Air India CEO Reaffirms Safety, Targets Full Resumption of International Flights by October

Air India CEO Reaffirms Safety, Targets Full Resumption of International Flights by October

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 9, 2025

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.


Lemon Tree Hotels Signs Lemon Tree Resort in Pench, Maharashtra

Lemon Tree Hotels Signs Lemon Tree Resort in Pench, Maharashtra

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 29, 2025

Lemon Tree Hotels has announced the signing of Lemon Tree Resort, Pench, Maharashtra, its newest getaway in the heart of India.

Nestled amidst the scenic forests of Pench, which spans across Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, the upcoming resort will feature 60 well-appointed rooms, a restaurant, spa, swimming pool, banquet spaces, and more.

Pench National Park, famously known as the inspiration behind Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, is home to the Royal Bengal Tiger, leopards, sloth bears, and countless other wildlife species. This makes it an ideal destination for both nature lovers and adventure seekers.

This signing further strengthens Lemon Tree Hotels’ footprint in Maharashtra, where it currently operates 14 hotels with six more in the pipeline. The expansion also reflects the brand’s commitment to growing its presence across India’s key leisure, wildlife, and experiential destinations.


Hotels across Vietnam roll out festive experiences for National Day holiday

Hotels across Vietnam roll out festive experiences for National Day holiday

By Hariharan U

Published on August 29, 2025

 Hotels and resorts across Vietnam are gearing up for the National Day holiday with a vibrant mix of dining events, wellness packages, and family activities that celebrate the country’s culture and spirit of togetherness.

Waving the Vietnamese Flag High at Alma Resort Cam Ranh

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 Alma Resort Cam Ranh is pulling out all the stops with family-friendly festivities inspired by Vietnam’s flag. Activities include festive décor, DIY flag crafts, face painting, and a playful “Capture the Flag” challenge. Young guests can also enjoy kite making, tree planting, and plenty of fun with wood carving, yoga, tug of war, and even meet-and-greet moments with a Minion and a clown.

On September 2, Alma Garden will serve a lavish breakfast buffet with a “Special Vietnamese Delights” counter, followed by an evening spread titled “A Culinary Journey Across Three Regions”, featuring half a grilled lobster per adult, unlimited beverages, and a live performance by a traditional band. Meanwhile, Alma Food Court will spotlight Vietnamese coffee tasting, alongside local favourites such as grilled chicken with bamboo-tube rice and beef stew with rice noodles.

Wellness and Family Time at Azerai Resorts

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 Azerai Resorts is celebrating with special offers designed for relaxation and family bonding. At Azerai Ke Ga Bay, guests can enjoy a “Buy 60, Get 90 Minutes” massage promotion and complimentary yoga sessions by the beach. Further north, Azerai La Residence, Hue is offering a “Family Time” package with a one-night stay, daily breakfast, a poolside BBQ dinner, and discounts on spa and dining. For a deeper escape, the “Hue Heritage and Nature Escape” two-night package combines time at the resort with a guided trip to Bach Ma National Park and explorations of Hue’s cultural landmarks.

Premium BBQ Buffet at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

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In the capital, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi is marking the holiday with an exclusive BBQ Buffet Dinner at Spice Garden on September 2. From 6pm to 10pm, diners can savour fresh seafood, Hanoi specialties, and premium BBQ across five live stations. Children under 6 dine free, while those aged 6–11 enjoy a 50% discount. The refurbished Spice Garden, relaunched in 2023, blends cozy luxury with authentic Vietnamese charm, making it an ideal setting for festive dining.

Fiery Festivities at The Anam Cam Ranh

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 The Anam Cam Ranh is setting the stage for a lively Independence Day celebration with a Vietnamese buffet, fireshow, fireworks, and live traditional music on September 2. Hosted at Lang Viet Restaurant and Bar, with optional drinks packages for unlimited juices or free-flow draught beer. The highlight? Fresh mango juice made from Khanh Hoa’s famed mangos, adding a local touch to the beachfront feast.

From beachfront resorts to heritage city hotels, Vietnam’s hospitality scene is uniting to honour National Day with celebrations that bring together food, culture, and family fun.


Lemon Tree Hotels Expands in Maharashtra with New Nashik Property

Lemon Tree Hotels Expands in Maharashtra with New Nashik Property

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 28, 2025

Lemon Tree Hotels has announced the signing of its latest property, Keys Select by Lemon Tree Hotels, Mhasrul, Nashik. The new hotel will be managed by Carnation Hotels Private Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lemon Tree Hotels Limited.

The property will feature 50 well-appointed rooms, a restaurant, and a banquet, offering both leisure and business travelers a comfortable stay. Conveniently located, the hotel is about 16 km from Nashik International Airport and 15 km from Nashik Railway Station, with easy access to public and private transport.

Situated on Saputara-Nashik Road, the location benefits from strong connectivity to Gujarat. The area is emerging as a key industrial hub with major companies such as Reliance and Godrej already established there.

Speaking about the signing, Vilas Pawar, CEO, Managed & Franchise Business, Lemon Tree Hotels, said, “We are delighted to reinforce our presence in Maharashtra. This signing aligns with our broader strategy for sustained growth across key markets. This addition reinforces our growing footprint in the state, where we currently operate 14 hotels and have nine more upcoming ones.”

This new signing strengthens Lemon Tree Hotels’ presence in Maharashtra and highlights its commitment to expanding across important business and leisure destinations.

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