Air India’s Chief Executive Officer, Campbell Wilson, has reaffirmed the airline’s strong focus on safety while announcing a full return of international operations by October 1, 2025. This development follows a phased resumption of services that began on August 1, after the airline voluntarily initiated a “Safety Pause” in June in the wake of the AI171 incident.

In a communication shared with Maharaja Club members, Wilson highlighted the airline’s transparent approach and ongoing collaboration with regulatory bodies, particularly the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). He stated that comprehensive inspections were carried out across the Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 fleet, with no issues found. Further checks on the fuel control switch mechanisms of Boeing 737 and 787-8 aircraft also showed normal results.

“We continue to work closely with regulators, maintaining full transparency and ensuring that every action we take aligns with the highest standards of safety and care,” Wilson said.

The temporary pause, first announced on June 19, allowed Air India to intensify pre-flight inspections and manage disruptions caused by regional airspace closures. The downtime was used strategically to upgrade aircraft reliability and improve delay management processes.

Wilson emphasized that all Air India aircraft undergo multi-layered safety checks prior to departure, and each flight is monitored in real time by the Integrated Operations Control Centre. The airline’s engineering and crew teams are regularly trained at the Air India Training Academy, strictly following the latest international safety standards.

Air India also operates under a comprehensive Safety Management System aligned with both DGCA and International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) norms. The airline is subject to annual audits by the DGCA and undergoes bi-annual IATA Operational Safety Audits conducted by external experts. According to Wilson, the DGCA recently assessed Air India's audit findings as “entirely normal” for an airline of its size.

Since its privatization, Air India has collaborated with aviation consultancy Oliver Wyman/CAVOK for a full safety assessment and has partnered with Boeing for an Operational Efficacy Program aimed at upgrading internal systems.

Acknowledging recent service disruptions, Wilson assured flyers that corrective steps are actively being implemented. He also mentioned that the ongoing fleet retrofit program remains on schedule to enhance the in-flight experience.

“So, whenever you choose to fly with Air India, know that your trust is valued and your journey safeguarded by our entire Air India family,” Wilson concluded.

Antara Cruises, India’s pioneering luxury river cruise line, has announced its partnership with Serandipians, a distinguished global network of bespoke travel designers and premium hospitality brands. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in Antara’s journey to redefine luxury travel and position India’s river tourism on the international map.

Renowned for its curation of the finest travel experiences, Serandipians extends invitations exclusively to brands that exemplify high standards in service, creativity, and storytelling. Antara Cruises, with its elegant all-suite vessels and culturally immersive journeys, perfectly aligns with this philosophy.

“We are proud to join the Serandipians community, as it represents a shared commitment to delivering extraordinary, culturally immersive experiences,” said Raj Singh, Chairman of Antara Cruises. “This partnership opens new pathways for global travelers seeking authentic, intimate, and transformational voyages, directly connecting them with India’s rich heritage from a truly luxurious vantage point.”

Antara Cruises offers unique itineraries across India’s iconic waterways, blending heritage, sustainability, and refined elegance. The cruises showcase UNESCO World Heritage sites, offbeat excursions, and traditional cultural encounters, creating unforgettable experiences rooted in India’s heartland.

Through this alliance, Antara Cruises will work closely with global luxury travel designers and trade partners to craft tailor-made journeys. The association also amplifies Antara’s presence in the global luxury travel circuit, promoting India as a top-tier river cruising destination.

This partnership is not just a strategic move but a celebration of India's cultural depth, seen through the lens of comfort, elegance, and authenticity.

Sterling Holiday Resorts Ltd. has kicked off FY26 with a record-breaking first quarter, reporting its highest-ever Q1 performance. The hospitality company posted ₹1,392 million in revenue, marking an 8% year-on-year growth, while EBITDA surged by 25% to ₹514 million. With Profit Before Tax rising 27% to ₹371 million, the company continues to operate debt-free, holding cash reserves of ₹2,963 million.

Sterling’s performance reflects strong demand for experiential holidays, as well as disciplined cost management. Despite expanding room inventory by 21% year-on-year, the company maintained pricing strength with Average Room Rates (ARR) steady at ₹7,089. Room revenue rose by 11%, while Food & Beverage revenue saw a 16% increase, a sign of balanced and healthy growth.

Vikram Lalvani, Managing Director and CEO of Sterling Holiday Resorts Ltd., said, “This quarter marks the start of a pivotal shift for Sterling, from a phase of transformation to one of high-performance execution. With a strong foundation in people, brand, and technology, we are now poised to scale with purpose, delivering exceptional holidays while creating lasting value.”

The company expanded its footprint by adding two new resorts: Sterling Kastoori in Rudraprayag and Sterling Vanavasa in Lansdowne, bringing the total to 54 destinations nationwide. Sterling has built a dominant presence in states like Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, with strong offerings across wildlife destinations and the Himalayas.

Guest experience remains a key strength, with 30 resorts receiving Trip Advisor Travelers’ Choice Awards. Notably, Sterling Kanha earned the “Best of the Best” award for the third consecutive year, reinforcing Sterling’s commitment to outstanding service.

Sustainability is also central to Sterling’s growth strategy. Through its Sterling Sankalp initiative, the company expanded solar and heat pump installations and replaced plastic bottled water with in-house bottling across multiple resorts. Additionally, in partnership with the Fairfax India Charitable Foundation, Sterling facilitated the installation of dialysis machines in seven hospitals, extending its impact beyond hospitality.

Looking ahead, Sterling is set to accelerate its growth in FY26 with a pipeline of over 20 new resorts. Supported by strong travel trends and investments in technology, people, and brand, the company is transitioning into a new era of responsible scaling and guest delight across India.