Recent News

Delhi,16th September 2024: Indian LCC IndiGo has reached an agreement with travel technology company Amadeus to provide travel sellers in India and around the world with access to the airline’s NDC content via the Amadeus Travel Platform. NDC technology, with its standardized messaging, is a game changer in the distribution landscape. It opens up new opportunities for airlines to distribute their content to travel sellers even more efficiently and elevate their retailing to the next level. For corporate clients and travel agencies, NDC simplifies the booking process by providing direct access to IndiGo’s full range of products. This not only streamlines operations but also delivers the ability to offer exclusive deals and promotions tailored to individual traveler profiles. With the Amadeus NDC capabilities and the seamless integration with the airline’s IT systems powered by Navitaire, IndiGo is able to build dynamically price-tailored offers and expose them to customers – boosting ancillary sales and optimizing the customer experience, regardless of which sales channel they choose quickly and efficiently. Indigo is already live with NDC booking and servicing capabilities in UAE and Singapore with other markets to follow. By providing greater access and reach of its products and services, IndiGo will be putting more control in the hands of its customers allowing them to make informed choices and enjoy a more seamless travel experience from booking to boarding. Mr. Pieter Elbers, Chief Executive Officer, IndiGo, said, “IndiGo celebrated its 18th anniversary this year and introduced exciting new products, including IndiGoStretch, and IndiGo BluChip. This is a part of our strategy ‘Towards New Heights and across New Frontiers’ to address the evolving needs of the travelers. This agreement with Amadeus will enable us to take our Distribution Strategy to the next level and provide travelers, with our exciting new products, on an even greater scale, in India and around the world. Amadeus has built a deep integration into the ecosystem of travel sellers around the world, and this will enable IndiGo to leverage IATA’s NDC and ONE Order visions while ensuring an exceptional travel experience for our customers. Over the course of 18 years, IndiGo has revolutionized and democratized air travel in India and this agreement marks yet another important milestone in our journey to redefine air travel.” Decius Valmorbida, President, Travel, Amadeus, said, “We look forward to working with IndiGo to simplify its distribution strategy and take advantage of new technology standards. Amadeus is the world’s largest travel distribution platform and the largest provider of IT solutions to airlines which puts us in a unique position to drive NDC forward. Our technology will enable the airline to easily tailor its offers using the latest merchandising capabilities, and efficiently present and distribute them in a way that enriches and enhances the shopping experience for both its passengers and travel sellers worldwide.”

GENEVA – 11th September 2024: SITA, the global air transport technology, today announced the launch of its new cybersecurity hardening solution, SITA Managed NAC (Network Access Control). This innovative solution is designed to safeguard mission-critical infrastructure at airports and for airlines, addressing the growing demand for secure and reliable access for end users and assets. With increasing threats to digital infrastructure, particularly in complex environments like airports, SITA Managed NAC offers unparalleled protection for Local Area Network (LAN) and Wireless LAN communications with additional layers of identification checks and network segmentation. This ensures that airports and airlines comply with industry security standards while maintaining operational efficiency and protecting passenger systems. “Demand for secure and reliable network access controls is higher than ever, particularly in airports where traffic and device segregation is paramount in different areas of airport infrastructure and security zones,” said Martin Smillie, SITA SVP for Communications and Data Exchange (CDE), “As external threats to digital infrastructure escalate, this solution will ensure that essential communication systems keep ahead, with built-in safeguards at access points and switches. SITA Managed NAC provides complete visibility and control over communication networks, allowing customers to monitor who is accessing what, when, and from where.” Enhancing Compliance and Cyber Resilience SITA Managed NAC aligns with stringent cybersecurity recommendations from authorities like the US Transportation Security Agency (TSA) and the Airports Council International (ACI). The solution provides granular control over network access, detailed logging capabilities, and the ability to quarantine non-compliant devices, helping airports and airlines enhance their cybersecurity posture and ensure regulatory compliance. Seamless Integration and Zero Trust Security Designed to integrate seamlessly with the existing SITA Campus Network product, SITA Managed NAC enhances network management by offering identity-based access control and policy enforcement based on Cisco’s industry-leading Identity Services Engine (ISE) platform. Utilizing a Zero Trust security model, every access request is authenticated, authorized, and continuously validated, ensuring only verified users and devices can connect to the network. This significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access and potential breaches.

Hong Kong, 11th September 2024: Customers travelling in First or Business class onboard connected Cathay Pacific aircraft can now avail complimentary Wi-Fi service on their flight – the latest enhancement the airline is making to the inflight customer experience. Cathay Pacific has been providing complimentary Wi-Fi services to First class customers since 2022. Following successful trials on selected flights, the airline has now extended complimentary Wi-Fi to Business class customers on all connected aircraft, and will be further extending it to Cathay Diamond members travelling in all cabins in November this year. Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau said: “At Cathay Pacific, we are committed to investing in and further elevating the experience we provide for our customers. With complimentary Wi-Fi now available to customers travelling in First and Business class, and coming soon to our Cathay Diamond members, they can stay connected in the air whether travelling for business or leisure.’’ Customers using Cathay Pacific’s complimentary Wi-Fi service can enjoy the same experience as paid Wi-Fi, enabling them to check emails, browse the internet, stream audio, use social media and messaging apps, and access cloud storage services and other professional applications. Customers can connect with one device at a time, and can switch between devices at any time during their flight. Customers in all cabins can enjoy complimentary access to all pages on cathaypacific.com and the Cathay Shop during their flight. Over 90% of Cathay Pacific’s fleet is already equipped with Wi-Fi, including all long-haul aircraft. The airline plans to extend connectivity across its entire fleet by mid-2025.

New Delhi, 11th Sept. 2024: Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane will undertake a visit to Manila to co-chair the fifth meeting of India-Philippines Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) on September 11, 2024. The meeting will be co-chaired by Senior Under Secretary from the Ministry of National Defence of Philippines Mr Irineo Cruz Espino. During the visit, the Defence Secretary will discuss ways to further consolidate defence cooperation between the two countries. He will also meet with other dignitaries of the government of Philippines. This visit assumes significance as India and Philippines celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations and 10 years of India’s Act East Policy. Both the countries have a vigorous and multifaceted relationship which have expanded into several strategic areas, including defence and security. They are committed to support each other towards achieving the goal of self-reliance in defence production. The JDCC construct has been established under the ambit of the Memorandum of Understanding on defence cooperation signed between the two countries in 2006. The fourth edition of JDCC meeting was held in March 2023 in New Delhi at the Joint Secretary-level. The fifth edition marks the elevation of the co-chair to Secretary-level.

Ahmedabad, 10th September 2024: Adani Airports Holdings Ltd (AAHL), a subsidiary of Adani Enterprises has launched aviio – a digital transformation platform for the airport ecosystem. A first-of-its-kind, comprehensive digital initiative in India, aviio aspires to bring the aviation community together to collaborate and serve passengers better. By enabling airport stakeholders with access to real-time data, passengers can expect easier access to airport information in the form of updates related to security checks, wait times, gate change and bags on belt, among other aspects. With this path-breaking initiative, AAHL aims to serve the aviation community and set new standards for airport operations management and passenger experience. With seven operational airports in its stable, and one more expected to go live during the middle of 2025, this platform for B2B services has been conceptualised and curated to meet AAHL’s unique need to manage airports at scale. Acting as the backbone for all digital transformation initiatives, the aviio platform is placed to create a benchmark for airport operations across globe. AAHL’s vision for aviio encompasses the development of a cutting-edge Smart Airport Operations System, conceived as a replicable model of an ‘Airport-in-a-Box’. This next-generation Airport Planning and Operation Centre (APOC) has 10x more features that help in arriving at data-driven decisions. Apart from AAHL employees, the aviio app (AOCC-on-the-go) is for all partners in the ecosystem, including, AAHL employees, airlines, ground handlers, retail, etc. Each stakeholder will have relevant features and workflows to enable their roles. CISF personnel would be provided smart phones, with the app installed, to ensure collaboration with all entities. “On the face of it, this multipurpose app is designed to revolutionise stakeholder collaboration, equipping both internal and external stakeholders at airports with improved situational awareness for informed decision-making. However, the most important impact of aviio would be on passenger journeys – this app is all set to transform the way passengers transit through our airports,” said Mr. Arun Bansal, CEO, AAHL. “This initiative commits to help AAHL improve our capacity planning, operational efficiencies and real time resource management. Over time, it will help us onboard new additions to the portfolio for multi-airport governance and enable a sustained impact on topline.” AAHL has embarked on a digital transformation journey to enhance its operational efficiency, customer experience and sustainability. It is investing in cutting-edge technologies, including AI, IoT, Computer Vision, Robotics and Digital Twins to create a future-ready, next-generation airport ecosystem that multiplies value across all facets of operations. Investment in digitalisation is a strategic and visionary move that will help AAHL gain a competitive edge, improve its performance and create value for its customers and stakeholders. Digitalisation of airports will also create seamless passenger journeys as more features are added to the app.

Gurugram, 9th September 2024: Air India will offer a city side check-in and baggage drop facility at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at Hyderabad to ensure a smooth and seamless travel experience for its passengers flying with Air India, Vistara, and Air India Express. This new service, located close to the parking zone at the ground level, offers easy access to passengers and removes the need to carry baggage to the departure level. This check-in option allows passengers to drop their bags at a location closer to parking and the bus station.Passengers now have the option to check in and drop off their baggage as early as 6 hours and up to 90 minutes before the scheduled departure of their flights. The initiative reaffirms Air India’s commitment to enhance passenger experience through strengthening and harnessing airport facilities. This service offers greater flexibility and smooth check-in process, allowing passengers to save on time and relax at the airport without having to carry their baggage with them. This service is currently available for domestic flights only and caters to regular-sized baggage. Passengers travelling with oversized or excess baggage will need to use the check-in counters inside the airport terminal.

New Delhi, 9th September 2024: To enhance the skills and capability building of their personnel, Indian Army and Indian Air Force signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, Vadodara in the presence of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and Minister of Railways Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw in New Delhi on September 09, 2024. The MoU will enable the two Services to acquire higher expertise on logistics. It will ensure development of in-house expertise on various facets of logistics operations and contribute effectively towards the national development plans – PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan 2021 and National Logistics Policy 2022. Speaking on the occasion, the Raksha Mantri described the collaboration as a monumental partnership towards further strengthening the logistics backbone of the Armed Forces in sync with the vision of ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence. He emphasized that logistics is no longer just a support function of the Armed Forces, but is emerging as an important factor in military operations and national security. “An efficient logistics system plays a key role in quickly mobilising the forces and delivering resources to the right place in less time. Keeping in mind the conditions in which our forces operate, we need a seamless movement of troops, equipment and supplies. The MoU will prove to be very important in terms of how the needs of our forces can be fulfilled through knowledge, innovation and collaboration,” he said. Shri Rajnath Singh asserted that the MoU will prove to be beneficial in achieving the Government’s vision of attaining self-reliance in defence sector. “If we need expertise in logistics, we should get its training from our own resources like Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya. If we need equipment, we should get it manufactured in India itself. The foundation of a strong India can be laid only by being Aatmanirbhar,” he added. On the MoU’s provision of experiential learning through real-world case studies, the Raksha Mantri exuded confidence that Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, through the leadership, management, and operational experience of the Armed Forces personnel, will help shape a new generation of logistics experts and managers who will fulfil the dynamic needs of modern warfare. Minister of Railways Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw expressed confidence that the Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya will serve as a vital partner in empowering the Armed Forces with cutting-edge logistics education, research, and innovation. The event was attended by senior officers of Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Railways, including CDS, Air Force Chief, Army Chief, Defence Secretary, Chairman, Railway Board & Vice Chancellor, Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya.

Delhi, 1st September 2024: Air India Express has expanded its network by adding Agartala, the capital city of Tripura, as its 32nd domestic destination. The airline launched daily direct flights from Agartala to Guwahati and Kolkata on Sunday, offering convenient one-stop connections to eight domestic destinations, including Delhi. Additionally, Air India Express inaugurated new routes from Hyderabad to Guwahati, Bengaluru to Vijayawada, and Bengaluru to Indore, all commencing on the same day.