News

Vistara becomes 1st Indian airline to offer free Wi-Fi on international flights

The Tata-Singapore Airlines joint venture airline said the complimentary, 20-minute Wi-Fi access will allow passengers in all cabins to stay connected and is ideal for those who wish to purchase extended Wi-Fi plans using Indian credit/debit cards. In some good news for flyers, Vistara on Saturday said it will offer 20 minutes of free Wi-Fi on international flights, making it the first Indian airline to provide this benefit. The Tata-Singapore Airlines joint venture airline said the complimentary, 20-minute Wi-Fi access will allow passengers in all cabins to stay connected and is ideal for those who wish to purchase extended Wi-Fi plans using Indian credit/debit cards. The service, available on Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and Airbus A321neo aircraft, enables customers to receive one-time passwords via email, facilitating the purchase of extended in-flight Wi-Fi during the active session, according to Vistara. "We are confident that customers will appreciate this value addition, which aims to make their Vistara journey more convenient, productive, and seamless," said Deepak Rajawat, Vistara's Chief Commercial Officer. Additionally, 50 MB of complimentary Wi-Fi is provided for Business Class and Platinum Club Vistara members. According to the airline, non-members will be charged Rs 372.74 plus GST for unlimited data access on messaging apps such as WhatsApp. For internet surfing on these flights, the airline has priced the service at Rs 1,577.54 plus GST, which includes audio and video streaming on social media and the web. Unlimited data, allowing all streaming protocols, is available for Rs 2,707.04 plus GST, said Vistara. The airline said its in-flight entertainment systems offer nearly 700 hours of content, including movies, TV shows, and audio titles.

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Rome’s Appian Way or Queen of Roads gets UNESCO World Heritage status

The Appian Way, also famous as the Regina Viarum or Queen of Roads, has been officially added to UNESCO’s World Heritage list. This historic route is known as Rome's first highway and is now celebrated for its immense cultural and historical significance. It was constructed in 312 BC under the direction of Appius Claudius Caecus, a Roman censor. The Appian Way initially served as a crucial military road connecting Rome to Brindisi in southeastern Italy. Over time, it evolved into a major artery for commerce, culture, and communication across the Roman Empire. The addition of the Appian Way to UNESCO's list marks Italy’s 60th site recognized by the UN’s cultural agency. This prestigious designation acknowledges the road's profound impact on the development of infrastructure and its role in fostering cultural and social exchanges throughout the Mediterranean and beyond. Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano praised the decision, highlighting the road's exceptional engineering and its importance in historical trade and cultural interactions. The recognition underscores the enduring legacy of the Appian Way, reflecting its universal value as a monumental feat of Roman engineering and a vital conduit for historical connections. The announcement, made on the social media platform X, celebrates the Appian Way not only as a remarkable piece of history but also as a cherished modern tourist attraction. Its designation as a World Heritage site ensures that its historical and cultural significance will continue to be preserved and appreciated for future generations. More about the Appian Way: Stretching over 350 miles, the Appian Way was renowned for its durability and strategic importance. Its well-engineered paving stones and strategic construction showcased Roman ingenuity in infrastructure, laying the groundwork for future road-building techniques. Over the centuries, it became a crucial artery for economic and cultural exchange, linking Rome with the broader Mediterranean world. This vital road facilitated the movement of troops, goods, and people across the Roman Empire, significantly enhancing trade and communication. Today, the Appian Way stands as a living example of Rome's engineering prowess and historical impact. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it continues to attract visitors who marvel at its historical significance and well-preserved remnants, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of ancient Rome.

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Warner Bros. World Yas Island unveils branded aircraft with Etihad Airways

Warner Bros. World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the region’s largest indoor theme park, has entered into partnership with Etihad Airways, marking a monumental milestone in the theme park’s history. This collaboration will bring the excitement of Warner Bros. World to the skies with the launch of the world’s first Warner Bros. World branded aircraft, taking guests’ pre-theme park experience to new heights. The first-ever Warner Bros. World branded aircraft was unveiled to the public yesterday at a spectacular launch event held at Warner Bros. World. The partnership between Warner Bros. World and Etihad Airways represents the largest collaboration for the theme park to date. As part of this captivating initiative, an Etihad Airways aircraft – Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner – has been creatively decorated with iconic Warner Bros. characters. On one side, guests will be greeted by the mischievous antics of iconic Classic Animation characters like the Looney Tunes and Tom and Jerry, while the other side showcases the heroic feats of beloved DC Super Heroes. All young guests aged up to 10 years old, flying on Etihad Airways longer flights will receive brand new Warner Bros. World Kids Packs that are being rolled out across the network this summer. Bursting with creativity, these packs are designed to entertain young travellers with activities that inspire them to draw their favourite superheroes and engage in a variety of fun tasks throughout the flight, ensuring every moment is packed with adventure. Infants will receive a DC Super Hero themed soft blanket, while juniors will receive goodies such as a branded backpack, Super Hero cape, water bottle and activity kit. Adding to this, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi will also debut its exclusively branded, dedicated children’s lounge within the Etihad Airways Lounge at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi. This whimsical lounge will transport travellers into the incredible universe of Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, offering a one-of-a-kind experience that brings the wit of the park to the airport, making every journey as delightful as a visit to the theme park itself. Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO, Miral, said, “We are absolutely delighted to partner with Etihad Airways to bring the first-ever Warner Bros. World branded aircraft to fans. This collaboration not only expands the customer experience, but also extends the thrill of Warner Bros. World™ beyond our park’s walls, creating a super vacation with long lasting unforgettable memories for passengers of all ages.” Adding to this, Antonoaldo Neves, CEO, Etihad Airways, said, “Building on the strong reputation we have built as a family-friendly airline, we’re thrilled to take our partnership with Warner Bros. World to the next level. Our Looney Tunes and DC Super Hero themed aircraft will take our brands to destinations worldwide promoting one of Abu Dhabi’s many attractions. We look forward to welcoming more and more visitors inspired to visit our home, Abu Dhabi, and in particular delighting our Little VIP guests while they journey with us.”

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Japan implments e-Visa for tourists from 11 countries

As per its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan has implemented electronic tourism visa system for eligible nationalities for a period of 90 days. This single-entry visa is applicable for nationals from Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States, VisaGuide.World reports. Under the new policy, applicants can apply for a visa online and obtain it through the Japan e-Visa system. However, as the Japanese authorities further noted, e-Visas are only available to individuals who travel by plane and have an ordinary passport. During the application process, the applicant may be requested to appear in person at the Japanese overseas establishment with jurisdiction over the place of the applicant’s residence for an interview. However, for Chinese nationals living in China, such visas will be issued for stays up to 15 or 30 days, while for Vietnamese nationals living in Vietnam, e-visas will be granted for stays up to 15 days. Meanwhile, travellers holding an electronic visa must present a “visa issuance notice” at the airport in the Internet environment.

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Turkish Airlines secures Yuan-Denominated aircraft loan

Turkish Airlines has expanded its financing portfolio by incorporating a new currency, aligning with its natural currency hedging policy. This move is facilitated by the airline’s diversified revenue structure. The flag carrier has financed three Airbus A350 aircraft, added to its fleet between May and July 2024, in Chinese Yuan through AVIC International Leasing and CCB Financial Leasing. Turkish Airlines is enhancing its presence in the Chinese market by increasing flight frequencies and forming collaborations with key partners in the region. By engaging with leading aircraft financiers in China, the global airline is enriching its financing portfolio in both currency and geography. Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and Executive Committee, Prof. Ahmet Bolat, remarked on the achievement, “We have added another milestone to our aircraft financing successes by becoming the first airline to secure aircraft financing in Chinese Yuan outside of China. Introducing a fifth currency to our aircraft financing options supports our currency hedging strategies and helps minimise our financing costs. The interest and support from our Chinese business partners, in a transaction unprecedented outside China, highlight the mutual trust and collaboration between our countries. We aim to continue pioneering innovative financing structures in the future.” With an experienced aircraft financing team, Turkish Airlines has achieved one of the lowest financing costs in multiple currencies within the airline industry. The airline has been recognised annually with various financing awards from prestigious organisations such as Global Transport Finance, Airline Economics, Airfinance Journal, and Bonds, Loans & Sukuk. Over the past decade, Turkish Airlines has received over 30 international aircraft finance awards for its innovative and successful financing models, totalling approximately 16 billion USD.

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Vietnam Proposes Visa Waivers to Boost Tourism Industry

In an effort to boost tourism, Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has proposed visa waivers for several nations. The Prime Minister has directed the Ministries of Public Security and Foreign Affairs to investigate this initiative, aiming to enhance Vietnam’s appeal as a travel destination amid stiff competition in Southeast Asia. During a recent meeting with Vietnamese representatives abroad, Prime Minister Chinh stressed the need to simplify visa procedures and encouraged collaboration between the ministries to facilitate easier travel to Vietnam. Currently, Vietnam offers visa exemptions to travellers from 25 countries, which is relatively low compared to its regional counterparts. For example, Malaysia and Singapore provide visa-free access to citizens from 162 countries, the Philippines to 157, and Thailand to 93. Vietnam’s move comes as neighboring countries like Thailand are expanding their visa-free policies, and Indonesia plans to introduce new visa-free destinations by October. Vietnam grants a three-month tourist visa to citizens of all countries and has recently extended visa-free stays to 45 days for citizens of 13 countries, including major tourist sources such as Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the UK, Russia, Japan, South Korea, and several Nordic nations. Despite a 4% decline in international visitors in the first half of 2024 compared to pre-pandemic levels, Vietnam aims to attract 18 million international tourists by year-end. Although specific countries for potential visa waivers have not yet been revealed, Vietnam’s proactive approach highlights its commitment to revitalising its tourism sector and drawing more foreign visitors.

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