Air India-Vistara merger receives approval from Indian competition commission

Air India-Vistara merger receives approval from Indian competition commission

By Author

Published on November 12, 2023

Singapore Airlines has confirmed that the proposed merger between Air India and Vistara is still on track, pending approvals from regulators and competition authorities in various jurisdictions. This merger, which has already received approval from the Competition Commission of India, will position Singapore Airlines with a 25.1% stake in the enlarged Air India Group, allowing them to tap into India's growing aviation market.

Currently, Singapore Airlines holds a 49% shareholding in Vistara, while the Tata Group owns the remaining 51% stake. The merger is awaiting foreign direct investment approval, as well as clearance from regulators such as India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Civil Aviation, National Company Law Tribunal, and the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore.

Once the merger is complete, Singapore Airlines will have a significant presence in all key Indian airline market segments and benefit from the rapid growth of India's civil aviation market. Air India, which was acquired by the Tata Group in January 2022, has been implementing an ambitious revival and expansion plan.

During the first half of the 2023-24 fiscal year, Singapore Airlines Group reported an impressive 55.4% increase in net profit to SGD 1,441 million, compared to USD 927 million in the same period the previous year. Total revenue also witnessed growth, rising 8.9% to SGD 9,162 million from SGD 8,417 million.

As of September 30, the airline group had a fleet of 202 aircraft, including both passenger aircraft and freighters. SIA's operating fleet consisted of 140 passenger aircraft and 7 freighters, while Scoot, its non-frill carrier, had 55 passenger aircraft. Additionally, the Group has 96 aircraft on order.

Singapore Airlines reported a continued robust demand for air travel, particularly in the Northern Summer travel season, with passenger traffic rebounding in North Asia after the reopening of China, Hong Kong SAR, Japan, and Taiwan. In the first six months of the current fiscal year, SIA and Scoot carried 17.4 million passengers, marking a remarkable 52.3% year-on-year increase.

Looking ahead, SIA plans to ramp up services across its network for the Northern Summer 2024 operating season, including the restoration of Airbus A380 services to Frankfurt, deploying widebody Airbus A350-900 medium-haul aircraft to Cairns and Male, and reinstating direct services between Singapore and Barcelona. Flight frequencies to several destinations will also be increased, aiming to exceed pre-pandemic levels.

However, the demand for air freight has remained soft due to inventory overhang and challenging geopolitical and macroeconomic conditions. Increased competition and softer demand have contributed to a 46.2% decrease in cargo yields compared to the previous year.

The Air India-Vistara merger is expected to strengthen both airlines' positions in the Indian aviation market, while Singapore Airlines seeks to benefit from the opportunities presented by India's growing air travel demand.


Ras Al Khaimah Launches Tourism Excellence Awards to Honour Hospitality Trailblazers

Ras Al Khaimah Launches Tourism Excellence Awards to Honour Hospitality Trailblazers

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 31, 2025

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) made a landmark move in the Emirate’s hospitality journey with the debut of the Tourism Excellence Awards, a prestigious platform honouring those transforming Ras Al Khaimah into one of the world’s fastest-growing travel destinations.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Public Services Department in Ras Al Khaimah, the inaugural ceremony took place on 21 May 2025 at the stunning Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island.

The awards celebrated outstanding performers across six dynamic categories:

  • Corporate Hospitality Excellence

  • Individual Innovation

  • Culinary Artistry

  • Hospitality Leadership

  • Community Involvement

  • Environmental Responsibility

This comprehensive recognition structure reflects RAKTDA’s intent to spotlight excellence at every level—be it individuals, teams, or companies.

Speaking at the event, Raki Phillips, CEO of RAKTDA, said,

“The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Excellence Awards mark an important milestone in our journey to become a leading global destination. By recognising those who go above and beyond to deliver unforgettable experiences, we are not only celebrating their achievements, but fostering a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and community engagement.”

More than just accolades, the awards align with RAKTDA’s wider mission of building a sustainable, inclusive, and culturally rich tourism ecosystem. They aim to enhance traveller confidence, elevate service standards, foster innovation, and drive collaboration between businesses, local communities, and government bodies.

Phillips added,

“These awards mark a new era of recognition and inspiration in Ras Al Khaimah’s exceptional tourism story—one driven by shared ambition, pride in local achievement, and a commitment to excellence at every touchpoint.”

For more information and interview requests, reach out to:
Nidhie Raj Singh | +91 9999 266134 | nidhies@branditindia.com
Priyanshi Jain | +91 8527217660 | priyanshij@branditindia.com

To explore Ras Al Khaimah’s journey and initiatives, visit www.visitrasalkhaimah.com
Follow: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube
Hashtag: #VisitRasAlKhaimah


Vietnam Golf Coast Evokes a Sense of Place This Summer

Vietnam Golf Coast Evokes a Sense of Place This Summer

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 28, 2025

The Vietnam Golf Coast is calling travellers this summer with its unique blend of lush landscapes, cultural immersion, and exclusive seasonal packages. Stretching across Central Vietnam, this renowned golf destination is offering more than just top-tier fairways—it’s inviting players to experience the soul of Vietnam through its rice paddies, highland mists, seaside breezes, and traditional flavours.

At Laguna Golf Lang Co, harvest season paints the course with shades of gold as rice paddies reach their peak through May and June. “This is one of the most enchanting times to play,” says Stephen Banks, Director of Golf, noting how the course deeply reflects Vietnam’s natural rhythms and traditions. This summer, golfers can enjoy curated offers like the Golf & Spa package, the time-friendly Golf Express deal, and the Golden Rice Flash Sales that celebrate the vibrant harvest.

image

Nestled in the cool highlands beyond Da Nang, Ba Na Hills Golf Club offers a completely different ambiance. Surrounded by pine trees and misty mountain air, it provides a tranquil escape from the coastal heat. “Every time I walk this course, I’m reminded why golf in the mountains feels different – calmer, clearer, and more connected,” shares General Manager Simon Mees. The summer lineup includes a Twi-Night Golf package, with weekday slots available until 2:15 PM (3:00 PM on Wednesdays) at just VND2,600,000 (USD100), complete with a refreshing beer. The Night Golf experience, starting at VND2,500,000 per player, adds local flair with craft beer and Ba Na sausage.

Closer to the coast, Montgomerie Links offers the classic charm of seaside golf, where the sea breeze dances through casuarina pines and fishing boats drift along the horizon. “Montgomerie Links captures the spirit of true links golf, but with a distinct Vietnamese character,” says Club Manager Le Vo Hoang Van. Their Stay & Play package is available until September 30, 2025, starting from just VND4,770,000, offering unbeatable value by the beach.

image

What sets the Vietnam Golf Coast apart is its ability to fuse sport with culture. From caddies in traditional non la hats to clubhouses serving iconic Vietnamese dishes like ca phe sua da, banh mi, pho, and bun thit nuong, every detail adds to the experience.

Off the greens, golfers are spoilt for choice. Laguna Golf Lang Co is close to the historic city of Hue, while Ba Na Hills and Montgomerie Links are a quick drive from Da Nang’s beaches, fireworks festival, and buzzing food scene. And of course, the UNESCO-listed town of Hoi An, with its lantern-lit streets and timeless charm, is always worth a visit.

For golfers seeking more than just a round, this summer on the Vietnam Golf Coast promises a sense of place, pace, and unforgettable play.


Dharoi Adventure Fest Set to Begin on May 23 at Gujarat’s Dharoi Dam

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 21, 2025

Adventure seekers, get ready! The Dharoi Adventure Fest is all set to kick off from May 23, 2025, at the picturesque Dharoi Dam in Mehsana, Gujarat. This much-awaited event, inaugurated by Hon’ble CM Shri Bhupendra Patel, promises non-stop action and fun with a wide array of air, water, and land-based activities.

Recognised as Gujarat’s first and India’s longest adventure fest, the event will showcase an exciting mix of thrills—from parasailing and paramotoring to power boating, rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking, camping, and more. It’s a full-fledged adventure destination rolled into one unforgettable experience.

image

As the sun sets, the excitement continues with cultural events, stargazing, astronomy camps, and nature walks, offering a perfect blend of thrill and tranquillity.

For those looking to stay, the festival offers a range of accommodations—luxury tents to budget dorms, all with included meals and full access to the fest.

Set against the scenic backdrop of Dharoi Dam on the Sabarmati River, the location is fast emerging as Gujarat’s newest hotspot for eco-adventure tourism.

Whether you're an adrenaline junkie or a nature lover, the Dharoi Adventure Fest is the perfect summer getaway packed with excitement, culture, and the great outdoors.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.