Aviation

SF Eats in Harvey Milk Terminal 1 takes top prize in global awards The San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has earned global recognition as the SF Eats Food Hall in Harvey Milk Terminal 1 was named “Airport Food Hall of the Year” at the 2026 Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) + Hospitality Conference and Awards. Opened in July 2025, the SF Eats Food Hall features a curated collection of locally owned San Francisco Bay Area favorites, including Equator Coffees, Kitava Kitchen, Kona’s, Napa Farms Market and Tony’s Pizza Napoletana. “We are absolutely thrilled to be named Airport Food Hall of the Year,” said Airport Director Mike Nakornkhet. “Our goal is to create an extraordinary airport experience, and that often begins with showcasing the best of the San Francisco Bay Area. Our food and beverage program is an essential part of that commitment. My thanks go out to our dedicated concessions team and partners, whose efforts continue to elevate the passenger experience every day.” Operated by London-based multimedia publisher The Moodie Davitt Report, the Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) + Hospitality Conference and Awards has played a critical role in the sector’s qualitative revolution over the past decade. It is the only global airport F&B event, one that champions and rewards excellence while also helping to chart a progressive path for the industry. Airport FAB + Hospitality Conference & Awards encompass all aspects of airport food & beverage, lounges, and other related hospitality services. It is also on this premise that the highly coveted FAB Awards are extended to include hospitality elements.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.