Star Air, a regional carrier under the UDAN scheme, has inducted its 10th aircraft—an Embraer E175—as it gears up to launch 15 new routes starting 15 May 2025. The airline is set to operate over 50 daily services across 24 destinations as part of its expanding network and long-term strategy to boost regional connectivity in India.

Bengaluru-based Star Air plans to grow its fleet to 25 aircraft by the end of FY27, with four more Embraer E175s expected to join by March 2026. The airline aims to serve over 50 destinations, with a sharp focus on Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, helping bridge critical air travel gaps across the country.

“This expansion aligns perfectly with our vision of connecting Real India,” said Captain Simran Singh Tiwana, CEO of Star Air. “While the sector faces supply chain disruptions, Star Air’s stable financial backing and disciplined strategy give us an edge in scaling sustainably and meeting the rising aspirations of India’s next billion travellers.”

Star Air is the aviation arm of the Sanjay Ghodawat Group, a diversified business house, giving the airline financial stability to navigate industry volatility. Notably, Star Air is the only regional carrier to have successfully operated all routes awarded under the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme since inception, serving over 1.5 million passengers through 300 weekly flights.

With the upcoming summer schedule, the airline’s weekly flights will grow to 350, as it moves beyond UDAN 5.0 to include more commercial city pairs. Despite its expansion, Star Air remains committed to its founding philosophy of inclusive regional access and providing reliable air connectivity to India’s underserved regions.

India’s travel landscape is set for a major transformation with the upcoming launch of TripXL in April 2025. Based in Siliguri, this next-generation online holiday marketplace is designed to bridge the gap between travellers and trusted local travel agents, offering tailor-made itineraries that emphasize cultural immersion, eco-consciousness, and authenticity.

Having completed a successful beta phase, TripXL is poised to deliver a seamless booking experience with a strong focus on trust, transparency, and personalized service. From family vacations and honeymoons to solo adventures and offbeat explorations, the platform connects travellers with vetted travel agents and experienced Destination Management Companies (DMCs) across India.

The platform is the brainchild of Nishi Kant Agarwal and Sashi Kant Agarwal, seasoned professionals with over a decade of experience in the aviation and hospitality industries. Their vision was to create a global marketplace for custom travel while nurturing local tourism ecosystems.

“We believe in the philosophy of ‘going global while acting local,’” shared Anil Lohia, COO of TripXL. “In today’s digital world, while bookings are easier than ever, trust remains a challenge. TripXL aims to build that trust by delivering real value and verified experiences with safety and transparency at the core.”

With over 200 travel agents from North, South, and Eastern India already onboard, TripXL plans to expand its network to 400 agents by June 2025. The platform offers these agents cutting-edge tools, an integrated booking portal, and full tech support—at zero investment—helping them grow their business and reach new markets.

Backed by its operational bases in Siliguri, Gurugram, Bengaluru, and Gujarat, TripXL is now preparing to enter the Mumbai market. The company aims to set new benchmarks in responsible tourism while ensuring every traveller enjoys a flexible, green, and enriched journey.

TripXL’s platform blends technology, innovation, and storytelling through a robust blog network, making it more than just a booking portal—it’s an ecosystem where travellers are empowered and local agents are uplifted.

With strong values of commitment, accountability, respect, excellence, and sincerity, TripXL is ready to become India’s go-to marketplace for memorable, meaningful, and sustainable travel.

StarCruises is set to make waves once again with the highly anticipated arrival of Star Voyager in Hong Kong from 27 June to 31 August 2025. Marking a major comeback for the revitalized StarCruises brand, this season will see the ship offering a host of exciting itineraries to Okinawa, Japan and Taiwan, reaffirming its strong roots in Hong Kong where the brand first launched over 30 years ago.

Designed to boost cruise tourism in the region, Star Voyager’s Hong Kong season promises new travel opportunities for guests looking for fresh and accessible voyages. The itineraries will include a mix of 2, 3, and 5-night cruises to stunning destinations like Taipei (Keelung), Kaohsiung, Penghu, Naha, and Ishigaki, with a special 2-Night Weekend High Seas Cruise every Friday, perfect for quick getaways.

"We are proud to return to Hong Kong, a city that holds a special place in StarCruises’ history. Star Voyager represents a renewed vision, offering exceptional regional cruise experiences for both domestic travelers and the growing Fly and Rail cruise segment," said Mr. Michael Goh, President of StarDream Cruises.

Highlights of Star Voyager Cruises from Hong Kong:

Cruises to Taiwan:

• 3 Night Kaohsiung and Penghu Cruise (Sundays – 29 June; 13 July; 10 August 2025)

• 2 Night Kaohsiung Cruise (Wednesdays – 2 & 16 July; 13 August 2025)

Guests can explore Kaohsiung’s vibrant art scene and bustling night markets, and Penghu’s crystal-clear waters and historic villages, making for a perfect cultural-meets-coastal adventure.

Cruises to Japan:

• 5 Night Ishigaki and Naha Cruise (Sundays – 6 July & 3 August 2025)

• 5 Night Naha and Ishigaki Cruise (Sundays – 20 July & 17 August 2025)

Experience the tropical beauty and rich Ryukyu culture of Okinawa’s popular island destinations, offering a mix of vibrant shopping streets, lush landscapes, and historic landmarks.

Combined Cruises to Japan and Taiwan:

• 5 Night Ishigaki, Keelung, and Penghu Cruise (Sundays – 27 July & 24 August 2025)

This itinerary blends the best of Japan and Taiwan into one incredible voyage.

Weekend High Seas Cruises:

• 2 Night Cruises every Friday (27 June; 4, 11, 18 & 25 July; 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 August 2025)

Ideal for those seeking a quick luxury escape, guests can relax onboard with premium accommodations, live entertainment, themed events, water parks, ziplining, and 24/7 butler services in the Palace Suites.

Booking Details:

Reservations open from 7 May 2025 through local travel partners or directly via www.rwcruises.com.

About StarCruises:

Revitalized from its legacy of over 30 years, the StarCruises brand brings a fresh and dynamic lifestyle cruising experience to Asia. Featuring mid-sized ships like Star Navigator and Star Voyager, the fleet offers affordable premium cruising with vibrant onboard entertainment, world-class dining, and personalized services.