News

Air India Express Supercharges Regional Connections with New Nonstop Pune-Mangalore Flights

Air India Express will launch direct flights between Pune and Mangalore on January 4, enhancing regional connectivity with convenient Saturday schedules. Air India Express will launch direct flights between Pune and Mangalore starting January 4, enhancing regional connectivity. The airline revealed that the flights will run twice every Saturday, with morning and evening departures from both cities. Pune-Mangalore flight schedule Flights departing from Pune are set for 9:55 am and 8:35 pm, arriving in Mangalore at 11:40 am and 10:05 pm, respectively. The return flights from Mangalore will depart at 8:00 am and 6:30 pm, landing in Pune at 9:25 am and 8:00 pm. This new route follows the addition of direct Pune-Bangkok flights, which began on December 21, 2024. These flights operate three times a week—on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Departing Pune at 8:40 am, they reach Bangkok at 2:30 pm, while return flights leave Bangkok at 3:35 pm, arriving in Pune at 6:25 pm.

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Etihad Airways Debuts Luxurious New U.S. Preclearance Lounge at Zayed International Airport

Etihad Airways has unveiled its new U.S. Preclearance Lounge at Zayed International Airport, setting a new standard for convenience and luxury for travelers flying to the United States. Officially launched on December 30, the lounge caters to eligible passengers, enhancing their travel experience with unparalleled comfort and efficiency. The exclusive lounge is open to guests traveling in The Residence, First, or Business Class, as well as Platinum and Emerald members of the Etihad Guest loyalty program. For those who do not meet these eligibility criteria, access is available for purchase, subject to availability. Located steps away from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance facility, the new lounge provides eligible guests with a serene space to unwind after completing their U.S. entry formalities and before boarding their flight. The thoughtfully designed facility features a refined selection of beverages and light dining options, complementing Etihad’s premium travel experience. Select flights offer the convenience of direct boarding from the lounge, enhancing the seamless journey. “This new lounge marks another milestone in our commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for our guests,” said John Wright, Chief Operations & Guest Officer at Etihad Airways.

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Tourism Malaysia Celebrates Launch Of New Airbus A320 Service

The newly launched service operates twice a week, specifically on Mondays and Fridays, utilizing a 168-seat Airbus A320 aircraft. Passengers and crew were greeted with enthusiasm by Yeoh Soon Hin, Deputy Chair of Tourism Malaysia, alongside Director-General Manoharan Periasamy and Ding Qiao, China’s Vice-Consul-General in Penang. The welcoming ceremony was also attended by representatives from Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad, Loong Air, Ground Team Red Sdn Bhd (GTR), Penang’s state government, and members of the press. The launch of the Xi’an-Penang route aligns seamlessly with the objectives of Visit Malaysia Year 2026, highlighting Malaysia’s focus on enhancing ties with China. Chinese tourist arrivals in Malaysia have seen a remarkable surge, surpassing 3 million visitors in the past year—a staggering 132.7% increase compared to 2023. Tourism Malaysia credits this impressive growth to initiatives like visa-free travel for Chinese nationals, extended until 31st December 2026, alongside enhanced air connectivity between the two countries.

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Australia’s Tourism Reaches New Heights, Driven by Evolving Travel Trends

Australia’s tourism industry is undergoing an extraordinary revival, with both domestic and international travel surging past pre-pandemic levels, according to a recent Canvas8 report. Titled How Shifting Trends Are Fueling the Tourism Surge in Australia, the study, authored by Gwyneth King, features insights from Sofia Geraghty, deputy editor at Travel Weekly Australia, and Gina Gaw, an experienced inbound travel agency manager with over two decades in the industry. The report underscores Australia’s status as a top global destination, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and thrilling adventures. This resurgence is fueled by evolving travel preferences, particularly among younger travelers and visitors from the Asia-Pacific region. Key factors behind this tourism boom include a growing appetite for authentic, once-in-a-lifetime experiences and the increasing popularity of bleisure travel, which blends business with leisure. Expert insights within the report reveal strategies for brands to align with these changing trends, offering valuable perspectives on how Australia’s tourism sector is poised to thrive in the years ahead. A notable shift in Australia’s travel trends sees younger Australians prioritizing experiential adventures over conventional financial goals like purchasing property. Recent studies reveal that 71% of Australians under 30 are choosing to allocate their funds to travel rather than real estate. Nature-focused escapades and coastal retreats top the list, with 64% of young travelers seeking outdoor adventures and 59% opting for seaside destinations.

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Air India becomes first Indian airline to launch Wi-Fi services

Air India has introduced in-flight Wi-Fi services, becoming the first airline in India to offer internet connectivity on domestic flights. The service is available on domestic and international flights operated by Airbus A350, Boeing 787-9, and select Airbus A321neo aircraft, allowing passengers to stay connected during their journey. Starting January 1, 2025, travellers on these Wi-Fi-enabled flights can browse, use social media, work, or connect with family and friends. "Connectivity is now an integral part of modern travel," said Rajesh Dogra, Chief Customer Experience Officer at Air India. "We are confident our guests will appreciate having the option of connecting to the web and enjoying the new Air India experience." Passengers can connect multiple devices simultaneously once the aircraft reaches 10,000 feet. While the service is complimentary during the introductory period, it is expected to expand across more aircraft in Air India’s fleet. This move follows a successful pilot program on international routes to destinations such as New York, London, and Singapore. In addition to this milestone, Air India recently confirmed an order for 100 new Airbus aircraft, bringing its total orders for Airbus jets in 2023 to 350. This includes 40 A350s and 210 A320 Family aircraft. The airline has also partnered with Airbus' Flight Hour Services-component to maintain its expanding A350 fleet.

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Air Kerala to become India's newest airline

Air Kerala, India's newest and upcoming airline based in Kerala, has revealed plans to commence its operations by June 2025, and is geared to hire captains primarily from India. Speaking to Livemint, Harish Kutty, the CEO of Air Kerala said there were a lot of pilots in India who would like to join the new aircraft operator. “The first priority goes to the pilots from India," said the CEO. “But there's nothing like that we wouldn't go for foreign pilots,” Harish Kutty added. Air Kerala's first flight will take off from Kannur International Airport(KIAL). The Kerala-based aviation firm's recruitment plans come after it received the no-objection certificate from the civil aviation ministry in July this year. “Endeavour is to get pilots from India," Captain CS Randhawa, the vice president of operations of Air Kerala also told Livemint.

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