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.


Bengaluru's Best IPL Screening Spots This Season Are at Sector 144, Tropika Brewing Co and Oasis Brewery

Bengaluru's Best IPL Screening Spots This Season Are at Sector 144, Tropika Brewing Co and Oasis Brewery

By Hariharan U

Published on March 19, 2026

There are cricket matches, and then there are IPL nights. The kind where every ball feels bigger than it should, where a single boundary can bring an entire room to its feet, and where watching with strangers somehow feels like watching with friends. Bengaluru has always been good at this, and this IPL season, three venues are making it even better.

Here's where to be this season if you want the full experience.

Sector 144, JP Nagar has quietly become one of JP Nagar's most dependable spots for a great evening out, and IPL season gives it an even better reason to be packed. Multiple high-definition screens are placed across the bar so there really is no bad seat in the house, and the à la carte menu has been put together for long, relaxed match nights. Bar bites, flavourful dishes, refreshing cocktails, cold beers between overs: the food and drink work with the rhythm of the game rather than pulling you away from it.

What makes Sector 144 work as a match-night venue is how easy and familiar it feels. It's a neighbourhood bar that draws people in for the cricket and keeps them coming back for everything else. Multi-screen coverage extends beyond IPL to sports in general, which means it stays relevant long after the tournament wraps up.

  • Location: 4th Floor, Above Style Union, JP Nagar 7th Phase, Bangalore 560078
  • Time: 12:00 PM to 12:30 AM
  • Throughout: The IPL season

Tropika Brewing Co., Marathahalli

Tropika takes the match-night experience up a notch with its tropical setting, craft brews, and a cricket-themed menu that someone has clearly had a lot of fun putting together. The venue transforms into a proper viewing arena during IPL, with large screens, warm lighting, and a social energy that makes every wicket feel like a shared celebration.

The food menu deserves a mention of its own. Spinny Spring Roll Veg, Power Play Plum Chilly Baby Corn, Super Over Fried Chicken, Googly Ghee Roast Lamb, All Out Appolo Fish, and Hatrick Habanero Prawns keep the savoury side interesting, while Dot Ball Doughnuts and Catchy Carrot Halwa with Ice Cream are the kind of desserts that reward you for sitting through a tight chase.

  • Location: 37/1, Outer Ring Road, Panathur, Marathahalli, Bengaluru 560103
  • Reservations: 8901579999
  • Time: 12:00 PM to 12:30 AM
  • Throughout: The IPL season

Oasis Brewery

Oasis rounds out the Bengaluru IPL screening lineup with its own distinct character. Known for its Mediterranean, Pan-Asian, and Modern Indian offerings alongside quality craft brews, the Whitefield brewery brings a more refined energy to match nights without losing any of the excitement. It's the venue for those who want good food and great drinks alongside their cricket, without compromising on either.

Pick your venue, gather your crew, wear your colours, and settle in. The IPL is long, and Bengaluru is ready for all of it.


IRHPL Is Redefining Airport Convenience Retail in Delhi With Its Multi-Store NeoTravel Expansion

IRHPL Is Redefining Airport Convenience Retail in Delhi With Its Multi-Store NeoTravel Expansion

By Hariharan U

Published on March 19, 2026

Anyone who has rushed through an airport looking for a charger, a snack, or a last-minute essential knows exactly how important a well-stocked, easy-to-navigate convenience store can be. IRHPL is building something around that very need, and its multi-store NeoTravel expansion across Delhi airport is the most visible step yet in that direction.

India Retails and Hospitality Private Limited has rolled out multiple NeoTravel stores across key locations at Delhi airport, covering both departure and arrival areas to serve travellers at every stage of their journey. The expansion is part of IRHPL's broader 360-degree approach to travel retail, combining strategic brand partnerships, design-led store formats, and insight-driven product selection to genuinely improve the airport convenience experience.

The name NeoTravel was chosen deliberately. It combines "Neo," representing new-age thinking and modernity, with "Travel," reflecting the evolving needs of today's passengers. Together, the name captures what IRHPL is trying to build: a new way of doing airport retail in India.

The product range at NeoTravel is curated with the time-pressed traveller in mind. Beverages, books, confectionery, power banks, chargers, and international adapters form the core of the offering, covering the practical gaps that most travellers encounter at airports. Alongside familiar trusted brands, the stores also introduce emerging products that reflect modern lifestyle preferences, including sugar-free, gluten-free, and sustainable options that are being brought into airport retail environments for the first time in many cases.

The store design is a deliberate departure from the cluttered layouts that often define airport convenience retail. NeoTravel follows a clean, minimalist visual language with uniform fixtures and a consistent layout that allows passengers to quickly find what they need without having to slow down. In an environment where time is genuinely limited, that clarity matters more than most retailers acknowledge.

Naresh Sharma, CEO of IRHPL Group of Companies, explained the thinking behind the concept. "NeoTravel brings together food, beverages, and travel essentials in a single, convenient airport retail format. Built on our pillars of health and convenience, the concept responds to modern travellers' demand for healthier options within an international-standard store environment. The brand name itself reflects our commitment to creating a new way of travel retail in India."

Beyond the immediate expansion, IRHPL sees NeoTravel as a scalable concept with long-term potential across airports, travel hubs, and eventually beyond airport environments. As India's aviation sector continues to grow in passenger numbers, the opportunity for well-designed, thoughtfully stocked convenience retail is only going to increase. NeoTravel is being built to grow alongside that demand.


Hilton Bengaluru Hotels Host TRISHUL 2.0 Celebrating Women’s Leadership and Empowerment

Hilton Bengaluru Hotels Host TRISHUL 2.0 Celebrating Women’s Leadership and Empowerment

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 19, 2026

Hilton & Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park, Hilton Bangalore Embassy GolfLinks, along with the upcoming Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Embassy Tech Village, recently hosted TRISHUL 2.0, their signature women’s leadership platform, as part of the Shakti by Hilton initiative.

Organised in celebration of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, the event brought together around 200 hospitality students, industry professionals, and team members for an evening focused on empowerment, leadership, and meaningful conversations.

Centered on the theme “Empowered Women, Empower Women,” TRISHUL 2.0 created a platform for discussions around economic independence, mentorship, leadership, and continuous learning in today’s evolving world. The evening began with a networking session, allowing participants to connect and exchange ideas, followed by an introduction to the vision behind the Shakti by Hilton initiative.

The formal session opened with a welcome address by Sujeet Kumar, Cluster General Manager – Hilton & Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park, who highlighted the importance of inclusive platforms that encourage women to lead with confidence. This was followed by remarks from Manish Garg, Cluster General Manager – Hilton & Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Embassy Tech Village, who spoke about building supportive and diverse workplaces.

A key highlight of the evening was the keynote address by Shraddha Amit, CEO of Kshemavana, who shared her insights on purpose-driven leadership and empowering communities through wellness and social impact initiatives.

The event also featured an engaging panel discussion moderated by Sarita Iyer, bringing together accomplished women leaders including Leela Kirloskar, Usha Rao, Anuradha B. M., Shivani Kulkarni, and Resham Gupta. The discussion explored themes such as leadership evolution, economic independence, and skill development in a technology-driven environment, while also highlighting personal journeys and the importance of mentorship.

As part of the recognition segment, each panelist nominated an inspiring woman from their community, celebrating grassroots leadership and impact. The panelists were also felicitated with certificates of appreciation by the General Managers.

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Speaking about the initiative, Sujeet Kumar said, "TRISHUL 2.0 is more than a celebration, it is a platform that brings together the inspiring voices and stories of women who are shaping communities and industries. At Hilton & Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park, we believe in creating spaces where women can connect, inspire, and uplift one another. Through initiatives like TRISHUL, we remain committed to championing diversity, leadership, and meaningful progress.”

The evening concluded with a vote of thanks by Abhiram Menon, General Manager of Hilton Embassy GolfLinks, followed by a group photograph and a curated high tea that encouraged continued networking.

Through initiatives like TRISHUL 2.0, Hilton Bengaluru hotels continue to create platforms that support women’s leadership while fostering collaboration, empowerment, and lasting impact across the hospitality industry.

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