Spirit Airlines has earned a top-three ranking among North America’s largest airlines for on-time performance, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium. The achievement reflects a significant improvement in operational reliability, with the airline moving up from its previous position and outperforming several major and legacy carriers.

Based on Cirium’s analysis, Spirit Airlines successfully operated a strong percentage of its flights on time over the year. Cirium defines an on-time flight as one that arrives within 15 minutes of its scheduled gate arrival. The ranking places Spirit among the most reliable airlines in the region, despite operating a high-utilisation network.

Commenting on the achievement, John Bendoraitis, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Spirit Airlines, said the airline is entering the new year with a strong focus on delivering a reliable and elevated guest experience. He credited the performance to the dedication of Spirit’s team members and their continued commitment to taking care of guests.

Mike Malik, Chief Marketing Officer at Cirium, noted that achieving a top-three position is a meaningful operational milestone, particularly for an airline with a tightly coordinated and high-frequency network. He added that Spirit’s results reflect improved schedule integrity, efficient turn execution, and disciplined network management measured over a full year.

Alongside its operational success, Spirit Airlines has also recorded its highest-ever net promoter score, a key indicator of guest satisfaction. The airline reported a significant increase in the score compared to the previous year, driven by the introduction of more comfortable seating options and enhanced premium offerings.

Spirit’s growing range of premium experiences allows travellers to enjoy added comfort and benefits at a more affordable price compared to traditional legacy carriers. The airline’s Spirit First offering includes the Big Front Seat, complimentary snacks and beverages, priority check-in and boarding, reserved overhead bin space, fast Wi-Fi streaming access, and flexible ticket options with no change or cancellation fees.

In addition, Spirit’s Premium Economy option provides extra legroom or a blocked middle seat, along with priority boarding, reserved overhead bin space, one carry-on bag, and flexible booking benefits. These enhancements reflect Spirit Airlines’ continued focus on combining reliability, affordability, and improved guest experience.

Grand Hyatt Mumbai has announced the appointment of Namrata Sharma as Area Director of Human Resources. In her new role, Sharma will oversee the people and culture strategy for Grand Hyatt Mumbai and designated Hyatt hotels across the region, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to nurturing talent, leadership excellence, and a people-first workplace culture.

Sharma brings with her over 20 years of extensive experience across luxury hospitality and corporate organizations, with a strong focus on people strategy, leadership development, organizational culture, and HR excellence. Her professional journey spans leading hospitality brands including The Leela, Marriott, Westin, Taj Hotels, and Green Park Hotels & Resorts, along with early-career experience in the corporate sector with 24/7 Customer and Wipro.

Throughout her career in hospitality, Sharma has played a pivotal role in building high-performing teams, strengthening talent pipelines, and fostering inclusive and people-centric work environments. Her expertise in aligning business goals with human capital strategies has consistently contributed to organisational growth and service excellence.

As Area Director of Human Resources, Sharma will be responsible for talent acquisition and development, succession planning, employee engagement, performance management, and strengthening HR governance frameworks. She will also champion Hyatt’s values and service culture, ensuring consistent people practices and meaningful employee experiences across all teams.

Reflecting on her appointment, Sharma said she strongly believes that people are at the heart of every great organisation. She emphasised that leading with integrity, empathy, and purpose enables teams to thrive, innovate, and deliver exceptional guest experiences. She added that she looks forward to building on Grand Hyatt Mumbai’s legacy of excellence, world-class hospitality, and innovation, while nurturing a culture that continues to set benchmarks for guest experiences in the city and beyond.

With this appointment, Grand Hyatt Mumbai further strengthens its leadership team, reinforcing its focus on people development as a key driver of service excellence and long-term success.

Etihad Airways has announced the launch of direct flights to Luxembourg, marking a historic milestone as the first airline from the Middle East to operate services to the country. Scheduled to commence operations in October 2026, the new route will also make Etihad the only airline offering nonstop connectivity between Luxembourg and Abu Dhabi, establishing a direct link between two key European and Middle Eastern hubs.

The service will operate three times a week to Luxembourg Airport, responding to growing demand from travellers across Luxembourg, the wider Benelux region, as well as neighbouring France and Germany. The route enhances access to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, known for its cultural landmarks, world-class hospitality, and year-round leisure appeal.

Flights will be operated using Etihad’s state-of-the-art Airbus A321LR aircraft, offering a premium three-class travel experience. The aircraft features First Suites and lie-flat Business Class seats with direct aisle access, alongside next-generation Economy seating with generous legroom, 4K touchscreen entertainment, Bluetooth connectivity, and high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the cabin.

The introduction of this route is expected to strengthen economic, cultural, and tourism ties between Europe and the UAE. Luxembourg’s strategic position also makes it a gateway market for neighbouring European countries, further reinforcing Etihad’s growing footprint across the continent.

Commenting on the announcement, Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said the new route represents a significant step in expanding the airline’s global network. He noted that the A321LR enables Etihad to deliver a premium experience on routes that were previously underserved, while opening new opportunities for business and leisure travel between Europe and Abu Dhabi.

The service is well-positioned to cater to both corporate and leisure travellers. Business passengers benefit from direct access between Luxembourg, a major financial centre, and the UAE’s capital, while leisure travellers can explore Abu Dhabi’s cultural and entertainment attractions, including renowned museums, heritage landmarks, entertainment destinations, beaches, and desert experiences.

Passengers travelling via Abu Dhabi will also enjoy seamless onward connections through Zayed International Airport to Etihad’s expanding global network, covering key destinations across Asia, including India, Thailand, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, and Indonesia.

At the same time, travellers from the UAE and Etihad’s global network will gain convenient access to Luxembourg, known for its historic Old Town, fairytale castles, scenic valleys, and blend of heritage and modern European charm.

Flight Schedule (All Times Local)

The Luxembourg service becomes the latest addition to Etihad Airways’ expanding European network, reinforcing the airline’s long-term growth strategy and commitment to connecting key global markets.