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Air Arabia reported a record-breaking pre-tax net profit of AED 1.6 billion in 2024, an increase from the previous year. The airline's total turnover grew by 11 per cent, expanding its network by adding 31 new routes and increasing operational capacity by 13 per cent. The Board has proposed a 25 per cent dividend distribution pending shareholder approval.

Today, Air Arabia announced its financial and operational results for the year ending December 31, 2024. The airline posted a record pre-tax profit of AED 1.6 billion, reflecting a 4 per cent increase compared to AED 1.5 billion in 2023. Total turnover for the year surpassed AED 6.63 billion, marking an 11 per cent growth from AED 6 billion in 2023.

In 2024, Air Arabia reinforced its commitment to expansion and operational excellence by growing its network across six hubs and adding 31 new routes.

This strategic expansion led to a 13 per cent increase in operational capacity and a 12 per cent rise in total passengers, reaching 18.8 million across the group. The airline also reported a 2 per cent increase in average seat load factor, reaching 82 per cent, further underscoring the sustained strong demand for Air Arabia's value-driven low-cost services.

Air Arabia's Board of Directors has proposed a dividend distribution of 25 per cent of share capital, equivalent to 25 files per share. This proposal was made during a recent board meeting and is subject to approval by Air Arabia's shareholders at the upcoming Annual General Meeting. Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohamed Al Thani, Chairman of Air Arabia, said, "2024 has been a record-breaking year for Air Arabia Group marked by significant expansion and an increased footprint across all key markets. Building on our strong foundation, we have continued to achieve remarkable financial and operational growth, reaffirming the strength of our business model, the resilience of our management team and the effectiveness of our strategic vision."

#airarabia #airlines #travelnews #travelupdate #aviation #turnover #profits 

The partnership allows travellers from Dubai to Lagos to connect to additional Nigerian destinations, including Asaba, Akure, Benin City, Calabar, Enugu, Ilorin, Kaduna and Owerri. Corporate travellers will also benefit from expanded access to major economic hubs like Abuja, Kano, Uyo, Port Harcourt, and Wari. This initiative simplifies travel logistics and strengthens the growing economic and trade ties between Nigeria and the UAE.

Emirates, the world's biggest international airline, has signed a landmark interline agreement with Air Peace, West Africa's leading carrier. The collaboration will significantly enhance travel options for passengers flying to and from Nigeria, providing seamless connectivity to 13 cities nationwide.

Adnan Kazim, Emirates' Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, emphasised the airline's commitment to Nigeria, stating, "Emirates has long been a dedicated partner to Nigeria's tourism, trade, and aviation sectors.

This agreement with Air Peace marks a significant milestone, offering more travel choices for leisure, business, and family visits. We look forward to deepening this partnership to deliver even greater value to our customers."

Oluwatoyin Olajide, Chief Operating Officer of Air Peace, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the strategic importance of collaboration. "This partnership with Emirates is a game changer for Nigerian travellers, aligning with our mission to provide seamless world-class travel experiences. We are fostering business, tourism, and trade opportunities by connecting passengers from Dubai to key domestic destinations while positioning Nigeria as a vital hub for regional and global travel."

Emirates Dubai Lagos route, operated with the state-of-the-art Boeing 777-300 ER, offers passengers an unparalleled travel experience. From regionally inspired gourmet meals to an extensive selection of premium beverages, travellers can immerse themselves in luxury while enjoying over 6,500 channels of global entertainment, including 23 Nigerian movies, on Emirates' award-winning inflight entertainment system ice.

Air Peace, Nigeria's premier airline, complements this offering with its modern fleet of Airbus, Boeing, and Embraer aircraft, ensuring seamless domestic and international connections. With this partnership, Emirates continues strengthening its presence in Africa, now offering connectivity to over 223 regional points through its extensive codeshare and interline agreements network.

#emirates #airlines #uaenews #emiratesupdate #aviationupdate #travelnews 

Thomas Cook India has signed a strategic MOU with the Georgia National Tourism Administration to promote Georgia as a key travel destination for Indian tourists. The partnership will focus on increasing awareness, driving demand, and targeting key segments like millennials, families, and corporate MICE groups. The collaboration aims to showcase Georgia's attractions, accessibility, and affordability in the high-potential Indian market.

Thomas Cook India has entered into a strategic partnership with the Georgia National Tourism Administration to increase Indian visitation to Georgia.

The MOU aims to boost travel by raising awareness of Georgia's unique offerings and creating a demand-driven approach to the Indian market.

Thomas Cook India's extensive market reach and leadership in the travel sector will drive this collaboration, which will focus on Georgia's attractiveness, accessibility, and affordability.

Thomas Cook India's internal data highlights a strong appetite among Indian consumers for new and unexplored destinations, particularly those with easy visa regimes.

This collaboration seeks to leverage those insights by promoting Georgia as an exciting and affordable destination. The key objectives include creating awareness, building inspirational content promoting MICE opportunities, and executing joint marketing initiatives tailored to the Indian market.

Rajeev Kale, President and Country Head of Holidays MICE Visa at Thomas Cook India, commenced, "From the charming streets of Tbilisi rich in history and culture to the majestic landscapes of the Caucasus mountains and the ancient cave cities of Uplistsikhe Georgia offers memorable experiences at great value fr Indian travellers. We are delighted to segments including millennials, young professionals, families and corporate MICE groups."

Maia Omiadze, Head of the Georgian National Tourism Administration, also expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, saying, "This collaboration with Thomas Cook India is key to boosting Georgia's visibility in the Indian market.

India's growing tourism significance is evident with 124,335 visits to Georgia in 2024, a 46.8 per cent increase from the previous year."

The partnership comes at an opportune moment, aligning with Georgia's increased focus on the Indian market and its ongoing efforts to drive growth in international tourism.

#thomascook #mou #india #georgiatourism #tourismnews #travelnews #travelupdate

Airbnb's shares surged 13.3 per cent in premarket trade, surpassing Wall Street's Q4 expectations. Strong international travel demand, notably from Asia and Latin America, drove Airbnb's share surge. Nights booked by Chinese tourists increased by 25 per cent, and Airbnb plans further expansion, aiming to launch new businesses annually. Analysts foresee significant growth potential over the coming years.

Airbnb shares rose as much as 13.3 per cent in premarket trade on Friday after the vacation home rentals company beat Wall Street estimates for fourth-quarter results, boosted by strong international travel demand. Travel companies have been helped by healthy demand in Asia, especially from Chinese consumers visiting destinations in Southeast Asia. Airbnb said that nights booked by outbound Chinese tourists rose 25 per cent in the fourth quarter. It also saw a 30 per cent growth in nights booked for domestic travel in Latin America, led by Brazil, compared to last year. First-time bookers in the region grew by nearly 15 per cent sequentially.

The short-term rentals platform said growth in expansion markets was twice that of their core markets. "This instils confidence in our forecast for international markets to add tens of billions in bookings over the next several years," said Morningstar analyst Dan Wasiolek. Airbnb also said it plans to invest $200 million to $250 million towards a new travel-related business which would be launched in May. CEO Brian Chesky said the company expects to launch one or two firms yearly on the post-earnings conference call for the next five years. "Each business could take three to five years to scale. A great business could get to a billion dollars for revenue," he added.

William Blair analyst Ralph Schackart said, "Over the longer term, the company has the opportunity to add incremental growth drivers such as experiences, among others, and the stock should grow at least in line with revenue growth." Shares of Airbnb trade at about 32.06 times their forward profit estimates compared to an industry median of 17.99 times.

#airbnb #share #stockmarket #wallstreet #travelnews #travelupdate #airbnbupdate 

Often known as the Lake of Nine Corners, Naukuchiatal is known for its peaceful landscapes and rich biodiversity, which attract nature lovers and birdwatchers, including sightings of the Yellow-billed Blue Magpie. With the launch of Naukuchia Houdse, IHCL now operates 17 hotels in Uttrakhand, including seven under development, further solidifying its footprint in the region's hospitality landscape.

The Indian Hotels Company Limited IHCL has strengthened its presence in Uttrakhand with the launch of Naukuchia House IHCL SeleQtions, a 42-key retreat set against the peaceful backdrop of Naukuchiatal Lake in the Kumaon foothills. Positioned at over 4000 feet, the property offers an indulging experience in one of Uttrakhand's lesser-explored yet stunning destinations. With this opening, IHCL continues its collaborations with Leisure Hotels Group, marking their fifth partnership since 2013 to promote offbeat leisure destinations in India.

"The launch of Naukuchia House IHCL SeleQtions reinforces our commitment to curating regional experiences in emerging tourist hotspots. Our partnership with Leisure Hotels Group has consistently brought unique destinations to the fore, and this opening further enhances our leisure offerings in Uttrakhand," said Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and CEO of IHCL.

Vibhas Prasad, Director of Leisure Hotels Group, emphasized the project's significance:

"Partnering with IHCL once again allows us to showcase the unspoiled beauty of Naukuchiatal on a global scale. This retreat is designed to offer discerning travellers an intimate experience of Uttrakhand's natural splendour."

Often called the Lake of Nine Corners, Naukuchiatal is known for its pristine landscapes and rich biodiversity. It attracts nature lovers and birdwatchers, including sightings of the Yellow-billed Blue Magpie.

With the launch of Naukuchia House, IHCL now operates 17 hotels in Uttrakhand, including seven under development, further solidifying its footprint in the region's hospitality landscape.

#uttrakhandtourism #tourismnews #indiatourism #incredibleindia #tourismupdate 

In the first-ever Bengal MICE Conclave organised on the sidelines of the Bengal Global Business Summit, the West Bengal Tourism and India Convention Promotion Bureau signed half a dozen MOUs. "We expect a minimum of 50 international events to happen as the outcome of these MOUs," said Nandini Chakravorty, Principal Secretary of Home and Tourism Government of West Bengal, after the signing ceremony.  

The agencies that signed MOUs with West Bengal Tourism and ICPB included the AIDS Society of India, the Indian Dental Association Central Delhi Branch, the Indian Society of Blood Transfusion and Immunohaematology, Dr Ashok Gupta, director of the International Neonatology Association, Geneva, and Alpcord Network Travel and Conferences Management Co.  "We decided to focus on MICE tourism in a big way this year. We have excellent MICE infrastructure and an excellent ecosystem to make it happen in the state. MICE is one segment of tourism which can bolster the entire tourism ecosystem and bring them all together," said Chakravorty.

Regarding the current infrastructure, the senior bureaucrat said 40 new luxury hotels will be operationalised in the state over the next two years with an expected investment of INR 5770 crore. She informed me that the government also has plans to set up an international-level convention facility in Siliguri. Delivering a keynote at the Bengal MICE Conclave, Sanjiv Puri, Managing Director of ITC, said that West Bengal is one state in india where MICE can be envisioned in multiple ways because of its rich culture, heritage, festivities, cuisines, etc. Biswa Bangla Convention Centre is the pioneering multipurpose convention facility in the country, he said. "The economics of holding big conventions in Kolkata is much attractive and easier," he said.

Anil Chadha, Divisional Chief Executive of ITC Hotels, noted that while the country, particularly Kolkata, has created excellent facilities for MICE in the last 5 years, packaging and marketing are lacking. He called for collaboration among the government tourism industry and venues. Rudra Chatterjee, MD Luxmi Tea and co-chairperson of the sub-sector committee on tourism for BGBS, said that with world-class convention facilities and close to 5000 hotel rooms of different categories, there is a ready market for MICE in Kolkata. Chander Mansharmani, Vice Chairman of ICPB, moderated a panel discussion on attracting international MICE Business into West Bengal.

#mice #indiatourism #itchotels #westbengaltourism #tourismnews 

The retrofit of Air India's Boeing 777 fleet, initially planned for 2025, has been delayed until early 2026 due to production constraints at the seat supplier. In the interim, the airline will refresh other interior elements of the B777 fleet during 2025, ensuring passengers experience improved comfort ahead of the entire retrofit program. Air India's fleet modernisation program remains on track, with the retrofitting of narrowbody aircraft set for completion by mid-2025.

Air India has announced a prominent expansion of its international route network as part of its Northern Summer schedule, effective 30 March 2025.

The airline will increase frequencies to key destinations across the United Kingdom, Europe, Far East Asia, and Africa, thus reinforcing its commitment to enhancing global connectivity and meeting growing passenger demand.

In the United Kingdom, Air India will increase flights on many routes, including Delhi London Heathrow, which will rise from 21 to 24 weekly flights operated by the flagship A350-900 and upgraded B787-9 aircraft. Other UK routes such as Amritsar-Birmingham, Amritsar London Gatwick and Ahmedabad London Gatwick will also increase frequencies. In Europe, Delhi Zurich and Delhi Vienna will gain additional weekly flights, while in Far East Asia, Delhi SEoul will see a boost, and Delhi Hong Kong will transition to larger B787 Dreamliner aircraft. Delhi Nairobi in Africa will also increase from 3 to 4 weekly flights.

Fleet Modernisation progress

Air India's fleet modernisation program remains on track, with the retrofitting of narrowbody aircraft set for completion by mid-2025. Air India's fleet modernisation program remains on track, with the retrofitting of narrowbody aircraft set for completion by mid-2025. The airline will upgrade its legacy widebody fleet, starting with a Boeing 787 in April 2025. The retrofitted B787, featuring new seats and entertainment systems, is expected to re-enter service by October 2025. Following this, two to three B787s will be upgraded monthly until all 27 legacy aircraft are modernised.

Delay in B777 retrofit program

The retrofit of Air India's Boeing 777 fleet, initially planned for 2025, has been delayed until early 2026 due to production constraints at the seat supplier. In the interim, the airline will refresh other interior elements of the B777 fleet during 2025, ensuring passengers experience improved comfort ahead of the entire retrofit program.

Temporary route suspensions

Due to ongoing fleet upgrades and a temporary reduction in operational capacity, Air India will suspend two routes: Mumbai to Melbourne and Lochi to London Gatwick. The airline will continue to operate 12 weekly flights to London Gatwick from Amritsar, Ahmedabad, and Goa, ensuring continued connectivity for passengers.

By increasing frequencies, upgrading its fleet, and enhancing passenger amenities, the airline is well-positioned to meet travellers' evolving needs while solidifying its reputation as a leading international carrier.

#airindia #aviation #airlines #internationaltravel #boeing777 

India's domestic air passenger traffic for November 2024 rose by 6.1 per cent, reaching approximately 144.9 lakh passengers, surpassing both October 2024 and pre-Covid levels. The growth continues with a 13.8 per cent year-on-year increase. International passenger traffic grew by 15.9 per cent in the first seven months of FY2025, highlighting a strong recovery in air travel.

India's domestic air passenger traffic for November 2024 reached an estimated 144.9 lakhs, marking a 6.1 per cent increase compared to the 136.6 lahks recorded in October 2024. Year on year, the traffic grew by approximately 13.8 per cent compared to 127.4 lakh passengers in November 2023 and was 11.9 per cent higher than the pre-Covid levels of 129.5 lakh in November 2019. In the first eight months of FY 2025, domestic air traffic stood at 1074.9 lakh, reflecting a growth of 6.7 per cent compared to the same period in the previous year. This is also 12.3 per cent higher than the pre-Covid levels of 957 lakh during the same period in FY2020.

In the international sector, Indian carriers recorded a substantial 15.9 per cent growth in passenger traffic for the first seven months of FY2025, with approximately 190.3 lakh passengers. This performance exceeded the pre-COVID levels of 131 lakh passengers by 45.4 per cent. Airlines in November 2023 and 89.5 per cent in November 2019, indicating a strong demand for air travel.

While the price of aviation turbine fuel increased year over year from April to July 2024, it dropped significantly in the latter half of the year. From August to December 2024, the prices were lower by 2.3 per cent, 17.8 per cent, 26.5 per cent, 19.6 per cent, and 14. 5 per cent, respectively, mirroring a decline in airline operational costs.

#passenger #airtraffic #indiatravel #travelnews

Wego's 2024 data reveals a 15.10 per cent rise in flight searches for New Year travel. Dubai leads the way for Indian travellers, followed by Riyadh, which saw significant growth. Famous tropical getaways such as Bangkok, Bali, and Singapore continue to attract tourists. Goa, Delhi, and Mumbai remain the top domestic destinations.

Wego, the leading travel app and most significant online marketplace in the Middle East and Africa (MENA), revealed the most famous New Year destinations for Indian searches in 2024. According to Wego's data, there was a 15.10 percent increase in flight searches between 27 and 31 December 2024 compared to last year, indicating a strong demand for international and domestic travel during the holiday season.

It continues to dominate as the top destination, renowned for its extravagant New Year celebrations and large Indian expatriate community. Other GCC countries, such as Riyadh, Doha, and Muscat, follow closely behind, with Riyadh standing out due to a remarkable 20.61 per cent increase in searches. It is attributed to the Riyadh Season festival, which runs until March 2025, and a wide range of family-friendly events and activities. The destinations such as Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Bali and Singapore also feature many family-friendly events and activities. Destinations such as Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Bali, and Singapore are also prominently featured in the list of preferred getaways. These destinations remain popular for travellers seeking warm festival-like escapes combining relaxation and adventure.

Domestic front Goa, New Delhi and Mumbai are the top choice for New Year celebrations. These cities offer a dynamic mix of nightlife, cultural experiences and year-end events, making them ideal for short and extended holidays. The travellers have always shown a keen interest in diverse destinations, whether for friendly experiences or tropical getaways", said a Wego spokesperson. "With the year approaching, these trends highlight the evolving preferences of Indian travellers looking for a memorable celebration both near and far."

#wego #indiantourists #idiannational #destination #favouriteholiday #Dubai #goa #saudi

As per India's 2024 Travel report highlights a surge in last-minute travel bookings. Especially among Indian International travellers, with around 48% of flight bookings made just days before departure.

The report also reveals an increased preference for short holidays, a focus on safety, and a growing demand for customised travel experiences, with Dubai emerging as the top international destination.

Niyo, India's leading travel banking fintech platform, has released its 2024 Travel report, revealing a notable shift towards spontaneous travel among Indian international travellers.

Did you know that around 50% of flight bookings were made 0-7 days after departure? Thus, this highlights a growing trend in last-minute travel. This surge in spontaneity was aided by enhanced travel access, with 58 countries now providing visa or visa-on-arrival options for Indian passport holders.

The report also suggested a balance between impulsive and planned trips. Thirty percent of visa applications are submitted 16-30 days before travel. This suggests that while last-minute bookings are rising, some prior planning remains. On average, Niyo processes over 1,000 visa bookings monthly, underscoring the increasing enthusiasm for international travel.

Short holidays continued to dominate, with 66 per cent of trips lasting less than seven days. However, longer breaks of 15 days or more were famous among 17 per cent of travellers who sought more indulgent getaways in addition to shorter escapes. Safety also became a prominent priority for Indian travellers, with Niyo recording the sale of 7395 travel insurance policies totalling INR 43.2 crores in 2024. Younger sellers gravitated towards mid-range insurance plans ranging from INR 50,000 to INR 1,00,000.

Dubai emerged as the top destination for Indian holidaymakers, attracting 45 per cent of travellers, followed by Vietnam, Oman, and Japan. Pop culture influences were evident in shows like Emily in Paris, which inspired many Indian women to visit France. Meanwhile, male travellers favoured Thailand for its beaches and nightlife. Vinay Bagri, the Co-founder and CEO of Niyo, commented, "The rise in spontaneous travel driven by stronger diplomatic ties the aspirations of India's middle class and technology-driven platforms like ours that simplify the travel process. At Niyo, we are committed to making international travel seamless for Indians, enabling them to explore the world confidently."

Niyo's 2024 Travel Report highlights a changing landscape in Indian travel behaviours, with flexibility, experience, and safety taking centre stage. Since launching in 2019, Niyo has expanded its offerings to include zero forex markup cards, travel insurance, flight and visa bookings, and more, serving a customer base of over 1.5 million.

#winterholidays #yearendtravel #lasminutebookings #newyeartravel #christmasholidays