Aviation

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.

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.

Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL) and IHG Hotels & Resorts have signed a Five-hotel portfolio agreement, adding close to 1,500 rooms across key airport and commercial destinations in India. The partnership marks the India debut of Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, IHG’s luxury lifestyle boutique brand. The hotels will be developed across Jaipur, Mangaluru, Thiruvananthapuram and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), strengthening hospitality infrastructure around major aviation and urban growth corridors. Mumbai, 14 May 2026: Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL), India’s largest private airport operator, and IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hospitality companies, have signed a landmark managed hotel portfolio agreement to develop five hotels across key airport-linked and high-growth urban destinations in India. The agreement will add close to 1,500 keys across multiple brands and locations, in line with IHG’s growth plans for India. The development aligns with rising travel demand and the rapid expansion of India’s aviation, tourism and airport-led urban infrastructure sectors. The portfolio includes a Kimpton hotel in Jaipur as well as Holiday Inn, and Holiday Inn Express hotels within upcoming hospitality -led mixed-use developments as part of the Adani Airport cities. These hotels are planned across Navi Mumbai, Mangaluru, and Thiruvananthapuram. AAHL is also in advanced discussions with IHG to further deepen and expand this partnership. The partnership also marks the debut of Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants in India. Known globally for its design-led hotels, chef-driven dining experiences and boutique luxury positioning, Kimpton’s entry reflects the growing demand for premium lifestyle hospitality experiences in India. The announcement comes amid strong growth across India’s aviation and tourism sectors, with airport-led developments increasingly emerging as major hospitality and commercial hubs driven by rising passenger traffic, domestic tourism and business travel demand. Mr. Pranav Adani, Director, Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL), said: “As the Adani Group expands its presence across hospitality and airport-led urban infrastructure, our vision is to create world-class destinations that seamlessly integrate travel, stay and urban experiences around India’s rapidly growing aviation ecosystem. We are building this platform in partnership with leading international hotel brands that bring global standards, operational excellence and scale. Our collaboration with IHG Hotels & Resorts, and the development of five hotels across key gateway destinations, marks an important step in strengthening high-quality hospitality infrastructure aligned with India’s long-term travel and economic growth.” AAHL, India’s largest private airport operator, serves millions of passengers annually across its growing airport network. The company is reimagining airports as integrated urban ecosystems that combine aviation with hospitality, retail, commercial and social infrastructure. Through its airport city developments spanning approximately 663 acres across key cities, AAHL is building mixed-use destinations designed to enhance travel experiences while driving long-term economic and urban growth. Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “The partnership with Adani Airport Holdings reflects the scale of opportunity we continue to see in India’s hospitality sector, particularly across gateway cities and airport-led developments that are witnessing strong demand from business, leisure and transit travellers alike. With a mix of luxury, premium and essentials brands, this portfolio allows us to meaningfully strengthen our presence across high-growth markets across the country. This agreement also marks an important milestone for us with the introduction of Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants to India” IHG Hotels & Resorts currently operates 52 hotels across six brands in India and has a pipeline of 98 additional hotels expected to open over the next three to five years.

Reinvents TARA as the conversational core of the new ixigo app,  a multimodal AI assistant that plans, books and acts for you Introduces Trip Mode:  a built-in travel companion that consolidates post-booking information and real-time travel alerts in one place Introduces Agentic Travel Flows: AI agents that proactively assist travellers in the background in real time ixigo, India’s leading AI-powered travel platform, today unveiled the new AI-native version of its app, reimagining travel through conversational and agentic AI experiences. The launch was announced at ixigo NEXT, the company’s flagship tech launch event. Unlike traditional travel apps that layer AI features onto existing systems, ixigo’s redesigned AI-native app has been rebuilt from the ground up with AI seamlessly integrated across the entire user experience, making travel more conversational, intuitive and deeply personalised. The platform moves beyond transactional booking journeys to become an intelligent travel companion that helps users discover, decide and act in one place, offering a truly transformative trip planning and booking experience for hotels and flights. Instead of navigating multiple filters and screens, users can simply express their intent naturally through voice and let the app guide them towards the best travel outcomes. At the heart of the experience is TARA, ixigo’s multimodal AI assistant, designed to fundamentally reimagine how users interact with the new ixigo app and plan their journeys. Meet the Reinvented TARA: ixigo’s Multimodal AI Travel Assistant Reinvented as the conversational core of the ixigo app, TARA has evolved into a deeply integrated AI-native travel companion designed to make travel planning more intuitive and personalised. Users can interact with TARA naturally in English, Hindi and Hinglish through voice, text or tap, with support for more languages coming soon. Unlike traditional chatbots that function as standalone API-based interfaces, TARA is deeply embedded into the app’s core user experience. TARA is capable of handling complex, intent-driven travel queries that go far beyond conventional search flows. Instead of navigating through multiple filters and screens, users can simply express their intent naturally through voice. From detailed requests such as “show me hotels in Dubai with an infinity pool and a view of the Burj Khalifa” to planning multi-city itineraries, TARA is designed to understand intent naturally. Users don’t even need to explicitly mention travel – a prompt like “Hi TARA, I forgot my anniversary, help me!” can instantly trigger personalised getaway and stay recommendations based on a user’s travel history, preferences, family context and past booking behaviour. The AI-assistant is also context-aware, meaning it understands which page or stage of travel planning the user is in and surfaces relevant information or actions accordingly. Beyond trip discovery and planning, TARA proactively assists users even when they are not actively using the app. It continuously tracks flight schedules, manages cancellations, processes refunds and provides real-time travel information such as flight schedule, weather updates, terminal and gate details, as well as contextual recommendations such as available lounges at the departure terminal. The New Trip Mode ixigo’s AI-native app also introduces Trip Mode, a new built-in travel companion designed to assist users throughout their journey. Trip Mode consolidates all post-booking information into a single view, including boarding passes, terminal and gate details, boarding information, baggage belt updates and other real-time travel alerts. The feature also helps users prepare for every stage of their journey from planning and packing to boarding and arrival. It offers contextual assistance such as suggesting when to leave for the airport based on live traffic conditions and providing relevant travel recommendations throughout the trip. Users can also receive personalised content suggestions, including recommendations on what to watch, eat or explore during their journey. Introducing Agentic Travel Flows ixigo is introducing agentic travel experiences where AI agents perform critical travel tasks autonomously in the background. ixigo’s AI agents send boarding passes directly to travellers on WhatsApp, while also giving them the option to add them to Apple Wallet and Google Wallet, and share them with Digi Yatra for a more seamless airport experience. Boarding passes stored in digital wallets are dynamically updated in real time if there are any changes to flight timings or gate information. Beyond flights, ixigo’s AI agents also proactively assist hotel travellers by coordinating with hotels ahead of check-in to verify room readiness and help ensure a smoother stay experience. There are AI agents that also monitor flight schedules in real time, alerts users to delays or schedule changes, and helps manage refund flows in case of cancellations. Many of these agentic features are permission-based and opt-in, ensuring users remain fully in control, with more agentic flows set to be introduced in the future. A Completely Reimagined ixigo Experience The new homepage is hyper-personalised and dynamically adapts to each user’s travel history, intent and stage in the travel journey. The app also introduces an entirely new visual identity and interface, including a sleek new dark mode experience. Speaking on the launch, Rajnish Kumar, Group Co-CEO and Aloke Bajpai, Group CEO, ixigo said, “Over the last two decades, ixigo has focused on building products that reduce anxiety and bring peace of mind to travellers. With the new AI-native version of our app, we are reimagining travel as a conversational, intuitive and deeply personalised experience powered by AI. The new ixigo app has been rebuilt from the ground up as an AI-native travel platform – not by adding AI in patches, but by integrating it seamlessly across the entire experience. We believe the future of travel will be agent-led, with AI that can understand intent, take proactive actions and assist travellers seamlessly before, during, and after their trips. By combining frontier AI capabilities with two decades of travel intelligence, real-time data and deep customer understanding, we are reimagining what a travel app can truly become in the AI era. Our vision with this reinvention was to create an actionable playbook for how AI-native reinvention can be done.

LuLu Hypermarket, through its loyalty programme LuLu Happiness, has announced a partnership with KrisFlyer, the lifestyle rewards programme of the Singapore Airlines Group. The partnership enables LuLu Happiness members to convert their Smile points into KrisFlyer miles, seamlessly linking everyday retail spend with global travel rewards. This collaboration brings together two strong consumer ecosystems—retail and aviation—to deliver greater value, flexibility, and aspiration to customers across India. From Everyday Purchases to Aspirational Journeys LuLu Happiness members earn Smile points across daily shopping categories including groceries, fashion, electronics, and lifestyle essentials. With the introduction of KrisFlyer miles conversion, members can now use these Smile points to unlock travel opportunities across Singapore Airlines and its low-cost subsidiary, Scoot’s extensive global network. The partnership reflects a growing shift in loyalty programmes—from transactional benefits to experience-led rewards—where everyday purchases can now translate into meaningful travel experiences. Strengthening Aspirational Loyalty By integrating KrisFlyer into its rewards ecosystem, LuLu Happiness strengthens its positioning as a modern, aspirational loyalty programme aligned with evolving customer expectations. For KrisFlyer, the partnership introduces a new retail-led pathway that allows members to engage with the programme through everyday shopping, further expanding its lifestyle relevance. Commenting on the partnership, MA Nishad, CEO – LuLu Group India, said: “At LuLu, we are focused on creating value that goes beyond transactions and truly enhances our customers’ lifestyles. Our partnership with Singapore Airlines’ KrisFlyer programme allows LuLu Happiness members to transform everyday shopping into aspirational travel experiences. This collaboration reflects our commitment to building a future-ready loyalty ecosystem that rewards customers in more meaningful ways.” Hsu Mae Goy, Vice President KrisFlyer Partnerships, Singapore Airlines added: “We are pleased to partner with LuLu Happiness to bring KrisFlyer miles closer to members through everyday retail experiences. This collaboration expands the reach of the KrisFlyer programme and offers members more ways to earn miles, reinforcing our focus on delivering value beyond the journey.”

14 new collectable amenity kits designed in-house by Etihad to be rolled out onboard this summer Designs inspired by destinations across Etihad’s impressive global network, as well as its home in Abu Dhabi LANEIGE skincare products elevate the onboard Business experience with new Etihad brand collaboration as part of the airline’s Etihad Wellbeing initiative Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, will progressively roll-out the Destination Collection, a new collectable amenity kit line, in Business cabins across its network this summer. The Destination Collection will feature 14 designs to collect, each design inspired by a stunning city from within the Etihad global network and includes a new range of LANEIGE skincare products to elevate the guest experience onboard. The Destination Collection: Inspired by the World We Fly Designed to celebrate the breadth and diversity of the Etihad network, the Destination Collection draws inspiration from destinations across the airline’s global map, transforming a functional inflight essential into a collectible keepsake. Etihad’s new Business amenity kit builds on the success of the collectable Finjans offered to premium guests in First onboard Etihad flights; each Finjan is designed to represent an Etihad destination, the cups are randomly allocated to guests flying in First and the designs refreshed regularly creating a thoughtful keepsake for guests of Etihad that reflects the Emirati heritage the airline champions. Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer Etihad Airways, said, “This new amenity kit collection reflects everything Etihad stands for: thoughtful design, a strong sense of place, and an elevated guest experience. Celebrating destinations across our network and partnering with LANEIGE to enhance inflight wellbeing, we’re going beyond to create an experience that feels personal, curated, and beautifully considered for our Business guests. Each kit a collectable keepsake inspired by the places we connect and meaningful even after your journey ends.” He added, “This is an exciting move for Etihad, bringing our Business amenity kit design in‑house allows us to empower the extraordinary talent across our organisation and provide the opportunity to create with purpose. The result is a collection that is authentically Etihad, designed by our people from start to finish.” The collection features two distinct bag styles: Pouch and Slim. Each style is available in seven colourways, with every colour representing a different city within Etihad’s impressively expanding network. The bags showcase the destination name and geographic coordinates embossed on the exterior, complemented by a faceted zipper puller and a bespoke interior lining featuring faceted artwork inspired by the city it represents. Every bag includes a serial number (1–7), indicating its unique artwork within the collection. The initial rollout will feature seven incredible cities from the airline’s network, including destinations Etihad launched in 2025 such as Krabi, Addis Ababa and Atlanta, as well as Calgary which will launch in October 2026. Each year as the collection expands, additional cities and artworks will be introduced progressively. At the heart of the collection is the Abu Dhabi Edition (#1), a tribute to Etihad’s home and strong Emirati heritage. Featuring the Zayed National Museum, the design reflects the city’s spirit of ambition and progress that continues to inspire the airline’s journey. Abu Dhabi (#1), Krabi (#2), Mumbai (#3), Lisbon (#4) Addis Ababa (#5), Calgary (#6), Atlanta (#7) Each flight will be loaded with a mixed selection of colours and destinations, ensuring guests encounter a different design each time they fly, encouraging collectability and making every journey feel unique. Each kit continues to include Etihad’s signature comfort essentials, such as an eyeshade, earplugs, and dental kit, alongside an elevated skincare experience. LANEIGE Joins Etihad Onboard Etihad has partnered with LANEIGE, one of the world’s most loved K‑beauty brands, to introduce a curated selection of hydration-focused skincare for guests in Business. Etihad is the first airline to collaborate with the brand, known for delivering innovative skincare experiences, and exclusively the only airline to offer LANEIGE products onboard to its premium guests. The collaboration is a part of the airline’s efforts to create a holistic, wellness-oriented environment when travelling with Etihad, as part of the Etihad Wellbeing initiative. The initiative has driven the introduction of the airline’s Quiet Cabin, and intentional changes to it’s onboard offering, encompassing culinary, product, environment and more. Built on a philosophy driven by curiosity and science, LANEIGE brings decades of Korean skincare expertise onboard, with clinically proven formulations designed to restore moisture and comfort during travel. PilKyung Choi, Brand President of LANEIGE, commented, “We are immensely proud to partner with Etihad Airways as the first Korean beauty brand to be part of this global onboard amenity programme. This partnership represents a deeply meaningful milestone for LANEIGE, bringing our skincare expertise into the flight environment and extending the LANEIGE universe beyond the ground.” “By uniting LANEIGE’s skin barrier science with recovery focused care for travel stressed, jet lagged skin, we are creating an effortless, sensorial experience designed to support comfort and energy at altitude. It is skincare you feel, lightweight and intuitive, powered by science. Through this collaboration, we invite guests to experience the LANEIGE Wonder in the air: an effortless, sensorial journey where skin barrier science supports recovery, comfort, and energy throughout the flight.” Guests will enjoy a curated edit of LANEIGE’s iconic products: LANEIGE Water Sleeping Mask, powered by hyaluronic acid and squalane to replenish moisture and revive tired-looking skin LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask, delivering intense hydration with Berry Fruit Complex, Murumuru Seed, and Shea Butter Hand Cream, a deeply hydrating formula that restores softness and relieves dryness Together, the collection ensures guests arrive feeling refreshed, radiant, and comfortably hydrated.