Air India to In-Source Line Maintenance at All 55 Domestic Stations by April

Air India to In-Source Line Maintenance at All 55 Domestic Stations by April

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 14, 2025

Air India is set to take full control of line maintenance operations across its 55 domestic stations by April as part of its transformation under the Tata Group. Currently, 42 of these stations are managed in-house, with the remaining 13 stations scheduled for in-sourcing within the next three months, according to CEO Campbell Wilson.

In a message to employees, Wilson emphasized the benefits of this initiative: “Taking control of line maintenance provides greater oversight on quality and timeliness, enabling us to conduct a broader range of maintenance tasks, including lighter checks during extended transits and overnight stops.”

A Key Move in Air India's Transformation Journey

This initiative is part of Air India's ambitious restructuring plan, which includes significant milestones like the merger with Vistara and the integration of AIX Connect (formerly AirAsia India) with Air India Express. These moves aim to streamline operations and enhance the airline's competitiveness.

Reflecting on Vistara's journey, Wilson noted that January 9 marked what would have been the airline's 10th anniversary. “It’s remarkable how much has evolved in 10 years. Vistara reached incredible heights and is now an integral part of a privatised, revitalised, and rising Air India. The next decade promises even greater progress,” he said.

Fleet Expansion and Operational Efficiency

The decision to in-source maintenance comes amid Air India’s ongoing fleet expansion. By handling these activities directly, the airline aims to ensure higher operational efficiency, reduced turnaround times, and improved quality of services, aligning with its vision for a strengthened aviation presence.

With the Tata Group at the helm, Air India is poised for significant advancements in its operational and service capabilities, setting the stage for a brighter future in Indian aviation.


Karma Lakelands Elevates Golf Experience with Inaugural Golf League and High-Tech Simulator Lounge

Karma Lakelands Elevates Golf Experience with Inaugural Golf League and High-Tech Simulator Lounge

By Hariharan U

Published on October 30, 2025

Karma Lakelands, India’s leading eco-resort, is redefining golf and lifestyle experiences with two major initiatives — the launch of its inaugural Karma Lakelands Golf League (KLGL) and the unveiling of Delhi NCR’s first high-tech Golf Simulator Lounge. Together, they reinforce the resort’s commitment to creating an integrated golf and leisure ecosystem that caters to both seasoned players and newcomers.

The Karma Lakelands Golf League (KLGL), a premium team-based amateur golf tournament, teed off on October 25th with exceptional enthusiasm. The first-of-its-kind league features eight rounds across three months, culminating in a Grand Finale and Gala Dinner on December 13th. The competition follows the Stableford format with afternoon tee-offs, leading to an 18-hole Match Play elimination for the top four teams.

Each team consists of 10 players and one owner, blending competition, community, and celebration. Team ownership brings exclusive branding and networking privileges, while all participants enjoy curated experiences after each round — including cocktails, themed dinners, and live entertainment. Non-playing members are also part of the action through exclusive TrackMan sessions and access to post-match events.

Supported by leading brands such as Sony, Audi, Philips, and Ilios 72, the KLGL reflects the premium positioning of Karma Lakelands and its focus on creating world-class, lifestyle-driven sporting events.

Complementing the league is the newly unveiled Golf Simulator Lounge, a cutting-edge facility that allows golfers to practice on some of the world’s best courses any time of day, in any weather. Merging technology, performance, and indulgence, the lounge offers a luxury setting for both skill refinement and social engagement. The launch event showcased the simulator’s precision-driven gameplay, redefining golf as a year-round pursuit.

Aryadev Khurana, Vice President, Karma Lakelands, said, “Golf has always been central to Karma Lakelands, shaping connections, leisure, and lifestyle for our members. The Golf Simulator Lounge is a significant milestone for us, reflecting our vision of merging sport with lifestyle in a luxurious, technology-driven space. The launch of the Karma Lakelands Golf League marks an exciting chapter, uniting our community on the course while ensuring year-round engagement through the simulator lounge. These initiatives reaffirm that Karma Lakelands is the ultimate destination for every dimension of golf, performance, camaraderie, and pure joy.”

With the dual launch of the Karma Lakelands Golf League and Simulator Lounge, Karma Lakelands continues to set new benchmarks in luxury, sustainability, and innovation. Together, they create a destination where sport, leisure, and technology coexist seamlessly offering golfers and guests an unparalleled blend of passion, performance, and prestige.


SUNDAY Hotel Ventures into Wildlife Tourism with 10 New Properties in Six Months

SUNDAY Hotel Ventures into Wildlife Tourism with 10 New Properties in Six Months

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 29, 2025

SUNDAY Hotel, the premium hotel brand of PRISM, the parent company of OYO, is making a bold foray into wildlife tourism with an ambitious plan to launch 10 new properties across India’s leading national parks and reserves over the next six months. The brand’s new journey begins with the opening of its first wildlife retreat, SUNDAY Hotel & Resort at Kiyari Kham, located near the iconic Jim Corbett National Park.

Nestled amidst dense forests and winding creeks, the property lies around 10 km from the Amdanda Gate, one of Corbett’s main entry points. The hotel offers a unique blend of comfort and wilderness, featuring over 50 rooms across categories such as Premium, Attic, Family Rooms, and Suites, many of which include private balconies overlooking the forest. Each room is equipped with modern amenities, including air-conditioning, high-definition LED TVs, Wi-Fi connectivity, tea and coffee stations, and stylish lounge areas, ensuring guests experience both relaxation and immersion in nature.

imageBeyond the stay, the resort presents a range of leisure and event facilities, including an outdoor swimming pool, multi-cuisine restaurant, bar, bonfire zones, and business halls, making it an ideal venue for both leisure travellers and destination weddings. Guests can also enjoy nature-led experiences such as guided safaris, riverside trails, birdwatching, yoga sessions, and stargazing nights, all conducted under expert supervision for a safe and authentic encounter with the wild.

Commenting on the expansion, Aditya Sharma, Business Head, SUNDAY Hotel, said,

“We are planning to add nine more properties over the next six months, focusing on popular wildlife destinations such as Ranthambore, Bandhavgarh, and Kanha in the north and central regions, and Periyar, Nagarhole, and Wayanad in the south. The SUNDAY Wildlife Collection will celebrate the spirit of the wild while empowering local communities through employment, artisanal partnerships, and sustainable, eco-friendly practices.”

With over 65 lakh domestic and international tourists visiting India’s national parks and wildlife sanctuaries annually, the country’s jungle tourism sector is witnessing impressive growth of more than 15% each year. This surge is driven by rising disposable incomes, growing interest in nature-led experiences, and the rising demand for eco-conscious short-haul getaways and destination weddings.

Launched in May 2023 through a joint venture between SoftBank Group and Oravel Stays, SUNDAY Hotels has quickly positioned itself as a premium brand of four- and five-star properties known for comfort, style, and memorable hospitality. Its entry into the wildlife tourism segment underscores the brand’s commitment to offering guests immersive experiences that go beyond luxury, where every stay connects people with nature in a responsible and sustainable way.


CMS IDENT Redefines Guest Experience with India’s First Eco-Friendly Wooden RFID Hotel Key Cards and Bespoke Hotel Essentials

CMS IDENT Redefines Guest Experience with India’s First Eco-Friendly Wooden RFID Hotel Key Cards and Bespoke Hotel Essentials

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 28, 2025

In an era where hospitality meets sustainability, CMS IDENT stands as a true pioneer, introducing India’s first comprehensive range of eco-friendly wooden RFID hotel Key Cards and bespoke guest essentials designed exclusively for the hospitality industry. Headquartered in Navi Mumbai, CMS IDENT has become synonymous with innovation, precision, and premium hotel branding solutions.

At the heart of CMS IDENT’s philosophy lies a deep commitment to enhancing guest experiences while helping hotels adopt sustainable and design-forward practices. The company’s custom-crafted wooden RFID hotel Key Cards have emerged as the new benchmark for eco-luxury, blending aesthetic appeal with durability and operational efficiency.

Built to Last, Crafted to Impress

While several international hotel chains import wooden Key Cards from overseas suppliers at lower costs, CMS IDENT delivers a distinctly superior product that embodies quality and longevity. Each CMS wooden RFID hotel key card is crafted from premium veneer wood, ensuring superior strength, refined finish, and extended durability.

Unlike many imported alternatives that may warp or degrade with regular use, CMS IDENT’s veneer wood RFID hotel Key Cards are rugged and built to withstand the rigors of daily hotel operations. This durability significantly reduces the frequency of replacements, resulting in lower long-term costs for hotels while maintaining a refined, high-end appearance that complements luxury hospitality standards.

In addition to its functional benefits, the use of veneer wood reflects CMS IDENT’s commitment to sustainability, giving hotels a chance to adopt eco-conscious practices without compromising on design or quality.

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Joseph John, Managing Director, CMS IDENT.

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Sheela Joseph, Executive Director, CMS IDENT

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Rahul Hrishikesh, General Manager (Operations), CMS IDENT

Seamless Integration and Design Excellence

Every CMS IDENT wooden RFID hotel key card is meticulously engineered for flawless compatibility with major hotel lock systems, including Vingcard, Onity, and Dormakaba, ensuring smooth and secure guest access without the need for complex system changes. This proven compatibility offers hotels complete peace of mind and a seamless upgrade path to eco-friendly access solutions.

The company’s in-house Dorè Lock Systems provide a fully integrated access control solution that combines advanced technology with elegant design. Beyond access credentials, CMS IDENT also provides a curated range of branded guest essentials such as door hangers, luggage tags, tent cards, place cards, and wooden QR cubes. Each product is tailored to enhance the hotel’s brand identity and elevate the overall guest experience.

Trusted by Leading Hotel Brands

CMS IDENT’s reliability and craftsmanship have earned the trust of distinguished hospitality groups, including Hyatt, Marriott International, Tamara Leisure Experiences, and Sarovar Hotels & Resorts. These partnerships stand as a testament to the company’s expertise, quality, and unwavering dedication to excellence.

Leading the Future of Sustainable Hospitality

Under the leadership of Joseph John, Managing Director, and Sheela Joseph, Executive Director, CMS IDENT continues to set new benchmarks in sustainable design and hospitality innovation. Supported by Rahul Hrishikesh, General Manager (Operations), who brings over 25 years of rich experience in the plastic card industry, the company blends durability, aesthetics, and environmental responsibility to redefine how hotels craft memorable guest experiences that embody both luxury and care for the planet.

For more information or business inquiries, please contact:
CMS IDENT Private Limited
W 372, 1st and 2nd Floor, TTC Industrial Area, Rabale MIDC, Navi Mumbai 400701
Phone +9137652509 | Email sheela@cmsident.com 
Website www.cmsident.com

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