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<keyword id="6368386" type="COMPANY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Singapore-Airlines">Singapore Airlines</keyword> is working on a code share agreement with subsidiary <keyword id="2467342" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="Vistara">Vistara</keyword>, to offer its domestic network to India-bound passengers. The agreement would benefit both the Singapore Airlines and its Indian unit to increase their market share. "We are also trying to see how Vistara and SIA can work together and feed our international traffic in the domestic network," CEO <keyword id="415250" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Goh-Choon-Phong">Goh Choon Phong</keyword> told the Economic Times on the sidelines of the International Air Transport Association AGM. 

	He said: "We have a lot of our flights to India and Delhi and through that we can bring in rest of the world to Delhi and connect destinations that Vistara connects to. We have applied for a code share and are waiting for approvals. Once the approval for code share comes in, you will see much more clarity on this. 
 Meanwhile, Vistara is a 51:49 <keyword id="6373972" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="Joint-Venture">joint venture</keyword> airline company between <keyword id="46894" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Tata-Sons">Tata Sons</keyword> and Singapore Airlines that started operations on January 9. The airline offers 237 weekly frequencies connecting cities such as New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bagdogra, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Mumbai and Pune. 

	The domestic carrier has recently added Bengaluru to its network and is all set to introduce two daily flights connecting the city to New Delhi and Mumbai.
 The New Delhi-based airline operates six <keyword id="6356166" type="COMPANY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Airbus">Airbus</keyword> A320 aircraft. It plans to expand its fleet to 20 aircraft during the first four years. This may change if the government revises the eligibility criteria for Indian carriers to fly overseas. 

	Currently, Indian carriers have to operate for five years in the domestic sector and have a fleet size of 20 aircraft before they can fly to destinations outside the country.

	 
	(Image: Indiatimes)

Singapore Airlines and Vistara to expand network

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Five-star carrier Singapore Airlines is investing $830 million to retrofit 41 Airbus A350 planes.</li><li>This includes new first and business-class, which will also be on Singapore's future Boeing 777X.</li></ul>Singapore Airlines plans to spend more than $800 million to retrofit its long-haul planes as customers demand more luxury at 35,000 feet.The carrier, which is regularly ranked <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-airlines-in-the-world-skytrax-survey-2024-6#2-singapore-airlines-19">among the world's best airlines</a>, on Monday unveiled plans to retrofit 41 Airbus A350 aircraft. The first of 34 A350-900s and the first of seven A350-900ULRs will launch in the second quarter of 2026 and the first quarter of 2027, respectively.The overhaul will include new business and first-class seats designed "from the ground up," and <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/flew-on-singapores-airbus-a380-premium-economy-one-flaw-review-2023-1">"refreshed" economy and premium economy cabins,</a> the company said.The new seats will also be featured on Singapore's highly anticipated <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/boeing-777x-why-so-important-delays-future-airlines-2024-7">Boeing 777X, which won't enter service until at least 2026</a> amid ongoing production delays.Singapore gave few specific details about the upgraded cabins, but one thing is clear: the airline is finally adding a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/british-airways-club-suite-business-class-london-nyc-review-photos-2024-3">sliding door to business class</a>.The privacy door, a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="c-link" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/airlines-qatar-turkish-korean-continue-to-upgrade-business-class-2024-8">flyer favorite</a>, is an increasingly popular perk<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="c-link" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/flew-first-business-and-premium-economy-on-singapore-airlines-mrbeast-2023-3"> in business class</a>.The feature is absent from Singapore's current business seat, but the bougie new feature could help the carrier level up its business cabin in the ultra-competitive market — especially after it came <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="c-link" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-airlines-in-the-world-business-class-seats-skytrax-survey-2024-6">second to Qatar for the world's best business class</a> in 2024.<div type="image" title="One of the seats in the row behind me." height="1197" width="1596" msid="114957636" hostid="261" sizebytes="137560"></div>Airlines worldwide are jumping on the high-demand trend. In recent years, Air India, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/see-american-airlines-new-business-class-flagship-suite-for-the-a321xlr-787-2022-9">American Airlines</a>, British Airways, Korean Air, and Turkish Airlines, for example, have all announced new door-equipped business-class cabins to keep up with the competition."Over the past six years, we have extensively engaged customers and stakeholders in the design of our next-generation long-haul cabin products, anticipating their evolving preferences and expectations down to the finest details," Singapore CEO Goh Choon Phong said in a press release.<h2 id="96f450b6-cfdf-4c67-a9bc-4118d764be21">Singapore builds upon its award-winning first-class</h2>The addition of first-class on Singapore's A350-900ULR planes is a significant change. The jet's existing layout only offers business and premium economy and is used for ultra-long-haul flying, including on the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/worlds-longest-flight-singapore-airlines-business-review-2023-1">world's longest route between New York City and Singapore.</a>According to the airline's vague rendering, the new first-class appears to stretch across at least three windows and maintain a spacious pod-like design with doors.<div type="image" title="Singapore rendering of its new first-class." height="1080" width="1920" msid="114957635" hostid="261" sizebytes="26834"></div>Singapore already boasts first-class on its Boeing 777-300ERs and Airbus A380 double-deckers. The latter hosts the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/singapore-airlines-first-class-suite-double-bed-is-worlds-best-2024-6">world's best first-class, known as Suites</a>. The posh hotel-like cabin includes a separate bed and chair, and two pods can combine into a two-person suite with a double bed.The Suites are not cheap, costing between $16,000 and $24,000 round trip, according to December ticket prices between London and Singapore. The <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/see-singapores-a380-first-class-suite-bed-armchair-huge-lavatory-2022-5">A380s do not fly to the US</a>, but Singapore's retrofitted A350 jets mean first-class will likely be available in the US once again.The new cabin represents the airline's continued focus on the front of the plane. Singapore's A350-900ULR will add three business class seats but lose 36 premium economy seats to make room for first class. It will not introduce a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/flying-singapore-in-economy-12-hours-would-easily-book-again-2023-1">regular coach cabin.</a>Many other airlines, including Air India, Qatar Airways, and Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific, are also planning new international first-class cabins, signaling the cabin isn't dead yet <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/american-airlines-ditching-first-class-seats-passengers-arent-buying-it-2022-10">despite US airlines ditching the high-dollar seat.</a>

One of the world's best airlines is adding a flyer-favorite feature to its business class as premium competition heats up

In a moving tribute to <keyword id="19981455" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ratan-Tata" source="keywords">Ratan Tata</keyword>, who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 86, <keyword id="19896871" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Air-India" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Air India" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Air India">Air India</keyword>, <keyword id="19923231" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Air-India-Express" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Air India Express" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Air India Express">Air India Express</keyword>, and <keyword id="20018887" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Vistara" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Vistara" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Vistara">Vistara</keyword> made special inflight announcements today, honoring the legacy of the <keyword id="19924335" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Tata-Group" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Tata Group" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Tata Group">Tata Group</keyword> patriarch. Known for his deep passion for aviation, Tata left an indelible mark on the sector, which he helped nurture and grow over decades. Throughout the day, passengers aboard Tata Group airlines, which include Air India, Air India Express, and Vistara, heard special announcements dedicated to Tata. Air India’s CEO, Campbell Wilson, acknowledged Tata’s significant contributions to both <keyword id="21037194" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-aviation" source="keywords">Indian aviation</keyword> and the Tata Group's airlines, expressing gratitude for his profound impact. Aloke Singh, CEO of Air India Express, noted that Tata’s guidance has been instrumental in shaping the organisation, emphasising that his legacy will continue to inspire future journeys. These tributes come as the Tata Group consolidates its airline holdings. The merger of Air India Express and AIX Connect was completed on October 1, while Vistara’s integration with Air India is set for November. The consolidation marks a significant milestone in the Tata Group’s aviation strategy — a vision that Tata helped to shape. Vistara, a joint venture between the Tata Group and <keyword id="20036942" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Singapore-Airlines" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Singapore Airlines" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Singapore Airlines">Singapore Airlines</keyword>, has thrived since its inception, largely due to Tata's strategic vision and the successful partnership with Singapore Airlines. Vinod Kannan, CEO of Vistara, highlighted how Tata's influence extends beyond the Tata Group, inspiring people across the nation. He remarked on Tata's special connection to aviation, a sector that was close to his heart and remained a priority for the business leader throughout his life. As a mark of respect, Air India Express updated its website and social media channels to reflect a somber theme featuring white lilies against a dark background. Other Indian airlines, including <keyword id="19899182" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="IndiGo" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="IndiGo" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="IndiGo">IndiGo</keyword>, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air, also paid their respects. IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers expressed the airline’s sadness over Tata’s passing, describing him as a visionary whose influence on Indian aviation will be long-lasting. Both SpiceJet and Akasa Air celebrated Tata’s legacy of excellence, compassion, and innovation. The international aviation community shared in the remembrance. Airbus India &amp; South Asia President Remi Maillard spoke of Tata’s modesty and commitment to philanthropy, recalling a visit Tata made to Airbus in Toulouse where he shared his enthusiasm for aviation. According to Maillard, Tata’s leadership was defined by a sincere passion for flying and a vision for the future of aviation in India. Boeing’s President for India &amp; South Asia, Salil Gupte, underscored Tata's lasting impact on aerospace and defense, emphasising his dedication to corporate responsibility and his ability to inspire future generations. Gupte noted that Tata's remarkable qualities continue to serve as a guiding light for the industry. In another sign of respect, Airbus postponed the inauguration of its new India and South Asia headquarters, originally scheduled for Thursday. Singapore Airlines, which has partnered with the Tata Group in the Vistara joint venture, expressed its condolences, with CEO Goh Choon Phong recalling Tata’s foundational role in establishing Vistara as a beloved airline in India. India’s Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu took to social media to remember Tata as a leader who transformed not only Indian industry but also the country’s <keyword id="20256734" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="aviation-sector" source="keywords">aviation sector</keyword>. Naidu described Tata’s influence as pivotal in shaping modern Indian aviation. Ratan Tata’s vision and leadership transformed not only the Tata Group but also the Indian aviation landscape. His passion for aviation and relentless pursuit of excellence will continue to inspire generations, ensuring that his legacy, much like the aircraft he helped launch, soars high for years to come. (With inputs from PTI)

Air India, Air India Express and Vistara pause to pay special inflight homage to Ratan Tata after his passing

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Singapore Airlines announced it would no longer serve meals when the seatbelt light is on.</li><li>This comes after a passenger died and dozens were injured on a flight because of severe turbulence.</li></ul>Singapore Airlines flight attendants will no longer serve meals when the seatbelt light is on.Singapore's flag carrier changed its in-flight-service policy to ensure its people's and passengers' safety following a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/pictures-show-chaotic-aftermath-singapore-flight-debris-blood-on-ceiling-2024-5">fatal turbulence event on one of its flights Tuesday</a>.The airline's prohibition on meal service during turbulence joins its existing policies, which already ban hot-beverage service during rough air.The policy change smartly signals to customers the airline's willingness to act to ensure their safety. In addition, it sends a message to the company's flight attendants that their employer has their safety in mind.<div type="image" title="A general view of the cabin of Singapore Airlines flight SQ321, which was hit by severe turbulence." height="3548" width="4728" msid="110406729" hostid="261"></div>Getting hit in the face by your seatmate's omelet is not fun, but being flung aloft by turbulence while pushing a metal cart can result in serious injuries. The primary job of a flight attendant isn't to serve drinks or dinner. They are in-flight safety professionals. It's their job to work as a team to get you off the plane quickly and safely in the event of an emergency. And their ability to do so is compromised if they've been injured during meal service.Singapore Airlines Flight SQ321, about 10 hours into its journey from London to Singapore, encountered sudden, severe turbulence while cruising 37,000 feet above over the Irrawaddy basin in Myanmar. The Boeing 777-300ER, which had 211 passengers and 18 crew members on board, diverted to Thailand and landed safely in Bangkok.More than 40 injured passengers and crew members were hospitalized, and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/singapore-airlines-passenger-dies-after-severe-turbulence-2024-5">one passenger</a>, a 73-year-old British man, died. According to hospital officials in Bangkok, 22 of those people suffered spinal injuries, while another six suffered skull or brain injuries.<div type="image" title="Two medical professionals stand in front of tents set up to treat the injured of Singapore Airlines Flight 321" height="1045" width="1567" msid="110406731" hostid="261"></div>All airlines have a response plan for when the unimaginable happens. Just like the quality of service on flights, some airlines have their act together more than others.In this case, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/singaporeair/">Singapore responded quickly on social media</a>, posting a series of updates that offered clear and concise information. It followed that up with action by quickly flying a team of staff from Singapore to Bangkok for additional help on the ground and standing up dedicated customer-service teams trained in handling crisis situations. Singapore Airlines also organized emergency flights to get uninjured passengers to their destinations, while flying the families of the injured to Bangkok.Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong has also met with customers, crew, and their families in Bangkok, the airline said.Singapore Airlines' response thus far should be commended. Crisis response is difficult in the best of situations. It's remarkable that it could execute its plan so capably on foreign soil.

Singapore Airlines made a smart move after deadly turbulence

<ul><li>Tata Group has interests in four airlines - Air India, Air India Express, AirAsia India and Vistara. </li><li>It is merging low cost airlines Air India Express and AirAsia India; and Vistara with Air India. </li><li>While Air India has been improving its operational performance, it’s in the middle of a turnaround and its CEO says they will have to hit singles with an occasional fours and sixes. </li><li>Vistara and AirAsia India are yet to turn profitable. </li></ul>It’s been less than a decade since the Tatas re-entered the aviation sector – via joint ventures – growing both organically and inorganically. With its $2.4 billion acquisition of government-owned Air India, Tatas have earned the rare distinction of being a part of four airline ventures – Vistara, AirAsia India, Air India and Air India Express. Now, it’s bringing its interests together – by merging low-cost carriers AirAsia with Air India’s low-cost subsidiary Air India Express. It’s also moving towards merging its other two full-service airlines – Vistara with Air India. Between Tata-owned airlines and the largest carrier, IndiGo – the Indian airline industry is set for a duopoly, experts say. “The industry is headed towards a duopolistic structure with Air India and IndiGo making up a dominant 80% of the market,” said an Edelweiss report. IndiGo had a market share of 57.7% as of August 2022 in domestic traffic. The Tata group, on the other hand, carries over a quarter of India’s aviation passengers with Air India and Vistara having a 9.7% share each, and AirAsia’s 5.8% share. This ‘structural command’ is good for both these groups, which will give them better pricing power – that’s much needed as the sector faces headwinds from hike in aviation turbine fuel prices. “The anticipated duopoly would surely bring pricing discipline among large carriers and that should improve their financial performance,” Manvi Hooda, practice lead at CAPA India, said in an Edelweiss report. Tata’s airline interests <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none; table-layout: fixed; width: 468pt;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Airline </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Tata’s stake </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Other owners </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Vistara </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">51% </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">49% held by Singapore Airlines </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">AirAsia India </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">100% </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;"> </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Air India </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">100% stake </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;"> </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Air India Express </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">100% stake (Air India’s subsidiary) </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;"> </td></tr></tbody></table> Source: Press releases, reports Air India on a ‘growth’ path IndiGo’s direct competitor - Air India – has been competing with the airline in terms of a key metric – on-time performance (OTP). OTP has always been IndiGo’s USP and since June, Air India – which has been an outlier – has raced ahead of it. As of September, 87% of Air India’s flights have been on time as compared to 84% of IndiGo’s flights, as per <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/air-india-indigo-in-a-battle-of-on-time-performance/articleshow/95214432.cms">an Economic Times</a> report. Air India’s new CEO Campbell Wilson who has WAS brought in to turn around the formerly debt-ridden state-owned carrier said that its improved performance is an effect of investment in IT systems and strict monitoring of turnaround times. It is also showing an improvement in its passenger load factors or PLFs. Air India was also one of two airlines that has shown a 2.5% improvement in PLF to 73.6% in August as compared to July. Its group airlines – Vistara and AirAsia too held on to their PLFs at 84.3% and 75%, respectively. The sector is poised to take off The Indian aviation sector, like most others, went through a dry phase during lockdowns and one of the rare such markets which has survived without an airline going under. Now, its recovery is one of the fastest in the world and is looking at a rapid growth in volumes. “Industry volumes, although still slightly lower than pre-Covid peak, are recovering at a rapid pace. In FY23, we forecast domestic industry volume growth of over 50%. The demand environment for air travel in India is very strong with economic rebound post-Covid, resurgence in corporate travel and normalization of international tourist arrivals,” said a report by IIFL. This sentiment is also shared by <keyword id="6368386" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="singapore-airlines" source="Orion">Singapore Airlines</keyword>, which owns 49% in Vistara. Singapore Airlines’ CEO Goh Choon Phong said in<a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/business/aviation/singapore-airlines-eyes-overseas-hub-highlights-india-as-key-growth-area-vistara-7946867/"> an interview with Bloomberg </a>that India is poised to become the world’s third-biggest aviation market by the middle of this decade, if not before. Apart from a wide and growing domestic market, India has a huge potential to grow international travellers – and its many international partnerships count. All the airlines under Tata have been ramping up from the opportunity. While <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/air-india-looking-to-become-carrier-of-choice-globally-campbell-wilson-ceo-md/articleshow/94903549.cms?from=mdr">Air India with its legacy</a> in international travel, is all set to capture the growth in travel between India and North America, Vistara too has been ramping up flights <a href="https://traveltradejournal.com/vistara-ramps-up-frequencies-to-frankfurt-and-paris/#:~:text=Starting%2030%20October%202022%2C%20Vistara,from%202x%20to%205x%20weekly.">across international destinations</a>. On the other end, <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/business/air-india-express-said-to-add-4-boeing-737s-to-meet-growing-demand/article65577170.ece">LCC subsidiary of Air India</a>, Air India Express too is adding new Boeings to its fleet to meet the growing demand. AirAsia too has been inching up its plans to go international. The drag factors All these factors, however, are half the chips in the place – all bode well for a growing aviation conglomerate. Yet, <a href="https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/tatas-face-uphill-task-in-air-india-turnround-11666293856299.html">analysts have their </a>doubts when it comes to Tata’s ability to pull off these complicated mergers with various cross-holdings and integrate their strengths with partners. Moreso, each of its airlines have their own issues. Vistara and AirAsia India are yet to turn profitable, and they started operations in 2015 and 2013, respectively. Added to that, Air India has a lot of baggage in terms of legacy routes that are unproductive, and in the midst of a turnaround that’s yet to complete – and looks like it would take time. Wilson, who was formerly the CEO of Singapore’s Scoot, too had earlier said that turning around Air India is a matter of hitting many ‘singles’ and an occasional ‘sixes and fours’ <a href="https://m.economictimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/turning-around-air-india-is-a-test-match-we-will-take-lots-of-singles-and-also-hit-the-occasional-fours-and-sixes-campbell-wilson/articleshow/94907763.cms?_oref=cook">in the journey</a>. In spite of healthy growth expectations, the sector could also turn competitive with the arrival of new players – Akasa Air and Jet Airways which are poised for a comeback. While Tata group airlines with their strong market share might be able to withstand pricing pressures better, aggressive challengers might wrest it away from them. Yet, all in all the Tata group has one more trick up its sleeve – its extensive presence in the hospitality sector and its ongoing digital integration as a part of its super app, Tata Neu. The app brings all the services the group offers from retail to hospitality to wallets under one umbrella, and that could bring in revenue upside as the app builds a loyalty programme. As per an HSBC report in August, the group’s Indian Hotels’ loyalty member revenues now contribute to 18% of total revenues by the end of first quarter from 12-13%. While IHCL had 2 million loyalty members of its own, the Tata Neu app helped push this base to 3 million, the report had said. If similar synergies kick in to the aviation business too, there is a value that the group’s umbrella can add to the airlines - both merged and individually. SEE ALSO <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/article/nykaas-fashion-foray-and-pipeline-style-biz-model-worries-analysts/articleshow/95405203.cms">Nykaa’s fashion foray and pipeline-style biz model worries analysts</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/careers/news/indian-students-going-abroad-to-face-a-triple-whammy-of-inflation-forex-and-interest-rates/articleshow/94974003.cms">Indian students going abroad to face a triple whammy of inflation, forex and interest rates</a>

Tata's mega aviation merger is poised for flight, but the skies are not clear yet

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Singapore Airlines is reportedly planning to soon offer three-hour round-trip flights that both depart and arrive at Singapore's Changi Airport.</li><li>Singapore Airlines has looked into partnering with Singapore Tourism Board in an effort to let customers pay for this <keyword id="6354692" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Travel">travel</keyword> with government-based tourism credits, according to a new report.</li><li>If the flights happen, they would come at a time when airlines are enduring "the biggest crisis that the industry has ever faced," according to the International Air Transport Association, and seeking ways to get people to fly again.</li></ul>Singapore Airlines plans to offer round-trip flights that both depart and arrive at the same destination, according to a new report. Starting in late October, the airline plans to provide sightseeing trips that are essentially three-hour "flights to nowhere," the Strait Times, an English-language based newspaper in Singapore, <a href="https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/sia-looks-to-launch-flights-to-nowhere-by-end-october-to-mitigate-covid-19">first reported</a> on Friday. These flights are expected to take off and land at Singapore's Changi Airport, according to the Strait Times.Singapore Airlines has yet to make an announcement about the reported flights.The flights could <a href="https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/sia-looks-to-launch-flights-to-nowhere-by-end-october-to-mitigate-covid-19">include</a> staycations at Singapore's hotels, "shopping vouchers, and limousine ferry rides" as well, <a href="https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/sia-looks-to-launch-flights-to-nowhere-by-end-october-to-mitigate-covid-19">according</a> to Stefan Wood, Director at Singapore Air Charter, an aircraft charter firm. Singapore Airlines has looked into partnering with Singapore Tourism Board, according to the Strait Times, in an effort to let customers pay for this travel with government-based tourism credits.It wouldn't be the first aircraft carrier to offer flights that take off and arrive at the exact same location. Notably, beginning this November through February 2021, Australian airline Qantas <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/qantas-antarctica-flights-sightseeing-coronavirus-2020-8">plans</a> to offer seven sightseeing flights span ing for 12 hours atop Antarctica. Two flights each will operate out of Melbourne and Sydney, while three other departures will take off from Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide respectively."SIA [Singapore Airlines] is considering several initiatives that would allow us to continue engaging both our customers and members of the public," <a href="https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/sia-looks-to-launch-flights-to-nowhere-by-end-october-to-mitigate-covid-19">a Singapore Airlines spokesperson told the Strait Times</a>. "We will make an announcement at the appropriate time if we go ahead with these plans."The reported plans come as Singapore Airlines, like the entire <keyword id="34990" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="airline-industry">airline industry</keyword>, has seen demand for air travel decline as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The International Air Transport Association <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/air-traffic-during-coronavirus-pandemic-changes-effects-around-the-world-2020-4">said</a> in a statement that "this is the biggest crisis that the industry has ever faced," and forecasts the nearly 290 airlines it represents globally to lose $314 billion this year alone.Singapore Airlines, for example, announced on Thursday that it was going to lay off roughly 4,300 workers, according to a <a href="https://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/au/media-centre/press-release/article/?q=en_UK/2020/July-September/ne1420-200910">press release</a>. The airline also tweaked its forecast and now projects that it will operate on less than 50% of its normal capacity through the end of its financial year. "The next few weeks will be some of the toughest in the history of the SIA Group as some of our friends and colleagues leave the company," Chief Executive Officer Goh Choon Phong <a href="https://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/au/media-centre/press-release/article/?q=en_UK/2020/July-September/ne1420-200910">said</a>. "This is not a reflection of the strengths and capabilities of those who will be affected, but the result of an unprecedented global crisis that has engulfed the airline industry."Potential passengers who've been surveyed have already expressed genuine interest in taking part in Singapore Airline's idea. Singapore Air Charter recently <a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/singapore-airlines-planning-trips-that-start-and-end-at-same-airport/ar-BB18YaBj?li=BBnbklE">surveyed</a> 308 people, and 75% of them indicated that they would be willing to purchase tickets for a "flight to nowhere."

Singapore Airlines reportedly plans to offer sightseeing 'flights to nowhere' that take off and land at the same airport

REUTERS/Jean Philippe Aries <ul><li><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/category/singapore-airlines" target="_blank">Singapore Airlines</a> is the best airline in the world for 2018, according to a ranking by the consumer-aviation website <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/category/skytrax" target="_blank">Skytrax</a>. </li><li>The Singapore-based airline ranked in second place in 2017 </li><li>This the fourth victory for Singapore <keyword id="44023" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="airlines">Airlines</keyword> which also won in 2004, 2007, and 2008.</li><li>Overall, airlines from Asia dominate the elite end of Skytrax's rankings - taking nine of the top 10 spots.</li></ul><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/category/singapore-airlines" target="_blank">Singapore Airlines</a> has been named the <a href="https://www.worldairlineawards.com/worlds-top-100-airlines-2018/" target="_blank">best airline in the world for 2018 </a>by the leading consumer-aviation website Skytrax. "Singapore Airlines is honored to be named World's Best Airline in the Skytrax awards, and I dedicate it to the 26,000 SIA Group employees who focus every day on delivering the world's best <keyword id="6354692" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Travel">travel</keyword> experience to our customers," Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong said in a statement. "The recognition will further motivate us to improve upon the three main pillars of our brand promise - product leadership, service excellence and network connectivity - to ensure we retain our competitive advantage and continue to meet and exceed customer expectations." The Singapore-based airline was presented with the award on Tuesday at a ceremony in London. This the fourth SIA has taken top honors at the World Airline Awards. The airline also won in 2004, 2007, and 2008. Overall, airlines from Asia dominate the elite end of Skytrax's rankings - taking nine of the top 10 spots. At the same time, no US airline cracked the top 35. Delta got the closest with a 37th place finish The Skytrax rankings are based on the impressions of 20.36 million travelers from more than 100 different countries. The unpaid survey, which covered more than 335 airlines, measured <a href="http://www.worldairlineawards.com/Awards/awards_methodology.html" target="_blank">49 parameters ranging</a> from boarding procedures to seat comfort to the quality of service. Here are the 20 <keyword id="4270915" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="best-airlines">best airlines</keyword> in the world, according to the results of the Skytrax survey:

The 20 best airlines in the world

<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">Singapore AirlinesThe new Singapore Airlines Airbus A380 suite.</div></div></div><ul><li>Singapore Airlines has unveiled the new interior for its fleet of Airbus A380s.</li><li>Features include an all-new first class suite, business class seat, as well as new premium economy, and economy products.</li><li>The new interior for its 19 superjumbos will cost the airline $850 million.</li></ul> On Thursday, Singapore Airlines unveiled the all-new cabins that will be installed on its fleet of Airbus A380 Superjumbos.<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/as-the-airbus-a380-superjumbo-celebrates-its-10th-birthday--but-how-many-more-will-it-have-2015-4?op=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Singapore Airlines is the A380's launch customer</a> and the aircraft's second largest operator. After a decade in the airline's inventory, the double-decker fleet is getting an all-new look."The significant investment that we are making with the introduction of new cabin products demonstrates our commitment to continued investment in products and services, our long-term approach to ensure we retain our leadership position, and our confidence in the future of premium full-service air travel," Singapore Airlines CEO Mr. Goh Choon Phong said in a statement. "The new cabin products are the culmination of four years of work, involving extensive customer research and close partnerships with our designers and suppliers." The design, development, and installation of the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/airbus-singapore-airlines-a380-super-jumbo-jet-2016-9" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">new interior on the 19 A380s </a>will cost the airline roughly $850 million. In total, the new interior will feature 471 seats split into four cabins; six first-class suites and 78 business class seats on the upper deck along with 44 premium economy seats and 343 economy seats on the main deck.Here's a closer look at the new Singapore Airlines Airbus A380 interior.

Check out Singapore Airlines' stunning new Airbus A380 luxury suites

<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">Singapore AirlinesA rendering of Singapore Airlines' new Airbus A350-900ULR.</div></div></div><ul><li><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/category/singapore-airlines" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Singapore Airlines</a> confirmed that it will relaunch non-stop flights between <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/category/new-york" target="_blank" rel="noopener">New York</a> and <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/category/singapore" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Singapore</a> on October 11, 2018.</li><li>The Singapore-New York flights will be the longest in the world with a distance of roughly 10,300 miles and a travel time of nearly 19 hours. </li><li>The flights will operate daily between Singapore Changi International Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport using new <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/category/airbus" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Airbus</a> A350-900ULR airliners.</li><li>The Airbus A350-900ULRs will have just 161 seats on board - 67 business and 94 premium economy.</li></ul>Singapore Airlines confirmed on Wednesday that it will relaunch its non-stop service between New York and Singapore this October.With a distance of approximately 10,300 miles and a travel time of up to 18 hours 45 minutes, it will also be the longest non-stop flight in the world. The <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/longest-flights-in-the-world-ranked-oag-2018-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">current long-distance leader is Qatar Airways' 9,000 miles flight</a> from Doha to Auckland, New Zealand. Singapore will deploy its new fleet of next generation, carbon composite Airbus A350-900ULR airliners for the flight. (ULR stands for ultra long range.)The new non-stop service is expected to commence on October 11 and will operate daily between Singapore's Changi International Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. <div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">Singapore AirlinesSingapore Airlines business class.</div></div></div>Flights between New York and Singapore are currently operated using the double-decker Airbus A380 with a stopover in Frankfurt, Germany. "Singapore Airlines has always taken pride in pushing the boundaries to provide the best possible travel convenience for our customers," Singapore Airlines CEO, Goh Choon Phong, said in a statement. "We are pleased to be leading the way with these new non-stop flights using the latest-technology, ultra-long-range Airbus A350-900ULR."Singapore's A350-900ULRs will be equipped with 67 business class and 94 premium economy seats. There are no first class suites or economy class seats on board. With just 161 seats, the ULRs will carry 92 fewer passengers than the rest of Singapore's A350-900 fleet. <div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">Singapore AirlinesPremium economy.</div></div></div>The airline previously operated the route using all-business class Airbus A340-500 airliners before suspending the service in 2013. The airline simply couldn't sustain the route financially using the fuel-guzzling, four-engined A340 with just 100 seats on board. Singapore believes this new generation of ultra-fuel, efficient twin-engine wide-bodies like the A350-900ULR will be able to make the route profitable. The new Newark-Singapore route will mark the official entry into service for the A350-900ULR. Singapore is the plane's launch customer with seven on order. The airline is expected to take delivery of its first ULR in September with all seven to be delivered by the end of the year. The airline is also planning to use the ULR on its soon-to-be-announced non-stop Singapore-Los Angeles route. <div class="margin-top"> <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-meet-financial-and-social-impact-goals-2018-5">Millennials are driving a shift in investing - here's how to meet your financial and social impact goals</a></h3> <div> </div> </div>

Singapore Airlines will relaunch the longest flight in the world that will fly more than 10,000 miles and last 19 hours

<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">IAGLevel by International Airlines Group, the parent company of British Airways and Iberia.</div></div></div><ul><li>Low-cost carriers accounted for 28% of all passengers traffic in 2016. It's a percentage that's still growing. </li><li>The rise of low-cost carriers has disrupted an industry traditionally dominated by major legacy carriers.</li><li>These major airlines are now fighting back with low-cost options of their own.</li><li>The availability of more low-cost flights is ultimately better for the consumer. </li></ul>Over the past two decades, low-cost carriers have turned the airline industry upside down. In 2016, the purveyors of cheap, no-frills flying accounted for 28% of all passenger traffic around the world. That's up 10% since 2014.Low-cost airlines have transformed the way people fly in the developed world. But for many in the developing world, these airlines made commercial air <keyword id="6354692" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="Travel">travel</keyword> an actual reality.The effect low-cost carriers have had on modern society is tremendous. But one group that has been caught off guard is the legacy airlines that once operated with impunity around the world. For a big legacy airline, an upstart low-cost carrier is a small nuisance. But once that small nuisance grows in size and market power, low-cost carriers can hold tremendous pricing power. In that, they drive down fares. Great for consumers, but a real pain the in the butt for legacy airlines.In the US, when Southwest Airlines, the world's largest LCC, enters a market fares drop. It's happened so many times there's even a name for it, "<a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/flights/todayinthesky/2016/12/30/southwest-says-southwest-effect-still-going-strong/95964546/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Southwest Effec</a>t."But beyond individual markets, LCCs have shown the ability to massively disrupt an entire continent. A great example of this is the rise of AirAsia. Commercial air travel in Southeast Asia has traditionally been dominated by a collection of large, well-respected legacy airlines like Singapore, Thai Airways, and Malaysia Airlines.In 2001, a music industry executive named Tony Fernandes along with several others took control of AirAsia for $0.25 and an agreement to assume the airline's $11 million in debt. Over the past 16 years, the two-plane operation has grown to a fleet of more than 200 aircraft. In 2016, AirAsia accounted for 49% of commercial air travel in Malaysia. The airline also holds a 22% market share in Thailand."People didn't take us seriously and that was good because Malaysia Airlines thought 'Oh it's another stupid idea that'll die soon,'" AirAsia Group <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/tony-fernandes-air-asia-ceo-interview-e-commerce-branson-2017-11" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CEO Tony Fernandes told Business Insider</a>. "By the time they took us seriously we were too big and too popular."<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">AirbusAirAsia crew members.</div></div></div>AirAsia is but one example of how a low-cost carrier can shake up the airline business. In Europe, LCCs now account for more than 40% of the airline market on the back of carriers such as Ryanair, EasyJet, and Norwegian."My personal view is that for especially the first decade of their existence, network carriers like ourselves sort of underestimated, ignored - almost arrogantly ignored - the rise of low-cost carriers," KLM Royal Dutch Airlines <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/klm-ceo-pieter-elbers-interview-2017-11" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CEO Pieter Elbers told us</a>. "With that, we can see that their share in the European landscape has steadily increased and is now anywhere between 42% and 45% of all flights in Europe are with low-cost carriers, and a percentage which is significantly larger than in the US, where it's about a third."In response, KLM has made drastic changes to the way it conducts business."With that, we have embarked on a program in KLM a few years ago whereby we sort of said, 'We're going to defend our European network, and we're going to make sure that we do the right thing for our customers on the European network,'" he said.<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">REUTERS/Edgar SuAirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes with members of the airline's cabin crew.</div></div></div>"So we have lowered our cost. We have increased our fleet utilization. We have changed our commercial offers on probably 60% of all our European destinations, which are about 80 destinations. We do have levels which are matching the low-cost carriers. So this combination of cost-cutting on the one-hand side, investing in our product and our service."<h2>Legacy airlines flight back</h2>It's not just KLM that's making changes to account for low-cost competition.In Europe, legacy airlines are fighting back by operating low-cost carriers of their own. KLM has Transavia while sister company <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/joon-air-france-new-airline-millennials-2017-7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Air France launched Joon</a> earlier this month. According to Air France-KLM, Joon will not only be used as a counterpunch to low-cost carriers, it will serve as a testbed for new ideas that could help make the entire company more competitive in terms of costs, efficiency, and customer service.In 2012, IAG, the parent company of British Airways and Iberia, took full control of Spanish low-cost airline Vueling, which services destinations across Europe. Earlier this year, IAG launched Level, a low-cost long-haul carrier designed to take on Norwegian and WOW.<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">REUTERS/Charles PlatiauKLM CEO Pieter Elbers.</div></div></div>Lufthansa, on the other hand, has been developing its Eurowings and Germanwings low-cost subsidiaries for the past 15 years.Legacy airlines are also fighting back in Southeast Asia against the rise of AirAsia and others like Lion Air. Singapore Airlines created Budget Aviation Holdings to own and operate regional low-cost carrier Tigerair and long-haul LCC Scoot. According to Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong, separating the company's low-cost operation from the main airline, allows Scoot and Tigerair to create their own brand identities.All of this is a boon for consumers. With iconic airlines like Singapore, Air France, and British Airways fighting for budget travelers, there are more options than ever for affordable flights. In fact, with LCCs in the market, even those who aren't shopping for ultra-cheap flights benefit from lower prices from greater competition.<h2>US carriers take the basic economy route</h2>In the US, American, Delta, and United are dealing with low-cost competition in a slightly different manner. America's big three tried and failed to launch their own LCCs. Delta's Song lasted only three years; from 2003 to 2006. While United's Ted managed to make it for five years before the financial crisis doomed the carrier in 2009.<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">BoeingSingapore's Scoot.</div></div></div>Instead, America's legacy carriers have turned to basic economy fares to take on the likes of Spirit and Frontier.So what does basic economy entail?Basic economy is a discount fare class that exists within an airline's economy cabin. As a result, the in-flight service and experience will be the same for basic economy as it will be for someone who purchased a pricier main cabin economy ticket. This means passengers who go the basic economy route will sit in the same seats, enjoy the same in-flight perks and amenities as everyone else in coach.But, there are restrictions placed upon the passengers prior to boarding the aircraft that separate basic economy from other fare classes. The most obvious restriction involves carry-on luggage. All three airlines allow basic economy passengers to bring on board one personal item/bag that will fit underneath the seat.<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">APUnited's Ted.</div></div></div>However, American and United prohibit any luggage that will require the use of an overhead bin. Delta's basic economy luggage policy is the same as its traditional main cabin which allows for a personal item as well as one complimentary carry-on bag.Basic economy hasn't been as well received by consumers as dedicated LCCs with some referring to the fare as "sub cattle class." However, those unconcerned with the frivolities of main cabin air travel may still benefit from cheaper tickets.As LCCs and legacy carriers dance their dance, consumers will continue to benefit from competition. With more than 7.5 billion people on Earth, there is still plenty of room for commercial aviation to grow. While markets in the US and Europe are fairly mature, there are still many areas of the world where air travel remains relatively underdeveloped and ripe for a well-run low-cost carrier to thrive. <div class="margin-top"> <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/economist-jim-rickards-bitcoin-versus-gold-price-manipulation-2017-12">Economist Jim Rickards on gold versus bitcoin - intrinsic value is meaningless for both but the bitcoin prices aren't real</a></h3> <div> </div> </div>

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