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By Hariharan U
Published on January 2, 2026
Air India Express has officially inducted its 51st Boeing 737-8 aircraft, marking the airline’s first line-fit plane designed to its own specifications. The new aircraft, flown directly from Boeing’s Seattle facility, landed at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport and is set to enter service soon.
Configured for comfort and convenience, the cabin features ergonomically designed seats with ample legroom, fast-charging power outlets, larger overhead bins, quieter cabins, and Boeing’s Sky Interior with mood lighting. Onboard ovens will serve hot 'Gourmair' meals, enhancing the in-flight experience.
“This first fully customised line-fit aircraft is a major step in Air India Express’ fleet modernisation journey,” said Aloke Singh, Managing Director. “Two-thirds of our fleet now includes modern B737-8s and A320/321 Neo aircraft, offering better fuel efficiency and superior comfort. With rapid fleet growth, we have expanded to 60 destinations, adding 12 new routes this year. Air India Express continues to strengthen connections across India and beyond, linking tier-2 and tier-3 cities to key global destinations.”
In addition, the airline has begun retrofitting seats on its existing 737-8 fleet to create a standard 189-seat layout, with 50 aircraft scheduled for upgrades.
The airline’s transformation extends beyond aircraft, with the launch of the brand campaign 'Xplore More, Xpress More' highlighting the power of travel and meaningful connections. Its 'Tales of India' initiative celebrates over 50 traditional art forms from 25 states, featuring vibrant aircraft tail designs inspired by crafts such as Zardozi, Banarasi embroidery, Ikat, Paisley, Kasavu, and Paithani weaves.
A Tata Enterprise, Air India Express operates over 500 daily flights across 45 domestic and 16 international destinations with a fleet exceeding 100 Boeing and Airbus aircraft. Through thoughtful touches like 'Gourmair' meals, modern interiors, loyalty perks, and digital innovations, the airline blends technology with Indian hospitality, making every journey personal and memorable.
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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on August 6, 2026
The Sleep Company has announced the opening of its new experience store at Vihang Ventura in Mira Road, further expanding its retail footprint in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Located within the upcoming premium commercial development by Vihang Ahead, the new outlet adds to the growing presence of national brands at the project.
The comfort-tech brand, known for its patented SmartGRID® technology, has grown rapidly across India with more than 200 stores in less than four years. Its latest store at Vihang Ventura is part of the company's strategy to expand into fast-growing suburban markets where demand for premium lifestyle and comfort products continues to rise.
Situated opposite Kashigaon Metro Station, Vihang Ventura is being developed as an integrated commercial destination featuring premium retail outlets, flagship showrooms, office spaces, and lifestyle brands. The project is attracting leading national retailers looking to tap into the growing consumer base of the Mira Bhayandar region.
The new experience store offers customers an opportunity to explore and try The Sleep Company's complete range of SmartGRID mattresses, ergonomic chairs, recliners, sofas, and sleep accessories before making their purchase decisions.
Commenting on the development, Purvesh Sarnaik, Director, Vihang Ahead, said:
"The Sleep Company's decision to establish its presence at Vihang Ventura is another strong endorsement of Mira Bhayandar's emergence as a premium retail destination. As consumer aspirations evolve and the region continues to attract high-quality residential and commercial developments, national brands are increasingly recognising the market's long-term potential. Our vision for Vihang Ventura is to create a vibrant commercial ecosystem that brings together leading retail, lifestyle and business brands in one landmark destination."
Speaking about the expansion, Sharad Shukla, Senior Director-Retail Expansion, The Sleep Company, said:
"Our retail expansion strategy is centred around markets that are witnessing strong residential growth, improving infrastructure and a rising base of aspirational consumers. Mira Bhayandar has evolved into one of the fastest-growing suburban markets within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, making it an ideal destination for our next experience store. Vihang Ventura offers the right ecosystem for us to engage with customers seeking innovative comfort solutions and a premium in-store shopping experience."
The launch comes at a time when India's organised retail sector continues to see steady growth, supported by strong retail leasing activity and increasing expansion into emerging suburban markets. Improved infrastructure, Metro connectivity, and sustained residential development have also made Mira Bhayandar an attractive destination for organised retail and lifestyle brands.
With The Sleep Company joining its retail mix, Vihang Ventura continues to strengthen its positioning as a modern commercial and lifestyle destination, bringing together brands across lifestyle, wellness, food & beverage, and retail while offering consumers premium shopping experiences closer to home.
Published on August 5, 2026
Air India Flight AI2379, operating from Phuket to Delhi, encountered severe turbulence during its journey on Tuesday, leaving 17 people injured, including 13 passengers and four cabin crew members. Despite the incident, the aircraft landed safely at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, where medical teams were immediately deployed to assist those onboard.
The flight, operated by an Airbus A320 (VT-EXO), was carrying 137 passengers, including three infants, along with eight crew members comprising two pilots and six cabin crew.
According to Air India, the aircraft experienced a momentary change in altitude during the cruise phase before stabilising and continuing its journey safely to Delhi. Flight tracking platform Flightradar24 indicated that the aircraft descended by approximately 300 feet around 2.5 hours into the flight, while flying over Odisha.
Following the landing, medical teams attended to all passengers and crew as a precaution. Eight passengers and four cabin crew members were admitted to hospitals for detailed medical evaluation and treatment. Air India stated that all those admitted are stable and are receiving appropriate medical care, while the remaining passengers were provided with the necessary assistance and support.
The Minister of Civil Aviation, Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, personally visited the injured passengers at Fortis and Medanta Hospitals to enquire about their condition and assure them of the government's full support. Senior officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation also visited the hospitals and are coordinating closely with the airline and hospital authorities to ensure the injured receive the best possible medical care.
The aircraft has since been moved to the hangar, where the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) have been secured for detailed examination.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the incident. The Ministry of Civil Aviation and DGCA said they are closely monitoring the situation, reiterating that passenger safety remains the highest priority and that all necessary measures are being taken.
Published on August 3, 2026
SPS Realty has announced that Bikanervala, one of India's most recognised food and sweets brands, will open a new outlet at its flagship commercial development, Helios, located on VIP Road in Zirakpur. The addition is set to strengthen the project's retail and food & beverage ecosystem while enhancing its appeal as a lifestyle destination.
The upcoming outlet will offer Bikanervala's wide range of traditional Indian sweets, snacks, and dining options, catering to residents, businesses, and visitors from Zirakpur and nearby areas. The brand's presence is expected to serve as a key food and beverage anchor within the commercial development.
Commenting on the association, Rohit Singla, Director, SPS Realty, said, "The addition of Bikanervala at Helios reflects our vision of creating a well-rounded commercial destination that brings together premium retail, food, and lifestyle experiences. We aim to curate a diverse ecosystem where businesses can thrive while offering visitors a complete experience under one roof."
Helios has been designed as SPS Realty's flagship commercial project, featuring contemporary architecture, premium commercial spaces, and a strategic location on VIP Road. The development comprises 177 premium retail and showroom spaces, offering high-visibility opportunities for established brands, entrepreneurs, and businesses.
The arrival of Bikanervala is expected to further strengthen Helios' growing tenant mix while enhancing customer engagement by adding a well-established food and beverage destination. With increasing urbanisation and rising demand for organised retail spaces in the region, the project is positioned to emerge as a preferred commercial hub in Zirakpur.
Through this partnership, SPS Realty continues its focus on developing commercial destinations that combine retail, dining, and lifestyle experiences while creating new opportunities for businesses and consumers alike.
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