Air India's Evolution: New Logo and Livery Embrace Global Future

Air India's Evolution: New Logo and Livery Embrace Global Future

By Author

Published on August 16, 2023

Air India, a venerable name in aviation, has unveiled a fresh identity that marks a significant departure from its past. The airline's rebranding, part of a $400 million initiative, showcases a new logo and livery, shedding the iconic Maharaja mascot to embrace a more global outlook.

The sweeping transformation follows Air India's acquisition by the Tata Group 18 months ago, signaling a rejuvenation effort that encompasses new aircraft acquisitions, expanded destinations, and a bolstered workforce.

The new logo, drawing inspiration from the jharokha architectural style, embodies a "window of possibilities." Golden, red, and purple hues replace the former red swan emblem, breathing new life into the airline's visual identity.

Campbell Wilson, Air India's managing director, emphasized that the Maharaja's legacy isn't fading; rather, it's finding a new home on domestic flights. This strategic shift acknowledges that while the mascot resonates with the Indian diaspora, it may not necessarily connect with international passengers.

Wilson emphasized that the values of the Maharaja—hospitality, warmth, and ethics—will continue to shape the airline's DNA. He stressed that the essence of the Maharaja will be subtly integrated into various aspects of the airline's premium offerings, preserving India's heritage in a sophisticated manner.

The creative director at FutureBrands, Bhumika Shah, explained the rationale behind the shift. The portly, moustachioed mascot, once omnipresent, was deemed more relatable to older generations than younger ones. The revamped approach seeks to infuse the mascot's presence more selectively and elegantly.

The Maharaja's depiction has also undergone a makeover, portraying him as slimmer, younger, and more stylish. The refined imagery will make its debut on the new Airbus A350s set to join the fleet in December.

This transformation extends beyond aesthetics. Air India is investing $400 million to upgrade aircraft interiors, including new seating across all cabins. By March 2024, a third of the airline's wide-body fleet will be rejuvenated, with the complete long-haul fleet set for renewal within the next two-and-a-half years.

The airline's journey toward modernization exemplifies the delicate balance of preserving tradition while embracing a dynamic global vision. Air India's new chapter is set to redefine the skies, blending heritage with innovation and setting the stage for a new era of excellence.


Emirates Gradually Restores Flights as Regional Airspace Reopens

Emirates Gradually Restores Flights as Regional Airspace Reopens

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 8, 2026

Emirates has begun gradually restoring its flight operations following the partial reopening of regional airspace. For now, the airline is running a reduced schedule while working towards bringing its entire network back to normal operations over the coming days, depending on airspace availability and operational requirements.

Safety remains the airline’s top priority as it continues to manage the situation while ensuring the wellbeing of passengers and staff. Despite the temporary adjustments, Emirates has maintained steady operations and connectivity across several international destinations.

On 6 March, the airline carried close to 30,000 passengers departing from Dubai. By 7 March, Emirates expects to operate 106 return flights daily to 83 destinations, which represents nearly 60 percent of its global route network.

The airline has also increased capacity in a few high-demand regions. In the United Kingdom, Emirates will run 11 daily flights across five airports by 7 March, reflecting strong travel demand between the UAE and the UK.

India remains a key market for the airline, with Emirates expanding its services to 22 daily flights by 7 March. These flights will connect all nine of its Indian gateways, helping maintain steady connectivity between India and Dubai.

In the United States, Emirates continues to operate flights to seven of its American gateways, ensuring that passengers travelling between the US and the UAE still have reliable options during this period.

Flights to these destinations are currently operating, and customers can check availability and make bookings through the airline’s official website. Emirates has also stated that passengers with earlier bookings will be given priority during this period. Customers are advised to travel to the airport only if they hold a confirmed booking.

The airline is closely monitoring developments and will continue to adjust its operations as required. Passengers are encouraged to regularly check emirates.com and the airline’s official social media channels for the latest updates.


Michelin Starred Chef Giorgio Servetto to Host Underwater Dining at Atmosphere Core Resorts

Michelin Starred Chef Giorgio Servetto to Host Underwater Dining at Atmosphere Core Resorts

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 7, 2026

Giorgio Servetto will bring a distinctive culinary experience to the Maldives this May as he collaborates with Atmosphere Core for a limited period takeover of two of the region’s renowned underwater restaurants. The exclusive collaboration will present a unique Garden to Sea Immersion concept beneath the waters of the Indian Ocean, combining Michelin level gastronomy with sustainable island sourcing.

The chef will host exclusive lunch and dinner experiences at Only BLU from 7th to 9th May 2026, followed by a second showcase at M6m (Minus Six Metres) from 12th to 14th May 2026. As part of the culinary showcase, a signature Crab Dinner Experience will also be presented at Hudhu Bay at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO.

Presented as a five course menu at both underwater venues, the dining experience will reflect Chef Servetto’s culinary philosophy rooted in circular cuisine and zero waste precision. Developed together with the Atmosphere Core culinary team, the menu will focus on island grown ingredients including hydroponic greens cultivated on Maadhoo Island, fresh vegetables sourced from local farms, and responsibly sourced seafood from the Indian Ocean. The approach highlights a transparent and measurable commitment to sustainable dining while celebrating the natural bounty of the islands.

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“Creativity begins with listening, to the land, the sea, and what they give you,” says Chef Giorgio Servetto. “My cuisine is about simplifying. When you respect ingredients fully, every element finds its purpose and flavour becomes clearer. You are a guest in nature’s elegant dining room. It is especially exciting to bring this experience to the Maldives for the first time with Atmosphere Core, where serving food in this underwater realm makes the journey feel even more special.”

Born and professionally shaped in Liguria, Italy, Chef Servetto is recognised for a disciplined yet curious approach to cooking. His culinary philosophy combines research, cultural exchange, and continuous experimentation. The chef remains the only culinary professional in Liguria to hold both a Michelin Red Star and a Michelin Green Star and is also the only chef from the region to have received Red Stars at two different restaurants.

According to Anupam Banerjee, Vice President Food and Beverage at Atmosphere Core, the collaboration reflects the group’s long term commitment to responsible gastronomy. “This kind of culinary experience feels very natural to us. We are focused on bringing conscious dining into everything we do. Our approach to circular cuisine comes from working closely with what’s grown on our islands and what the sea provides responsibly. Collaborating with Chef Servetto has been inspiring. His way of thinking aligns instinctively with ours, and together we’ve designed something enriching, grounded and memorable, a new experience that our guests can genuinely enjoy and take with them.”

The underwater venues themselves are designed to elevate the sensory experience. Only BLU, one of the Maldives’ largest underwater restaurants, features a cobalt washed dining room surrounded by marine life, while M6m offers a more intimate dining experience six metres below the ocean surface with sweeping underwater views. In both settings, the ambience encourages guests to slow down and fully immerse themselves in the flavours and surroundings.

Located within convenient reach of Velana International Airport, OBLU SELECT Lobigili and OZEN LIFE MAADHOO provide accessible gateways for travellers seeking immersive luxury experiences. Through this collaboration, Atmosphere Core continues to position itself at the forefront of experiential gastronomy where sustainability, creativity, and a strong sense of place come together.

In a time when luxury dining is evolving toward more thoughtful and responsible experiences, this underwater culinary takeover highlights a refined vision of the future where fine dining becomes quieter, deeper, and more connected to nature.


Emirates Operates Reduced Flight Schedule Following Partial Airspace Reopening

Emirates Operates Reduced Flight Schedule Following Partial Airspace Reopening

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 6, 2026

Emirates has confirmed that it is currently operating a reduced flight schedule until further notice following the partial reopening of regional airspace for the safe conduct of commercial flights. The airline stated that this measured approach allows it to resume services responsibly while ensuring that all operational and regulatory requirements are fully met, with safety remaining its highest priority.

For 5 and 6 March, over 100 flights will depart from and return to Dubai, helping passengers reach their final destinations while also carrying essential cargo such as perishables and pharmaceuticals. The airline highlighted that maintaining the movement of critical goods continues to be an important part of its operations, supporting supply chains and time-sensitive shipments during this transitional period.

Emirates will continue to gradually rebuild its flying schedule in line with airspace availability and operational clearances. The situation remains under close review, and the airline has stated that it will adapt its services accordingly as conditions evolve.

Passengers are advised to proceed to the airport only if they have a confirmed booking. Customers are also encouraged to check emirates.com and the airline’s official social media channels regularly for the latest updates and travel advisories. As regional airspace conditions stabilize, Emirates remains committed to restoring its full schedule in a phased and responsible manner, prioritizing passenger safety and operational reliability at every step.

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