CRC Group marked the commencement of operations at Noida International Airport by facilitating the journey of 75 prominent business families on the airport’s first commercial flight from Lucknow to Noida. The initiative celebrated a landmark moment for the region and underscored the transformative potential of one of India’s most significant infrastructure developments.

The special flight brought together entrepreneurs, investors, industry leaders, and business owners, providing them with an opportunity to witness firsthand a project expected to reshape the economic landscape of Noida, Greater Noida, the Yamuna Expressway corridor, and the wider National Capital Region.

Over the past decade, Noida has established itself as one of India’s fastest-growing urban and business destinations. With the launch of Noida International Airport, the region is expected to witness accelerated growth through enhanced connectivity, increased investments, improved logistics infrastructure, and stronger access to domestic and global markets.

The airport is anticipated to have a significant impact on the real estate sector, driving demand across residential, commercial, retail, warehousing, hospitality, and mixed-use developments. Improved transportation links and rising employment opportunities are expected to support sustained growth in key micro-markets including Noida, Greater Noida, Jewar, and the Yamuna Expressway region.

Tourism and hospitality are also expected to benefit considerably from the airport’s operations. Increased domestic and international connectivity is likely to attract more business travellers, tourists, corporate events, and international delegates, creating opportunities for hotels, convention centres, serviced apartments, restaurants, and entertainment destinations.

The project is equally poised to strengthen manufacturing and industrial activity by improving supply chain efficiency and facilitating faster movement of goods. Sectors such as electronics, semiconductors, automotive, aerospace, logistics, e-commerce, and exports are expected to gain from the region’s growing infrastructure ecosystem, supported by expressways, freight corridors, and industrial hubs.

In addition to attracting investment, the airport is expected to generate substantial direct and indirect employment opportunities across aviation, logistics, hospitality, retail, construction, manufacturing, and technology sectors, further contributing to urban development and economic expansion.

Commenting on the occasion, Salil Kumar, Director, CRC Group, said that the launch of Noida International Airport represents a defining moment for Noida and the NCR, describing it as an economic engine that will drive investment, employment, tourism, manufacturing, and infrastructure growth for decades to come.

He further noted that the airport would strengthen investor confidence and reinforce Noida’s position as one of India’s most attractive destinations for business and real estate investment, unlocking opportunities across multiple sectors while contributing significantly to the economic growth of Uttar Pradesh.

By bringing together some of Noida’s leading business families on this historic flight, CRC Group sought to highlight the opportunities emerging from the airport’s launch while reaffirming its commitment to supporting the region’s next phase of growth and development.

As Noida International Airport begins operations, industry stakeholders believe the region is entering a new era of connectivity, investment, and economic progress, further strengthening its position as a major growth hub in India.

Vacation home brand EkoStay has announced an ambitious expansion plan across South India with a targeted 40-villa boutique cluster project in the Nilgiris region. The development will span key hill destinations including Ooty, Coonoor and Kotagiri, further strengthening the company’s footprint in India’s rapidly growing experiential travel and alternative accommodation market.

The project represents one of EkoStay’s largest regional expansion initiatives to date and aligns with its strategy of creating professionally managed, design-led hospitality experiences in high-demand leisure destinations.

As part of the larger plan, the company currently has 11 villas in its immediate development pipeline across the Nilgiris. The portfolio includes a mix of two, three, four and five-bedroom luxury private villas. Four of these properties are already operational, while the remaining villas are expected to become available by the end of June 2026.

Among the featured properties are Under the Pines, Dawn Villa, Dusk Villa and Over the Stream, each designed to reflect the character and natural beauty of the Nilgiris. Surrounded by tea estates, pine forests and rolling hills, the villas aim to offer guests a more immersive and personalised travel experience.

Under the Pines has been positioned as a five-bedroom luxury retreat offering panoramic valley views and a secluded mountain setting. Dawn Villa and Dusk Villa provide boutique accommodation overlooking tea plantations and lush landscapes. Located adjacent to each other, the two villas can also function as a combined stay option for larger groups and families.

The expansion highlights EkoStay’s focus on transforming independent homes into professionally managed hospitality assets. According to the company, several properties have undergone significant aesthetic and operational upgrades before launch, ensuring they align with the brand’s boutique hospitality standards while preserving their original charm.

As part of the development process, EkoStay has also begun integrating AI-assisted visualisation tools during interior planning and design. The technology has been used to explore concepts such as English-inspired pastel palettes, wooden textures, fireplace designs and hospitality-focused layouts before final implementation.

Commenting on the expansion, Zishan Khan, Chief Acquisition Officer and Co-Founder of EkoStay, said the Nilgiris offers a unique travel experience centred around nature, tranquillity and heritage charm. He noted that the company’s vision extends beyond increasing inventory and focuses on building a carefully curated hospitality cluster that remains deeply connected to the character of the destination.

He further added that the 40-villa Nilgiris project is a key milestone in EkoStay’s long-term goal of creating one of India’s strongest boutique villa hospitality networks across leading leisure destinations.

Founded in 2018 by Husain Khatumdi, Sohail Mirchandani, Varun Arora and Zishan Khan, EkoStay currently operates more than 150 villas across India and continues to expand its portfolio through curated vacation homes and private stay experiences designed for modern travellers seeking privacy, flexibility and authentic destination experiences.

McDonald’s India – North and East has strengthened its focus on youth empowerment by creating employment opportunities for over 1500 young individuals across Delhi NCR through its flagship initiative, McDonald’s for Youth. Implemented in partnership with local NGOs and community organisations, the programme has helped youth across Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Ghaziabad and Faridabad take their first steps into the formal workforce.

Designed to create meaningful opportunities, the initiative focuses particularly on young individuals from less privileged backgrounds by providing them with skills, confidence, and long-term growth pathways.

Launched as part of its contribution to India’s growth journey, the programme has supported many first-time job seekers by preparing them for professional environments. Through McDonald’s global training curriculum, participants receive structured learning in areas including customer service, communication skills, restaurant operations, food safety and hygiene, cash handling, teamwork, and overall professional development.

The initiative aims to provide transferable skills that support long-term employability not only within McDonald’s but across the wider service industry as well.

Speaking about the programme, Rajeev Ranjan, Managing Director, McDonald’s India – North and East, said:

"At McDonald’s India- North and East, we believe the youth deserves the opportunity to grow, learn, and discover their potential. Through ‘McDonald’s for Youth,’ we work with like-minded organisations, and have supported over 2,500 young individuals in taking their first steps into the workforce. Each story of growth reminds us that meaningful opportunities can transform lives, strengthen communities, and build a foundation for a brighter future. This milestone reflects our commitment to empowering youth and creating pathways that extend far beyond the restaurant walls."

Rajesh Soundararajan, Director, Katha, also highlighted the importance of the initiative, saying:

"Delhi NCR is home to a large population of young individuals seeking access to formal employment opportunities and skill-building platforms. Through our partnership with McDonald’s, we have been able to connect youth with meaningful first-job opportunities, helping them build confidence, financial independence, and workplace readiness. We remain committed to supporting their long-term growth and ensuring this initiative continues to create impact at the grassroots level."

Since its launch, the initiative has expanded across Tier 1 and Tier 2 markets, including Delhi NCR, Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. The programme now increasingly focuses on local community outreach, where teams directly engage with nearby villages and communities to create awareness around structured employment opportunities.

Following this milestone, McDonald’s India – North and East plans to further scale the initiative and has invited NGO partners across Delhi NCR and other key markets to collaborate for the next phase of youth employment efforts.

NGOs interested in participating can reach out at: hiring.ngo@del.in.mcd.com