Riyadh Air's Game-Changing Partnership with Accenture for a Digital Future

Riyadh Air's Game-Changing Partnership with Accenture for a Digital Future

By Author

Published on December 23, 2023

Riyadh Air, the emerging airline, is set to revolutionize the aviation industry through a significant three-year partnership with global professional services company, Accenture. This collaboration is a strategic move to establish Riyadh Air as the first digitally-driven airline worldwide, in line with the Kingdom's vision for 2030.

Innovative Transformation:

Cloud-Centric Approach: Accenture will lead the creation of a cloud-based infrastructure for Riyadh Air, ensuring a smooth and efficient digital operation.

Enhanced Cybersecurity: A key focus will be on bolstering cybersecurity measures to safeguard the airline's operations.

Operational Excellence: The partnership aims to streamline services and manage operations effectively.

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A New Era in Aviation:

Digital-Centric Services: Riyadh Air is poised to lead a new era in aviation, distinguished by its commitment to digital-first solutions.

State-of-the-Art Tech: Utilizing advanced technologies like cloud computing and AI, Riyadh Air aims to deliver a seamless travel experience for passengers and employees alike.

Ambitious Expansion Plans: With plans to serve over 100 destinations by 2030, the airline is gearing up for a significant scale-up in operations.

Expert Comments:

Adam Boukadida, CFO, Riyadh Air: "Riyadh Air will be a digitally native airline, focused on delivering world-class service. Accenture’s partnership is crucial for our cloud-first strategy, ensuring our technology is future-proof and legacy-free."

Emily Weiss, Senior Managing Director, Accenture: "The launch of Riyadh Air marks a landmark moment in aviation. Our collaboration aims to create hyper-connected experiences for today’s and future travelers."

India's Aviation Landscape:

Akasa Air’s Perspective: During a fireside chat at the ET Travel & Tourism Conclave, Akasa Air's CCO & Co-Founder, Praveen Iyer, highlighted India's untapped aviation potential and the need for leveraging advanced technologies and infrastructure.

Riyadh Air’s Vision:

The airline is not just an addition to the aviation sector but a key player in achieving Saudi Arabia's 2030 vision, aiming to put Riyadh on the global map as a key destination and gateway. Supporting the Saudi Aviation Strategy and National Tourism Strategy, Riyadh Air is set to unlock Saudi Arabia’s cultural and natural attractions to the world while creating new job opportunities.


Amitabh Kant Joins IndiGo Board as Non-Executive Director

Amitabh Kant Joins IndiGo Board as Non-Executive Director

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 7, 2025

In a move set to deepen its strategic leadership, InterGlobe Aviation Ltd—parent company of IndiGo—has appointed Amitabh Kant as a Non-Executive Director, pending regulatory and shareholder approvals. The decision comes close on the heels of Kant being named a senior advisor by Fairfax Financial Holdings to guide its India-focused investments.

Kant, a 1980-batch IAS officer of the Kerala cadre, is widely recognised for his pivotal role in steering landmark national initiatives like Make in India, Startup India, and Incredible India. Over his four-decade career in governance and economic reform, he’s championed transformative policies that have reshaped India’s development landscape.

Recently concluding his tenure as India’s G20 Sherpa, Kant was instrumental in delivering the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration, focusing on global challenges, climate finance, and digital public infrastructure. His previous leadership as CEO of NITI Aayog saw him drive flagship programmes such as the Aspirational Districts Program, the Green Hydrogen Mission, and the National Mission on Transformative Mobility.

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Reacting to his new role, Kant said, “IndiGo has set a global benchmark in operational excellence and customer service. Its growing international footprint will play a critical role in connecting Indian markets with the world. I look forward to contributing to IndiGo’s next phase of growth and to India’s larger vision for trade, tourism, and connectivity.”

Welcoming him to the board, Vikram Singh Mehta, Chairman of IndiGo, remarked, “Kant’s experience in policy and infrastructure at a global scale is unparalleled. His strategic insights will be invaluable as IndiGo accelerates its international ambitions and aims to become a global airline by 2030.”

This appointment signals IndiGo’s continued commitment to strengthening its leadership bench as it eyes global expansion and deeper integration into international aviation networks.


Marriott to Bring Westin to Ludhiana with Vardhman Amrante

Marriott to Bring Westin to Ludhiana with Vardhman Amrante

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 7, 2025

Marriott International has signed an agreement with Vardhman Amrante, an Oswal Group venture, to bring its premium wellness-focused Westin brand to Ludhiana. The Westin Ludhiana is slated to open in the last quarter of 2030, marking the brand’s debut in Punjab’s industrial and cultural hub.

Planned as part of a vibrant mixed-use development, the new hotel will feature 200 keys alongside retail outlets, a multiplex, and a gaming zone, adding fresh energy to Ludhiana’s growing urban landscape.

Highlighting Marriott’s strategic expansion into high-growth markets, Ranju Alex, regional vice president – South Asia, Marriott International, shared, “Through this collaboration, we aim to redefine guest service while unlocking Ludhiana’s potential. The Westin Ludhiana will empower guests to be the best version of themselves, maintaining their well-being even as they travel.”

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Echoing the excitement, Adish Oswal, chairman of Oswal Group, said, “We’re thrilled to partner with Marriott International to bring the acclaimed Westin brand to Ludhiana. This development is set to become a landmark, offering a wellness-driven luxury experience that matches the city’s growing stature as a regional powerhouse.”

The Westin Ludhiana promises a robust mix of experiences — from multiple dining venues and a chic Lobby Bar to the WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio, Heavenly Spa by Westin, and an outdoor pool. Business and leisure travellers alike will benefit from the expansive banqueting spaces, lush outdoor lawns, and an exclusive Executive Club Lounge.

With its focus on holistic wellness, the upcoming hotel underscores Marriott’s continued commitment to cater to evolving traveller needs and further strengthen its footprint across India.


Vikram Kapil Joins Hyatt Regency Dehradun as Chef de Cuisine

Vikram Kapil Joins Hyatt Regency Dehradun as Chef de Cuisine

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 7, 2025

Hyatt Regency Dehradun Resort and Spa has appointed Vikram Kapil as its new chef de cuisine, ushering in a refined culinary era that bridges global expertise with the soul of Uttarakhand. Trained under celebrated chefs like Wolfgang, Aurélien Dumeylet, and John Pugh, Kapil’s career has spanned some of the world’s finest kitchens and luxury liners.

His culinary philosophy blends simplicity with sophistication, where every dish is a deliberate composition of ingredients, technique, and story. At Hyatt Regency Dehradun, Kapil aims to create a distinct culinary identity that marries European elegance with local character, introducing menus that showcase dishes like Himalayan trout with beurre blanc and nettle pesto pasta crafted from foraged greens.

With a leadership approach grounded in mentorship, collaboration, and precision, he is set to elevate the dining experience at the resort through seasonal creations, artisanal breads, inventive desserts, and French and Italian classics that reflect both artistry and authenticity.

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