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Tag: Air India

  • Sky’s the limit Maxposure buys XR trailblazer Neutral Digital for tech lift

    Sky’s the limit Maxposure buys XR trailblazer Neutral Digital for tech lift

    MUMBAI: Inflight entertainment just got a futuristic facelift with a dash of CGI and a lot of XR. Maxposure Limited, known for keeping airline passengers engaged at 30,000 feet, has acquired London-based immersive tech specialist Neutral Digital in a move that promises to upgrade more than just seatback screens.

    With clients like Indigo and Air India already on board, Maxposure has long been a go-to for aviation content and tech solutions. But this latest deal plugs the brand into a whole new dimension, literally. Neutral Digital is a rising force in XR-driven aviation experiences, with a glittering clientele including Boeing, Airbus, Emirates, and British Airways. From training modules to interactive customer journeys, they’ve been building digital flight decks long before the metaverse made it cool.

    As part of the deal, Maxposure will invest in Neutral Digital’s tech and growth while letting the company keep its independent identity. That means more immersive content, smarter integrations, and cross-selling possibilities that would make even seasoned frequent flyers look up from their screens.

    Maxposure founder and CEO Prakash Johari commented, “This marks a transformative chapter for Maxposure. By combining our aviation-focused solutions with Neutral Digital’s capabilities, we’re revolutionising passenger experience with next-generation inflight technology that doesn’t just meet airline requirements; it anticipates them. This integration positions us at the forefront of creating immersive, seamless experiences that redefine what’s possible in the skies.”

    Neutral Digital CEO Christian Grou added, “The digital world is rapidly moving towards the third dimension, and we are at the forefront of that revolution. This partnership accelerates our vision and strengthen s our ability to deliver transformative solutions to airlines worldwide.”

    Together, the two firms are setting out to redefine how airlines engage with passengers whether that’s through mind-bending cabin visualisations, next-gen inflight interfaces, or storytelling that doesn’t just entertain, but immerses. Buckle up, aviation’s digital future just got a serious upgrade.
     

  • Air India expands Lufthansa partnership to spread its wings across Europe

    Air India expands Lufthansa partnership to spread its wings across Europe

    MUMBAI: Air India is soaring to new heights in its partnership with the Lufthansa Group, expanding its codeshare network to offer seamless connectivity between India and Europe. The enhanced deal, which now includes Austrian Airlines, adds close to 60 new codeshare routes, bringing the total to nearly 100 flights across 12 Indian and 26 European cities.

    For Indian travellers, this means greater access to 26 European destinations and three key American cities beyond Air India’s hubs in Frankfurt, Vienna, and Zurich. Passengers can now book Air India-coded flights on Lufthansa, Swiss, and Austrian Airlines, making travel to cities like Amsterdam, Barcelona, Munich, and Stockholm smoother than ever.

    On the flip side, Lufthansa Group customers can now connect to 15 Indian destinations with Air India, including Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Goa, Kolkata, and Pune. The partnership also extends to Air India’s international routes to Kathmandu, Melbourne, and Sydney from Delhi and Mumbai.

    Air India chief commercial officer Nipun Aggarwal stated, “Our goal is to enable our customers to travel seamlessly across the world via Air India and its partner airlines. Expanding our partnership with Lufthansa Group strengthens this mission and elevates the travel experience for our passengers.”

    Lufthansa Group chief commercial officer Dieter Vranckx said, “We are thrilled to enhance our cooperation with Air India. This partnership will offer greater travel flexibility and reinforce Lufthansa Group’s commitment to the Indian market.”

    As both airlines are part of Star Alliance, frequent flyers can continue to earn and redeem miles, while elite members enjoy priority services, additional baggage allowances, and access to premium lounges.

    Subject to regulatory approvals, the expanded codeshare flights will soon be available for booking, promising a smoother and more connected travel experience for passengers across India and Europe.

  • Deepti Sampat has transitioned to Air India following Vistara merger

    Deepti Sampat has transitioned to Air India following Vistara merger

    MUMBAI:  Deepti Sampat has officially transitioned to the role of vice president marketing  at Air India, following  the merger of Vistara and Air India. Her shift to Air India took place in November, but because this was not reported earlier, we are posting it now.

    Having spent over five years at Vistara as VP-marketing, , Sampat reflects on her journey, expressing gratitude to her colleagues and the customers who supported the airline, helping build it into a strong brand within Indian aviation. She earlier  has had stints with Oberoi group, tripadvisor, Expedia, Talent Edge, and finally Vistara. In various roles.  

    Sampat’s rich educational background includes an MBA in marketing from the Indian Institute of Planning and Management, and a certificate in business strategy from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business. Her career trajectory spans multiple senior marketing roles, showcasing her expertise in driving brand strategy and customer experience in highly competitive markets.

    Her tenure at Vistara was marked by numerous accolades.As she embarks on this new chapter at Air India, Sampat aims to leverage her extensive experience to enhance marketing initiatives and further elevate the airline’s service standards in the Indian aviation sector.

    This new appointment emphasises Air India’s commitment to strengthening its brand identity while integrating the values and services of Vistara into its operations.

  • Air India collaborates with KidZania

    Air India collaborates with KidZania

    Mumbai: Air India, a global airline, in collaboration with KidZania, the globally acclaimed educational entertainment brand, announced the launch of the Air India Aviation Academy at KidZania’s theme parks in Noida and Mumbai. At the Academy, children will be able to step into the roles of pilots and cabin crew aboard a model aircraft and understand the nuances of a career as a pilot and cabin crew in the aviation industry.

    The academy, where children will be able to see the model of Air India’s fleet and its other facilities in the airline’s new branding, colours and livery, aims to enhance children’s educational skills by offering them unique opportunities to learn about the aviation industry through interactive and engaging role-playing activities.

    Through this collaboration, Air India and KidZania aim to cultivate a new generation of aviation enthusiasts and professionals by providing a platform where children can engage in realistic role-playing scenarios, such as piloting an aircraft and working as cabin crew. The academy seeks to strengthen psychomotor, cognitive, emotional and social skills among children.

    The Air India Aviation Academy at KidZania has been built to provide young enthusiasts with an opportunity to engage in activities that simulate real-life aviation tasks. The academy will provide an authentic and dynamic platform to ignite children’s curiosity and imagination. Here children can discover, explore and learn about the aviation industry in a fun and engaging way.

    Air India head of marketing Sunil Suresh said, “Air India aims to create meaningful experiences for children and inspire upcoming generations. The Air India Aviation Academy at KidZania’s Noida and Mumbai theme parks will provide young enthusiasts with hands-on training in aviation skills, fostering an understanding of the industry and the importance of safety and teamwork.”

    As part of the partnership, members of Air India’s frequent flyer programme Flying Returns which was recently upgraded to offer greater ease, rewards and recognition, will be able to earn seven Flying Returns points for every Rs 100 spent on tickets to visit the Air India Aviation Academy at KidZania’s theme parks in Noida and Mumbai.

    KidZania India chief marketing Officer Rahul Dhamdhere said, “We are thrilled to expand our partnership with Air India through the launch of the Air India Aviation Academy. This academy will provide children with a hands-on understanding of the aviation industry, blending education with entertainment. Our goal is to spark an interest in aviation careers from an early age, and with Air India’s support, we can offer an unparalleled experience that is both fun and educational.”

    At the KidZania theme parks in Noida and Mumbai, there will be additional features such as a selfie point for kids and parents with the Air India aircraft in the background, a section on the history of Air India, and Air India quiz, and insights into Air India’s new aircraft fleet and destinations. At the entrance, children will be able to get an insight into the real world of aviation via a live flight tracker display that will showcase real-time information on aircraft flying to various parts of the world.

    A first in India, this initiative highlights Air India’s commitment to nurturing future talent and KidZania’s dedication to immersive educational experiences as well as inculcating values of responsibility, solidarity, sensitivity, harmony, courage, self-confidence and professional ethics among children.

  • Air India and Supari Studios win the prestigious Webby Award

    Air India and Supari Studios win the prestigious Webby Award

    Mumbai: Air India and Supari Studios, the brand solutions division of Kulfi Collective, have won the Webby for Best Original Music (People’s Voice) in the advertising, media & PR category for their Republic Day campaign. A hattrick! This is the third time Kulfi Collective, via its brand solution division Supari Studios, has won at the Webbys; the only Indian network ever to have done so.

    Hailed as the “Internet’s highest honour” by The New York Times, The Webby Awards is the leading international awards organisation honouring excellence on the Internet.  

    “Air India and Supari Studios have set the standard for innovation and creativity on the Internet,” said The Webby Awards general manager Nick Borenstein. “This award is a testament to the skill, ingenuity, and vision of its creators.”

    “This recognition from The Webby Awards for Air India’s Republic Day campaign is an absolute honour! Winning three Webbys is an incredible achievement; a testimony to the deep insight and creativity of our Kulfi Collective team. We are proud to represent India on the global stage and will continue to push the boundaries of culture and storytelling with our brand partners,” added Kulfi Collective co-founder and chief creative officer Akshat Gupt.

    For over a decade, Kulfi Collective via Supari Studios has led the way in crafting captivating and scalable content, embedded in Gen-next’s culture, conversations and communities. With an impressive portfolio of 500 plus projects garnering over two billion views, the award-winning division from the House of Kulfi Collective continues to redefine tomorrow’s landscape for leading brands worldwide.  

    Air India and Supari Studios will be honoured at the 28th Annual Webby Awards in New York City on 13 May, where winners will have the opportunity to deliver one of The Webby Awards’ famous 5-Word Speeches. Past 5-Word Speeches include: Steve Wilhite’s “It’s Pronounced “Jif” not ‘Gif’; NASA’s “Houston, We Have A Webby”; and SZA’s “The Internet Scares Me. Thanks.” Hosted by comedian Amber Ruffin (Late Night with Seth Meyers), the Webby Awards’ star-studded ceremony celebrates the best of the Internet.

    Visit webbyawards.com to see Supari Studios’ hallmark five-word acceptance speech and follow @thewebbyawards on Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to experience the 28 Annual Webby Awards and the Internet’s Biggest Night on Monday, 13 May 2024.

  • Air India & Supari Studios nominated for Webby Award

    Air India & Supari Studios nominated for Webby Award

    Mumbai: Air India and Supari Studios have been nominated for Best Original Music or Music Supervision – Advertising; Media & PR; in the 28 Annual Webby Awards. Hailed as the “Internet’s highest honour” by The New York Times, The Webby Awards, presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS), is the international awards organisation honouring excellence on the Internet. IADAS, which nominates and selects The Webby Award Winners, is comprised of Internet industry experts including Marian Croak, VP of engineering – Responsible AI & human-centred Technology, Google; Sarah Harden, CEO, Hello Sunshine; Tobe Nwigwe, Artist & Actor; Shigetaka Kurita, Artist & Father of Emojis; Severin Hacker, Cofounder & CTO, Duolingo; Law Roach, Image Architect; Yann LeCun, VP & Chief AI Scientist, Meta; Roxane Gay, Host, The Roxane Gay Agenda; Quinta Brunson, Writer, Director and Actor; Questlove, DJ and Producer; Todd Kaplan, Chief Marketing Officer, Pepsi Co; Ashley Murphy, VP Global Consumer Marketing, Rare Beauty; Nelly Mensah, VP of Digital Innovation, Global Head of Web3 and Metaverse, LVMH; Jim Habig, Vice President Marketing, LinkedIn; and Tonya Custis, Director of AI Research, Autodesk.

    “Nominees like Supari Studios are setting the standard for innovation and creativity on the Internet,” said Nick Borenstein, General Manager of The Webby Awards. “It is an incredible achievement to be selected among the best from the nearly 13,000 entries we received this year.”

    Kulfi Collective co-founder and CCO Akshat Gupt said “As a nominee, Supari Studios is also eligible to win a Webby People’s Voice Award, which is voted online by fans across the globe. From now until April 18th, Supari Studios fans can cast their votes at https://bit.ly/3TNB8wn.”

    Winners will be announced on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, and honoured in a star-studded show at Cipriani Wall Street. Winners will have an opportunity to deliver one of The Webby Awards’ famous 5-word Speeches. Past 5-Word Speeches include: Steve Wilhite’s “It’s Pronounced “Jif” not ‘Gif’; NASA’s “Houston We Have A Webby”; and SZA’s “The Internet Scares Me. Thanks.”
     

  • Air India launches new inflight safety video

    Air India launches new inflight safety video

    Mumbai: Air India, India’s leading global airline, has unveiled ‘Safety Mudras’, the airline’s new inflight safety video that seamlessly blends safety instructions with the kaleidoscope of India’s vibrant culture. Developed in collaboration with the visionary trio of Prasoon Joshi of McCann Worldgroup, Shankar Mahadevan and Bharatbala, the video is meticulously crafted to engage passengers and showcase the diversity and depth of the Indian culture, while delivering essential safety information.

    For centuries, Indian classical dance and folk art forms have served as mediums of storytelling and instruction. Air India’s new inflight safety video integrates safety instructions with mudras or dance expressions in eight diverse dance forms – Bharatnatyam, Bihu, Kathak, Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Odissi, Ghoomar, and Giddha – from around the country. Each featured dance form presents a specific safety instruction, providing vital information in an engaging and culturally immersive manner.

    Air India CEO & MD Campbell Wilson said: “As a flagbearer of the country and a longstanding patron of Indian art and culture, Air India is delighted to present a work of art that is designed to deliver essential safety instructions while showcasing India’s rich cultural diversity to travellers around the world. Our guests will find this inflight safety video to be more immersive and informative, and a warm welcome to India from the moment they step onboard.”

    Featuring music composed by Grammy Award-winning music composer and singer Shankar Mahadevan, the video invites passengers to experience a harmonious fusion of safety and culture. This project, spanning approximately six months, involved creators travelling and capturing the essence of India visually through mesmerizing locations across the length and breadth of the country.

    The safety video will be initially accessible on Air India’s recently introduced A350 aircraft, which is equipped with state-of-the-art inflight entertainment screens. It will be progressively deployed on other aircraft in Air India’s fleet.

    McCann Worldgroup Asia Pacific chairman, McCann Worldgroup India CEO & CCO; and celebrated writer & lyricist Prasoon Joshi:

    “Tasked with the challenge to create a concept that keeps passengers engaged, embody Indian culture and elevate the Air India brand globally, we went to great lengths to poise the essential and the evocative. Indian classical dance forms have one unique dimension – storytelling. And that is what made me think of this idea of using these Indian dance forms to deliver the safety instructions for air travel.

    I am fortunate that this idea found resonance with the fantastic Air India team. And, with a longtime friend and ever brilliant Bharatbala who really made this thought possible. It’s indeed a matter of pride for McCann to work with Air India.”

    Celebrated Indian music composer and singer Shankar Mahadevan:

    “I am very happy I got to create the music for the safety instruction video for Air India. With the new chapter of Air India, their safety instruction video too is pathbreaking and very culturally rich. It is a combination of the various dance forms from India – with the dancers demonstrating the safety briefing actions by way of mudras. The music changes as per the dance form as well. Cheers to Air India for creating something that has never been done before, I am very proud to be a part of this.”

    Indian film director, producer and screenwriter Bharatbala:

    “Having previously worked on projects that showcase the cultural diversity of India, this nuanced opportunity from Air India, enabled me to present our timeless classical and folk-art forms with a contemporary vision. We are an ancient country but with a modern outlook. And for India’s leading global carrier, Air India, to communicate a safety mandate in this manner brought even more responsibility on me to create a spectacle. Filming across the beautiful landscapes and monuments, giving each dance form its place of pride, is truly an enriching experience. This journey enables the passengers to experience India visually, musically, and emotionally on a grand canvas. This film will be etched as one of my special creations and I hope will be an added feather in the rich legacy of Air India. Welcome on board!”

  • One in ten Indian consumers only book from airlines where they are a loyalty member

    One in ten Indian consumers only book from airlines where they are a loyalty member

    Mumbai: The latest YouGov survey research shows that more than half of urban Indians (54 per cent) are members of at least one airline loyalty program.

    About a quarter (25 per cent) are members of Air India Flying Returns – by far the most popular airline loyalty club – followed, at a distance, by Emirates
    Skywards (11 per cent).

    Foreign airline loyalty programs

    Qatar Airways Privilege Club (9 per cent) and Singapore Airlines / Scoot KrisFlyer (8 per cent) are as popular among consumers as are some domestic programs, namely Club Vistara by Vistara Airlines and SpiceClub by Spicejet (8 per cent each).

    The top three loyalty programs are notably more popular with men than women.

    Among the age groups, Air India Flying Returns appears to be more popular among the millennials (at 29 per cent) as compared to others but Emirates Skywards has
    a stronger resonance with GenZ (at 14 per cent).

    When asked about the top two benefits they most appreciate about being an airline loyalty club member, three in ten (29 per cent) highlight being able to redeem
    their miles for discounted / free flights as a top perk.

    About a quarter (26 per cent) value airport lounge access
    as a top advantage followed by additional luggage allowance, hotel deals and dedicated customer service (at 18 per cent each).

    Seat upgrades (15 per cent), cost-saving deals on retail purchases (13 per cent), and priority boarding (13 per cent) are the next most popular advantages.  

    While airport lounge access is more important to men than women (29 per cent vs 22 per cent), dedicated customer service appeals more to women than men (20 per cent vs 15 per cent).  

    Finally, when airline loyalty program members were asked how they typically decide on international flight bookings, over a third (36 per cent) said they start
    by searching for flights that fit their travel schedule and choose the most attractive option irrespective of their loyalty program membership.

    However, a fifth (20 per cent) look for airlines that fit their schedule but prioritise ones where they are loyalty members.  

    One in six (16 per cent) start by searching among airlines where they are a loyalty member – with 11 per cent saying they will typically choose between flights offered
    by such airlines only. 

  • Air India announces P Balaji as group head group head- governance, regulatory, GRC

    Air India announces P Balaji as group head group head- governance, regulatory, GRC

    Mumbai: Air India today announced the appointment of P. Balaji in a newly created role of group head- governance, regulatory, compliance (GRC) and corporate Affairs. Balaji assume his role at Air India on 11 January 2024, and will report to Air India CEO & MD, Campbell Wilson. He will oversee the Government Affairs, Legal, Ethics, Sustainability, and Corporate Communications functions at Air India, among others.

    Balaji started his career with Tata Administrative Services and has rich experience of over 30 years in telecom & IT Sector in diverse functions including regulatory policy, compliance, sales, product management, marketing, strategy, M&A and operations. He joins Air India after nearly a decade-long stint at Vodafone Idea Limited where he spearheaded the regulatory and public policy functions.

    Announcing Balaji’s appointment, Air India CEO & MD Campbell Wilson said:“We are pleased to have Balaji on board. Having worked in the regulatory and policy space, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will be valuable to the ongoing transformation at Air India. At Air India, we remain committed to building top leadership as we continue to invest in all the resources that are required to take the airline to the upper echelons of global aviation.” 

  • Air India starts rollout of new global brand identity

    Air India starts rollout of new global brand identity

    Mumbai: Air India has started the rollout of its recently unveiled global brand identity across guest touchpoints, beginning with a full switch to the new look across digital and online channels and rebranding at Delhi and Mumbai airports.

    The new identity, unveiled in August 2023, is centered around the ‘Vista’, Air India’s logo icon and a symbol of limitless possibilities and progressiveness. The new look features Air India’s new brand colours, including Air India red, aubergine, rose gold, and accents of gold, as well as the extensive usage of customised iconography and a bespoke font, Air India Sans – all crafted to reflect a bold, modern, and world-class airline with an Indian heart. This spirit is now reflected in:

     . A redesigned website, airindia.com, and a new mobile app: Air India guests will now be able to enjoy a more seamless and intuitive online experience with streamlined booking flows, faster performance, new features, and a refreshed design that showcases the airline’s new brand identity. The new website and mobile app were designed and architected by Air India’s teams in Kochi and Silicon Valley.

    . New social media avatar: Air India’s social media platforms have been revamped to reflect the new brand identity, offering engaging content and an interactive platform for guests to connect with the airline and fellow travellers.

    . Gradual rollout at airports: Starting with Delhi and Mumbai airports, guests will begin to see the new branding come alive at various touchpoints, including check-in counters, boarding gates, lounges, and newly designed boarding cards. The rollout will progressively extend to other airports across Air India’s growing global network in the coming weeks.

    “The network-wide switch to our new global brand identity is a landmark moment for Air India,” said Air India CEO & managing director Campbell Wilson. “It’s not just about bringing our new logo and colours to customer touchpoints; it’s a promise to our guests of a transforming travel experience that is modern, seamless, and infused with the warmth and hospitality that defines a new India and a new Air India. We are confident that the modern, world-class look of Air India will appeal to our guests globally and serve as a strong reminder of all the remarkable changes that have come or are to come to their Air India experience.”

    Rebranding on and inside aircraft

    The new Air India livery will feature on the A350 fleet and subsequently on other incoming brand-new aircraft. The in-flight rollout of the new global brand identity is linked to the airline’s soon-to-be-inducted Airbus A350 fleet as well as subsequent refurbishment of cabin products over the next few months.

    “This is a transformation of great scale, and therefore, it may take us a while to achieve consistency in our product, service, and the overall ‘new Air India experience’. We will continue to seek the support of our guests as we modernise Air India and make it a world-class airline that India deserves,” Wilson added.

    Earlier this year, Air India placed record-setting orders for 470 aircraft with Airbus and Boeing for US$ 70 billion (at published list prices), from which the much-anticipated Airbus A350 aircraft will start arriving this month. A US$ 400 million project for the refurbishment of 43 of Air India’s legacy widebody aircraft begins mid-2024, which will lead to the installation of brand-new seats in every cabin, new inflight entertainment systems, and inflight Wi-Fi internet connectivity.

    Air India last week revealed new uniforms for its cabin and cockpit crews, designed by the famed Indian couturier, Manish Malhotra. The new uniforms will be introduced in a phased manner over the next few months, starting with the entry of service of Air India’s first Airbus A350. The airline will also soon reveal new uniforms for ground staff, engineers, and security personnel, designed by Manish Malhotra.