Travel Super App: HOI Soars Towards Super App Status with AI Concierge and Strategic Partnerships, ET TravelWorld
Advt
Advt
By ,
ETTravelWorld
Join the community of 2M+ industry professionals Subscribe to our newsletter to get latest insights & analysis.
Download ETTravelWorld App Get Realtime updates
Save your favourite articles
Scan to download App
In a rapidly evolving aviation landscape, where convenience and connectivity are becoming key differentiators, travel-tech platform HOI is quietly reshaping how Indian passengers experience airports. With services now operational at major airports including Delhi, Hyderabad, and Goa's Manohar International Airport, HOI is on a mission to reduce travel anxiety and make the airport experience smoother, smarter, and more intuitive—especially for India's growing segment of frequent flyers and corporate travellers Speaking exclusively to ETTravelWorld, Dhruv Godara , Deputy CEO of HOI, offered a deep dive into the platform's growth, strategic roadmap, and the newly inked partnership with Encalm Hospitality, which marks another leap in HOI's ambition to become a comprehensive travel super app "Like all good startups, we started with a problem statement," says Dhruv, reflecting on HOI's founding vision in 2018–19. "Air travel is inherently stressful. The need to report early, understand gate changes, wait times—all of it creates uncertainty and anxiety." This observation laid the groundwork for building a platform that integrates airport infrastructure with passenger-facing services—from real-time flight updates and gate wait times to lounge access and duty-free pre-orders.Early partnerships with high-footfall airports like Delhi and Hyderabad helped the company validate its product-market fit. 'Access to airport systems—like people monitoring, congestion tracking, and operational databases—was key,' Dhruv explains. These integrations now form the backbone of HOI's defensibility, making it harder for competitors to replicate at scale.The most recent example of HOI's expanding ecosystem is its partnership with Encalm Hospitality, provider of the Atithya meet-and-greet service. As part of this collaboration, international passengers at Delhi, Hyderabad, and Goa airports who book Atithya services will receive a complimentary international eSIM, valid in over 90 countries.'Connectivity is no longer a luxury—it's a necessity,' says Dhruv. 'By integrating eSIM distribution with premium airport hospitality, we're tackling a real-world problem for travellers: staying connected without hassle or high roaming charges.'Passengers can redeem the eSIM by scanning a QR code at the lounge—no paperwork, no waiting. It's part of what Dhruv calls the "invisible experience"—where technology works quietly in the background to simplify complex moments during travel.HOI's vision extends far beyond terminals and tarmacs. The platform is actively evolving into a travel super app—one that aggregates flights, hotels, airport services , cabs, e-commerce, and more into a single ecosystem."We're launching an AI concierge agent that will act as a digital travel assistant ,' Dhruv reveals. 'Tell it your destination, budget, and dates, and it will recommend flights, hotels, book your airport cab, notify you of deals, and even pre-order duty-free items.'This AI-driven experience is designed to make travel hyper-personalised—nudging users to take action at the right moment. 'Our goal isn't just to offer services, but to present them in a meaningful, intuitive way,' he adds.HOI's business model is clearly tilted toward India's booming frequent traveller segment—especially corporate passengers who often navigate airports multiple times a month. 'If a traveller is coming to the airport more than five or six times a year, that's our user persona,' says Dhruv.To this end, HOI is building out hotel and flight aggregation engines tailored for corporate use. A loyalty program is already live at Hyderabad Airport, with plans to extend it to Delhi and Goa. A subscription model and OTA integrations are also in the works.'We are speaking with OTAs and travel agents for bundling HOI services,' Dhruv confirms. 'We aim to offer a plug-and-play loyalty solution that integrates directly into corporate travel workflows.'Despite strong presence and deep integrations, HOI has largely operated under the radar. That's set to change. "Until now, we were focused on building tech and securing partnerships,' Dhruv says. 'But now we're pushing on brand awareness and user acquisition.'From digital marketing and influencer tie-ups to IPL-themed campaigns and airport activations, HOI is now focused on scale. 'We've reached a stage where the foundation is solid. Now we're ready to create buzz and scale across geographies.'On the international front, Dhruv remains cautious but optimistic. 'It's premature to name locations, but we're in conversations to expand our platform beyond India,' he notes.In an age of hyperconnectivity and digital convenience, HOI represents a new kind of travel infrastructure—one that complements physical airport systems with intuitive digital layers. Whether it's notifying you of a gate change, suggesting a meal at your terminal, or helping you book a cab home, HOI's mission is clear: to reduce friction and amplify delight in every stage of air travel.As Dhruv succinctly puts it: 'We want HOI to be the go-to app for travellers—not just at the airport, but for the entire journey.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
18 minutes ago
- The Hindu
India's defence capabilities advanced remarkably, says former DRDO chairman G. Satheesh Reddy
The country's defence capabilities have advanced remarkably through indigenous efforts. India showed the world its capabilities through drone technology, radar systems, anti-drone weapons, or missile systems like Akash and BrahMos, former DRDO chairman G. Satheesh Reddy said on Friday. 'Our pinpoint accuracy and technological prowess during recent operations have amazed the global defence community. Today, countries are queuing up to procure Indian-made defence systems,' he said, adding that the country exported defence equipment worth ₹24,000 crore and the aim is to double it in a couple of years. Mr. Reddy, who is currently Honorary Advisor (Aerospace & Defence) in Andhra Pradesh government, was addressing the convocation ceremony of SR University, Hasanparthy in Hanamkonda district. He said young innovators should drive AI-based technologies, as the country continues to emerge as a global leader in defence, technology, and research. Mr. Reddy noted that the country is in a transformative phase with the landscape of education evolving rapidly. 'We now have premier institutions like IITs, IIMs, AIIMS, and IISERs across all States. More than 4.38 crore students are enrolled in higher education, more than the population of many nations. Among them, we produce over 1.4 million engineers every year,' he noted. India now ranks third globally in both annual publications and PhD output. In fields like quantum technology, we are sixth, and number one in AI conference citations — this showcases the country's growing technological momentum and intellectual strength, he said. The university's conferred honorary doctorate on Oscar-winning music composer M.M. Keeravani, recognising his contribution to Telugu cinema.
Time of India
32 minutes ago
- Time of India
Nidec inaugurates new manufacturing Orchard Hub campus in Hubli, Karnataka, celebrates next step in India growth strategy
Nidec Corporation ('Nidec'), the world's leading manufacturer of electric motors, generators, renewable energy solutions, and industrial machinery, proudly inaugurated its cutting-edge manufacturing campus, Orchard Hub, located in the Kotur-Belur Industrial Area of Hubli-Dharwad, Karnataka. The inauguration marks the launch of plant machinery and equipment installation across the six campus plants, paving the way for production to commence later this year. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Mr. M. B. Patil, Honourable Cabinet Minister for Large & Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development, Government of Karnataka, along with Mr. Michael Briggs, President of Nidec Motion & Energy. With Mr. Nakane Tsutomu, Consul General of Japan in Bangalore and Mr. Marc Lamy, Consul General of France in Bangalore, also in attendance, the milestone celebrated Orchard Hub's significance at both regional and international levels. The completion of the Orchard Hub campus is a major achievement in Nidec's commitment to strengthening its presence in India. As Nidec's eighth and largest Indian manufacturing facility, the 50-acre campus underscores Nidec's dedication to supporting the region's industrial development and India's broader economic ambitions. The project's groundbreaking ceremony was held in September 2023, and the campus was completed in just 20 months—a testament to meticulous planning and efficient execution. With the inauguration now complete, Nidec will begin the installation of plant machinery and equipment, with production expected to commence later this year. The Orchard Hub campus will serve multiple high-growth markets as the key manufacturing hub for generators for data centers, wind turbine generators and battery energy storage systems (BESS) for renewable energy, electric vehicle motors, controllers, and EV chargers for clean mobility, and high-efficiency motors, drives, system solutions across various business verticals. Equipped with advanced automation and built on Nidec's 3Q6S lean manufacturing principles, the facility is dedicated to delivering best-in-class products that support customers globally. Strategically located, the campus aims to deliver innovative solutions to both domestic and international markets, with a strong emphasis on exceptional customer service. In line with its sustainability goals, Nidec plans to make the Orchard Hub campus carbon-neutral by 2028 through the adoption of solar power, in-house microgrid systems, and BESS technologies. The facility is expected to create over 1,000 direct and 1,000 indirect employment opportunities in the region. Recruitment drives are already underway to hire diploma and ITI students from institutions in and around Hubli-Dharwad, as the company prepares to launch production. Speaking at the event, Nidec Motion & Energy President Michael Briggs expressed his confidence and optimism: 'India's robust economic growth presents exceptional opportunities for forward-thinking companies, and Nidec is proud to be an integral part of this momentum. Under the visionary leadership of our founder, Mr. Shigenobu Nagamori, we continue to expand our presence across the country. Nidec remains deeply committed to India's progress. Mr. Nagamori's visionary leadership has been instrumental in bringing the Orchard Hub to life, demonstrating Nidec's dedication to shaping India's growth story.' 'With an investment of $55 million, the Orchard Hub project serves as a cornerstone of our 'India for India' and 'India for Exports' strategy. The inauguration of the Orchard Hub Campus marks not only a significant milestone in this endeavour but also a defining chapter in Nidec's journey in India. This facility represents more than an investment in infrastructure; it reflects our commitment to people, innovation, and enduring partnerships. The Orchard Hub stands as a testament to our vision of fostering local innovation, generating employment, and delivering sustainable, zero-emission solutions tailored to India's unique needs.' President and Country Managing Director Girish D Kulkarni added: 'We are proud to establish our new state-of-the-art facility in Hubli, Karnataka, as a testament to our long-term commitment to the Indian market. This campus is not merely a physical space - It represents the future of Nidec in India: a hub for innovation, collaboration, and excellence. This marks an exciting time for all of us, and I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated teams and to the Government of Karnataka for their unwavering support. We look forward to working together as we continue contributing to the sustainable development of the region.' With the launch of Orchard Hub, Nidec strengthens its global manufacturing footprint while aligning with India's 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiatives. This development reinforces the company's role in advancing sustainable industrial growth both in India and worldwide. About Nidec Corporation Nidec Corporation is the world's leading electric motor manufacturer with 2024 revenues of over $17B. Founded in 1973 and headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, Nidec is a global company comprised of over 300 group companies and 100,000 employees with operations in more than 40 countries. A pioneer in electrification, Nidec is integral as a world-class global technology provider, localised manufacturer, and development partner in industries ranging from information technology, automotive, appliance, commercial, and industrial machinery. Nidec enables positive global change through innovative problem-solving. For more information, visit Nidec's website About Nidec Motion & Energy Nidec Motion & Energy, a Business Unit of Nidec Corporation, is a trusted development partner in multiple high-growth spaces including industrial automation, vehicle electrification and electrical infrastructure, providing world-class technology, support, and localised manufacturing to support industry leaders across the globe. With headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri, it employs over 13,000 individuals around the world in more than 40 countries. Disclaimer: This article has been produced on behalf of Nidec Industrial Automation India Private Limited by Times Internet's Spotlight team.
Mint
an hour ago
- Mint
Musk's Starlink gets DoT licence for satellite internet services
After a three-year wait, Elon Musk-owned Starlink has finally received the green light to launch its satellite internet services in India – a move that could provide connectivity in rural areas where physical infrastructure remains poor. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) granted the company the critical Global Mobile Personal Communications by Satellite (GMPCS) licence on Friday, marking a major milestone in its entry into the Indian market. With this, Starlink becomes the latest entrant in India's satellite internet space after Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio Satellite. Notably, the licence for Startlink came within a month of the company securing a letter of intent (LoI) from the telecom department to start its services in the country. Also read: Elon Musk vs Donald Trump: POTUS to sell his 'beautiful' red Tesla amid spat with ex-DOGE chief - Report To be sure, Starlink still needs approval from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) for its constellation of satellites and the capacity it plans to deploy. The GMPCS licence allows companies to offer voice and data services through satellite. The licence is issued for a period of 20 years and allows companies to offer satellite communication services in licenced service areas. In addition to the GMPCS licence, Starlink has also received internet services provider (ISP) and very small aperture terminal (VSAT) licences from the government. Mint was the first to report on 7 May that Starlink had got the letter of intent after agreeing to comply with licensing conditions critical to national security. 'The company will be given the trial spectrum in the next few days to test its services and show compliance with the security norms," a government official said. The government has given allotted provision spectrum to OneWeb and Jio as well to comply with the security norms including lawful interception, network control and monitoring, geo-fencing of services and data localization. Compliance with conditions is essential for companies before starting satellite internet services commercially. Also read: Elon Musk vs Donald Trump feud: What's at stake here as Tesla boss takes on POTUS in this 'big, beautiful' fight? The licence comes as India looks to close a bilateral trade deal with the US to avoid a potential 26% reciprocal tariff before a 9 July deadline. Notably, Musk on 29 May announced his exit from the US president Donald Trump's administration and stepped down from his role as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Starlink had applied for a GMPCS licence in 2022, a key regulatory requirement for satellite-based communications in India. The company had started taking bookings for its satellite-based services from Indian customers in 2021, without even getting the licence. The company was then directed by the government to call off such bookings as these could not be done without a licence. In compliance with the DoT order, the company returned the booking amounts to over 5,000 pre-booked customers. Besides In-SPACe approval, Starlink's launch of satellite services in the country is also pending on the government's allocation of spectrum via non-auction route. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has recommended administrative allocation of spectrum, as opposed to auctions, for satellite internet services. It said satcom companies will have to pay annual spectrum charges of either 4% of their adjusted gross revenue (AGR) or ₹3,500 per MHz, whichever is higher. The recommendations are pending with DoT and the government is expected to notify the terms and pricing for spectrum allotment soon. Satcom operators will also have to pay an annual licence fee of 8% of AGR to the government as per current authorization terms of the DoT. This is similar to what telecom operators pay, which includes a 5% licence fee and 3% towards the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF). Also read: Elon Musk vs Donald Trump: Tesla boss' alleged baby mama Ashley St Claire joins debate; offers POTUS 'breakup advice Additionally, Trai has recommended an annual charge of ₹500 per subscriber for satellite service providers in urban areas. Starlink will now need to set up earth station gateways–ground-based facilities that connect satellites to local networks, a critical component for internet connectivity. In a letter dated 29 May to telecom secretary Neeraj Mittal, the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), alleged that the pricing for satellite spectrum recommended by the telecom regulator is non-transparent, unjustified, and does not lead to a level-playing field between telecom and satellite internet operators. Trai, however, had said that satellite services will be complementary and not be competing with terrestrial services. 'Since satellite spectrum is a shared pool, the two (terrestrial and satellite) cannot be priced at par," Trai chairman Anil Lahoti said in a press briefing on 9 May. Lahoti added that Trai has recommended assigning spectrum for five years as satcoms are currently in a nascent stage, and their business potential would emerge after some years of operations. Besides Starlink, Amazon's Kuiper is also in the fray to enter the country and is awaiting a nod from the government on its application. Analysts said Starlink's entry could help bridge the digital divide, particularly in rural areas where internet access remains limited. 'Forty percent of India's population does not have internet access, with rural areas comprising the majority of these cases. This represents a large market opportunity for Starlink," brokerage Bernstein had noted in a report dated 4 March. "The entry of Starlink into the Indian market along with other major players such as OneWeb and Jio Satellite Communications is a significant milestone for the telecom sector in India. It will be interesting to witness these key players roll out satellite-based services and its impact, specially in underserved and rural areas, where traditional terrestrial infrastructure has struggled to reach," said Harsh Walia, Partner at Khaitan & Co.
