna, highlights its dedication to the development of the Northern Province, fostering economic growth, tourism, and cultural exchange. I also commend Acorn Aviation, IndiGo’s GSA partner in Sri Lanka, for its over 30 years of active contribution to promoting tourism and aviation in the Sri Lankan market, playing a vital role in driving progress in these industries.” The enhancement of connectivity between India and Sri Lanka is set to yield significant benefits for both nations. For …

India’s aviation traffic is expected to clock 11-12% CAGR over the medium term, driven by faster growth in the international segment, Jefferies said. In hotels, the industry revenue per available room is expected to clock 7-8% CAGR going ahead after double-digit growth seen in the past two to three years, it said while suggesting a structural demand upturn in the travel sector.