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Air India Takes Off in Style

First and Business class guests will continue to enjoy Air India’s award-winning and refreshed loungewear by TUMI…reports Asian Lite News

After a spate of making headlines for all the wrong reasons, Air India, unveils a host of guest enhancements designed to create an exceptional passenger experience across cabin classes on international long-haul flights.

The airline revealed new amenity kits, a luxurious and sustainable bedding refresh, as well as new Chinaware, cutlery, and glassware – all described below – that will roll out on medium and long-haul international flights, starting mid-2024 when its A350-900 enters international commercial operations.

First and Business class amenity kits by Ferragamo

Ferragamo, the world-renowned Italian luxury fashion house, has designed amenity kits exclusively for Air India. Each First and Business class kit – encased in a bespoke presentation bag with unique motifs celebrating different printing styles of India – includes Ferragamo body lotion, hand cream, lip balm, comfortable socks, a plush eye mask, and a specially designed Air India keepsake. The First class kit additionally includes an Eau de Parfum. Air India is the world’s first airline to have amenity kits in Ferragamo’s new brand identity.

Premium Economy amenity kit by TUMI

Air India’s award-winning amenity kit for Premium Economy guests, has been refreshed to incorporate the Air India Red colour in its design, and includes skincare essentials by the renowned Swedish label, Verso. Economy class amenity kits – to be provided only on ultra-long-haul flights – include an eye mask, socks, and hand lotion, and are made using premium quality recyclable and reusable Kraft paper.

Comfortable, sustainable sleepwear by TUMI

First and Business class guests will continue to enjoy Air India’s award-winning and refreshed loungewear by TUMI. Keeping style and sustainability as key considerations, Air India’s TUMI loungewear is made from recycled materials blended with cotton for extra softness and breathability. First and Business class guests will also enjoy plush velour slippers for maximal comfort in the sky.

Comfortable, sustainable, and luxe bed linen

Air India guests in First and Business class will be provided specially made and designed linen, inspired by the airline’s new global brand identity. This includes plush bespoke duvets that are sustainable and lightweight, and mattress toppers crafted with premium multi-layer material, including a memory foam layer, that enhance long-haul sleep experience in the skies.

The First and Business class blankets are made of premium wool blend, bespoke to Air India in its new identity. The delicate jacquard border and the motif are inspired by the traditional Sozni embroidery of Jammu & Kashmir. Air India will be the world’s only airline to offer wool-blended blankets in First and Business class.

Premium Economy and Economy guests will enjoy the comfort and warmth in a twill weave cabin blanket designed to reflect the new brand elements. 

The Table Setting and Dining Experience

Chinaware: The exquisite collection of chinaware blends lightweight and durable materials with subtle brand elements like the intricate Mandala patterns and India-inspired designs for a luxurious and culturally rich dining experience. The uniquely India-inspired, tiffin box-shaped, salt-pepper cruet set in gold finish is sure to delight guests from around the world. First class guests will receive exclusive, copper-gold thalis for Indian meals. In Premium Economy, meals will be served in lightweight melamine material tableware, with etched Mandala pattern on side plates, bowls, and multipurpose glass.

Glassware and Cutlery: Business class guests will enjoy luxurious, lead-free glassware from Slovakia, which boasts infinite transparency, thanks to the use of a rare element of the highest quality erbium. Exquisite stainless-steel cutlery, featuring weight-saving hollow handles, will further elevate guests’ dining experience. 

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Khalistan Leader Pannun Sets Date for ‘Picket’ at Air India Flights

Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun has threatened the shutdown of Delhi's IGI Airport on November 19, the day on which the final of the ongoing cricket World Cup will be played in Ahmedabad.(IANS/Video Grab)

Pannun said that his video message is a “non violent call” to “boycott” Air India, and not “bomb” it….reports Asian Lite News

Pro-Khalistan leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun released a fresh video on Wednesday giving a call to “picket” Air India flights on December 1 at Toronto and Vancouver international airports in Canada.

Pannun’s call to target the outbound AI 188 and AI 186 flights from Terminal One comes a day after National Investigation Agency (NIA) registered a case against the banned Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) group leader over a November 4 video threatening the Indian flag carrier.

“As General Counsel to SFJ, I reaffirm my call to boycott Air India, and Modi government cannot stop SFJ from running secessionist Khalistan referendum which is the real motive behind NIA’s frivolous terror case,” Pannun said in his new video.

Pannun said that his video message is a “non violent call” to “boycott” Air India, and not “bomb” it.

He said that his campaign to boycott the airline will continue as “every dollar that goes to Air India and other Indian businesses is being used to perpetuate existential threat to the Sikh population in India, Pannun said.

In the video, Pannun dedicated this campaign to Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar who was gunned down outside a gurdwara in Surrey in June this year.

Listed as an ‘individual terrorist’ by India in 2020, Pannun had said in his video that Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport’s (IGIA) name would be changed and remain shut on November 19.

He also threatened people planning to travel via Air India airlines on that day, saying their “lives would be in danger”, and that the flag carrier would not be allowed to operate in the world.

NIA booked Pannun under sections 120B, 153A & 506 of the Indian Penal Code and sections 10, 13, 16, 17, 18, 18B & 20 of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.

An NIA spokesperson said that as part of his concerted plan to promote terror acts in India and revive terrorism here, Pannun has been creating a false narrative around the issues prevailing in Punjab, especially with regard to Sikh religion, by promoting enmity between the Sikhs in the country and other communities.

“The latest threat is in line with the same narrative, which Pannun has actively promoted in the past by threatening & attempting to disrupt essential transportation network systems, including the Railways, as well as Thermal Power Plants in India,” the spokesperson stated.

Pannun has been under the NIA’s lens since 2019, when the anti-terror agency registered its first case against him.

In September 2023, the NIA had confiscated his share of the house and land of the listed terrorist in Amritsar (Punjab) and Chandigarh.

Non-bailable arrest warrants were issued against Pannun by the NIA Special Court on February 3, 2021 and he was declared a ‘Proclaimed Offender (PO)’ on November 29, 2022.

ALSO READ: NIA Books SFJ’s Pannun For Threatening Air India Flyers

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-Top News Canada India News

NIA Books SFJ’s Pannun For Threatening Air India Flyers

Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun has threatened the shutdown of Delhi's IGI Airport on November 19, the day on which the final of the ongoing cricket World Cup will be played in Ahmedabad.(IANS/Video Grab)

The Ministry of Home Affairs, on July 10 2019, banned SFJ as an ‘unlawful association’ under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for its activities…reports Asian Lite News

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday said that it has registered a fresh case against “listed individual terrorist” Gurpatwant Singh Pannun of the banned terror organisation Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) over his latest viral video threatening the passengers flying on Air India with a global blockade and closure of the operations of the airline from November 19.

An NIA spokesperson here said that the agency has booked Pannun under several Sections of the IPC and of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

The official said that Pannun, the self-proclaimed General Counsel’ of the outlawed SFJ, had issued a threatening video message on various social media platforms urging Sikhs not to fly on Air India planes on and after November 19 claiming threat to their lives if they flew on Air India.

Pannun also threatened that Air India would not be allowed to operate in the world.

Pannun’s assertions and threats have triggered a high alert as well as investigations by security forces in Canada, India and certain other countries where Air India flies.

In his video messages, released on November 4, Pannun had urged Sikhs to stop flying on Air India planes on and after November 19, citing potential threat to their lives.

Pannun also issued a warning to the Indian Government that, “The Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) would remain closed on November 19”.

The IGIA, located in New Delhi, is one of the world’s busiest airports. The official said that as part of his concerted plan to promote terror acts in India and revive terrorism here, Pannun has been creating a false narrative around the issues prevailing in Punjab, especially with regard to Sikh religion, by promoting enmity between the Sikhs in the country and other communities.

“The latest threat is in line with the same narrative, which Pannun has actively promoted in the past by threatening & attempting to disrupt essential transportation network systems, including the Railways, as well as Thermal Power Plants in India,” the official stated.

The Ministry of Home Affairs, on July 10 2019, banned SFJ as an ‘unlawful association’ under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for its activities.

On July 1, 2020, Pannun was listed as an ‘individual terrorist’ by the Indian Government. Pannun has been under the NIA’s lens since 2019, when the anti-terror agency registered its first case against him. In September 2023, the NIA had confiscated his share of the house and land of the listed terrorist in Amritsar (Punjab) and Chandigarh UT.

Non-Bailable Warrants of arrest were issued against Pannun by the NIA Special Court on February 3, 2021 and he was declared a ‘Proclaimed Offender (PO)’ on November 29, 2022.

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India News Travel

Air India suspends Tel Aviv flights till Nov 30

On Saturday, protesters gathered in large numbers outside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s residence..reports Asian Lite News

In the normal course, the full-service carrier operates five weekly flights from the national capital to Tel Aviv. The airline offers service on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

Air India has suspended its scheduled flights to Tel Aviv till November 30 amid the tensions between Israel and Hamas militant group in Gaza. Since October 7, the day Hamas militants stormed into Israeli territory and killed hundreds, Air India has not operated a scheduled flight to and from Tel Aviv.

In the normal course, the full-service carrier operates five weekly flights from the national capital to Tel Aviv. The airline offers service on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

Under the Indian government’s Operation Ajay, Air India operated a few chartered flights from the national capital to Tel Aviv last month to bring back Indians who wished to come back from Israel against the backdrop of the escalating conflict.

Israel has launched an intense air and ground offensive in Gaza since the initial Hamas attack, killing over 9,000 people according to health authorities in the Hamas-run area. Large areas of the Gaza enclave have turned to rubble.

Thousands of protestors demonstrated in Tel Aviv, waved flags and held photographs of some of the captives in Gaza on November 4. Public fury and anger are growing among the citizens of Israel who are calling for their relatives, taken captives by Hamas, to be brought home.

On Saturday, protesters gathered in large numbers outside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s residence. They also raised slogans such as “release the hostages now at all costs” and brought with them posters delivering the same message while crowds chanted, “bring them home now.” This protest coincided with a poll indicating that over three quarters of Israelis believe Netanyahu should resign.

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Business

Air India Unveils Ambitious Growth Plans

Air India has also opened flights on four new routes, including Bengaluru-Singapore, Kochi- Doha, Kolkata-Bangkok, and Mumbai-Melbourne…reports Asian Lite News

Tata-owned Air India on Friday announced to add more than 400 weekly flights to its domestic and international route network until March 2024, as part of the Winter Schedule 2023.

“On the back of expected new aircraft deliveries over the next six months, Air India aims to strengthen its domestic India network by adding more than 200 weekly flights on several routes touching major Indian cities such as Mumbai and Delhi,” an airline spokesperson said.

“On its international route network, the carrier would operate over 200 weekly flights, of which over 80 weekly flights have already been added. Air India has plans to add four new international destinations to its network, which will be announced in due course,” the spokesperson said.

At the onset of the Winter Schedule ’23, the airline has ramped up frequency by 25x weekly flights (each way) on eight international routes across points in Southeast Asia, the US, and Europe.

This includes the weekly frequencies on Mumbai-Singapore increasing from 7x to 13x, Delhi-Bangkok from 7x to 14x, Delhi-Dhaka from 7x to 12x, Delhi-Newark (New Jersey) from 3x to 4x, Delhi-San Francisco from 10x to 11x, Delhi-Washington D.C. from 3x to 4x, Delhi- Copenhagen from 3x to 4x, Delhi-Milan from 4x to 5x, Mumbai-Doha from 7x to 9x.

Air India has also opened flights on four new routes, including Bengaluru-Singapore, Kochi- Doha, Kolkata-Bangkok, and Mumbai-Melbourne.

“While modernising our fleet and introducing new products and services is a top priority in Air India’s ongoing transformation journey, we are equally focused on densifying and expanding our route network to capture the rapidly growing demand in the market. The next few months are exciting for Air India and our guests, indeed,” CEO and MD Campbell Wilson said.

Between now and March 2024, Air India expects to induct over 30 widebody and narrowbody aircraft to its fleet, including six A350s, four B777s and 20 A320neos.

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Business India News Travel

Air India Express Welcomes 50 New Boeing 737 MAX Planes

AIX Connect Managing Director Aloke Singh said that with the integration foundation in place, the growth agenda comes forward….reports Asian Lite News

Air India Express is going to induct 50 new Boeing 737 MAX planes in the next 15 months. AIX Connect Managing Director Aloke Singh said this in his weekly message to the staff.

“Over the next 15 months, a total of 50 new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft will join the LCC fleet, allowing us to grow our network to new destinations and increase flights on existing routes. Our key focus is now the preparedness for deploying this capacity. Already, over 800+ aircrew and other operational personnel have joined us, under various stages of training,” he wrote. 

He further stated that the first Airbus 320 aircraft moved under the Air India Express AOC and is already operating services under the IX code. 

“One Boeing 737 NG is deployed on domestic route, operating to Guwahati, Imphal, Lucknow ex Delhi/ Mumbai,” said Singh. 

“An interline arrangement enabling guests to book a common itinerary across IX and 15 networks is in place. With Al, a code-share allows sale of 15 domestic sectors as a part of an Air India journey,” said Singh. 

Singh said that with the integration foundation in place, the growth agenda comes forward. September saw us taking delivery of the first two Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. 

“The aircraft were flown back home by our own aircrew supported by the Engineering team, from the Boeing delivery airfield in Seattle, USA, to MROS in India where they are being readied for commercial flights,” he said. 

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Business India News

Air India’s Expanded Network in Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia

“Air India and Bangkok Airways have also entered a Special Prorate Agreement, which allows both carriers to file ‘through fares’ on routes covering each other’s networks.”…reports Asian Lite News

Air India has entered an interline partnership with Bangkok Airways, which will enable travellers to take convenient connections via Air India’s Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Singapore gateways to and from 10 destinations in Thailand, Laos and Cambodia on Bangkok Airways’ route network.

According to an Air India spokesperson, the accord between the two airlines encompasses the adoption of Inter Airline Through Check-In (IATCI), that grants travellers the convenience of obtaining their boarding passes at their initial point of departure for all segments of their journey using a single ticket.

“Furthermore, passengers can also avail themselves of the hassle-free service of having their luggage checked through to their ultimate destinations.

“Air India guests taking connecting flights on Bangkok Airways will also receive complimentary access to Bangkok Airways’ Boutique Lounges and Courtesy Corners at available airports, regardless of the cabin class they fly,” the  spokesperson said.

“Air India and Bangkok Airways have also entered a Special Prorate Agreement, which allows both carriers to file ‘through fares’ on routes covering each other’s networks.”

The spokesperson went on to say that travellers “can connect in Thailand through Bangkok Airways: Chiang Mai, Lampang, Sukhothai, Trat, Koh Samui, Phuket, and Krabi” and “outside Thailand, they can connect to Luang Prabang in Laos; and Phnom Penh, Siem Reap in Cambodia”.

“In addition to the Bangkok gateway, Air India guests can also choose to fly to Koh Samui via Singapore and Hong Kong,” the spokesperson added.

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Business India News Travel

Air Asia-Air India Express merger gets nod

This marks a crucial step before the planned legal merger of the two entities can take place….reports Asian Lite News

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Thursday gave its go ahead to the Tata Group’s initiative to merge the budget airline AIX Connect (previously known as AirAsia India) with Air India Express, a senior DGCA official confirmed to IANS.

This marks a crucial step before the planned legal merger of the two entities can take place.

“The airline has now received regulatory approvals to operate its flights under the ‘Air India Express’ branding. This development marks a significant fast-tracking of the integration efforts, including harmonisation of customer touch points, products, and services across both airlines,” the airline said in a statement.

“The approval from the regulator allows both Air India Express Ltd (AIXL) and AIX Connect (AIXC) flights to be marketed, distributed and operated under a common brand name ‘Air India Express’, prior to the subsequent scheduled legal merger of the two entities,” it said.

“The proposal to synergise the consumer offerings under a unified and renewed brand within the next few months demonstrates the commitment to a superlative customer promise, streamlining product and service standards and unlocking synergies between the two companies,” it further said.

Earlier this month, ‘Xpress Ahead’ priority services were extended as an ancillary add-on to guests of both airlines, offering priority check-in, boarding and baggage. Both airlines will also be synergising a host of other ancillary add-on services and common sub-brands.

AIXL currently operates flights from 20 Indian cities to 14 regional international destinations, while AIXC serves 19 domestic destinations, complementing each other’s networks to provide more extensive travel options for passengers.

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Arts & Culture Lite Blogs

‘Maharaja’s Treasure: Select works of art from Air India collection

The exhibition consists of a thematic display of around 200 meticulously chosen artworks that brings to you a portion of the collection that Air India used to redefine air travel in its own ‘maharaja’ style,” says Nazneen Banu, Director – NGMA…reports Sukant Deepak

The National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), Ministry of Culture, will present ‘Maharaja’s Treasure: Select works of art from the famed Air India collection-an exhibition that opens on April 27 and continues till July 2 at the Nation Gallery of Modern Art in Fort, Mumbai.

Over the period of eighty years, Air India put together an impressive art collection to showcase and celebrate Indian art and culture across the globe. This collection comprises paintings and sculptures by famous artists such as V. S. Gaitonde, B Prabha, M. F. Husain, G. R. Santosh, K. H. Ara, Pilloo Pochkhanawala, Raghav Kaneria, to name a few, traditional paintings such as Phad and Pichwai paintings of Rajasthan, Kalamkaris from Andhra Pradesh, Thanjavur gilded and glass paintings to an exquisite array of textiles, jewellery, and decorative art spread across the subcontinent. It was officially decided that this collection will be handed over to the Ministry of Culture and is to be housed at the National Gallery of Modern Art for posterity. The exhibition will be inaugurated in the presence of Union Minister of Culture, Tourism and DoNER (Development of North Eastern Region), G. Kishan Reddy.

“It gives me immense pleasure to launch the first exhibition on the Air India collection here at NGMA. This is the first of many to celebrate the iconic collection which was a pioneer in promoting our heritage across the globe. The exhibition consists of a thematic display of around 200 meticulously chosen artworks that brings to you a portion of the collection that Air India used to redefine air travel in its own ‘maharaja’ style,” says Nazneen Banu, Director – NGMA.

The exhibition begins with a glimpse of a few iconic works from the collection by masters such as K. H. Ara, V. S. Gaitonde, N. S. Bendre, G. R. Santosh, Manu Parekh, B Prabha, M. F. Husain, Anjolie Ela Menon, and B Vithal. An untitled canvas by V. S. Gaitonde from 1970, stands prominent, evoking a serene mood through the warm hues spread across the canvas. The highlight of this section is the famous ashtray designed by surrealist Salvadore Dali which is in the form of a sea shell with a serpent coiled around its rim and supported by elephant heads which in reverse become swans. Proceeding to the next floor, brings to life, the various portrayals of women and their contributions to life and society.

NGMA to host Maharaja’s Treasure.(photo:IANSLIFE)

Arpana Caur’s canvas depicting a woman with a blue crescent moon on her head is part of a larger composition titled, ‘Women Hold up Half the Sky’, showing women in construction sites, where the heavy vessel on her head takes the shape of the moon. Shanti Dave’s painting is an extension of the same theme. The section also dedicates a corner to the fisherwomen painted by B Prabha and A. A. Raiba.

Open window panes always generate a multitude of possibilities of imagination and a sense of freedom that lies on the horizon. This section highlights various vignettes showing landscapes laden with huts, buildings, birds, and people engaged in farming. Both the works of Anjolie Ela Menon mounted on window frames, titled ‘Nawab with pigeon’ depicts the little girl’s longing to break away from the patriarchy that holds her back inside the confines of age-old traditions represented by the figure of the Nawab and in the second work titled, ‘Lady with kite’ represents the little girl’s desire to experiment with the possibilities that exist outside.

Expressionism and abstract form take prominence on the next floor. The vibrant canvases of Achuthan Kudallur and Laxman Shrestha bring forth various shapes that do not confer to a particular identifiable object but take one’s mind on a journey to infinite thoughts. The section proceeds to more fluid forms of the ‘Kalpavriksha’, the tree of life, flanked by Hindu deities, Ganesh and Brahmaby S. G. Vasudev. The second half of this section is dedicated to landscapes that climax with the formidable mountains of Serbjeet Singh.

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Business India News

Air India wraps up ‘Taxi’ phase

The conclusion of phase one marked the beginning of ‘Take Off’, the second phase of transformation which is focused on developing the platforms, processes and systems needed to build toward excellence…reports Asian Lite News

Air India has concluded the first phase of its five-year transformation plan, Vihaan.AI.

The phase called ‘Taxi’, was focussed on addressing legacy issues of the flag carrier at scale and laying the foundation for future growth.

The conclusion marked the beginning of ‘Take Off’, the second phase of transformation which is focused on developing the platforms, processes and systems needed to build toward excellence.

Commenting on the conclusion of the ‘Taxi’ phase, Air India CEO Campbell Wilson said: “The first six months of our transformation journey has engaged and united Air Indians behind a common cause, and made great strides in tackling many issues that had built up over the years.

“During this ‘Taxi’ phase, we have also come a long way in establishing foundations for growth. Our record-setting aircraft order, the commitment of $400 million to completely refurbish existing aircraft, the investment of $200 million in new IT and the recruitment of literally thousands of staff are but a few of the significant investments being made to restore Air India to the upper echelons of global aviation.

“As we move into our ‘Take Off’ phase, we will start seeing these investments bear fruit. All Air Indians are very grateful to partners and supporters as we continue this journey.”

Some of the significant achievements during the ‘Taxi’ phase included committing over $400 million for aircraft refurbishments; revamped menus on international and domestic routes; launching Premium Economy seats for the first time ever on select long-haul flights; among many other initiatives.

Besides, Air India also signed the industry’s largest-ever order for 470 aircraft and expedited fleet expansion with 36 leased planes, including 11 widebodies, being delivered in 2022-23.

On the digital front, $200 was being invested in upgrading IT systems which included implementing Salesforce for CRM integration and upgradation of SAP ERP system from obsolete mainframe to the cloud; upgradation of the website; employee self-service systems; learning management systems; safety management system; world-class rostering; and day-of-ops systems as also introducing iPads across the fleet to better empower crew and improve processes.

Meanwhile, the second ‘Take Off’ phase is focussed on building the right platforms and progress faster based on the momentum that has been established.

This phase will also witness the consolidation of the group airlines AirAsia India and Air India Express.

The development of a world-class training academy will also take shape as also the future direction and configuration of the airline’s line and base maintenance.

Vihaan.AI, which in Sanskrit signifies the dawn of a new era, has a detailed roadmap for Air India with clear milestones.

The plan is aimed at putting Air India on a path to sustained growth, profitability, and market leadership.

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