"Amritsar"

Indian carrier SpiceJet has sent in an Airbus A340 from Amritsar, India to Tel Aviv to repatriate Indian nationals from Tel Aviv, Israel.

Amritsar: SpiceJet Sends in Airbus A340 For Tel Aviv Repatriation…

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SpiceJet flight SG9995 departed Amritsar at 1646 local time today, with the flight landing there in the last few moments at the time of writing (1840 UK time).

This flight was operated by YR-LRD, an Airbus A340-300 aircraft.

As per data from Planespotters.net, YR-LRD is a 16.5 year old airframe, which started out life with Finnair back in May 2007.

About 10 years after the initial delivery, the jet was sent to Airbus Financial Services and re-registered to F-WXAB.

By February 2018, the jet was handed over to Air Belgium as OO-ABA, and remained with the carrier for four years before being sent to Airhub Airlines.

Romanian carrier Legend Airlines acquired the aircraft in January 2023, and then by June, it was being operated by SpiceJet via a leasing arrangement from the Romania-based carrier.

Since June, this aircraft has been performing commercial services for the Indian carrier, with it’s last two rotations being between Milan Bergamo & Amritsar, as per data from RadarBox.

This Airbus A340 will no doubt have a high number of economy seats, which will be ideal for such repatriation from Tel Aviv.

Governments around the world have either been chartering airlines to perform repatriation, or using their own transport aircraft.

At this stage, it is unclear when the aircraft will be departing back to Amritsar from Tel Aviv, Israel.

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AirAsia X (AAX) has now reinstated its much-awaited direct flight service between Amritsar, India, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

This move not only bridges the geographical gap but also moves to meet demand from both leisure and business travelers.

The resurrection of this route, offering four weekly flights, comes at a pivotal time when air travel demand is continuing its resurgence.

A Grand Welcome

The resumption of this route was celebrated with a grand welcome ceremony that echoed the importance of strengthening the bonds between India and Malaysia through seamless air connectivity.

Dignitaries from the High Commission of India, represented by Mr. Aditya Fotedar, Second Secretary, and Tourism Malaysia, represented by Mr. Hafiz Hazin, Deputy Director International Promotion Division (Asia/Africa), graced the occasion.

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Their presence emphasized the significance of this renewed connection. Upon landing at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (Terminal 2), travelers were treated to a memorable experience.

They were welcomed with limited-edition merchandise giveaways, symbolizing the warmth and hospitality of Malaysia. Additionally, a special Sikh ceremony took place, underscoring the unity of diverse cultures that both India and Malaysia take immense pride in.

India – Malaysia air travel

There are several reasons for the strong demand for air travel between India and Malaysia. First, the two countries have a large and growing middle class, which has more disposable income to spend on travel.

Second, there are strong cultural and historical ties between the two countries, which make people from both countries interested in visiting each other. Thirdly, the flight time between India and Malaysia is relatively short, making it a convenient travel option.

The air travel demand between India and Malaysia is expected to continue to grow in the coming years. This is due to the factors mentioned above, as well as the growing economic and trade ties between the two countries.

A Word from AirAsia X’s CEO

Benyamin Ismail, Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia X, expressed his pleasure at the return of services between Amritsar and Kuala Lumpur.

He highlighted that this revival coincides with the rebound of both leisure and business travel, emphasizing the airline’s unwavering commitment to providing popular destinations and great value fares to its valued passengers.

Mr. Ismail added, “In addition to this remarkable route, our guests will have the advantage of connecting to their favorite destinations through our Fly-Thru service. Whether it’s Bali, Melbourne, Sydney, Gold Coast, Perth, or more, passengers can seamlessly book these flights in one go.”

“We eagerly anticipate reuniting families, friends, and businesses and continuing to play a pivotal role in fostering economic growth and cultural exchange between these two wonderful nations.”

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IndiGo, India’s leading budget airline, is set to boost domestic connectivity from Hyderabad and Ahmedabad with 10 new daily direct flights starting September 2024.

Key updates include:

• New daily direct flights between Hyderabad and Hirasar from September 16
• Resumed routes: Hyderabad-Udaipur (September 1) and Hyderabad-Jodhpur (September 3)
• Increased frequencies: Ahmedabad-Amritsar (September 16) and Ahmedabad-Bhubaneswar (September 17)

These additions aim to improve domestic travel options and enhance mobility from Telangana and Gujarat’s capital cities.

Meeting Rising Demand

The expansion addresses growing demand from business and leisure travelers, as well as rising interest in spiritual tourism.

These new connections will also facilitate international travel from Hyderabad and Ahmedabad to various Asian destinations.

With these additions, IndiGo now offers 1220 weekly direct flights from Hyderabad to 69 destinations and 523 weekly flights from Ahmedabad to 35 destinations.

Vinay Malhotra, IndiGo’s Head of Global Sales, stated, “We’re excited to expand our direct flights to and from Telangana and Gujarat.”

“These new routes will give customers more choices, improving accessibility and boosting travel demand in the region and beyond. As India’s preferred airline, we’re committed to providing punctual, affordable, and hassle-free travel across our extensive network.”

IndiGo has recently strengthened Hyderabad’s connections to Southeast Asia with direct flights to Bangkok, Male, Ras Al Khaimah, Singapore, and Colombo, establishing Hyderabad as a major South Indian hub.

Telegana

The new routes will bolster Telangana’s efforts to promote eco, spiritual, and medical tourism by enhancing accessibility to a diverse array of attractions.

Visitors will find it easier to explore iconic landmarks such as the Char Minar, the sprawling Ramoji Film City, and the historic Golconda Fort.

Religious enthusiasts can conveniently visit the Shri Jagannath Temple and Birla Mandir, while nature lovers will appreciate improved access to the serene Hussain Sagar Lake.

The expanded connectivity also facilitates trips to cultural sites like the Qutub Shahi Tombs and Paigah Tombs, as well as educational venues such as the Birla Science Museum.

For those seeking entertainment, attractions like Snow World will be within easier reach. These improved travel options are set to showcase Telangana’s rich tapestry of experiences to a broader audience.

Hirasar

Hirasar, located in Gujarat, serves as a gateway to Rajkot and the Saurashtra region. Improved connectivity will make it easier for travelers to visit Rajkot’s attractions, including:

• ISKCON temple
• Pradyuman Zoological park
• Jubilee garden
• Shri Ramakrishnan Ashram
• Aji Dam garden
• Ranjit Vilas Palace

Udaipur

Udaipur, known as the ‘City of Lakes,’ captivates visitors with its scenic beauty, serene lakes, and grand palaces. Tourists flock to experience its rich culture, vibrant markets, and tranquil boat rides.

Jodhpur

Jodhpur, the “Blue City,” boasts numerous forts, palaces, and temples. It’s also an industrial center with a thriving handicraft scene. Key attractions include Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Ghanta Ghar, and Jaswant Thada.

Amritsar

Amritsar, Punjab’s largest city, is renowned for its historical and religious significance. Popular sites include the Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh, Wagah Border, and Gobindgarh Fort.

Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad has become a vital economic and industrial hub, famous for cotton production and attractions along the Sabarmati River. Visitors enjoy its textiles, snacks, and landmarks like Sabarmati Ashram and Kankaria Lake.

Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, Odisha’s capital, is known as “The Temple City of India.” It attracts pilgrims worldwide with its beautiful temple architecture and houses major industries. Key attractions include Lingaraj Temple, Iskcon Temple, and Nandankanan Zoological Park.

IndiGo is amongst the fastest-growing low-cost carriers in the world. With its fleet of 350 aircraft, the airline is operating over 2,000 daily flights and connecting 88 domestic destinations and 33 international destinations.

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Malaysia Airlines and IndiGo, India’s leading carrier, have joined forces to enhance travel options for passengers flying between Malaysia and India.

The airlines signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing a codeshare partnership and mutual cooperation agreement.

Malaysia Airlines-IndiGo MoU

This collaboration will benefit customers of both airlines. Malaysia Airlines will leverage IndiGo’s network to expand its reach within India, acting as the marketing carrier on IndiGo-operated flights.

Conversely, IndiGo passengers will gain access to a wider selection of Southeast Asian destinations through Malaysia Airlines’ extensive network.

This reciprocal arrangement ensures seamless connections and integrated travel itineraries for a smoother travel experience.

In recent times, Malaysia has been working to attract more tourists from India. It remains is a popular destination for Indian tourists due to its beautiful beaches, rainforests, and historical sites.

However, the number of tourists from India has declined in recent years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Malaysia is hopeful that the new codeshare agreement between Malaysia Airlines and IndiGo will help to increase the number of Indian tourists visiting Malaysia.

Stakeholder Comments

IndiGo

Pieter Elbers, Chief Executive Officer of IndiGo, expressed his delight about the partnership. He highlighted the agreement’s potential to improve travel experiences. In addition it will enhance international trade opportunities by facilitating better accessibility.

This codeshare aligns with IndiGo’s vision of providing an unparalleled network while upholding their commitment to on-time, affordable, and hassle-free travel.

Malaysia Airlines

Datuk Captain Izham Ismail, Group Managing Director of Malaysia Aviation Group, emphasized the significance of India as Malaysia Airlines’ largest international market.

He expressed his enthusiasm about the MoU with IndiGo, which allows them to expand beyond their existing nine hubs in India.

This collaboration underscores their dedication to offering diverse travel options and flexibility to this growing aviation market, with a primary focus on enhancing the customer journey.

He further emphasized their commitment to fostering cultural exchange and making travel more accessible for both airlines’ passengers.

Malaysia Airlines is renowned for its “inimitable Malaysian Hospitality,” ensuring a warm and welcoming experience for all travelers.

Current Network Presence

• Malaysia Airlines currently operates 71 weekly flights to nine key destinations in India. This includes New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Ahmedabad, Amritsar, and Trivandrum.

About IndiGo

IndiGo, one of the world’s fastest-growing low-cost carriers, prioritizes affordable fares, on-time flights, and a courteous travel experience across its vast network.

With a fleet exceeding 350 aircraft, IndiGo operates around 2,000 daily flights. It connects passengers to over 85 domestic destinations and 30+ international destinations.

About Malaysia Airlines

Malaysia Airlines, the national carrier of Malaysia, offers premium and full-service experiences, positioning itself as the ideal choice for flying to, from, and around Malaysia.

They transport up to 40,000 passengers daily, creating memorable journeys inspired by Malaysia’s rich cultural tapestry.

As the nation’s flag carrier, they embody Malaysia’s diverse traditions, cultures, and cuisines through their signature “inimitable Malaysian Hospitality” at every customer touchpoint.

Since 2015, Malaysia Airlines Berhad has owned and operated the airline, which is part of the Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG).

Through its alliance with oneworld®, Malaysia Airlines offers superior connectivity to more than 900 destinations across 170 territories worldwide.

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AirAsia has unveiled plans to dramatically boost its services between China-Malaysia and India-Malaysia, propelling the airline into a new era of connectivity.

This decision embraces a remarkable 230 weekly flights, set to take off in the first quarter of 2024, boasting an impressive capacity of up to 5.2 million seats annually.

The Surge in Travel Demand

The surge in capacity, orchestrated by AirAsia Malaysia (AK) and AirAsia X Malaysia (D7), is in direct response to an expected wave of heightened travel demand.

This surge is anticipated to follow the Malaysian government’s recent proclamation of a 30-day visa-free entry for travelers from China and India starting on December 1, 2023.

This game-changing initiative coincides with the relaxation of travel restrictions for Malaysians heading to China, effective from the same date.

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The Role of Malaysian Government

Tony Fernandes, the CEO of AirAsia, expressed his gratitude towards the Malaysian government, particularly Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, for spearheading this forward-thinking initiative.

Fernandes emphasized the impact of the 30-day visa-free entry, foreseeing it as a catalyst for bolstering Malaysia’s tourism and economy.

He stated, “AirAsia has been at the forefront of trying to make visiting Malaysia easier,” highlighting the positive economic impact anticipated during the upcoming peak travel season.

Economic Catalyst: AirAsia and Regional Growth

Bo Lingam, CEO of AirAsia Aviation Group Limited, sees this surge in services as more than just an increase in flight capacity. Lingam envisions it as an opportunity to enhance regional connectivity in two of their largest markets, acting as a catalyst for significant economic growth.

With an estimated 4.6 million guests expected to traverse their extensive network of 26 routes in China and India in 2024 alone, AirAsia is poised to play a pivotal role in achieving Malaysia’s ambitious tourism target of 25 million international tourists annually.

As the largest foreign low-cost carrier in China, both AirAsia Malaysia (AK) and AirAsia X Malaysia (D7) currently operate 17 routes into the country, offering a total of 156 weekly flights.

Destinations include key cities like Guangzhou, Quanzhou, Kunming, Guilin, Nanning, Shantou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Beijing, Hangzhou, and Shanghai.

Additionally, AirAsia Malaysia (AK) flies from Kota Kinabalu to Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Shenzhen, Beijing, and Wuhan, while also connecting Johor Bahru to Guangzhou.

India on the Horizon

Not stopping at China, both airlines have ramped up frequencies to nine routes in India, totaling an impressive 74 flights weekly.

AirAsia Malaysia (AK) connects Kuala Lumpur to Bengaluru, Kolkata, Cochin, Hyderabad, Chennai, Trichy, and Trivandrum, with a new destination, Trivandrum, set to commence in February 2024.

Meanwhile, AirAsia X Malaysia (D7) operates routes from Kuala Lumpur to New Delhi and Amritsar, solidifying their commitment to enhancing connectivity between Malaysia and India.

Visa-Free Travel

In a reciprocal move, the China Embassy in Malaysia has announced that Malaysian citizens holding ordinary passports can enjoy visa-free travel to China for up to 15 days.

This initiative, effective from December 1, 2023, until November 30, 2024, covers purposes such as business, tourism, family visits, and transit, further facilitating seamless travel experiences.

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India’s southern city of Thiruvananthapuram is slated to become the ninth direct Indian route service for budget carrier AirAsia.

AirAsia has unveiled its latest venture into India’s southern gem, Thiruvananthapuram, slated to commence on 21 February 2024.

This new network addition also marks AirAsia’s second direct route to Kerala, the picturesque state often referred to as ‘God’s Own Country.’

Thiruvananthapuram Unveiled

Thiruvananthapuram, also known as Trivandrum, beckons with its enchanting blend of architectural marvels and mouth-watering Kerala cuisine.

This city, steeped in history, promises travelers a unique experience as they navigate through its quaint markets and immerse themselves in its cultural richness.

AirAsia’s journey in connecting Malaysia to India began in 2008 with Tiruchirappalli as its inaugural route.

Fast forward to 2024, and the airline is set to launch its 9th route to India, solidifying its commitment to providing seamless travel experiences.

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Currently, AirAsia operates 6 direct routes to South Indian cities via AirAsia Malaysia (AK) ‒ Chennai, Tiruchirappalli, Hyderabad, Kochi, Bengaluru and Kolkata as well as 2 direct routes to Northern India ‒ Amritsar and New Delhi via AirAsia X (D7).

CEO Riad Asmat’s Insights

Riad Asmat, CEO of AirAsia Malaysia, spoke about the issue of strengthening the airline’s presence in India. He reflects on the significant milestone achieved last year when AirAsia resumed key destinations in India post-pandemic.

Asmat highlights the airline’s popularity among Malaysian travelers, holding an impressive 47% market share of international air connectivity between the two nations.

AirAsia’s Impact on the Indian Landscape

Over the last decade and a half, AirAsia has played a pivotal role in transforming the travel landscape in India.

Asmat emphasizes the airline’s role in connecting millions of travelers affordably, fostering a closer bond between Malaysia and India. The new route to Thiruvananthapuram is poised to further contribute to this transformative journey.

800 Million Guests and Beyond

As AirAsia celebrates the remarkable feat of flying over 800 million guests since 2001, the announcement of the Thiruvananthapuram route adds an extra layer of excitement.

To commemorate this milestone and the upcoming launch, AirAsia is offering irresistible fares from RM199 all-in one-way, inclusive of free 20kg check-in baggage.

Travel enthusiasts can seize this opportunity to plan their journey between 21 February 2024 to 26 October 2024.

To embark on this journey to Thiruvananthapuram, interested travelers can take advantage of the exclusive fares by booking between today and 26 November 2024.

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