Recent News

Delhi, August 08, 2024: Niyo, India’s pioneering travel banking platform, has expanded into the flight bookings and visa application segments, offering integrated travel-banking solutions to travelers. Niyo has been offering zero-forex markup debit and credit cards to India’s two million international travelers in partnership with banks. This strategic move aims to provide end-to-end travel solutions to customers via the app and tap into India’s burgeoning new-to-international travelers segment. Niyo has developed an in-house flight booking platform to offer affordable domestic and international flight options with zero convenience fees. Additionally, Niyo has simplified the visa application process with the launch of a new visa booking product on its app, providing affordability and convenience to customers traveling internationally at zero service fee. These two offerings, along with the Niyo Coins – the new rewards program , will offer superior affordability and convenience to the customers. With this expansion, Niyo expects the average spending per customer on the platform to increase by 50%. Additionally, with the visa application offering, the company aims to reduce the time and effort required for visa applications by 80%. According to a report by Mastercard Economics Institute, 97 million passengers traveled through Indian international airports in the first three months of 2024, a figure that took a year to reach a decade ago. The report highlights that the growing middle class and increasing incomes are driving the travel industry’s growth. Over the next five years, India is expected to add over 20 million middle-class individuals and nearly two million high-income earners. This expanding affluent customer base is fueling exceptional growth in the outbound travel segment. Vinay Bagri, Co-founder and CEO of Niyo, said, “Niyo has always been at the forefront of innovation, providing international travelers with convenient travel banking solutions. Customer feedback has been instrumental in shaping our offerings, and we strive to introduce services that address the real pain points of travelers. Our expansion into flight bookings and visa applications aligns perfectly with this mission and helps us grow the ‘travel-banking’ segment. A majority of our travelers are seeking seamless and affordable travel solutions – and our flight and visa offerings are designed for the same.“ “Our flight booking platform promises the most affordable international and domestic fares, together with the benefit of earning Niyo Coins on every spend. Also, our Visa services address a core customer pain point of timely visa, by offering a 99.4% approval rate on visa and on time delivery plus the benefit of Niyo Coins. Customers can use these Niyo Coins to avail significant discounts on future flight and visa bookings, unlocking more travel aspirations. With the expanding middle class and rising incomes in India, the travel sector is poised for tremendous growth. ”Bagri added. The company has introduced a new rewards program, Niyo Coins, which can be earned through various channels including referrals, international transactions on credit and debit cards, flight and visa bookings, travel insurance purchases. Currently, customers can earn up to 30% of their booking amount as Niyo Coins and utilize up to 75% of their booking amount in Niyo Coins. Each Niyo Coin is valued at 0.1 INR (10 Paise), with clear terms and conditions ensuring transparency and ease of use.

Delhi, 6th August 2024: Air India Express has launched a Virtual Interline platform, offering flyers a wider range of booking options. Starting their flight search from the airline’s website,users can connect to the new platform, enabling them to book connecting flights where one leg of the journey is operated by Air India Express and the other leg by the partner airline. Developed in collaboration with travel solutions technology company Dohop, the Virtual Interline platform “AIX Connect” enhances the connectivity of Air India Express’s network by enabling travellers to book self-connect itineraries between flights of Air India Express and those of the partner airline. Singapore- based airline, Scoot, joins as the inaugural partner, enabling users to book flights from India and the Middle East to 60 destinations. This partnership introduces a range of new sectors, complementing the Air India Express network of 380 daily flights from 32 domestic and 14 international destinations. Ankur Garg, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India Express, said, “As Air India Express strengthens its footprint across domestic and international markets, we are strategically leveraging virtual interline partnerships to unlock new destinations with seamless connectivity to the East and West. We welcome Scoot as our first airline partner on this platform and look forward to onboarding more airlines, which will be instrumental in expanding the network further to cater to the growing outbound travel demand from India, while simultaneously enhancing inbound tourism by attracting international travellers to our vibrant nation.” “We are honoured to be Air India Express’ inaugural interline partner on this virtual platform. This partnership will not only improve the connectivity between India and Singapore, but also provide Indian travellers more flight options to Singapore and beyond. Scoot remains committed to providing our customers with comfortable and seamless travel journeys within our extensive network at the same great value,” said Calvin Chan, Chief Commercial Officer, Scoot.

New Delhi, 31st July 2024: Ministry of Defence (MoD), on July 30, 2024, inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to set up three state-of-the-art testing facilities under the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor (UPDIC). Under the MoU, one facility will be established in Lucknow in Mechanical & Material (M&M) domain, and two in Kanpur – one each in Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) and Communications domains. The MoU, under the Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme (DTIS), was exchanged between senior officials of MoD and Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) in New Delhi. The DTIS was launched by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh in May 2020, with an outlay of Rs 400 crore, to set up state-of-the-art testing facilities in collaboration with private industry and Central/State Government, promoting indigenous defence production, reducing imports and enhancing self-reliance. To provide impetus to the defence and aerospace sectors within the Defence Industrial Corridors, seven testing facilities were approved – four in Tamil Nadu and three in Uttar Pradesh. While the MoU to establish three testing facilities in UPDIC has been signed today, the agreement to set up three facilities under the Tamil Nadu Defence Industrial Corridor in the domains of UAS, Electronic Warfare and Electro Optics in Chennai was inked on July 02, 2024. The DTIS provides up to 75% government funding as ‘Grant-in-Aid’, with the remaining 25% funded by the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPVs), comprising Indian private entities and State/Central Governments. For the M&M facility, MIDHANI is the lead SPV member, with some private sector companies being the consortium members. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited are the lead SPV members in the UAS and Communications testing facilities respectively. Upon the completion of the project, these facilities will provide advanced testing equipment and services to both government and private entities, with revenue reinvested to enhance testing capabilities & processes, thereby giving a boost to Aatmanirbharta in defence.

London, July 24, 2024: Mallard Enterprises announces the signing of an LOI for three ME-1A Amphibious Aircraft with FlyJet Aviation at the Farnborough Airshow 2024. “With the latest technology platform the ME-1A amphibious aircraft of Mallard Enterprises is an ideal addition to our diverse aircraft fleet. It will extend our reach to previously inaccessible destinations with a safe, reliable, economical, and environmentally sustainable travel experience for our customers”, said Jigisha Parmar, FlyJet Aviation President. The ME-1A is a regional amphibious airplane, which can land and take-off from land or water, with a standard seating capacity of up to 19 passengers offering low emissions, low noise pollution, faster speed, and low operating costs. It will have a range of over 350 nautical miles (648 kilometres) with 19 passengers and luggage and an extended range of 980 nautical miles (1815 kilometres) with a 10 passenger VIP configuration, all including typical airline fuel reserves. “Mallard Enterprises is excited to be part of the FlyJet’s diverse aircraft fl eet and provide their customers access to new regions” said Dan Peabody, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Mallard Enterprises. “The ME-1A, with its competitive economics, amphibious capability, speed, and green credentials, fi ts well with FlyJet’s vision.” “We are honoured to be a part of FlyJet Aviation’s vision of launching UDAN routes to many remote destinations in India. Mallard Enterprises is a leader in the resurgence of the amphibious aircraft segment in India and the world”, said Mohan Chunduri, Co-Founder and Chief Operations Officer, Mallard Enterprises.

FARNBOROUGH,24th July 2024: GE Aerospace (NYSE:GE) announced today the successful completion of the first stage of their global research with Airbus Helicopters aimed at developing a revolutionary next-generation helicopter propulsion system. This milestone marks a significant advancement in the collaboration between the two industry leaders, with the ultimate goal of developing an engine that sets new standards in efficiency, reliability, and environmental responsibility. The first stage of this project focused on foundational research with additional insights and findings gained during the effort laying the groundwork for subsequent phases of development. “Collaboration is key to innovation, and our partnership with Airbus exemplifies this. Closing out the first stage of this joint study underscores the strength of our combined capabilities and shared vision for innovative rotorcraft propulsion solutions that will improve performance, efficiency and sustainability,” says Elissa Lee, executive director of commercial turboshaft engines at GE Aerospace. As the partnership advances into the next phase, GE Aerospace and Airbus Helicopters will continue to focus on detailed designs and component efficiencies with the goal of creating a propulsion solution to meet new sustainability objectives, including significant reduction of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Farnborough, UK: At the Farnborough International Airshow 2024, Qatar Airways anounced that its significant order of Boeing 777X aircraft has been expanded to include an impressive 20 Boeing 777-9. This is in addition to its existing order of 40 Boeing 777-9 commercial aircraft, bringing the total to 94 commercial and cargo of Boeing 777X aircraft. The announcement also includes a commitment for 40 additional GE9X engines and spare engines, as well as a long-term services agreement. On the first day of Farnborough Airshow 2024, Qatar Airways showcased Qsuite Next Gen, the latest version of the World’s Best Business Class, which will be featured on the 20 additional order of the Boeing 777-9 aircraft, amongst other aircraft. The highly-anticipated Qsuite Next Gen includes updated features such as movable monitors with Bluetooth connectivity, companion suits with window views, larger lie-flat and double beds, lockable drawers, touchscreen Passenger Control Unit and more. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “Qatar Airways is proud to announce an expansion to the existing Boeing 777X aircraft order with an additional 20, totalling 94 Boeing 777X aircraft. We, as the World’s Best Airline, are an industry leader and operate one of the youngest fleets, offering unparalleled innovation and quality. Keeping an eye on the future, we continue to ensure that all Qatar Airways passengers are only met with the best products and services available in the industry.” Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO, Stephanie Pope, said: “Qatar Airways is a leader in our industry, and we are honored the airline added 20 more 777-9 jets to its large Boeing order book. We appreciate their confidence that Boeing’s market-leading widebody family will provide outstanding fuel efficiency and a superior passenger experience for its global operations.” GE Aerospace President and CEO, Commercial Engines and Services, Russell Stokes, said: “We are pleased to extend our partnership with Qatar Airways to support the airline’s commitment to an excellent customer experience and best-in-class efficiency. The GE9X is the world’s most powerful and most fuel-efficient turbofan and we look forward to continuing to support the growth of the Qatar Airways family with this technology.” Qatar Airways continues to lead the industry with one of the youngest fleets and this latest addition to the Boeing 777X order ensures future passengers a seamless journey on our ever-growing network of over 170 destinations worldwide.

Lisbon, 24th July 2024: As the Polish flag carrier, which is a member of Star Alliance und which serves its global hub Warsaw daily from India, is continuously expanding its connection within Europe, the new capital-to- capital service between Warsaw and Lisbon will be launched on 3rd February 2025. Flights will initially be operated five times a week (Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays). From 24th February 2025, the airline will operate this route daily. LOT Polish Airlines will be using modern Boeing 737s for these flights, with a travel time of just over four hours each way. The new LOT Polish Airlines flights between Warsaw and Lisbon: • Departure with LO-425 in Warsaw at 10:15, arrival in Lisbon at 13:25 local time • Departure with LO-426 in Lisbon at 14:25, arrival in Warsaw at 19:30 local time “Our valued guests from India may become spoilt by choice when travelling with us through Europe because with Lisbon we are adding a true gem to our global network that is fascinating for visitors from all over the world,” emphasises Amit Ray, Director India, DACH Markets and Italy and Head of Global Corporate and Strategic Sales at LOT Polish Airlines. “It will be the first time for us to fly to Lisbon. This further expansion of our route network is just another step of implementing the five- year growth strategy which LOT Polish Airlines had proclaimed in 2023.” Just recently, LOT Polish Airlines had announced new flights to Innsbruck/Austria, Lyon/France and Oradea/Romania and also resumed routes that had not been operated for some time, such as to Athens/Greece and Larnaca/Cyprus. Travelling from India to Warsaw and Lisbon is fast and easy With LOT Polish Airlines, travellers from India can easily integrate Lisbon into their round trips through Europe and also plan their stay flexibly, as the airline connects Lisbon daily with its hub in Warsaw. Getting from India to Warsaw and Lisbon is fast and easy. LOT Polish Airlines is connecting India with Warsaw daily: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from Delhi; Wednesday and Sundays from Mumbai.

Farnborough,July 24, 2024: GE Aerospace (NYSE: GE) has been selected by SNC to contribute to the overhaul and upgrade of the GEnx-2B engines powering the United States Air Force Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) Boeing 747-8. GE Aerospace will support various activities leading up to SAOC aircraft delivery. “This is a multi-year effort supporting a critical national security asset,” said Amy Gowder, president and CEO of Defense & Systems with GE Aerospace. “The GEnx engine brings proven performance and reliability that will be beneficial to this unique aircraft and we look forward to being part of this important program.” SNC recently secured the contract from the U.S. Air Force, which is tasked with developing a successor to the current E-4B Nightwatch aircraft fleet powered by GE Aerospace’s CF6 engines. “The GEnx will serve a crucial role in national security and provide superior performance and reliability required for the U.S. Air Force,” said Brady Hauboldt, vice president of business development – NC3 programs. “We are proud to have GE Aerospace as a key part of Team SAOC.” With more than 3,000 GEnx engines delivered or on order, the GEnx engine family is the fastest-selling high thrust engine in GE Aerospace history. To date, the GEnx engine has accumulated more than 52 million flights since it entered revenue service in late 2011. The GEnx delivers proven performance for the Boeing 787 and Boeing 747-8 and has a 99.98% dispatch rate, with three times higher time on wing than its competitors. The GEnx engine combines the latest technology like the low-emission twin-annular combustor with advanced materials such as durable, light-weight composite fan case and fan blades. Compared to GE Aerospace’s CF6 engine, the GEnx engine offers: • Up to 15 percent better fuel efficiency, which translates to 15 percent less CO2, • NOx gases emissions as much as 55 percent below today’s regulatory limits and emissions of other regulated gases as much as 90 percent below today’s regulatory limits, and • 30 percent lower noise levels.