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Prestige Group and BACL Unveil a Landmark Convention & Integrated Destination in Bengaluru Airport City

Prestige Group, in partnership with Bengaluru Airport City Limited (BACL), today announced a landmark integrated destination within Bengaluru Airport City that will bring together business, hospitality, culture, and experiences in one seamlessly connected ecosystem. Anchored by a state-of-the-art convention centre, the development marks a significant milestone in the evolution of Bengaluru Airport City as a vibrant urban destination. Designed as a world-class business, hospitality and cultural hub, the development brings together an iconic convention and exhibition centre, luxury hotels under the globally renowned St. Regis brand and Marriott Marquis brand, premium office space, and curated food and beverage experiences within a seamlessly connected urban environment. Located within Bengaluru Airport City, the project is poised to serve a diverse mix of global travellers, event organisers, corporations, visitors, and residents. By combining world-class infrastructure with hospitality, commercial, and cultural offerings, it strengthens Bengaluru’s appeal as a global gateway while advancing the vision of the Airport City as a dynamic centre for commerce, collaboration, and experiences. Commenting on the development, Mr. Irfan Razack, Chairman and Managing Director of Prestige Group, said, “This development reflects our vision of creating destination-defining assets that contribute meaningfully to the growth of cities and economies. By integrating hospitality, business, culture and lifestyle experiences within a single ecosystem, we are creating a landmark destination that will set new benchmarks for mixed-use development in India. We are proud to partner with Bengaluru Airport City Limited to shape a globally competitive urban precinct that will elevate Bengaluru’s stature on the world stage.” Mr. Hari Marar, Managing Director & CEO of Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), said, “The next phase of urban growth will be defined by the ability to create destinations that bring together enterprise, talent and ideas at scale. Our partnership with Prestige Group is an important step in that direction. As airport cities continue to emerge as engines of economic and social activity, developments such as these play an important role in shaping the ecosystems that surround them. By extending the airport experience beyond aviation, we are creating a destination that will serve businesses, visitors and communities alike, while supporting the region’s long-term growth and development.” The Convention Centre is expected to emerge as one of the region’s premier venues for international conferences, exhibitions, corporate events and cultural gatherings, while the broader development will contribute to the creation of a vibrant destination that seamlessly blends commerce, hospitality, entertainment and culture. As Bengaluru continues to strengthen its position as India’s innovation and technology capital, the development is expected to further catalyse economic growth, business tourism, investment and employment opportunities in the rapidly evolving airport corridor.

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Turkish Airlines Wins 2026 APEX Best Food & Beverage in Europe Award for the Fifth Time

Turkish Airlines, the airline flying to more countries than any other, received the Best Food & Beverage in Europe award as part of the 2026 APEX (Airline Passenger Experience Association) Best Airline Awards. Receiving the accolade for the fifth time, flag carrier once again showcased its commitment to exceptional in-flight dining and its dedication to passenger satisfaction. The award was presented at the APEX Awards Ceremony held on 10 June in Dublin, Ireland, during the Future Travel Experience EMEA, Ancillary & Retailing Event. The 2026 APEX Awards were determined on the basis of unbiased, anonymous, and verified passenger feedback collected in partnership with TripIt®️ by Concur®️, one of the world’s most widely used travel planning applications. During the 2026 evaluation period, more than one million flights operated by over 600 airlines worldwide were rated by passengers using a five-star system. Travelers were able to quickly and easily share their assessments across five categories: seat comfort, cabin service, food and beverage, in-flight entertainment, and Wi-Fi.  Commenting on the award, Turkish Airlines Chief Executive Officer Ahmet Olmuştur stated: “We are very glad to be recognized by APEX as the Best Food & Beverage airline in Europe for the fifth time. This award speaks to the passion and craftsmanship our teams pour into every meal we serve above the clouds, starting from menu design to the moment it reaches our guests. Our heartfelt thanks go to our guests for their continued confidence in us, and to every member of the Turkish Airlines family who brings this experience to life.” APEX Group CEO Dr Joe Leader added: “Turkish Airlines receiving the 2026 APEX Best Food & Beverage in Europe award reflects far more than excellence on a tray. It celebrates an airline that has transformed inflight dining into a true expression of culture, hospitality, craftsmanship, and national pride. As an APEX World Class airline, Turkish Airlines continues to prove that airline scale and aviation soul can ascend together. From its acclaimed culinary program to the warmth of its service rituals, Turkish Airlines brings the richness of Türkiye to the world with every course, every presentation, and every deeply memorable guest interaction. Its food and beverage experience does not simply satisfy passengers, it tells a story of place, care, generosity, and aviation leadership.” Turkish Airlines continues to elevate its in-flight dining experience by combining the warmth of Turkish hospitality with quality, variety and authenticity. Through its Flying Chef program, diverse menu offerings and continuously evolving catering concepts, the flag carrier brings a distinctive gastronomic experience to its gests across its unparalleled global network that spans over 130 countries in six continents.

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AIR NEW ZEALAND AND SINGAPORE AIRLINES EXPAND JOINT NETWORK WITH INCREASED CAPACITY AND CONNECTIVITY BETWEEN NEW ZEALAND AND SINGAPORE

Air New Zealand (NZ) and Singapore Airlines (SIA) will significantly expand their joint network between New Zealand and Singapore for the Northern Winter 2026 season (25 October 2026 to 27 March 2027), increasing overall capacity into Auckland and introducing new non-stop flights into Christchurch on Air New Zealand to complement SIA’s existing services. The expanded services reflect the airlines’ firm commitment to meet the growing demand for travel between New Zealand and Singapore, as well as key markets across Asia and Europe. Customers will benefit from more seamless connectivity, greater flexibility, and premium travel options across the joint network. Air New Zealand will launch three weekly services between Singapore and Christchurch during the 2026 Northern Winter season, with its Boeing 787 aircraft. Combined with SIA’s existing Christchurch operations of up to 12 weekly services, the two airlines will operate 15 weekly services during the peak months from November 2026 to February 2027. Air New Zealand will also add four weekly Auckland services utilising both its Boeing 777 and 787 aircraft. SIA will adjust its schedule from three daily flights to two, and will deploy the Airbus A380 on daily services SQ285 and SQ286 during the 2026 Northern Winter season, instead of the Boeing 777-300ER. SIA’s A380, which has 471 seats in four cabin classes – six in Suites, 78 in Business Class, 44 in Premium Economy Class, and 343 in Economy Class – will provide customers with enhanced travel comfort. It will also support the demand for travel between New Zealand and Singapore, as well as key markets beyond Singapore in the SIA network. Customers will continue to benefit from the increased overall seat capacity and a broad range of travel options across the joint Air New Zealand-SIA network. With these adjustments, the Air New Zealand-SIA alliance will increase overall seat capacity between Singapore and New Zealand by 17% from late October 2026, adding 72,000 seats and bringing the total seat count to more than 490,000 seats during the 2026 Northern Winter season. Air New Zealand Chief Operations and Alliances Officer Mr Michael Williams says that the expansion reflects the strength of its partnership with Singapore Airlines. “Our partnership with Singapore Airlines plays a critical role in connecting the world to New Zealand and vice versa. This Northern Winter expansion gives our customers even more travel options, whether they are visiting New Zealand for business, leisure, or to reconnect with friends and family. “Through Singapore’s position as a leading global hub, between the two airlines, travellers can access New Zealand from across South East Asia, India, the United Kingdom, Europe, and beyond. The introduction of Air New Zealand’s Christchurch services is especially exciting because it creates more options for visitors to access some of New Zealand’s most popular destinations in the South Island, while remaining fully connected into Singapore Airlines’ extensive global network,” says Mr Williams. Mr Dai Haoyu, Senior Vice President Marketing Planning, Singapore Airlines, said “Our long-standing partnership with Air New Zealand serves the strong demand for travel between New Zealand and Singapore, as well as onward to key destinations across our global network. The deployment of the Airbus A380, with its greater seat capacity and enhanced travel experience, to Auckland, reflects our commitment to this important market. This complements the additional capacity that Air New Zealand is adding to bolster our joint network.” Flights are available for booking now, with the expanded Air New Zealand-SIA Northern Winter schedule operating from the end of October 2026, subject to regulatory approval. Further details can be found in Annexe A.

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Air India debuts its first signature Maharaja Lounge at San Francisco, expanding global premium offering

Spread over 3,300 sq. ft., the lounge features a nostalgic Aviator’s Bar, a dedicated Private Zone with a scenic tarmac view A sophisticated blend of heritage and modern luxury, The Maharaja Lounge represents a gateway to India even before you board your flight Air India, India’s leading global airline, today announced the opening of its newest signature lounge at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), called ‘The Maharaja Lounge’. Officially opening its doors to guests on May 23, the launch of the new lounge marks yet another pivot in the ongoing transformation of the airline’s product and service, extending the “new Air India experience” to one of its key international gateways. Located near Gate A1 in the International Terminal at SFO, The Maharaja Lounge is spread over 3,300 sq. ft. and features luxurious, contemporary interiors that blend modern design sensibilities with elements rooted in Indian aesthetics. The lounge offers a seating capacity of 80 guests and is available to Air India’s First and Business Class guests, and Platinum and Gold members of the airline’s Maharaja Club loyalty program. It also features a dedicated zone reserved exclusively for Air India’s First Class guests. Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India, said: “The opening of the Maharaja Lounge at San Francisco builds on the recent launch of our flagship lounge at Delhi, marking the beginning of a new generation of signature lounges for Air India. North America has long been a key pillar of Air India’s network, and our continued investments reflect both, this commitment and our ambition to introduce a new standard of travel experiences in the region in time to come.” “As Air India continues to transform into a world-class global airline, we are focused on delivering a consistent, elevated experience across our network, blending modern luxury with the warmth and timeless appeal of Indian hospitality.” Conceptualised by the award-winning global hospitality design firm Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA), The Maharaja Lounge is a refined expression of heritage seamlessly woven with luxury, offering guests an immersive introduction to India even before their journey begins. It mirrors the design philosophy of the recently launched flagship Maharaja Lounge in Delhi, positioning this as the second in a series of signature lounges envisioned by Air India. Design approach Thoughtfully curated, the space brings together distinctive elements of the brand and Air India’s rich cultural legacy, creating an atmosphere that is warmly familiar yet exquisite. The hues of champagne, ivory, and deep reds mirror the brand’s colour palette. Brand motifs are integrated throughout the interiors, including the ‘Vista’ patterns on the walls and furniture. The lounge has been designed to evoke the essence of quintessential Indian hospitality, creating an atmosphere of warmth, comfort, and understated luxury for guests. To honour the airline’s historical connection to the arts, the space features works by local artists that showcase regional heritage. Select installations also incorporate upcycled aircraft components, thoughtfully reimagined into contemporary art pieces. The spatial elegance of the lounge is defined by the following curated zones, each designed to uplift the interior landscape. The Aviator’s Bar: The bar has a distinctive speakeasy vibe, anchored by a well-curated cellar of wines and whiskies hand-picked for the discerning traveller. The warm, rich hues of the space, coupled with the signature ceiling design, provide a sophisticated backdrop where aviation enthusiasts and global travellers alike can convene in an atmosphere of timeless elegance. Complementing this is a menu of thoughtfully crafted signature cocktails. For instance, the Maharaja Manhattan is a regal twist on the timeless Manhattan honouring the Maharaja of spices – black pepper. Tarmac View: The seating and dining sections of the Private Zone and the Business Class lounge overlook the tarmac offering enchanting views of aircraft taking off and landing. The immersive experience of ‘wine and dine with a view’ is perfect for both plane-spotters and curious travellers. Social Zone: Adjacent to the Aviator’s Bar is the lounge’s primary social zone, a space meticulously designed to foster a sense of community. This vibrant area captures the dynamic spirit of modern travel, offering an environment for guests to engage and connect. Configured to accommodate the natural “hustle” of a premier international hub, the seating arrangements encourage both spontaneous conversation and group interaction, while still offering pockets of privacy and a sense of exclusivity for more intimate moments. Dining Area: The Maharaja Lounge offers a curated and delightful dining experience for all guests, who can choose from a wide variety of Indian and international culinary delicacies including live cooking stations. The area includes a hot buffet island/counter, a cold counter and a beverage station serving a host of delicacies to choose from. Private Zone: Tucked into a serene corner of the lounge, this space is a sanctuary of understated luxury. Designed for heightened privacy and comfort, the Private Zone offers a more intimate setting with elevated service, allowing guests travelling First Class to relax, work, or unwind in a calm and discreet environment before their departure.

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AIR ASTANA: HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

Air Astana is marking the 24th anniversary of its first commercial flight today. During this time, the airline has grown from being a small carrier operating three aircraft into the largest airline group in Central Asia and the Caucasus by fleet size. Air Astana Group currently operates 63 aircraft and serves 44 international and 14 domestic destinations across Asia, Europe and Kazakhstan. Since May 2002, Air Astana has carried more than 94 million passengers, becoming one of Kazakhstan’s most recognisable companies and the recipient of numerous international awards for service excellence and flight safety. “Over the past 24 years, Air Astana has grown significantly, with an expanded route network and fleet of modern aircraft, together with developing a large workforce of aviation professionals. We are sincerely grateful to our passengers for their trust and loyalty over these years, and to the team for their professionalism, dedication and outstanding contribution to the airline’s success,” said Ibrahim Canliel, CEO of Air Astana.

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DXB hosts live caricature experience for International Day of Families

Marking the UAE’s Year of Family, and on the occasion of International Day of Families, Dubai Airports transformed everyday travel moments into personalised works of art at Dubai International (DXB), surprising guests with live caricature experiences across the airport’s terminals. Guests travelling through DXB were invited to pause and receive personalised sketches from local, Dubai-based artists positioned throughout the airport. The activation added a simple, personal touch to the travel experience, with families gathering briefly to watch each illustration come to life before continuing on their journey. Designed to acknowledge the role travel plays in connecting people, the initiative reflects Dubai Airports’ continued focus on elevating the guest experience through thoughtful, family-centred moments across the airport. It also highlights the everyday journeys that pass through DXB, reinforcing its role as a global gateway for people coming together.

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United Adds Nonstop Service to Sapporo, New Flight Between Chicago and Tokyo-Narita

Daily year-round service between Chicago and Tokyo-Narita starts in October and seasonal service from San Francisco to Sapporo is three times a week from December through March Airline now serves Tokyo-Narita from six of its seven continental U.S. hubs Two new flights give United customers even more ways to explore Japan on the largest airline between the continental U.S. and Japan This winter United will fly up to 13 flights each day from the continental U.S. to four of Japan’s airports including Sapporo (CTS), Tokyo-Narita (NRT), Tokyo-Haneda (HND), and Osaka (KIX) CHICAGO, May 14, 2026 : United today announced it is expanding its service to Japan with new flights to Sapporo and Tokyo-Narita this winter. The airline will launch the first nonstop service from the continental U.S. to Sapporo, Japan and will be the only U.S. airline offering nonstop service between Chicago and Tokyo-Narita*. As the leading carrier between the U.S. and Japan, these new flights give travelers from across North America more ways to explore Japan and connect across Asia. “Whether customers are dreaming of skiing in Sapporo, planning a business trip to Tokyo with some exploration added in, or an even bigger adventure across Asia, United gives travelers more ways to get there than any U.S. airline,” said Patrick Quayle, Senior Vice President of Network Planning and Global Alliances, United Airlines. “Our new nonstop service from San Francisco to Sapporo makes it easier to vacation in one of Japan’s most unique destinations, while our new Chicago to Tokyo-Narita service gives business and leisure travelers a premium onboard experience and the flexibility to continue their journey across Asia on United to exciting destinations like Cebu, Palau and Ulaanbaatar, or onward on our joint venture partner ANA to cities like Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur.” United is the leading carrier between the continental U.S. and Japan. In 2025, the airline flew more than 1.8 million passengers between the two countries – more than all other U.S. carriers combined. This winter United will fly up to 13 flights each day from the continental U.S. to four of Japan’s airports including Sapporo (CTS), Tokyo-Narita (NRT), Tokyo-Haneda (HND), and Osaka (KIX). San Francisco to Sapporo, Japan Starting December 11, United will launch three times weekly winter seasonal service between San Francisco (SFO) and Sapporo (CTS), marking the first nonstop flights between the continental U.S. and Sapporo. Sapporo offers travelers an entirely new way to experience Japan in the winter from fresh powder for world-class skiing to a rich culinary scene with must-try dishes like Sapporo ramen and Hokkaido seafood. The city is also home to the iconic Sapporo Snow Festival, where it transforms into a winter wonderland. Flights are expected to operate on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. United will connect travelers from nearly 80 U.S. cities to Sapporo through its premier Pacific gateway in San Francisco, making it easier than ever to reach this unique Japanese destination. Chicago to Tokyo-Narita United will launch new daily year-round service between Chicago O’Hare and Tokyo-Narita beginning October 24. United will be the only U.S. airline offering service between Chicago and Tokyo-Narita, further expanding its position as the only U.S. carrier connecting Chicago to the Pacific region nonstop. The new service builds on the airline’s existing service between Chicago and Tokyo-Haneda, providing travelers with even more ways to travel between the U.S. and Japan. The new Tokyo-Narita flight unlocks easy, one-stop connections for travelers to 21 destinations across Asia-Pacific on United or Joint Venture partner ANA. Customers can connect on United to cities like Cebu, Guam, Kaohsiung, Palau, Saipan and Ulaanbaatar. The new flights between Chicago and Tokyo-Narita are expected to operate on a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft. With the two new routes, United will serve five airports in four Japanese cities from its hubs in the continental U.S. and Guam: Sapporo (CTS), Tokyo-Narita (NRT), Tokyo-Haneda (HND), Osaka (KIX) and Nagoya (NGO). The airline offers the most flights to Japan of any U.S. carrier and flights to 33 destinations across the Pacific. Flights will be available for booking later today on united.com and the united app.

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Xflow Becomes the First Cross-Border Payments Platform to Bring Compliant Stablecoin Acceptance to Indian Businesses

Anand Balaji, Co-founder and CEO, Xflow  Xflow, India’s leading cross-border payments infrastructure company, today announced the launch of a pilot that enables Indian businesses to accept payments in USDC and USDT from anywhere in the world, and compliantly convert them to INR. This solution allows stable-native platforms and cross-border payment providers to offer stablecoin acceptance as a payment method for their customers without the platforms or their customers holding, managing, or taking custody of stablecoins. The stablecoin leg stays entirely outside India. Only fiat enters India, via an AD Category I bank, with full compliance documentation. A growing set of global businesses are making payments in stablecoins. For Indian MSMEs, service exporters, SaaS companies, this has created a barrier as there is no compliant mechanism to accept stablecoin payments for trade transactions and bring them into India. Xflow has heard directly from Indian businesses that have lost customers because of this gap. To address this, Xflow has partnered with overseas licensed player to accept and off-ramp stablecoins on behalf of Indian businesses, entirely outside India, and then bring the resulting funds into India through traditional, regulated fiat rails. “Indian businesses should not be losing business because their international customers want to pay in stablecoins. Building a seamless & compliant money-movement infrastructure for exporters is exactly what Xflow is here to do. We are quite excited about this release and have initially rolled this out to select platforms, giving their users the best of both worlds by supporting stablecoin transactions compliantly,” — Anand Balaji, Co-Founder, Xflow. Platforms that already offer stablecoin wallets to customers – enabling them to receive payments from end-users – can now compliantly bring those payments into India. Xflow’s cross-border stack handles the entire off-ramp and settlement flow, so platforms can offer their customers a complete stablecoin-to-INR solution without building compliance infrastructure themselves. Xflow will soon roll this pilot out to all stable native platforms.

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Vietnam Airlines, Saigontourist and Innovations India ink MoU

President To Lam, CM Devendra Fadnavis, VNA Chairman Dang Ngoc Hoa and Captain Rahul Bali In a significant step towards strengthening cultural diplomacy, tourism cooperation and creative collaboration between India and Vietnam, The state-owned national carrier Vietnam Airlines and Saigontourist Group -Vietnam’s oldest and leading state-owned tourism group officially inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Innovations India for collaboration on two prestigious India–Vietnam initiatives: the upcoming Bollywood feature film SILAA and the 5th edition of Namaste Vietnam Festival to be held in Vietnam in 2026. The MoU signing ceremony took place in Mumbai on 7 May 2026 in the esteemed presence of H.E. Mr. To Lam, President of Vietnam and Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra along with several distinguished dignitaries and senior leaders from both nations including Culture & Tourism Minister of Vietnam H.E. Mr. Ho An Phong & Indian Ambassador to Vietnam H. E. Tshering Sherpa. This landmark collaboration forms part of the historic first official state visit of Vietnamese President H.E. Mr. To Lam to India and coincides with the 10th anniversary celebrations of the Vietnam–India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, underscoring the growing friendship, trust, and strategic cooperation between the two nations. The MoU was formally signed by Dang Ngoc Hoa, Chairman of Vietnam Airlines, Nguyen Huu Y Yen, Chairwoman of Saigontourist Group, and Captain Rahul Bali, Managing Director of Innovations India, who is also the Producer of SILAA and the Curator of Namaste Vietnam Festival. Speaking on the occasion, President H.E. Mr. To Lam said, “Vietnam and India share a timeless friendship built on trust, cultural understanding, and mutual respect. Collaborations in cinema, tourism, and cultural exchange not only strengthen people-to-people connections but also open new avenues of cooperation between our nations. I am pleased to see institutions from Vietnam and India coming together to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during this important milestone year.” Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated, “Maharashtra has always been India’s gateway for culture, cinema, business, and international collaboration. The partnership between Vietnam and Indian enterprises is a wonderful example of how creative industries and tourism can become powerful instruments of diplomacy and economic growth. Such initiatives will further strengthen the bonds of friendship between India and Vietnam while creating new opportunities for tourism, investment, and cultural engagement.” Captain Rahul Bali added, “It is a matter of immense pride for us to collaborate with the Government of Vietnam through iconic institutions like Vietnam Airlines and Saigontourist Group during such a historic milestone year for India–Vietnam relations. Through cinema, tourism and cultural diplomacy, we aim to create impactful platforms that bring the people of Vietnam and India closer and will inspire greater travel, deeper understanding and stronger engagement between them.” The upcoming Bollywood film SILAA is an ambitious cinematic collaboration that seeks to build a powerful emotional and cultural bridge between India and Vietnam while showcasing the beauty, hospitality, heritage, and tourism potential of Vietnam to Indian and global audiences. Directed by Omung Kumar, the movie stars Harshvardhan Rane and Sadia Khateeb in leading roles. Produced by Captain Rahul Bali’s venture, Innovations India along with Zee Studios, Blue Lotus Pictures and Stark Entertainment the film is scheduled for release in 2026. Meanwhile, the 5th edition of Namaste Vietnam Festival is set to further strengthen bilateral engagement through a vibrant celebration of cinema, tourism, culture, fashion and people-to-people exchanges. Over the years, the festival has emerged as one of the most prominent platforms dedicated to enhancing India–Vietnam friendship and cultural diplomacy. This strategic collaboration between Vietnam Airlines, Saigontourist Group and Innovations India is expected to significantly boost tourism exchanges, film cooperation and cultural connectivity between the two nations. At a time when India and Vietnam are celebrating a decade of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, initiatives such as these reaffirm the shared commitment of both countries towards strengthening bilateral relations through soft power, tourism, creative industries, and cultural diplomacy. The MoU is being viewed as a major milestone in the evolving India–Vietnam partnership and a powerful example of how cinema, tourism and cultural initiatives can further deepen friendship and cooperation between the people of both nations.

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AIR INDIA EXPRESS LAUNCHES ‘XPRESS WALI BAAT HAI’ CAMPAIGN FEATURING PANKAJ TRIPATHI

The campaign celebrates the signature Air India Express experience, defined by a wide network, comfortable cabin experience, ‘Gourmair’ hot meals, and the unmatched warmth of Indian hospitality Air India Express has launched its brand campaign ‘Xpress Wali Baat Hai’, featuring acclaimed actor Pankaj Tripathi. The campaign offers a relatable and evocative portrayal of the moments that make a travel experience truly memorable. It unfolds through a series of short films, each spotlighting a core pillar of the signature Air India Express experience, defined by comfortable seating, ‘Gourmair’ hot meals, and the unmatched warmth of Indian hospitality, on an expansive network of 500 daily flights across South, Southeast and West Asia. Pankaj Tripathi’s grounded persona and wide appeal across metros and emerging cities resonates the essence of the Air India Express network. With his characteristic authenticity, he brings to life the airline’s reliability and promise of making every journey comfortable, familiar, and distinctly Indian. In its first week, the campaign has already delivered strong traction during the Tata IPL and across digital platforms, with a reach of over 200 million, and over 1 billion views, while achieving a record online engagement rate of 33%, alongside widespread appreciation for its storytelling, relatability and effectiveness. Acclaimed actor Pankaj Tripathi said: “For me, a good journey is one that stays with you even after it ends, and that’s exactly what ‘Xpress Wali Baat Hai’ captures. It reflects an aspiration we all share when we travel, to feel genuinely cared for along the way. What I truly appreciated about this campaign is its simplicity and honesty. It doesn’t try too hard, it simply brings alive those small moments of comfort, warmth, and joy that win your heart and stay with you.” Siddhartha Butalia, Chief Marketing Officer, Air India Express, said: “This campaign reflects the essence of the proposition we have been building at Air India Express, an experience that goes beyond the functional, to creating meaningful connections with our guests, rooted in the warmth of Indian hospitality. What differentiates us is the attention to every element of the journey, from the comfort of our cabin experience and the authenticity of our Gourmair hot meals, to a network that reflects the cities powering growth across the region. This campaign brings that promise to life through a voice that is authentic, relatable, and deeply rooted in everyday experiences.” The campaign comes at a defining moment in the airline’s transformation journey. Air Indian Express has emerged as India’s second-largest   airline in terms of both domestic and international routes, with a dominant presence across Southeast and West Asia. The airline has rapidly expanded its domestic footprint, adding 12 new destinations in the last year. With a fleet of over 100 aircraft, more than two-thirds of which are new, and a network spanning Indian metros, state capitals, commercial hubs and leisure destinations, the airline is positioned to be at the forefront of the next phase of growth in the region. The campaign is currently running across television, digital platforms, OTT, cinema, print, and outdoor media, supported by content collaborations and social media engagement. It is live with the official broadcast partner for the ongoing Tata IPL, complemented by Air India Express’ presence as an associate sponsor for the season.

Vibrant Colours is an Indian registered publication catering to the travel, tourism, embassy and hospitality sector. The magazine is published under the global publication group  Prime Communication from New Delhi, India. Launched in 2019, the magazine was conceived with a vision to serve and celebrate the ever-growing travel trade and tourism industry across India and beyond.

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