The Andaman and Nicobar Islands government is set to host an ‘Island Trekking Festival’ at Mount Manipur on November 15, aiming to promote eco-adventure tourism and encourage local youth participation. Organised by the Tourism Department with support from the Environment and Forests Department and MY Bharat, the event highlights the islands’ natural beauty and historical legacy.

A tourism department official stated that the festival seeks to inspire youth to take up eco-guiding and adventure guiding as viable paths for self-employment, aligning with the administration’s vision of sustainable tourism development. Participation will be limited to 50 individuals, including local youth, trekking enthusiasts, tour operators, and tourists. The first 50 registered participants will be selected for the trek, and all will receive participation certificates from the Tourism Department.

Mount Manipur, formerly known as Mount Harriet, is the third-highest peak in the Andaman archipelago and one of its most scenic and historically significant trekking routes. The site carries deep historical importance, following the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891, Maharaja Kulachandra Singh and 22 freedom fighters were exiled to the Andaman Islands.

To honour their bravery, Union Home Minister Amit Shah renamed Mount Harriet as Mount Manipur during his 2021 visit to the islands. In recognition of this history, the Tourism Department chose the location as the venue for the Island Trekking Festival, merging adventure with remembrance.

Air India SATS Airport Services Private Limited (AISATS), a joint venture between Air India Limited and Singapore-based SATS Ltd., has unveiled its new brand identity and logo, marking a new phase in India’s aviation transformation. The refreshed identity reflects AISATS’s growth into a dynamic and technology-driven aviation services provider, underscoring its focus on innovation, collaboration, and sustainability.

The redesigned logo embodies the company’s core values of partnership and progress, representing infinite possibilities in creating a seamless, efficient, and sustainable air services ecosystem. Through this rebranding, AISATS reinforces its role as a key player in advancing India’s ground handling and air cargo infrastructure, aiming to set new global benchmarks in operational excellence.

Ramanathan Rajamani, CEO, AISATS, said, “This new identity marks an exciting milestone in AISATS’s growth journey as we continue to build a more connected and progressive aviation ecosystem in India. Our refreshed logo reflects the spirit of collaboration and innovation that drives us, combining technological advancement with a human touch. Together with our partners and stakeholders, we aim to set new standards in operational excellence, efficiency, and customer experience.”

The new logo’s vibrant tones represent excellence, confidence, and passion, values that have long defined AISATS’s service ethos across airports in India. The refreshed identity captures the company’s commitment to partnership-led progress by combining global expertise with local innovation.

The rebranding coincides with a period of rapid growth in India’s aviation sector, supported by initiatives such as PM Gati Shakti, UDAN, and the National Logistics Policy. AISATS continues to expand its operational footprint with projects like the AISATS BLR Logistics Park and the upcoming Multi-Modal Cargo Hub at Noida International Airport, both aimed at enhancing multimodal connectivity and air cargo efficiency.

As India’s aviation industry scales new heights, AISATS’s renewed identity marks its forward-looking approach to sustainable growth and customer-centric excellence. This milestone positions the company as a catalyst in shaping the next phase of India’s aviation transformation, one defined by technology, innovation, and collaboration.

Emirates celebrates four remarkable decades of connecting India to the world, marking its enduring partnership with the nation since the launch of its first flight on 25 October 1985. Over the years, the airline has evolved into one of India’s most prominent international carriers, offering seamless connectivity through Dubai and redefining global travel for millions.

In its 40-year journey, Emirates has carried over 24 million passengers between Dubai and Mumbai and 15 million passengers between Dubai and Delhi, operating more than 95,000 and 60,000 flights respectively. Across nine Indian gateways, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Thiruvananthapuram, the airline has flown a total of 92 million passengers, reflecting a shared story of growth, progress, and partnership.

Marking the milestone, Mohammad Sarhan, Vice President – India & Nepal, Emirates, said,

“It is an incredible milestone to complete 40 years of serving India, a market that has been a cornerstone of our global operations. We are humbled by the continued trust that Indian travellers have placed in Emirates over the decades. From the very beginning, our promise has been to deliver world-class service, seamless connectivity, and a superior flying experience.”

He further added,

“India has always been an integral part of Emirates’ journey and success. Over the past four decades, our partnership with India has grown from strength to strength, built on mutual trust, respect, and a shared vision of connecting people and opportunities across the world.”

Strengthening Global Connectivity

For generations of Indian travellers, Dubai has served as a gateway to explore the world. Popular onward destinations from Mumbai and Delhi include New York, San Francisco, London, Paris, Toronto, and other major global cities. Emirates’ “Fly Better” philosophy resonates strongly with Indian passengers through its regionally inspired cuisine, culturally relevant in-flight entertainment in nine Indian languages, and live coverage of major sporting events like cricket and golf.

Supporting India’s Trade and Exports

Beyond passenger services, Emirates SkyCargo has been a key player in strengthening India’s global trade network. Since 2020, it has transported over 700,000 tonnes of exports and imports, including pharmaceuticals, perishables, and other essential commodities, helping Indian businesses access global markets efficiently and reliably.

Charting the Path Ahead

Emirates continues to deepen its commitment to India through strategic investments, enhanced fleet, and service upgrades. The introduction of the A380 aircraft to Mumbai in 2014 and Bengaluru in 2022, the rollout of Premium Economy in major Indian cities, and the deployment of the latest A350 aircraft in Ahmedabad and Mumbai highlight the airline’s forward-looking approach.

As Emirates celebrates 40 years of connecting India to the world, it reaffirms its dedication to being a trusted global connector, linking people, cultures, and opportunities while supporting India’s continued journey of progress and prosperity.