Latest news with #444
Economic Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Economic Times
Three years after takeover Air India wants to walk without Tata hand holding
Air India, three years post-Tata Sons acquisition, is striving for profitability and reduced reliance on promoter equity. CEO Campbell Wilson highlights initiatives like airline mergers, tech upgrades, and fleet modernization to cut operational costs. Despite narrowed losses in FY24, airspace closures pose challenges, but Air India focuses on service quality and strategic routes to attract premium customers amidst rising competition. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads ( Originally published on Jun 01, 2025 ) Three years after salt-to-steel conglomerate Tata Sons acquired Air India, the airline is aiming to be profitable and cut its dependence on equity investment from promoters, the airline's CEO Campbell Wilson in an interview to ET, didn't put a timeline to become profitable, but outlined multiple initiatives like the merger of four airlines into two, upgrading archaic software systems to modern ones, a strong order book for new aircraft while retrofitting the older ones and a better trained workforce as some of the steps which is reducing the cost of to an internal presentation reviewed by ET, the airline, late last year, had set a target to become profitable by FY 27. But closure of the Pakistani airspace for Indian carriers is likely to delay that, say experts.'I think the trajectory is very positive. While Air India has got new aircraft and improved standards, the low cost unit Air India Express has gone from 25 to 100 aircraft in a very short period of time and hence, there is some consolidation that needs to be performed,' Wilson said.'So if you, if you take the 2 units, both have slightly different trajectories, but in totality, are in the right place,Referring to the five-year transformation plan 'Vihaan' which was announced in September 2022, Campbell said,The airline significantly narrowed its losses in FY24, reporting a loss of Rs4,444 crore compared with Rs11,387 crore loss in FY23, its first full year after privatisation in 2022.'It'll take still a little bit more time to achieve what we want to achieve, but it was a five year project in the beginning'.The closure of the Pakistan air space has put a spanner in Air India's road to profitability. Due to the closure, which started on April 24, Air India's flights to North America are being forced to take detours and stops at Vienna and Copenhagen, leading to increased expenses.'It's not insignificant, but you know, as long as it covers the cost of operation, we will continue to operate. We don't know the extent to which the bottom line is going to be affected. We will try to minimise the effect,' Wilson airline has taken multiple mitigating steps like reducing the number of seats sold to reduce weight of aircraft such that only four routes are now doing dual strategy of operating a low cost and full service product though is helping to improve the balance sheet, the top executive said, as the low cost unit will be able to have cost parity with rival IndiGo in domestic sectors while Air India is earning a premium due to better product and service standards.'Previously, there weren't any sufficient advantages to overcome brand reputation, product and service that weren't as developed. But as we attain parity or even leadership on those things, those plus non-stop connections are clearly a competitive advantage,' Wilson airline's passenger revenue has more than doubled with a 49% market share on the top five metro routes and revenue from cargo has tripled since passengers for the airline has increased four times since acquisition, and is 10% of total traffic as the airline has revamped its flight schedules from neighbouring and South East Asian countries and flights are timed such that passengers connect to destinations in Europe, East Asia and Australia with minimum waiting is heating up as rival IndiGo, which has over 60% share of the domestic market, is readying to launch flights to though feels that the service standard and product of Air India will be attractive to the high-paying customers while IndiGo attracts the price conscious travellers. 'There's a premium market that is going via somewhere else because the non-stop proposition isn't of sufficient quality. We are catering to a different market segment and just need to be focused on our product quality, loyalty programme, catering, perception and connectivity,' he the airline's cabin upgrade program has been delayed significantly due to supply chain problems. Passengers flying to Europe and North America regularly complain about the worn out cabin or non-functional seat back screens. 'So there is more consistency to the product than earlier and there will be complete consistency in two years,' Wilson Tata Sons remain patient? 'You should ask them,' he quipped.
Newsweek
06-05-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
America's Best Maternity Hospitals 2025
The America's Best Maternity Hospitals 2025 ranking awards the 444 leading maternity hospitals in the U.S. The list is based on three pillars: 1. Hospital quality metrics: Hospital quality metrics relevant to maternity care from a variety of sources were analyzed. Data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) were available for the following indicators: Data on maternal care (including elective delivery, exclusive breast milk feeding, cesarean birth, perinatal care, as unexpected complications in term newborns per 1,000 live births, and maternity morbidity structural measure), along with general indicators such as infection prevention, patient satisfaction and personnel vaccination, as well as indicators related to hospital commitment to health equity. Indicators from the AHA Annual Survey of Hospitals Database included information on the provision of maternity care, general indicators, and health equity. Additionally, the advanced certification in perinatal care and maternal levels of care verification from the Joint Commission were included in the quality metrics score, as well as the American Nurses Credentialing Center Magnet Recognition Program. Data from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) were available on hospitals' participation in programs related to maternal and child health. Information on Baby-Friendly USA (BFUSA) designation was also included. These data were used to determine the quality metrics score. 2. Results from patient surveys: Publicly available data from hospital surveys addressing the overall patient experience in the hospital. Survey topics included: cleanliness of the hospital, communication of the nurses/doctors, care transition, communication about medicines, discharge information, quietness, and staff responsiveness. Those data were used to determine the patient experience score. 3. Nationwide online survey: From January to February 2025, Newsweek and Statista invited hospital managers and medical professionals with knowledge about maternity hospitals to an online survey. Participants were asked to recommend leading maternity hospitals and to rate them on a scale of 1-10 in the areas of: Perinatal care, operative obstetrics, patient education & counseling, accommodation & service, and nurse & midwife staffing. Recommendations for their own employer/ hospital were not allowed. These assessments and the recommendations were used to determine the reputation score. Based on predefined thresholds for each of the three data sources, awarded hospitals were grouped into two tiers: five-ribbon hospitals and four-ribbon hospitals. Five-ribbon performance = quality metrics score > 84% + patient experience score > 84% + reputation score > 71% (182 hospitals) Four-ribbon performance = quality metrics score > 79% + patient experience score > 79% + reputation score > 68% (262 hospitals) The methodology overview is available here. The extended methodology is available here. Disclaimer The rankings are comprised exclusively of hospitals that are eligible regarding the scope described in this document. A mention in the ranking is a positive recognition based on peer recommendations and publicly available data sources at the time. The ranking is the result of an elaborate process which, due to the interval of data-collection and analysis, is a reflection of the last calendar year. Furthermore, events preceding or following the period 02/25/2024-02/24/2025 and/or pertaining to individual persons affiliated/associated to the facilities were not included in the metrics. As such, the results of this ranking should not be used as the sole source of information for future deliberations. The information provided in this ranking should be considered in conjunction with other available information about hospitals or, if possible, accompanied by a visit to a facility. Due to the focus on uncomplicated pregnancies, no conclusions towards high-risk pregnancies and specialized obstetrics care pertaining to these situations can be drawn from this ranking. Please note that data are subject to change and may be affected by continuing differences among states in abortion and child-birth complications. The quality of hospitals that are not included in the rankings is not disputed. About Statista R Statista R is a world leader in the creation of company, brand, and product rankings and top lists, based on comprehensive market research and data analysis: Statista R recognizes the best. With a team of over 100 expert analysts and in cooperation with more than 40 high profile media brands across all continents, Statista R creates transparency for consumers and business decision makers and helps companies build trust and recognition across a plethora of industries and product categories. Visit Statista R is a division of Statista. The leading data and business intelligence portal provides an extensive collection of statistics, reports, and insights on over 80,000 topics from 22,500 sources in 170 industries. Find out more at
The Star
26-04-2025
- Business
- The Star
Gold rush among investors
Soaring prices and global uncertainties can't stop buying frenzy PETALING JAYA: All that glitters is gold these days, with investors in a buying frenzy for the prized commodity. Soaring gold prices and global uncertainties are fuelling the appetite for the traditional safe-haven asset. 'There is still a lot of interest in investment for (gold) bars,' said local jeweller Tomei Consolidated Bhd managing director Datuk Ng Yih Pyng. Ng, who is also the adviser of the Federation of Goldsmiths and Jewellers Association of Malaysia, said the uptake for jewellery usually slows down after the festive season. On whether he expects prices to rise, he said the outlook for gold remains bullish and central banks too are increasing their gold reserves. 'As long as central banks are buying, the chances for gold (prices) to come down is difficult,' he said. Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd head of research Kenny Yee Shen Pin said the interest in gold as an asset class may be fuelled by the forecast that the price of gold will hit US$5,000 (RM21,880) per troy ounce by year end. 'I think gold is seeing unprecedented buying support over the last year,' he said. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said the demand for gold from global central banks has increased by 20.2% per annum, based on a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2010 to 2024. 'At the same time, we also see that the share of US dollar global forex reserve share has gone down from more than 70% in the 1990s to 58% in 2024. 'On that note, the de-dolarisation has occurred and it seems that gold has become prominent, especially among the central banks,' he said. (De-dollarisation refers to nations reducing reliance on the US dollar as a reserve currency.) 'It also appears that the current uncertainties over US tariffs have compromised confidence in the United States as the safe haven status. So, the tariff war would actually accelerate the de-dolarisation,' he added. Sunway University economics professor Dr Yeah Kim Leng said the uncertainties, especially with US President Donald Trump's tariffs, have fuelled the demand for safe-haven assets. 'Gold is a safe-haven asset that experiences strong demand and price increases during uncertain times such as that being experienced now with Trump's unprecedented unilateral tariff hikes,' he said. 'Besides uncertainty, another major factor causing the rise in gold prices is de-dollarisation as central banks, particularly China, shift reserve holdings from US Treasuries to gold in light of worsening US economic fundamentals such as rising fiscal deficits and debts,' he added. Spot gold briefly hit a record high of US$3,500 per troy ounce (RM15,444) on Tuesday before easing and trading at the US$3,299.69 (RM14,420) mark yesterday. JP Morgan has predicted that gold prices could breach US$4,000 per troy ounce by 2Q26 although some analysts are already looking at US$5,000 per troy ounce by the year-end.
The Sun
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Katie Price slashes ticket prices by 50% after failing to sell out show alongside Drag Race stars
TICKETS to see Katie Price hosting drag queen Anetra's tour have been slashed by 50% after failing to sell out. The TV star is a proclaimed mega-fan of Drag Race UK - and agreed to host the tour for one night in London. 4 4 4 Anatra is due to arrive in London in May with fans charged £33 for a general admission ticket. But now they're also on sale for 2-4-1 meaning a second general admission ticket is just £16.50. Taking centre stage on a poster, which Katie shared on Instagram, the model and gay icon was confirmed to be a special co-host for Anetra's show in London in May. She wrote alongside the posted: "Guys as you all know I'm a massive Ru Paul's drag race fan and I'm so excited to be co Hosting the London show for the amazing @iamanetra on the 2nd may in London, Clapham grand. Since being cleared of her bankruptcy, Katie has been working harder than ever in order to get back in the taxman's good books. This year, Katie and boyfriend JJ Slater have become faces of fashion label Diesel's new campaign, she's picked up on her sponsored ads on her socials, and announced a 'tell all' tour alongside Kerry Katona. Katie's also moved into a new pad in West Sussex, after selling off her infamous " Mucky Mansion" after years of trouble with the "haunted" property. The 46-year-old mum-of-five later revealed to The Sun that she's earning £50,000 a month – although a judge ordered her to pay 40% of her monthly income from adult entertainment website OnlyFans until February 2027. She plans to have £100million by the time she's 55. Katie Price gives heartbreaking update on 30st Harvey's health as she reveals why he's still not on fat jabs A source said at the time: "Kate has been through hell and feels like an enormous weight has been lifted off her shoulders. "This has been hanging over her like the sword of Damocles - and now she is free to re-set, and try and remake her lost millions. If anyone can do it, it's The Pricey." "She has 2.7million followers on Instagram and can charge thousands for a post or story - she also has plans for an underwear range and perfume one," said the source. 'In addition, Katie hopes to sign a lucrative deal with OnlyFans to produce an AI version of herself. 'It's a no-brainer, passive income and could make her around £15,000 a month extra - for very little work." 4 Katie Price's TV Shows Katie is no stranger to TV and has starred in countless shows over the years. Here, we look back at the ones she has fronted. 2002: Katie Price launched her TV career with a documentary called Jordan: The Truth About Me. 2004: Katie's show, directed by film maker Richard Macer, was followed up with Jordan: The Model Mum and Jordan: You Don't Even Know Me. In the same year, she appeared in Jordan Gets Even. In this show, she underwent a dramatic transformation with special effects to try and fool her family. 2004: When Jordan Met Peter. Katie appeared in the first of many series' with Peter Andre following their whirlwind romance in I'm A Celebrity Get Met Out Of Here. 2005: Jordan & Peter: Laid Bare, Jordan & Peter: Marriage and Mayhem. 2007: Katie & Peter: The Next Chapter, Katie & Peter: The Baby Diaries, Katie & Peter: Unleashed. 2008: Katie & Peter: Down Under, Katie & Peter: African Adventures. 2009: Katie & Peter: Stateside. 2009- 2011: What Katie Did Next .This was Katie's own series following her break-up and divorce with Peter. 2021: Katie Price: Harvey and Me. Katie fronted the first of two BBC documentaries with her disabled son Harvey. 2022: Katie Price: What Harvey Did Next. 2022- 2023: Katie Price's Mucky Mansion. Katie attempted to renovated her 'Mucky Mansion' in Sussex for Channel 4. 2025: Katie Price: Making Babies. This followed Katie and Carl Woods' failed attempt at conceiving via IVF.
Chicago Tribune
08-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Carolina Chauffe bring her music to Chicago's Empty Bottle as Hemlock
'I'm not in the business of twisting arms, whether it's my own or someone else's,' said Carolina Chauffe. Open, warm, and highly communicative, Chauffe, who performs as Hemlock, has made a name for herself around the country by embracing a free-spirited and loose approach to her music and her everyday life. Chauffe has been on tour for nearly a year and a half while the rest of her bandmates are still based in and living in the city. From the deep South to the upper Plains, Chauffe has found community and support for her music. And life on the road hasn't stopped her from creating and releasing new music. Some of this work can be heard on '444,' a best-of compilation of re-recorded cuts from Chauffe's ongoing song-a-day project. Audiences can catch another brief Hemlock return on April 10 at Empty Bottle. 'It has been miraculous and exhausting,' she said of her 'routine migratory patterns' of life on the road. Chauffe described herself as a follower of open doors. And so, as opportunities kept presenting themselves, her time on the road kept stretching onward. Since embarking on her tour, she has traveled to Colorado, Utah, Idaho and throughout the Pacific Northwest, among other parts of the country. Chauffe stays grounded through the support of her community. A willingness to rely on other people means that she must know how to ask for what she needs. Most nights, she sleeps in someone else's home, but there have been a handful of times when she's been in her car. It's not a glamorous life, but it's a satisfying one for Chauffe, who says this wide-reaching community of mutual reliance and dependability helps keep the whole experience enjoyable and motivating, rather than daunting. 'It's kind of an ongoing free fall with an infinite safety net from people that I care about in all corners of the country and beyond,' she said. Yet, she still encounters challenges, at least when it comes to her songwriting process. A solitary writer, Chauffe said it's difficult to find solo time to work on new music when surrounded by other people. 'It's one of those things where my well of inspiration is overflowing and I've got lots of notes in my phone's Notes app of little phrases, lyrics, potential songs, but not a lot of time to flesh them out until I settle down again,' she said. To work around this situation, she creates hard deadlines for herself ('gentle pressures,' she explained), like last November's song-a-day project. First launched in 2019, this yearly, month-long creative exercise gives her an extended opportunity to gain relative stillness during the chaos of life on the road by focusing on her songwriting. Chauffe relied on a practice of 'first thought, best thought' to craft her songs. Since first launching the project, Chauffe has chosen a different month each year, with the goal of creating a whole, long-form calendar of her music and songwriting journey over the course of 12 years. Some of her past song-a-day works were eventually fleshed out to their full potential for '444,' a 12-track compilation of Hemlock's past music. The result is a quietly compelling body of folk that is evocative and poignant. 'Day One,' the first song she created in February 2019 after launching the project, softly opens the compilation. 'Hyde Park,' first crafted in December 2021, is a bright, bouncy number that is given a rumbling injection of life from the propulsive instrumentation from her band. 'Hazards,' from May 2023, is given a more guttural edge that will remind the listener of early PJ Harvey. In its original form, the music was solid. On '444,' Hemlock sounds vital. For listeners interested in diving into her rich and comprehensive body of work (she's released 10 albums since 2018), '444' is a great place to start. Outside of music, Chauffe has plans to find a bedroom again that she can call her own. 'I think doing (touring) indefinitely is not the truest way to honor my own boundaries and energy and bandwidth,' she acknowledged. 'But I'm not willing to compromise or settle on what feels like the right spot for me. I really trust the cosmic, serendipitous presentation of what that will be.' Ideally, it'll happen around the summertime. But that's still a few months off. In the meantime, she'll continue this journey of traveling, reciprocity and performing her music for old fans and new communities. 'I feel really confident, more than I ever have before,' she said. 'I feel like my feet are underneath me in this practice, and any kind of impostor syndrome that I may have had when I was younger doesn't feel like it's with me anymore.' Britt Julious is a freelance critic.
