Air India’s First Line-Fit B787-9 Takes Off for Frankfurt, Delhi-Shanghai Flights Resume

Air India’s First Line-Fit B787-9 Takes Off for Frankfurt, Delhi-Shanghai Flights Resume

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 3, 2026

Air India marked two significant milestones today as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen international connectivity and enhance the passenger experience. The airline’s first made-for-Air India Boeing 787-9 entered commercial operations on the Mumbai-Frankfurt route, while non-stop flights between Delhi and Shanghai resumed after a gap of nearly six years.

The Delhi-Shanghai service was relaunched with flight AI352, which departed Indira Gandhi International Airport at 1207 hrs IST, reconnecting the Indian capital with one of Asia’s leading business and cultural hubs. Operated four times a week using a Boeing 787-8 aircraft, the service restores Air India’s direct access to mainland China and caters to rising demand from business travellers, families, and tourists.

At the same time, Air India’s newly inducted Boeing 787-9, registered as VT-AWA, operated flight AI2027 and departed Mumbai at 1237 hrs IST for Frankfurt. This flight marked the first commercial deployment of Air India’s completely redesigned cabin interiors, which were unveiled on 27 January 2026 and are set to be rolled out across the airline’s entire Boeing 787 fleet.

The new Boeing 787-9 features 30 Business Class suites arranged in a 1-2-1 layout, offering direct aisle access, fully flat beds extending up to 79 inches with a 42-inch pitch, wireless charging, 17-inch 4K QLED HDR touchscreens, and ample storage space. The Premium Economy cabin offers 28 wide seats in a 2-3-2 layout, with a 38-inch pitch, enhanced recline, adjustable calf and leg rests, and 13.3-inch 4K QLED HDR touchscreens.

Economy Class includes 238 ergonomic seats designed for long-haul comfort, each equipped with 11.6-inch 4K QLED HDR touchscreens. Across all three cabins, passengers can enjoy Thales AVANT Up in-flight entertainment, Type A and C charging ports, Bluetooth headphone connectivity, and new mood lighting inspired by ancient Indian wellness traditions, along with bespoke design elements.

With these developments, Air India continues to strengthen its long-haul operations while offering improved comfort and connectivity across key global markets.

Schedule of Flights Between Delhi (DEL) and Shanghai (PVG)
AI352 – Delhi-Shanghai: 1200 Hrs – 2020 Hrs
AI351 – Shanghai-Delhi: 2200 Hrs – 0315 Hrs +1

Schedule of Flights Between Mumbai (BOM) and Frankfurt (FRA)
AI2027 – Mumbai-Frankfurt: 1235 Hrs – 1730 Hrs
AI2028 – Frankfurt-Mumbai: 2020 Hrs – 0900 Hrs +1

All timings are in local time zones. +1 indicates next day arrival. Air India’s flights on both routes are available for booking across all channels, including the airline’s website, mobile app, airport ticketing offices, contact centres, and authorised travel agents worldwide.


Bikanervala to Open New Outlet at SPS Realty's Helios in Zirakpur

Bikanervala to Open New Outlet at SPS Realty's Helios in Zirakpur

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

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.


McDonald's India – North and East Crosses 200 McCafé Outlets, Partners with Tara Sutaria

McDonald's India – North and East Crosses 200 McCafé Outlets, Partners with Tara Sutaria

By Hariharan U

Published on August 3, 2026

McDonald's India – North and East has announced the expansion of its McCafé network to 200 outlets across North and East India, marking a significant milestone in the brand's coffee business. The expansion reflects the company's continued investment in making premium-quality coffee more accessible as India's café culture continues to evolve.

To commemorate the milestone, McDonald's India – North and East has partnered with Tara Sutaria as the face of McCafé, bringing its "Good Vibes Start with McCafe" platform to life through a new brand campaign celebrating everyday coffee moments and connections.

As part of the celebration, McCafé has also introduced a new Summer Range featuring Strawberry Matcha, Affogato, Salted Caramel Latte, Chai Latte, and Passion Fruit Cooler, expanding its beverage portfolio with refreshing and indulgent options designed for evolving consumer preferences.

Commenting on the milestone, Anant Agarwal, Vice-Chairperson, CPRL (McDonald's India – North and East), said, "At McCafé, our ambition is to build one of India's most loved and trusted coffee brands by making great coffee accessible to more consumers without compromising on quality or value. The milestone of 200 McCafé outlets reflects our continued investment in expanding our footprint and strengthening our beverage portfolio. As coffee culture continues to evolve in India, our refreshed 'Good Vibes Start with McCafe' platform, along with our collaboration with Tara Sutaria as the face of McCafé, reinforces our commitment to connecting with young consumers and making McCafé their preferred choice for everyday coffee occasions."

Sharing her thoughts on the association, Tara Sutaria said, "Coffee has always been an important part of my everyday routine, whether it's the first cup that starts my day, a mid-day pick-me-up or a quiet moment to unwind. Over the years, McCafé has become one of my go-to choices, whether I'm in India or travelling abroad, because I know I can always count on a great cup of coffee. McCafé's Cappuccino is one of my personal favourites whenever I'm looking for something indulgent. I'm delighted to be associated with a brand that shares my love for great coffee and celebrates the everyday rituals that make each cup special."

The new summer beverage range is now available across McCafé outlets in North and East India. Customers can also order through dine-in, Self-Ordering Kiosks (SOK), takeaway, drive-thru, delivery platforms, and the McDonald's App.

The campaign has been conceptualised by BBDO India, part of Omnicom Advertising India.


Point Break Challenge Opens in Mahabalipuram as India's Top Surfers Compete in National Surf Series

Point Break Challenge Opens in Mahabalipuram as India's Top Surfers Compete in National Surf Series

By Hariharan U

Published on August 2, 2026

The Point Break Challenge got underway in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, marking Stop 3 of the Surfing Federation of India (SFI) National Surf Series, India's premier national surfing championship circuit. The opening day witnessed nearly 80 surfers from seven to eight coastal states competing across multiple categories.

The competition features athletes in the Men's Open, Women's Open, Under-18, and Under-14 divisions, with every heat contributing valuable points towards the national championship rankings.

Mahabalipuram's renowned right-hand point break provided ideal conditions for the opening day. Known for its long, peeling waves, the surf break offered competitors the opportunity to showcase high-performance surfing and extended rides, making it one of the most anticipated venues on the national calendar.

Among the standout performances, Shrikanth D led the Men's Open category with wave scores of 9.00 and 7.67, while Kishore Kumar dominated the Under-18 Boys division with scores of 9.33 and 8.17. His 9.33 emerged as the highest single-wave score recorded on the opening day. In the Under-14 Boys category, Prahalad Sriram topped the leaderboard with scores of 6.50 and 6.33.

As the third stop of the national championship circuit, the Point Break Challenge plays an important role in shaping the overall standings before the series moves to the Covelong Classic in Kovalam, Chennai, scheduled from 6–8 August.

Following the domestic circuit, Mahabalipuram will also host the WSL Shore Temple Classic from 12–16 August, giving Indian surfers the opportunity to compete on home waves in an international event.

The Point Break Challenge will continue until 1 August 2026 and is supported by the Sports Authority of India (SAI), the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT), and TT Group. The event is organised by the Surfing Federation of India (SFI) and the Tamil Nadu Surfing Association (TNSA).

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