Arindam Majumder

The airline also has purchase rights for another 70 planes, the delivery of which will begin from 2027. At list price, the order is worth $ 12 billion, but airlines enjoy heavy discounts on bulk orders.

India's general election offers voters discounts in various sectors. Inked voters get democracy discounts at restaurants. Air India Express provides a 19% discount for first-time voters. BluSmart and Enrich offer discounted rides and salon services during voting days.

IndiGo's entry into the long-haul international market is a significant development supporting India's aim to transform its airports into key hubs. The airline's order for 30 Airbus A350-900 aircraft signals its expansion into long-haul travel, with plans to connect Indian metros to global destinations, enhancing connectivity and making India an aviation powerhouse. This move aligns with the government's vision to establish Indian airports as major hubs in the region, capturing a larger share of international passenger traffic.

A Delhi High Court order on Friday allowing lessors to repossess their aircraft has further dented hopes of reviving Go First, they said. Ajay Singh, promoter of SpiceJet, and an entity owned by Nishant Pitti-owner of online travel portal EaseMyTrip had jointly bid for the airline. The second bid is from Sharjah-based Sky One.

IndiGo has appointed Isidro Pablo Porqueras Orea as chief of transformation, aims to dominate international market. Orders A350-900 aircraft, introduces premium class. Expanding rapidly with new leadership like Elbers and Sarestky for hybrid model growth.

Tata Sons is hastening the integration of Air India and Vistara to operate as a single airline by year-end. Both airlines have initiated merging their operations manuals and transferring flying crew. This move simplifies Tata's aviation business, merging Air India and Vistara into a full-service airline and integrating AirAsia India and Air India Express into a low-cost carrier. While Air India's CEO had suggested that Vistara's brand identity wouldn't change before 2025, the merger could happen sooner.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has suspended Vistara's head of training, Vikram Mohan Dayal, due to deficiencies in the training process for Boeing 787 pilots. Vistara failed to comply with regulations regarding Zero Flight Time Training (ZFTT) during the conversion program from Airbus A320 to Boeing 787.

Internationally, short-haul destinations such as Vietnam and long-haul ones like Europe are seeing increased interest, say travel industry executives.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has deregistered all 54 aircraft of Go First, offering relief to aircraft leasing companies. This action comes 364 days after the Wadia-owned company filed for bankruptcy. Following a directive from the Delhi High Court, DGCA processed the deregistration applications within five working days. Lessors, backed by major banks, had to navigate a legal battle to reclaim their aircraft, which had been restrained during the insolvency process.

IndiGo, India's largest airline, is set to return to full-year profitability in FY 24, following a challenging period due to the pandemic. The company has announced a bonus for its employees equivalent to one and a half months' salary. The surge in domestic passenger numbers has contributed to IndiGo's quicker recovery compared to other global airlines. Its shares have witnessed significant gains, with analysts expecting a profit between Rs 7,500-8,000 crore in FY 24.