Air India and Lufthansa Group Sign Landmark MoU to Advance Joint Business Partnership

Air India and Lufthansa Group Sign Landmark MoU to Advance Joint Business Partnership

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 18, 2026

Air India and Lufthansa Group have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), creating a formal framework to explore a joint business partnership between the two airline groups. The agreement covers Air India’s and Lufthansa Group’s carriers and subsidiaries, including Air India Express, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, ITA Airways, Lufthansa, Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS), and other affiliated airlines.

Building on existing codeshare agreements and their shared membership in Star Alliance, the MoU allows both groups to jointly explore ways to strengthen connectivity between India and major European markets. The aim is to offer travellers more connected and consistent travel experiences across some of the world’s busiest routes, with seamless journeys on a single ticket.

The MoU was signed by Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Air India, and Carsten Spohr, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lufthansa Group. The agreement also seeks to leverage opportunities created by the recent conclusion of the landmark India–European Union Free Trade Agreement.

Subject to regulatory and anti-trust approvals, the partnership will explore collaboration across several strategic areas. These include coordinated route planning and aligned flight schedules in select markets to improve customer convenience and connectivity. The airlines also plan to work together on joint sales, marketing, and distribution initiatives.

Further cooperation would extend to enhancing customer experience through closer coordination in areas such as frequent flyer programmes, IT infrastructure, customer journey design, quality assurance, and other mutually beneficial initiatives aimed at making travel easier and more consistent for passengers.

Initially, the MoU focuses on increasing passenger traffic between Air India’s home market of India and Lufthansa Group’s core home market region, which includes Germany, Austria, Belgium, Italy, and Switzerland. The framework also proposes future expansion to cover the rest of Europe and the Indian subcontinent. The exact scope, including specific routes and markets, will be finalised once a comprehensive joint business agreement is established, subject to regulatory approvals.

Carsten Spohr, Chairman of the Executive Board of Deutsche Lufthansa AG and Chief Executive Officer of the Lufthansa Group, said:

"Today's agreement with our long-standing Star Alliance partner Air India is a strong signal of our mutual determination to open a new chapter in aviation between the EU and India following the landmark trade agreement between both economic regions. Together with Air India, we will strengthen our access to the aviation market with the highest growth rates worldwide. The Lufthansa Group is already the most successful and most popular European airline group among customers in India. In the future, we will contribute to deepening economic and cultural relations between India and Europe with even more connections. With our new long-haul aircraft and Lufthansa Allegris and SWISS Senses on board, we are offering a significantly improved premium travel experience in all classes on more and more routes, including to India.”

Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Air India, said:

“This milestone in our deepening relationship with the Lufthansa Group is great news for travellers and enterprises alike between India and Europe. As Air India continues to expand its global footprint with a fast-modernising fleet and transformed product and service offerings, this framework enables us to explore closer cooperation on multiple fronts to meet the growing trade, commerce, and people-to-people ties between our respective regions. This would unlock greater value for our common customers and respective shareholders, and we look forward to progressing these initiatives together with the Lufthansa Group.”

Air India and Lufthansa Group carriers currently codeshare on 145 routes across 15 Indian and 29 European cities in 20 countries. In February 2025, both groups announced an expansion of their codeshare agreements involving Air India, Lufthansa, SWISS, and Austrian Airlines.

India and the European Union are among the world’s strongest economies, together accounting for nearly 25% of global GDP. According to the European Commission, the EU is India’s largest trading partner for goods, with bilateral trade exceeding €120 billion in 2024. India is also the EU’s ninth-largest trading partner, representing 2.4% of total EU goods trade in the same year.

Since its privatisation in 2022, Air India has significantly expanded its global alliance network. The airline now maintains 24 codeshare partnerships and nearly 100 interline agreements, providing access to over 800 destinations worldwide.

The Lufthansa Group is the fourth-largest airline group globally by revenue and fleet size. It operates five national airlines across key European markets, along with other travel-focused airlines, Lufthansa Cargo, Lufthansa Technik, and more than 300 subsidiaries and affiliated companies. In 2024, the group carried over 131 million passengers, offering access to the largest airline network in Europe.


Enrise by Sayaji Debuts in Junagadh, Elevating Hospitality in Saurashtra

Enrise by Sayaji Debuts in Junagadh, Elevating Hospitality in Saurashtra

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 3, 2026

Sayaji Hotels has announced the launch of Enrise by Sayaji in Junagadh, marking its entry into the culturally rich Saurashtra region. Located on Bhesana Road, the 24-key property expands the brand’s Enrise portfolio and offers travellers a comfortable and well-connected base to explore one of Gujarat’s most historic destinations.

Known for its deep-rooted heritage, Junagadh blends history, culture, and architecture. The city, whose name translates to “Old Fort,” is home to the ancient Uparkot Fort, believed to date back to the 4th century BCE. It also houses the Ashokan Rock Edicts, featuring inscriptions from around 250 BCE, along with a later Sanskrit inscription by Rudradaman I. Architectural landmarks like the Mahabat Maqbara further highlight the city’s rich Nawabi-era influence.

Junagadh also serves as a gateway to some of Gujarat’s most iconic attractions. Girnar Hill stands as a major pilgrimage site for Hindus and Jains, while Gir National Park, located about 80 km away, is the last natural habitat of the Asiatic lion. Together, these destinations make the region a unique blend of wildlife, spirituality, and heritage tourism.

Enrise by Sayaji, Junagadh is designed to complement this diverse travel experience with thoughtfully planned accommodations. The property features 24 spacious 1-BHK villa-style rooms, each spread across 425 sq. ft., offering comfort, privacy, and suitability for families and longer stays.

Dining at the hotel is centred around Momentt, its multi-cuisine restaurant with 52 covers. For events and celebrations, the property offers Jewel, a 4,000 sq. ft. banquet hall that can accommodate up to 300 guests, along with the expansive Vrindavan Lawn spanning 15,500 sq. ft., ideal for hosting up to 500 guests for weddings and social gatherings.

The hotel enjoys convenient connectivity, located 15 km from Junagadh Railway Station, 55 km from Keshod Airport, and 130 km from Rajkot Airport, making it easily accessible for both leisure and business travellers.

Bharat Shingala, Owner, Enrise by Sayaji, Junagadh said, “Junagadh is a destination of immense cultural and natural significance, yet quality stay experiences have remained limited. With Enrise by Sayaji, we aim to offer travellers a space that complements the richness of the region while delivering the comfort and consistency the brand is known for.”

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Mr. Rajendra Joshi, Associate General Manager at Sayaji Hotels, added, “The Enrise brand is designed for the modern, curious traveller, and Junagadh, with its wildlife, pilgrimage routes, and historic landmarks, is an ideal fit. This launch also marks an important step in strengthening our presence in Gujarat, a key market in our growth journey.”

With the summer travel season approaching, Enrise by Sayaji, Junagadh is set to become a preferred choice for families and leisure travellers. Its spacious accommodations and proximity to key attractions make it a convenient and comfortable base for exploring the region.


Courtyard by Marriott Enters Andhra Pradesh with Tirupati Launch

Courtyard by Marriott Enters Andhra Pradesh with Tirupati Launch

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 2, 2026

Courtyard by Marriott has officially entered Andhra Pradesh with the opening of Courtyard by Marriott Tirupati, bringing its signature hospitality to one of India’s busiest spiritual destinations. The 130-key hotel marks the brand’s first presence in the state and is designed to cater to pilgrims, business travellers, and leisure guests alike.

Located in the temple city of Tirupati, home to the revered Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, the hotel benefits from strong connectivity. It is just a short 15 minutes’ drive from the railway station and around 20 minutes from Tirupati Airport, making it a convenient choice for travellers arriving from across the country. The property blends a calm and welcoming atmosphere with modern comforts, offering a stay experience that feels both relaxing and efficient.

“This opening represents an important milestone in our growth strategy in India, as we continue to expand our footprint in high-demand destinations and enter newer markets with strong travel potential”. Kiran Andicot, Senior Vice President – South Asia, Marriott International commented, “Tirupati is one of the country’s most prominent spiritual destinations, drawing significant year-round footfall, and establishing a presence here is a meaningful achievement for us. It reflects our ambition to serve a broader spectrum of guests and to bring trusted, high-quality hospitality to destinations where travel demand is both substantial and evolving. Courtyard by Marriott is well positioned to serve a destination like Tirupati, where travelers are looking for comfort, connectivity, and a stay experience that is both seamless and relevant.”

The hotel features 130 thoughtfully designed rooms and suites that focus on both comfort and functionality. With ample natural light, plush bedding, and well-equipped workspaces supported by high-speed connectivity, the spaces are created to suit both relaxation and productivity. Guests can unwind at the spa, take a dip in the outdoor pool, or maintain their fitness routine at the 24/7 gym.

Dining at the hotel brings together a variety of experiences through its three food and beverage venues. The Kitchen Collective serves as the all-day dining restaurant, offering a mix of global favourites, wellness-inspired dishes, and authentic Andhra flavours. The Spirit Society provides a stylish lounge setting with crafted cocktails and small plates, ideal for both casual meetings and evening downtime. For a more laid-back experience, Deck9 offers poolside dining with refreshing beverages and a selection of local and international bites.

The hotel also stands out as a strong venue for events and celebrations, with over 6,220 sq. ft. of banquet and meeting space. At the centre is a grand pillarless ballroom, supported by flexible venues that can host weddings, corporate meetings, conferences, and social gatherings. With modern facilities and elegant design, the property is set to become a preferred choice for large-scale events in the city.

Speaking on the opening, Samata Danday Chand, General Manager, Courtyard by Marriott Tirupati shared, "We are delighted to introduce Courtyard by Marriott to Tirupati, a city that holds immense cultural and spiritual significance. The hotel is aimed at creating an environment where great things can happen, enabling our guests to focus on their journeys, or simply relax. Connecting travelers through comfortable and innovative spaces, intuitive service and a commitment to personal fulfilment is at the foundation of what we offer at Courtyard by Marriott Tirupati, while also creating a vibrant destination for memorable gatherings.”

The hotel is part of Marriott Bonvoy, the brand’s travel programme that allows members to earn and redeem points across its wide portfolio of hotels and resorts. With the Marriott Bonvoy app, guests can also enjoy a more personalised and contactless experience during their stay.

For reservations and more information, guests can visit the official website.


The Wedding Company Partners with Shagun Vivah Utsav 2026 to Host Grand Mass Wedding in Delhi

The Wedding Company Partners with Shagun Vivah Utsav 2026 to Host Grand Mass Wedding in Delhi

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 2, 2026

The Wedding Company partnered with Shagun Vivah Utsav 2026, a large-scale mass wedding initiative held in Delhi that focuses on enabling safe and dignified marriages for women from economically vulnerable backgrounds. The ceremony took place at The Zora Convention Center, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, and included traditional rituals such as varmala, pheras, and vidaai.

The event saw the presence of Ram Nath Kovind, former President of India, Rekha Gupta, Chief Minister of Delhi, and Pujya Shri Swami Avdheshanand Giri Ji Maharaj, adding significance to the occasion. This year, 51 women were part of the ceremony, marking another step forward in supporting community weddings with care and respect.

As the execution partner, The Wedding Company managed the overall wedding planning for the event. Their role included handling photography for all couples, documentary coverage, selfie booths, and guest arrangements along with comforter distributions. The team also ensured smooth coordination across rituals, stage flow, guest seating, and timelines, creating a well-organised and stress-free experience for every bride.

Shagun Vivah Utsav is part of the Shagun Initiative by Ladli Foundation Trust, which works towards addressing financial and social challenges linked to marriage, including dowry pressures. Since it began in 2012 with 44 couples in Gurgaon, the initiative has supported over 2,067 women through safe and dignified community weddings.

Devendra Shastri, Founder, Laadli Foundation, shared, “We are grateful to The Wedding Company for supporting us in the planning and execution of this initiative and for ensuring that every wedding was conducted with dignity and care. Our work does not end with the wedding ceremony; we are also committed to supporting the brides through skill development and opportunities that help them build independent and dignified lives”

One of the key aspects of the programme is its strong focus on safety. This includes police verification of grooms to prevent fraud and ensure secure and respectful marriages for all participants.

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Speaking about the initiative, Pawan Gupta, CEO of The Wedding Company, said:
“Shagun Vivah Utsav represents dignity, responsibility, and community coming together for meaningful beginnings. At The Wedding Company, our goal is to bring structure and professionalism to weddings of every scale, ensuring every couple experiences a seamless, dignified, and memorable celebration. Through this partnership, we enabled families to focus on the moment while we ensured smooth execution"

The Wedding Company also highlighted that such collaborations reflect its larger vision of making professionally managed weddings more accessible and well-coordinated. With experience in planning, logistics, vendor and guest management, and on-ground execution, the company continues to support both large-scale and community-driven events.

Shagun Vivah Utsav 2026 is convened by Avdheshan G Mission, Ladli Foundation Trust, and Rashi Entertainment. The initiative brings together service, compassion, and continued support through post-marriage education and entrepreneurship opportunities, aiming to set a strong example for dignity and safety in community weddings.

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