AIRLINES BUSINESS CLASS
Higher costs and low base fares send Delta's profit down 29%. The airline still earned $1.31 billion
Americans are traveling in record numbers this summer, but Delta Air Lines saw second-quarter profit drop 29% due to higher costs and discounting of base-level fares across the industry.
Air India, Vistara seek DGCA approval to speed up merger process
Air India and Vistara are expediting their merger process by proposing reduced training requirements for pilots and cabin crew. The Tata-owned airlines are harmonizing manuals to streamline the integration. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation is currently reviewing the proposal. The merger aims to enhance efficiency and eliminate redundancies. Despite the swift consolidation efforts, customer-facing elements may remain unchanged until 2025.
Flying to Europe? This major airline is latest to introduce an environmental cost surcharge
Lufthansa has introduced an environmental charge on fares, aligning with EU regulations to reduce emissions. Surcharge of up to 72 euros to be applied on flights, offsetting costs of sustainable aviation fuel.
Air India passenger finds metal blade in meal, airline says this
A passenger on an Air India flight found a metal blade in his meal, attributed to a vegetable processing machine. Chief Customer Experience Officer Rajesh Dogra confirmed the incident and stated that measures are being taken to prevent recurrence. Recently, Air India has faced scrutiny for poor services, including uncooked food, dirty seats, and delays.
Uncooked food, worn out seats: Air India business-class flyer recounts 'nightmare' flight to US
A business-class passenger of Air India, owned by Tata Group, complained of 'uncooked' food, dirty seats, and broken luggage. Vineeth K described the flight as a 'nightmare' on the microblogging platform 'X' on Saturday.
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Premiumisation & long haul two best bets for IndiGo: Jinesh Joshi
What I feel is that if you look at the domestic markets, Indigo's market share is anywhere at about 60% odd and they would have had to innovate to kind of expand a bit more. So, premiumisation and long haul I think these are the two best bets for them. So, I think they are on the right path.
IndiGo, Air India upgrade playbooks to keep up with India's rising middle class
India's rising affluence is driving a significant shift in the lifestyle of the middle class, with a growing preference for premium products and experiences, both on the ground and in the sky. Airlines are capitalizing on this trend by offering luxurious amenities to cater to the surging demand, such as roomier seats, gourmet meals served on designer tableware, and lavish vanity kits.
IndiGo bets on affordable long-haul plan: CEO Pieter Elbers
IndiGo, known for its single-class model, is shifting to dual-class to cater to India's growing air travel market. With rising affluence, more Indians are exploring international travel, a trend IndiGo aims to capitalize on. Managing operations at Delhi airport's three terminals is challenging but supported by the government's vision for aviation. Hosting IATA's AGM in 2025 showcases India's aviation potential. IndiGo's strategy reflects its belief in India's growth, aiming to offer affordable fares and quality service to a broader range of travelers.
Business class flight experience getting more exciting with 45-inch TV screens
New business class seats in airplanes have been designed by manufacturers and entertainment providers in such a manner that you can receive a theatre-like experience on your premium seats 30,000ft above ground.
IndiGo looking at various options for financing wide-body planes
IndiGo is exploring financing options for wide-body planes joining in 2027. CEO Pieter Elbers emphasized the importance of a strong balance sheet. The airline has a fleet of 360+ planes and 2 leased Boeing 777s from Turkish Airlines.
IndiGo to add 10 new destinations in FY25
India’s largest airline, IndiGo, plans to start 10 new destinations in FY25, including Mauritius and another destination in Thailand. The airline focuses on fast international expansion and is entering the long haul market with business class in their aircraft.
This is the world's best airline for 2024
Airlines were judged keeping in mind 12 parameters, including fleet age, passenger reviews, profitability, safety rating, product rating, innovation and forward fleet orders.
IndiGo draws upgrades with focus on yields even as it adds capacity
During FY22 and FY24, IndiGo has been following a clear strategy of expanding capacity at a brisk pace and boosting yield - revenue per km per paid passenger. During this period, the airline has been adding capacity in the range of 22-63% on a year-on-year basis. In the same period, yield jumped 19% to ₹5.08 per kilometre in FY24.
This airline aims to elevate dog travel with first-class flights
An airline based in East Farmingdale, New York, is revolutionizing pet travel by offering first-class flights exclusively for dogs. BARK Air, founded by CEO Matt Meeker, aims to provide a stress-free and luxurious experience for canine passengers, including a waiting lounge with treats, onboard spa services, and a special menu.
IndiGo announces foray into business class after record profit
IndiGo said that business class will be available on the busiest routes of the country which sees heavy corporate traffic and will be operational before the end of this year. Coming August, around IndiGo’s anniversary, more details on product offering, launch date and routes will be unveiled.
Business class coming soon: IndiGo to launch 'tailor-made' product for busiest routes
IndiGo, operated by Interglobe Aviation, announced plans to launch a new customized business product for India's busiest routes by the end of the year. CEO Pieter Elbers highlighted the company's commitment to innovation, aiming to provide more travel options as India's economy grows. The airline saw a 13% increase in domestic passengers, while competitors experienced a 6% decline.
Frequent flyers of Vistara to get better airport lounge access, increased rewards and more after merger with Air India's programme
Better airport lounge access: All Vistara travellers who have atleast gold tier in Club Vistara program stands to gain due to the merger between Vistara and Air India's Flying Return program. Some of the benefits include better airport lounge access, more routes to redeem rewards and others. However there is also a con in regard to burning of reward points.
Top travel credit cards with most value-back: Airport lounge access, discounts on airfare, business class vouchers, rewards
Top travel credit cards: Here are some of the top banks' travel credit cards providing significant value-back on travel spends. Some of these cards are co-branded with popular travel portals or airlines while others offer general travel benefits.
Aerospace manufacturers seek business class upgrade on local plane orders
Indian aerospace manufacturers are relying on a surge in orders from domestic airlines to enhance their business prospects with international giants like Airbus and Boeing. Additionally, they are seeking government assistance through policy initiatives. The sector received a significant boost when Air India placed orders for planes, and Airbus expressed interest in expanding the global presence of suppliers to diversify its sales currency.
Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines emerge winners in top US airline survey. Check full list
J.D. Power's North American airlines customer satisfaction survey for 2024 results are out and Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines have hogged the headline.
Rising tide set to raise all flights
The country's leading airlines are drawing up the blueprint on how to claw back market share lost to carriers in the Gulf that currently cater to the bulk of air traffic to India. Aviation hubs have sprung up all over West Asia, based on its location in Asia, Africa and Europe as well as plentiful cheap oil.
Air India set to deploy A350 aircraft on Delhi-Dubai route from May 1
Air India has announced the deployment of its recently onboarded A350 aircraft on the Delhi-Dubai route from May 1, 2024. Operating as AI995/996, the aircraft will depart daily from Delhi and arrive at Dubai International Airport at 22.45. The modern A350 features 28 private suites in Business Class, a dedicated Premium Economy section, and 264 seats in Economy Class.
Paid for business class air ticket but shifted to economy class; should the airline refund the difference and pay compensation?
Air India flight from Delhi to Washington DC: A women's mother was allegedly shifted to economy class despite having a business class ticket. Further she alleged that Air India's ground staff told her mother that if she did not take the economy seat, her luggage would be taken off the plane. Read here to know what to do if this happens with you.
Air India Express launches new fare family; Here's what these new tickets include
Air India Express introduces its new fare family, offering enhanced features such as increased baggage allowances, comfortable seating, and priority services. The new fare family includes Xpress Lite, Xpress Value, Xpress Flex, and Xpress Biz, catering to different passenger needs. Passengers booking Xpress Biz fares can enjoy business class seating, complimentary meals, and priority services. The airline aims to provide a superior travel experience and is rapidly expanding its fleet to accommodate the new fare family.
Indian airlines shouldn't gamble with stricter safety if they want more business
Indian airlines need to embrace new rules mandating longer breaks and shorter work hours for pilots. Delaying implementation could have consequences, as seen in past accidents. Ensuring passenger safety and comfort is crucial for the growth of the aviation industry.
MakeMyTrip launches Business Class Funnel to enhance business class booking experience
MakeMyTrip has launched its new Business Class Funnel for international flights to improve travel experiences for business and first-class travelers. The platform provides a centralized platform for travelers to access detailed information, including seat recline, position, in-flight entertainment, and meals.
Luxury at 30,000 ft: Flight plan takes a premium turn as airlines pamper the high-flying customer
After two sluggish years due to the pandemic, airlines have not only seen a rousing revival in corporate travel, boosting occupancy in the business class, but also a new class of leisure travellers willing to spend more for extra legroom and other perks. Travel portals are also responding to this change, with the likes of MakeMyTrip setting up a separate funnel on its website for business class tickets where customers can preview visuals of cabin comfort, meals, lounge access and other amenities.
Air India begins commercial operations of wide-body A350 aircraft
The aircraft will initially fly on domestic routes -- Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai -- for crew familiarisation and regulatory compliance. It will later be deployed for long-haul flights to destinations across continents, strengthening Air India's growing wide-body fleet, comprising its own and recently leased aircraft, the airline said.
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