Aviation

Air India, India’s leading global airline, and SBI Card, India’s largest pure-play credit card issuer, today announced having entered a partnership to develop a new co-brand Visa-powered credit card program that will offer a rewarding suite of travel and lifestyle benefits to members of Air India’s Maharaja Club loyalty programme. The partnership combines the complementary strengths of three leading organisations across airlines, credit cards, and payment network, to create a compelling proposition for Air India’s fast-growing base of frequent flyers and loyalty members. As India’s flag carrier, Air India has a long and distinguished history of connecting India to the world. SBI Card brings trusted credit card expertise, deep experience of serving Indian customers, and a strong understanding of their evolving payment needs. With over four decades of presence in India, Visa combines its technology leadership with the scale of its global payments network and an extensive experience in building successful co-brand partnerships around the world. Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India, said, “As we transform every aspect of the customer journey with Air India, from a modernising fleet and world-class cabin products to an expanding global network, we are also building one of India’s most compelling loyalty ecosystems with Maharaja Club. We see a tremendous opportunity to create a co-brand credit card that is unmatched in its ability to reward customers for both their everyday earning and their travel & lifestyle aspirations. Together with SBI Card and Visa, our goal is to build India’s most compelling travel credit card programme and make Maharaja Club the loyalty currency of choice for millions of Indians.” Salila Pande, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, SBI Card, said, “As travel aspirations evolve and customers seek experiences that offer greater value and convenience, we see a significant opportunity to redefine the role of credit cards in their travel journeys. At SBI Card, our focus remains on developing differentiated credit card propositions that are aligned with evolving customer preferences, unique spending needs, and lifestyle aspirations. Through this strategic partnership, we aim to create a compelling travel-focussed credit card that delivers rewarding experiences to customers. This partnership marks another significant step towards delivering innovative payment solutions for customers and expanding customer choice.” Suresh Sethi, Group Country Manager, India and South Asia, Visa, said, “Our partnership with Air India and SBI Card reflects a shared ambition to shape the next generation of payment experiences – where every transaction adds greater value to the journey. By bringing together Visa’s trusted global network and decades of co-brand expertise, we aim to create a compelling proposition that elevates travel for Air India and SBI Card customers in India and around the world.”

Pure play regional airline FLY91 has commenced scheduled operations from Navi Mumbai, marking the addition of its 14th destination to the network and its fifth in Maharashtra, after Sindhudurg, Jalgaon, Solapur and Pune. The inaugural flight from Navi Mumbai to Goa was marked by a ceremonial boarding pass handover to the first passenger and a cake-cutting ceremony at the airport. The launch establishes a new air link between the Mumbai metropolitan region and Goa, with FLY91 operating double-daily flights on the route. Passengers travelling from Navi Mumbai can also connect onwards to Agatti in Lakshadweep via Goa, opening up a convenient air travel option to the island destination. The new services form part of its Winter Schedule 2026-27, under which weekly flights are set to increase from 280 to 350+ as the airline expands frequencies and builds connectivity across its regional network. Commenting on the commencement of operations, Manoj Chacko, Founder, Managing Director and CEO of FLY91, said, “We are happy to bring FLY91 to Navi Mumbai and make it easier for people in the region to fly to Goa. With two flights a day and onward connectivity to Agatti, passengers will have more options to plan their travel. We will gradually add connections to other destinations as part of our winter schedule and will shortly commence daily flights to Sindhudurg as well. As we grow, our aim is to connect more regional destinations and make flying a practical and convenient choice for people,” said Manoj Chacko. 

BKJ Airports, the fastest-growing airport ground handling company, has launched GroundSafe, a BKJ Airports’ proprietary digital hazard and ground incident reporting platform. Through a simple QR code-based interface, employees can instantly report hazards, unsafe conditions, and ground incidents, enabling faster corrective action while promoting a transparent, proactive, and non-punitive safety culture across the organisation. New manuals strengthen safety and compliance BKJ Airports also introduced a comprehensive operational framework by launching three organisation-wide manuals—the Safety & Quality Management System manual, Ground Handling Service Provider manual, and Ground Service Equipment manual. The manuals establish standardised operating procedures, quality benchmarks and compliance frameworks across every BKJ Airports station, reinforcing the company’s commitment to global safety and operational excellence. Digital transformation and AI initiatives As part of its digital transformation roadmap, the company also showcased the implementation of SAP S/4HANA ERP, Darwinbox HRMS, digital boarding and baggage initiatives, while unveiling future technology platforms including AI-powered workforce rostering, IoT-enabled equipment monitoring, airline self-service dashboards and predictive operational intelligence. The conclave featured leadership sessions by the Chairman, CEO, and senior management, focusing on customer excellence, leadership development, technology adoption, financial discipline, organisational culture, and BKJ Airports’ long-term vision to expand its network to over 100 airport contracts by 2035. Expansion plans and new headquarters BKJ Airports, a part of JK Jajoo Ventures, currently operates across 17 airports nationwide. The company provides integrated ground handling and aviation support services. It has set a vision of expanding to over 50 airports by 2030 and 100 airport contracts by 2035. The company recently hosted its Leadership Conclave 2026, bringing together Station Heads from across India for two days of strategy, leadership, technology, and operational excellence. The occasion also marked the inauguration of the company’s new 1 lakh sqft corporate headquarters in Jaipur.

Maldivian India Market, the national airline of the Maldives, has expanded AVIAREPS India’s role from South India representation to a pan-India General Sales Agent (GSA) mandate, reinforcing the airline’s growing focus on the Indian market and its long-term commercial ambitions across the country. Maldivian India Market Expansion The expanded partnership reflects Maldivian’s continued confidence in India, one of the Maldives’ most important source markets. Through AVIAREPS India’s nationwide network and market expertise, the airline aims to further strengthen its trade engagement, sales development, and market visibility across key Indian cities. Maldivian currently offers five weekly direct flights from Malé to Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram, along with twice-weekly services between Hanimaadhoo and Thiruvananthapuram, providing convenient connectivity between the Maldives and India. Supported by the airline’s extensive domestic network, travellers can seamlessly access resort islands, local communities, and business centres across the archipelago. India continues to play a significant role in Maldivian tourism, contributing nearly 190,000 visitor arrivals to the Maldives in 2025. The market remains a key growth driver for the airline, particularly across leisure, VFR, medical, and business travel segments. Commenting on the development, Ibrahim Iyas, Managing Director of Maldivian, said: “India remains a key strategic market for Maldivian, both for tourism and regional connectivity. By expanding AVIAREPS India’s mandate, we are streamlining and consolidating our efforts across the country, enabling a more coordinated approach to trade engagement and market development. This reflects our continued confidence in India and our commitment to capturing new growth opportunities as travel demand between India and the Maldives evolves.” Marcelo Kaiser, Chief Operating Officer, AVIAREPS, said: “We are delighted to further strengthen our partnership with Maldivian as our mandate expands from South India to a pan-India representation. This milestone reflects the trust Maldivian has placed in AVIAREPS and reinforces our commitment to driving the airline’s growth across the Indian market. Through our nationwide network and deep understanding of the travel trade, we look forward to expanding Maldivian’s reach and creating new opportunities for the airline across the country.” As part of its future growth plans, Maldivian is also evaluating opportunities for network expansion and increased capacity, supported by the recent addition of its Airbus A330 widebody aircraft and ongoing fleet development initiatives. With India continuing to be an important market for both tourism and regional connectivity, the strengthened partnership further positions Maldivian to expand its reach and engagement across the country.

Provides professional airport training to 10 candidates and inducts them at Delhi Airport AISATS Veer Naris initiative marks an important step towards creating meaningful career opportunities for the families of India’s armed forces, widows and their wards under a dedicated employment initiative aimed at honouring the sacrifices of India’s armed forces. This programme reflects AISATS’ commitment to empowering the families of fallen soldiers by providing long-term career opportunities that foster financial independence and professional development. AISATS Veer Naris Initiative Creates New Career Opportunities The first batch of 10 candidates are set to begin their careers at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, following the successful completion of a structured training programme at the AISATS Training Academy. They will be deployed across key airport functions, including Customer Service Executives, Load Control Agents, Cargo Service Agents, and Ramp Agents, marking the beginning of a new professional journey within India’s aviation sector. Prior to joining the workforce, all selected candidates underwent a rigorous classroom and practical training at the AISATS Training Academy. This training has equipped them with the technical knowledge and operational skills required for airport ground handling and customer service roles. AISATS Veer Naris initiative candidates at Delhi Airport Through the AISATS Veer Naris initiative, AISATS is enabling Veer Naris, widows and their wards to embark on meaningful professional careers in aviation. It’s partnership with the Indian Army and the Army Welfare Placement Office (AWPO) on the Veer Naris, Widows & Their Wards initiative reflects a shared commitment to helping Indian Army families build sustainable livelihoods through skill development and structured career pathways. The AISATS Training Academy, one of India’s leading aviation skill development institutions, offers specialised programmes in ground handling. The academy combines industry-led training with placement support, helping create a skilled workforce for India’s rapidly expanding aviation sector while opening meaningful career opportunities for aspiring professionals across the country. Speaking on the occasion Mr. Namit Baikar, Chief Human Resources Officer, AISATS said: “As a responsible organisation, it is our duty to go beyond the profits and engage in conversations that are driving meaningful change for the society at large. Veer Naris, widows and their wards have made extraordinary sacrifices for the nation, and while those sacrifices can never truly be repaid, we hope this initiative helps create opportunities for financial independence, professional growth, and a brighter future. We are grateful to the Indian Army and the Army Welfare Placement Organisation for partnering with us on this journey and look forward to expanding this initiative in the years ahead.” AISATS Veer Naris Initiative Creates New Career Opportunities Retd. Major General Ajay Singh Chauhan, Managing Director, Army Welfare Placement Organisation (AWPO), said: “Creating real employment opportunities for ex-servicemen, Veer Naris, widows and their dependents is core to what AWPO does, and partnerships like this one are exactly why that mission works. Too often, welfare initiatives stop at good intentions. What makes this collaboration with AISATS different is that it translates directly into offer letters, structured training and, eventually, a clear pathway towards meaningful future. As a new chapter, ten candidates are starting an aviation career with AISATS, and we look forward to building on this momentum and hope more organisations across industries recognise the value that Veer Naris and their wards bring to any workplace they join.” Committed to strengthening India’s aviation talent pipeline, AISATS has continuously played a pivotal role in upskilling individuals and connecting them to meaningful careers in one of the country’s fastest-growing industries. Through this kind of industry-led skilling and structured hiring, AISATS Veer Naris initiative aims to bring more Indian Army families into the workforce, while supporting broader goals around women’s empowerment, skill development and inclusive growth. The AISATS Veer Naris initiative further strengthens AISATS’ commitment to inclusive employment, skill development and meaningful career opportunities.

Bengaluru, 31st July, 2026:  Travel Food Services Limited (TFS), one of India’s leading airport travel QSR and lounge operators, announced the launch of The North East Table, a specially curated Northeast Indian food festival in collaboration with MasterChef India finalist Chef Farha Naaz, at 080 Lounge, Terminal 1, BLR airport. Started from 28th July till 10th August 2026, the festival celebrates the rich culinary heritage of India’s Seven Sisters, inviting travellers to discover authentic flavours, age-old traditions and the stories behind one of the country’s diverse regional cuisines. The North East Table at 080 Lounge Showcases Northeast Indian Cuisine The North East Table commenced with a live culinary masterclass led by Chef Farha Naaz on 28th July, followed by a dedicated media lunch on 29th July featuring a curated menu inspired by the Seven Sisters. From 30th July to 10th August, travellers can experience the festival through a specially curated themed buffet, alongside an expanded A la Carte and VIP Luxe Zone offering. At the heart of the festival was a collaboration between Chef Farha Naaz, Founder of Mamazaki, and Culinary Curator, and Chef Dominic Gerard, Executive Chef at TFS. While Chef Farha brought her deep expertise in Northeast Indian cuisine, her approach is grounded in indigenous ingredients, traditional recipes, and regional heritage. Alongside, Chef Dominic has worked closely with the TFS culinary brigade bringing thoughtfully adapted flavours into the festival and its experience. Ensuring every dish remains true to its origin. “Travellers visiting The North East Table at 080 Lounge can enjoy authentic dishes inspired by the Seven Sisters.” “The curated menu at The North East Table at 080 Lounge reflects the region’s rich culinary heritage.” “With The North East Table at 080 Lounge, Travel Food Services aims to introduce more travellers to Northeast India’s unique flavours.” Commenting on the launch, Mr. Gaurav Dewan, Chief Operating Officer, Travel Food Services Limited (TFS), said: The North East Table reflects the kind of thinking we want to bring to airport hospitality. It is about taking a cuisine as rich and distinct as Northeast India and bringing it faithfully into a format built for travellers on move. Every element, from the ingredients we sourced to the way each dish has been thoughtfully presented, reflects the same care and attention one would expect. This commitment to detail is what we believe sets Travel Food Services and its lounges apart, creating an experience where travellers can discover the richness of Northeast India’s food. Speaking about the collaboration, Chef Farha Naaz, Guest Chef and Culinary Curator, said: “I’m really honored and excited to see Northeast Indian cuisine being celebrated here at the 080 Lounge with so much authenticity and respect. The Northeast is incredibly diverse. But one thing that connects all of us is our love for food and our deep connection with nature. I also feel that Northeast Indian cuisine is still quite underrepresented, even though it’s one of the most diverse culinary regions in the country, so initiatives like this help bridge that gap and give people experience of our food in an authentic way. It’s a wonderful initiative by the TFS team to celebrate the culinary heritage of the Seven Sisters, and I’m so grateful to be a part of it. I hope everyone who tries the menu enjoys this small journey through the Northeast.” Chef Dominic Gerard, Executive Chef, Travel Food Services Limited (TFS), said: “Curating this menu has been about creating an experience that transports travellers to the heart of Northeast India through its food. Every dish has been thoughtfully crafted to honour the region’s authentic flavours, indigenous ingredients and time-honoured traditions, while adapting them for an elevated airport dining experience. Collaborating with Chef Farha has been incredibly enriching, and together we’ve created a menu that will celebrate the diversity of the Seven Sisters, and leaves every guest with a memorable journey.”