Latest news with #81stIATAAnnualGeneralMeeting
News18
2 days ago
- Business
- News18
Air India Adds 16 New Destinations Across 6 Countries With 4 New Airline Partnerships
Last Updated: These new interline agreements have been signed with airBaltic, Bulgaria Air, Cyprus Airways, and Uzbekistan Airways. Air India, India's leading international airline, has teamed up with four major carriers from emerging markets. This move will make it much easier for travellers to reach 16 new destinations across six countries – mainly in Eastern Europe, the Baltics, and Central Asia. These new interline agreements have been signed with airBaltic, Bulgaria Air, Cyprus Airways, and Uzbekistan Airways. The announcement was made during the 81st IATA Annual General Meeting held in New Delhi. What Does This Mean for You? These partnerships will offer seamless travel options. Passengers can now book single-ticket journeys that include flights from Air India and the partner airline, with coordinated baggage allowance and handling – making travel smoother and simpler. Where You Can Fly with Each Partner airBaltic Bulgaria Air Uzbekistan Airways Wider Access to Indian Cities for Partner Airline Customers In return, passengers flying with the partner airlines can now easily reach over 30 Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Goa, and Amritsar using Air India's domestic network. 'Our partnerships with airBaltic, Bulgaria Air, Cyprus Airways, and Uzbekistan Airways, bring more travel options and smoother journeys for our growing base of customers worldwide as well as reinforce India's rising status as a key global aviation hub," said Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India. How to Book Travellers can book these interline connections progressively through: First Published: June 04, 2025, 09:17 IST
Hi Dubai
3 days ago
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Emirates and Air China Strengthen Partnership with New Strategic Agreement
Emirates and Air China have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand their longstanding partnership, aiming to boost connectivity, cooperation, and customer experience across both airlines' networks. The agreement was signed during the 81st IATA Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit in New Delhi by Adnan Kazim, Emirates' Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, and Yan Fei, Air China's Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, alongside senior executives from both carriers. The MoU sets the stage for a potential reciprocal codeshare on select routes, allowing each airline to place its code on the other's flights. This would apply not only to China–UAE trunk routes but also to additional destinations beyond Beijing and Dubai. 'This partnership began 26 years ago and has benefited around 18,000 Emirates customers through enhanced connectivity,' said Kazim. 'Our recently announced services to Shenzhen and Hangzhou will further strengthen our presence in East Asia.' Air China's Yan Fei called the MoU a key milestone in deepening the cooperation between the two airlines, underlining the strategic value of the partnership. The agreement also includes plans to collaborate on cargo operations, frequent flyer programmes, and customer experience enhancements. These may include coordinated flight schedules, streamlined booking processes, and shared lounge access. Both carriers will also work together on areas such as revenue management, digitalisation, data analytics, brand development, and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), reinforcing their commitment to innovation and sustainability. Starting 30 July, Emirates will operate 49 weekly flights to mainland China, including services to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hangzhou. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Mid East Info
4 days ago
- Business
- Mid East Info
Luis Gallego Chairs IATA Board - Middle East Business News and Information
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that Luis Gallego, CEO of International Airlines Group (IAG), has assumed his duties as Chair of the IATA Board. His one-year term began at the conclusion of the 81st IATA Annual General Meeting in New Delhi, India, on 2 June 2025. Gallego is the 83rd Chair of the IATA Board on which he has served since 2018. Gallego succeeds IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers, who will continue to serve on the Board. 'I am honored to be taking up the position of Chair of the IATA Board. The airline industry faces significant challenges—accelerating environmental action, managing geopolitical shifts and supply chain issues, and dealing with concerns over infrastructure capacity and costs. At the same time, the industry has incredible strengths to call on— most of all the quality of the people that strive to make aviation a safe, secure and rewarding experience for millions of travelers every day. IATA has a vital role in harnessing these human and technical resources to deliver leadership and innovation. I look forward to playing my part in steering IATA in its long mission for a strong and successful airline industry,' said Gallego. Gallego has nearly 30 years of broad experience in the aviation industry. He became IAG's chief executive in September 2020, joining from Iberia, where he was chairman and chief executive from January 2014. During his tenure at Iberia, he turned the airline around and improved its efficiency, customer service and brand. Before that, Gallego launched Iberia Express, as chief executive from January 2012, making the new Iberia subsidiary one of the most efficient and punctual airlines in Europe. Gallego joined Iberia Express from Vueling where he was chief operating officer from 2009, when the airline merged with the low-cost carrier Clickair which he co-founded in 2006. He held various posts at Spanish regional airline Air Nostrum between 1997 and 2006. 'I look forward to working with Luis to deliver an agenda of IATA activities that are critical to the current and future success of our member airlines. Luis has a long and deep involvement with the complex issues which are top priorities for our Association—facilitating net zero carbon emissions by 2050, achieving a smart approach to regulation and ensuring a capacity and cost structure that can meet the growing demands for air connectivity. I also want to thank Pieter Elbers for his strong support and leadership over the past year, and in particular for his hosting of a spectacular and invigorating AGM in India,' said Willie Walsh, IATA's Director General. Chair Elect and Board Appointments: IATA announced Roberto Alvo, CEO of LATAM Airlines Group, to serve as Chair of the Board from June 2026, following Gallego's term. IATA also published the full list of its 32 Board members.
News18
4 days ago
- Business
- News18
Air India & Air Mauritius Expand Codeshare To 17 Routes Across India, Africa & Indian Ocean
Last Updated: Air India will add its 'AI' code to Air Mauritius flights going to Cape Town, Johannesburg (South Africa), and Antananarivo (Madagascar). Air India and Air Mauritius have announced a major expansion of their existing codeshare agreement, making travel between India, Mauritius, Réunion, South Africa, and Madagascar easier than ever. The move was officially signed during the 81st IATA Annual General Meeting in New Delhi, with top leaders from both airlines present, including Air India's CEO Campbell Wilson and Air Mauritius Chairman Kishore Beegoo. What's New in the Deal? A total of 17 routes will now fall under the expanded codeshare. This means more flight options and greater connectivity across the Indian Subcontinent and Southern Africa. Under the agreement: Air India will place its 'AI' flight code on Air Mauritius services to Cape Town, Johannesburg (South Africa), and Antananarivo (Madagascar) via Mauritius. It already shares codes with Air Mauritius on flights between Mauritius and Mumbai, Delhi, and Reunion. Meanwhile: Air Mauritius will place its 'MK' flight code on Air India services across several Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, and Goa. For the first time, it will also codeshare on Air India's direct flights between Mauritius and Mumbai. This means passengers of either airline can book flights operated by the other, making travel smoother with single-ticket booking and checked-through luggage. Campbell Wilson of Air India said,"This expanded codeshare partnership with Air Mauritius is another step toward widening our extended global network, which enables our customers to easily access these destinations." Kishore Beegoo of Air Mauritius added,"Air Mauritius is pleased to expand its collaboration with Air India, offering our passengers connections to numerous destinations across India via Mumbai, Delhi, and Chennai." When Can You Book? The new codeshare flights are available for booking from 1st July 2025. Travellers can book via: Air India's website and booking channels Air Mauritius' official channels Authorised travel agents. First Published: June 02, 2025, 15:11 IST
New Indian Express
29-05-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
India's domestic air traffic flying high with over 10% growth, says IATA
NEW DELHI: India's domestic air traffic for April 2025 has recorded a phenomenal growth of over 10% when compared to the corresponding period last year, said the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Releasing passenger growth figures globally for April, IATA said that passenger growth globally was up 8% compared to last year. International demand rose 10.8% globally while the domestic demand increased 3.3% in the period taken for comparison. IATA Director General Willi Walsh said, 'As we gather in New Delhi for the 81st IATA Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit, it is notable that the Indian domestic market is running at over 10%. The development of India's air connectivity in recent years has been nothing short of phenomenal, making this year's gathering a timely and powerful reminder for all on how aviation connectivity drives growth and development.' Brazil was the only country which had a better growth in the domestic market (13.5%) than India. By contrast, the domestic US market dipped by 0.5%, the third straight month it was showing a decline, the data indicates.
