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Direct flight services from Kerala to Vietnam launched from Cochin Int'l airport

Direct flight services from Kerala to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam were launched from the Cochin International Airport on Saturday. The Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL), in a statement issued on Sunday, said the new flight service by Vietnamese airline Vietjet was a significant milestone for it. The new flight service has resulted in adding 45 flights connecting Kochi to Southeast Asian destinations, CIAL said.The direct flight service, designated as VJ1811, will operate four days a week - on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. The launch ceremony was inaugurated by Jay L Lingeswara, Vice President (Commercial) of Vietjet, who expressed overwhelming gratitude for the positive response from passengers of both nations, the CIAL statement said. "The inaugural flights on this momentous day operated at full capacity. It signifies the growing demand for direct connectivity between Kochi and Vietnam. "I am also optimistic about expanding this connectivity by introducing additional flights from other Vietnam cities to the Kochi route, thereby fostering stronger ties and facilitating seamless travel," said Lingeswara is quoted as having said in the statement. The new flight service was announced on July 11, a few days after Vietnamese Ambassador, Nguyen Thanh Hai, met Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on July 5 and promised to start a direct flight service between Ho Chi Minh City and Kochi. After the meeting, Vijayan had said in a tweet that the direct flight service would enhance ties between Kerala and Vietnam and also boost the state's tourism and development. The direct flight service, designated as VJ1811, will operate four days a week - on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, it said. Departing from Ho Chi Minh City at 19:20 hours, the flight is scheduled to arrive at Cochin International Airport at 22:50 hours and the return flight, VJ1812, will depart from Kochi at 23:50 hours, reaching Ho Chi Minh City at 06:40 hours, it added. "This service marks a historic milestone for CIAL as it establishes the first direct air link between Kerala and Vietnam, creating a significant avenue for both business and leisure travel. "Furthermore, this new addition complements CIAL's existing flight services to various Southeast Asian destinations, enhancing the airport's connectivity and reinforcing its status as a vital hub for international travel," the statement said. It further said that the partnership between CIAL and Vietjet "proves an ever-evolving landscape of aviation and a celebration of shared goals in providing seamless, convenient, and reliable air travel experiences".

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IRCTC, DMRC team up to introduce ‘One India-One Ticket’ initiative

Good news for passengers travelling by train or air! Travellers will soon be able to “reserve tickets” in advance in Delhi metro for their forward journey, all thanks to the latest initiative by IRCTC and DMRC called ‘One India-One Ticket’. The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) and the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) recently established a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to implement QR code-based ticketing for the Delhi metro services via the IRCTC portal, as part of ‘One India-One Ticket Initiative’. Enhancing transportation “In a significant leap towards enhancing the convenience and ease of travel for passengers, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) and the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) have forged a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU),” the DMRC said in a statement. The statement also called this collaboration between IRCTC and DMRC “ground-breaking” as it will transform travelling in the national capital. However, the timeline for the rollout of the project has not been announced yet, a senior official of the DMRC said, adding that the development seeks to provide seamless and hassle-free travel for commuters across different modes of transport. What is the ‘One India-One Ticket’ initiative? In the ‘One India-One Ticket’ initiative, travellers who use the IRCTC platform to book online tickets for railways, air travel, or buses will now also be able to conveniently reserve Delhi metro QR code-based tickets. This integration allows passengers to plan their entire journey seamlessly in a single booking. The Delhi Metro QR code-based ticket will be generated and displayed on the Electronic Reservation Slip (ERS) of IRCTC. This service comes with a minimal platform fee of only Rs 5. The main goal of this integration is to enhance the overall travel experience by simplifying the process, reducing the need for passengers to wait in long queues, and ultimately saving them valuable time. ‘Unwavering commitment to simplify ticket process’ Seema Kumar, Chairman and Managing Director of IRCTC, said the ‘One India-One Ticket Initiative’ is a manifestation of our unwavering commitment to simplifying the ticketing process and enhancing the overall travel experience for passengers in the Delhi region, the statement said. “Through the execution of this MoU with DMRC, we are diligently working towards bridging various modes of transportation, ultimately delivering unparalleled benefits to passengers,” Seema Kumar was quoted as saying in a statement. Vikas Kumar, Managing Director, DMRC, said, “Our collaboration with IRCTC marks an exciting milestone for us, aligning perfectly with our mission to offer integrated and seamless transport solutions to our valued DMRC commuters.” “This initiative will not only contribute to a hassle-free experience for passengers but also significantly alleviate congestion at DMRC stations by reducing the reliance on physical ticketing,” he added. This collaborative effort stands as a testament to the dedication of both organizations to serve the needs of passengers in an increasingly interconnected world, they said.

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India’s Domestic Air Traffic Increased By 25% In July

The start of the second half of 2023 for India’s domestic air travel has been positive. The country’s aviation watchdog, the DGCA, has released its data for the month of July, and the numbers are encouraging, suggesting that the appetite for air travel in the country is on a steady rise even in months that are traditionally considered weak. 25% monthly increase According to the DGCA, the monthly growth in air passenger numbers in July was 24.68%. So far this year, more than 88 million people have flown domestically compared to 67 million last year, registering an annual growth of 31.72 %. In terms of market share, much of that traffic volume came from India’s largest carrier IndiGo which now has a market share of 63.4%. Air India was a distant second in July with a share of 9.9%, while Vistara managed to get the third spot with 8.4%. Next was AirAsia India, with a market share of 7.5%, and with that, the total share of the Tata Group airlines was 25.8%. When IndiGo is added to it, these two blocks of airlines command a total of almost 90% of the Indian market. Next on the list was Akasa Air, with a share of 5.2%. This was the second consecutive month in which Akasa beat SpiceJet, which had a share of 4.2%. Hopefully, as it adds more planes to its fleet in September, it can recapture some of the market. IndiGo was the most punctual IndiGo also managed to have the most timely departures in July with an on-time performance (OTP) of 86.8. The airline now has more than 320 planes in its fleet, miles ahead of its competitors. With a huge presence across the country, quite a few of which are exclusive routes, the airline still managed to beat all other airlines in punctuality, highlighting its operational efficiency. Next on the list was Vistara with an OTP of 83.6, followed by AirAsia India with 83.2. Akasa Air, Air India, and SpiceJet were at the bottom this time with OTPs of 80.6, 70.2, and 65.4, respectively. While SpiceJet may not perform very well on most parameters, it continues to have the highest passenger load factor, and July was no exception. The carrier registered a load factor of 88.9 in July, with Akasa Air not too far behind at 86.6. Growth likely to continue The first half of the year went mostly well for all airlines, with many declaring encouraging financial results. IndiGo reported its highest quarterly profit of $373 million, and even SpiceJet had a profitable Q1 of almost $25 million in net profit. The Tata Group airlines posted a consolidated net loss for the previous year, but much of it was impairment charges for Air India’s old aircraft that amounted to ₹51 billion ($615 million). India’s second quarter of July-September is traditionally a lean period for the aviation sector, so July’s numbers suggest an encouraging trend. The second half of the year, with its prominent festivals and the holiday season, will likely keep the momentum going for the Indian carriers, with hopefully more quarterly profits in store.

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Centre refuses to interfere in exorbitant airfares for travel to Kerala

The Centre has refused to intervene in the issue of exorbitant airfares for travel to Kerala during the upcoming Onam season saying that dynamic pricing is in place and travellers have to book in advance. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's Office said in a release on Saturday that the union government has refused to intervene in the issue. Vijayan had on July 5 sought the intervention of Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia in the matter, saying the exorbitant prices would impact numerous Keralites residing both in India and West Asia who are eagerly planning to return home for Onam festivities. In a letter to the CM, Scindia informed him that the aviation companies have the authority to decide the airfares, the release said. "There is only an increase of 9.77 per cent during the festival season. Since only the dynamic pricing system is in place, the only option is to book tickets in advance," the release said, quoting the letter from the Union Minister. Steep airfares to the southern state for travel between August 15 and September 15 has compelled a large number of expat Keralites to either cancel or postpone their travel plans, Vijayan had pointed out.

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Air India Rebranding: Tata Group Airline Unveils New Livery And Logo: All You Need To Know

Air India, the country's oldest airline founded in 1932 by JRD Tata has revealed its new brand identity today, following its transformation journey under the Tata Group. The airline has revealed a new livery colour, logo and a new brand identity ahead of the Air India-Vistara merger. The Air India's transformation follows Tata Sons' acquisition of the airline from the government in January 2022. Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran, who unveiled the new livery and logo at an event in New Delhi on August 10, 2023 said that Tata Group aims to take Air India to newer heights. Campbell Wilson, Air India CEO and MD, said: “Our transformative new brand reflects an ambition to make Air India a world-class airline serving guests from around the globe, and that represents a new India proudly on the global stage. The new Air India is bold, confident, and vibrant, but also warm and deeply rooted to its rich history and traditions that make Indian hospitality a global benchmark for standards in service.” Air India: New Livery Air India has revealed the new colour scheme for its aircraft as part of its transformation journey. Currently, the Air India livery is made up of red and white colours but the new livery now uses a touch of purple, red, and gold shade as well, borrowed fromVistara Airline. The new look reimagines the iconic Indian window shape, historically used by Air India, into a gold window frame that becomes central to the new brand design system - symbolising a ‘Window of Possibilities’. Air India’s brand-new aircraft livery and design features a palette of deep red, aubergine, and gold highlights, as well as a chakra-inspired pattern. It also boasts a striking new custom-made , marrying confidence with warmth to position Air India as premium, inclusive, and accessible. Air India: New Logo The airline's new logo, replaces the current logo, which features a gold arc taking inspiration from Air India's 'Jharoka' style windows. The logo has undergone a transformation, reflecting the evolving identity of the airline under its new ownership. The old 'Chakra' inspired all-red logo will be removed from newer aircraft starting December 2023. Air India’s new logo symbol - ‘The Vista’ - is inspired by the peak of the gold window frame. Air India: Maharaja Mascot There were a lot of rumours on the future of the iconic Maharaja Mascot of the airline, which was launched with the inception of the brand in 1946. Reports speculated that Air India will replace the old mascot, while some said a Maharani mascot will be added to the mix. However, putting all the rumours to the rest, CEO Campbell Wilson said that the Maharaja will continue to exist. Air India-Vistara Merger Air India and Vistara, both being subsidiaries of Tata Sons, would be merged to create a more unified entity. This merger is projected to be completed by March 2024, with Singapore Airlines holding a 25 percent stake in the amalgamated entity. Currently, Singapore Airlines holds a 49 percent stake in Vistara with Tata Group having 51 percent stake. Furthermore, plans include the merger of Air India Express and Air Asia India, forming a single low-cost carrier airline. Air India: 470 Aircraft Order Earlier this year, Air India placed a massive order of 470 aircraft with plane makers Airbus and Boeing in a deal valued at $68 billion. The deal is part of an 840 aircraft order in total, where 470 firm and 370 option aircraft will be procured from Airbus and Boeing over the next decade. The order comprises 40 Airbus A350s, 20 Boeing 787s, and 10 Boeing 777-9s widebody aircraft, as well as 210 Airbus A320/321 Neos and 190 Boeing 737 MAX single-aisle aircraft.

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Norwegian Cruise Line’s Newest Ship Viva Debuts In Europe

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) welcomed the very first guests to sail aboard the all-new Norwegian Viva, the Company’s highly anticipated new ship and second of the Prima Class, as it embarked on its maiden voyage from Venice (Trieste), Italy. Making a grand debut in Europe, Norwegian Viva departed for its first spectacular nine-day journey through the Mediterranean, taking guests from Venice (Trieste), Italy to Lisbon, Portugal with stops in some of Europe’s most incredible seaside destinations including Salerno, off Italy’s picturesque Amalfi Coast; Cannes along France’s stunning Cote d’Azur; and Ibiza, Spain in the Balearic Islands, among other superb destinations. Norwegian Viva will sail a selection of bucket-list worthy Greek Isles and Mediterranean voyages through November, before homeporting in San Juan, Puerto Rico in December for a season in the Caribbean. “This summer our guests will have the opportunity to explore Europe aboard our newest magnificent vessel, Norwegian Viva, while enjoying its well-appointed spacious design, elevated experiences, expansive culinary offerings and signature Norwegian Cruise Line hospitality provided by the best crew in the industry,” said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “Norwegian Viva’s tagline is ‘Live it Up,’ and I have no doubt our guests will be doing just that while they cruise to some of the liveliest cities in Europe and the Caribbean during the ship’s inaugural season.” Mirroring the design of the award-winning sister ship Norwegian Prima, Norwegian Viva features stand-out on-board experiences including the Viva Speedway—the three-level racetrack; Indulge Food Hall, an upscale food market exhibiting 11 unique eateries; the fastest slides at sea, The Drop and Rush; and NCL’s industry-exclusive sustainable cocktail bar, the Metropolitan Bar. Following the ship’s maiden voyage, Norwegian Viva will sail a series of Mediterranean and Greek Isles itineraries, before its official Christening ceremony in Miami on Nov. 28, 2023. Luis Fonsi, Latin GRAMMY® award-winning artist and godfather to Norwegian Viva, will attend the celebration to officially name the ship and will be joined by The Queen of Latin Pop, Paulina Rubio; “Saturday Night Live” cast member and Miami-native Marcello Hernandez; and singer Pedro Capó. The ship will homeport in San Juan, Puerto Rico for a season of Caribbean voyages from December 2023 through March 2024 with calls to Tortola, British Virgin Islands; St. John’s, Antigua; Bridgetown, Barbados; Castries, St. Lucia; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. In May 2024, Norwegian Viva will return to Europe, where its Mediterranean itineraries offer an unmatched opportunity to experience the beauty and culture of Europe. With an average of 10.5 hours in port, travelers will have more time to explore with fewer days at sea. Guests can unpack once, all while enjoying the ease and comfort of their world-class travel accommodations and the ability to wake up in a new destination as the ship transports them from one spectacular European city to another.

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