Air India Drives Digital Transformation and Prepares for Vistara Merger

Air India Drives Digital Transformation and Prepares for Vistara Merger

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on November 6, 2024

As Air India celebrates two years of its five-year transformation plan, Vihaan.AI, the airline marks significant strides in digital advancement and operational improvement. Launched in 2022, Vihaan.AI has been the foundation of Air India’s commitment to reinvent itself, focusing on five key areas: customer experience, operational excellence, talent development, industry leadership, and digital innovation. With the upcoming merger with Vistara scheduled for November 12, 2024, Air India is positioning itself as a major player in the global airline industry.

Over the past two years, Air India has invested $200 million in technological upgrades, led by Chief Digital and Technology Officer Dr. Satya Ramaswamy. This extensive overhaul includes a shift to cloud-based platforms, new applications, and a re-engineered website and mobile app, offering faster booking processes, real-time updates, and an overall more intuitive experience. A significant focus has been on upgrading the in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems to provide a more seamless, personalized experience that passengers can access via their own devices. This improvement aligns with Air India’s mission to standardize passenger experience across its varied fleet.

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An AI-powered chatbot, AI.g, launched in May 2023, has revolutionized customer service by autonomously managing 97% of customer inquiries, drastically reducing wait times and improving response quality. Integrated across Air India’s website, app, and call centers, AI.g ensures 24/7 support, setting a new standard in customer service.

Air India has rapidly modernized its internal systems, deploying 140 technology solutions in just two years. This includes migrating core functions to cloud platforms for improved scalability and reliability. Enhanced tools for crew management, safety systems, and general operations have streamlined the airline’s day-to-day functions. The addition of mobile devices for pilots, cabin crew, and ground staff provides real-time access to critical information, boosting efficiency across operational tasks.

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A major milestone in Air India’s transformation journey is the anticipated merger with Vistara, scheduled for November 2024. This merger is part of Tata Group’s strategic initiative to consolidate its aviation assets under one flagship brand. The integration has already seen over 270,000 Vistara passenger reservations and more than 4.5 million loyalty program members transferred to Air India’s digital systems. Once the merger is finalized, Air India’s network will exceed 700 daily flights, further expanding both its domestic and international reach.

Initially, Vistara’s flights will operate under the designation “AI2” and maintain their service standards, later transitioning fully to Air India’s flight codes.

Through strategic investment and technological modernization, Air India aims to solidify its reputation in a competitive global aviation market. The merger with Vistara and ongoing digital improvements underscore its ambition to offer a world-class experience for travelers. As the airline enters this new chapter, it continues to prioritize customer experience and operational efficiency, ensuring it is well-prepared to meet the demands of the modern traveler.


Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse Highlights Long-Stay Business Rooms Amid Rising Corporate Travel Demand

Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse Highlights Long-Stay Business Rooms Amid Rising Corporate Travel Demand

By Hariharan U

Published on July 4, 2026

As Bengaluru continues to strengthen its position as one of India’s leading corporate travel hubs, demand for centrally located hotels catering to long-stay and hybrid work patterns is on the rise. Responding to this shift, Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse is focusing on its business-ready rooms and suites designed for extended stays and flexible travel needs.

The hotel offers 272 contemporary rooms and suites, including Premium Rooms with private balconies and spacious Suites tailored for guests combining work, travel, and leisure. The property is positioning itself to serve corporate travellers, project-based stays, and bleisure guests who require comfort and connectivity in a city-centre location.

According to Shiv Bose, General Manager, Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse, business travel has evolved into a more fluid experience where guests often blend meetings, remote work, and personal time within the same trip. He noted that the hotel’s rooms are designed to support this new travel behaviour through ergonomic workspaces, modern interiors, and reliable connectivity.

Located opposite the Bengaluru Racecourse, the hotel offers easy access to key corporate districts, government offices, transport hubs, and commercial landmarks, making it a practical choice for short and extended stays.

The room categories are designed to meet varied traveller needs. Standard Rooms provide comfortable accommodation with racecourse views, while Premium Rooms enhance the experience with private balconies. Suites offer additional living space, dining areas, and greater flexibility for long-stay guests or those on extended assignments.

Beyond accommodation, the hotel features a rooftop swimming pool overlooking the racecourse, a fully equipped fitness centre, and multiple dining venues, allowing guests to maintain routines and unwind between work commitments.

With business travel patterns increasingly shifting toward longer and more flexible stays, Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse is positioning itself as a city-centre address that combines functionality, comfort, and the trusted service of the Holiday Inn brand.


Akasa Air Enters Rajasthan with Daily Direct Flights to Udaipur

Akasa Air Enters Rajasthan with Daily Direct Flights to Udaipur

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 29, 2026

Akasa Air has announced its entry into Rajasthan with the launch of daily direct flights connecting Udaipur with Mumbai and Bengaluru from October 15, 2026. The new services strengthen the airline's domestic network while enhancing connectivity to one of India's most popular leisure and hospitality destinations.

Bookings for the new routes are now open through Akasa Air's website, mobile application and authorised travel partners. The airline said the expansion reflects growing demand for leisure travel, destination weddings and premium tourism from key metropolitan markets.

Commenting on the launch, Anand Srinivasan, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer, Akasa Air, said, "We are delighted to launch services to Udaipur, a city that represents India's rich cultural heritage and continues to see strong demand across leisure and hospitality travel. With direct connectivity from Mumbai and Bengaluru, customers will now have more convenient access to one of the country's most iconic destinations."

"As we continue to strengthen our domestic footprint, our focus remains on building a network that is relevant, customer-centric, and aligned with evolving travel demand. Udaipur is an important addition to our portfolio, and we look forward to offering travellers Akasa Air's warm, dependable, and efficient flying experience."

The airline said Udaipur's growing popularity as a destination for leisure holidays, weddings and experiential travel made it a strategic addition to its expanding network. The new routes are expected to improve access for both domestic tourists and business travellers while supporting the city's tourism and hospitality sectors.

Akasa Air added that the launch aligns with its strategy of building a demand-driven domestic network and improving connectivity to emerging tourism markets across India. The airline continues to expand its footprint by adding destinations with strong leisure and business travel potential.

Passengers travelling on Akasa Air can also benefit from the airline's customer-focused offerings, including its young fleet, onboard dining through Café Akasa, digital services and a range of ancillary products designed to enhance the overall travel experience.


Beyond the Forecast: Discovering Monsoon Travel at The Serai Resorts

Beyond the Forecast: Discovering Monsoon Travel at The Serai Resorts

By Hariharan U

Published on June 18, 2026

As travel preferences shift towards slower, more meaningful experiences, a new mindset is reshaping the way people explore destinations. Trends such as “quietcations” and “hushpitality” are gaining momentum among Gen Z and millennial travellers, reflecting a growing desire to disconnect from digital overload and reconnect with nature. In this evolving landscape, the monsoon season offers a natural backdrop for mindful travel, and The Serai Resorts brings this philosophy to life across its properties in Chikmagalur, Kabini, and Bandipur.

At The Serai Chikmagalur, nestled within Karnataka’s Malnad region, the monsoon transforms coffee plantations into lush green expanses wrapped in mist and rain. The season enhances the estate’s natural beauty, offering guests slow mornings overlooking plantations, guided coffee estate walks, cycling trails through rain-kissed landscapes, and moments of stillness surrounded by drifting clouds. The experience encourages travellers to embrace a slower rhythm deeply connected to nature.

In Kabini, the monsoon breathes renewed life into the backwaters and surrounding forests, creating one of the most serene seasons in the region. At The Serai Kabini, guests can engage with nature through coracle rides, kayaking, speedboat excursions, and guided walks through thriving ecosystems. Family-friendly experiences such as archery and the Junior Chef programme add interactive elements, while the rains create a calming atmosphere of renewal and immersion.

Meanwhile, The Serai Bandipur offers a tranquil gateway to the wilderness on the edge of the Bandipur Tiger Reserve. During the monsoon, the forests turn vibrant and alive, offering an ideal setting for unhurried nature walks, quiet wildlife observation, and reflective moments in the heart of the forest landscape. The experience is designed for travellers seeking a deeper connection with nature, supported by thoughtful hospitality and spacious accommodations.

Across all three destinations, The Serai Resorts positions monsoon not as a season to avoid but as an opportunity to rediscover travel in its most authentic form. In a world increasingly drawn to wellness, mindfulness, and experiential luxury, these retreats offer an invitation to slow down, reconnect, and embrace the beauty of nature at its most expressive.

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