Saudia Named World’s Most Improved Airline for 2024

Saudia Named World’s Most Improved Airline for 2024

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on July 2, 2024

Saudia, the national carrier of Saudi Arabia, has been honored as the “World’s Most Improved Airline” and topped the list for Best Economy Class Airline Catering at the 2024 Skytrax World Airline Awards. Skytrax, an international air transport rating organization, hosts this prestigious event, which is based on an extensive global customer satisfaction survey covering over 375 airlines worldwide.

This accolade marks the third time Saudia has been recognized as the world’s most improved airline, highlighting its impressive progress over the past seven years. The airline has soared in the rankings from 82nd place in 2017 to 23rd in 2023, and now 20th in 2024. This remarkable achievement is largely credited to Saudia’s ‘SHINE’ transformation program, which focuses on enhancing the guest experience, optimizing operational efficiency, and upgrading its services and products.

Saudia’s commitment to innovation and digital transformation has propelled the airline into the top 10 globally for On-Time Performance (OTP) throughout 2023, maintaining this position for six consecutive months. By May 2024, Saudia achieved top five status for arrival OTP and was ranked first globally for departure OTP.

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Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, emphasized the significance of these awards, stating, “These awards reaffirm Saudia’s dedication to excellence and our commitment to achieving the objectives of the National Strategy for Transport and Logistics Services. By adhering to the highest quality standards in the aviation industry, we are continuously prioritizing service innovation, enhancing the guest experience, and optimizing operational efficiency.”

Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax, also congratulated Saudia, stating, “We congratulate Saudia on this fabulous achievement and remarkable success. To be recognised for change and quality improvement is a testament to the hard work by the management and staff at Saudia, and this recognition should be a source of pride.” This recognition underscores Saudia's clear strategic direction and future trajectory, evidenced by recent significant agreements with Boeing and Airbus to acquire 154 new aircraft. Additionally, Saudia is extensively upgrading its cabins, introducing new seats in both guest and business classes, high-speed in-flight internet, and state-of-the-art entertainment screens.

Saudia’s continued dedication to excellence has solidified its position as a leading global connector, bridging the world to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and serving diverse sectors, including business, tourism, entertainment, sports, Hajj, and Umrah. 


Virgin Atlantic Expands London Heathrow–Bengaluru Services to 11 Weekly Flights

Virgin Atlantic Expands London Heathrow–Bengaluru Services to 11 Weekly Flights

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 31, 2025

Virgin Atlantic has announced an expansion of its London Heathrow–Bengaluru services, increasing the route from seven to eleven flights per week. The enhanced frequency highlights growing demand across both passenger and cargo segments and underlines India’s importance in the airline’s global network.

Bengaluru remains a key destination for Virgin Atlantic, supported by strong business and leisure travel flows. The city’s status as India’s leading technology and innovation hub continues to drive travel demand between India and the UK, while also enabling seamless onward connections to North America via London Heathrow.

The expanded schedule builds on Virgin Atlantic’s existing daily service to Bengaluru and complements its double-daily operations to Delhi and Mumbai. The airline’s strategic partnership with IndiGo further strengthens domestic connectivity, offering passengers smooth access to 33 destinations across India, including Goa, Amritsar, and Jaipur.

Internationally, the enhanced Bengaluru service improves onward travel to major North American cities such as Toronto, Seattle, San Francisco, and New York JFK through Virgin Atlantic’s partnerships with Delta Air Lines and WestJet. This network approach enables travellers to connect efficiently across continents while benefiting from coordinated schedules and shared services.

The route is operated using the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, featuring 31 Upper Class seats, 35 Premium seats, and 192 Economy seats, along with Virgin Atlantic’s signature Upper Class social space. Since 2019, the airline has significantly scaled its India operations, increasing capacity by 250 per cent and offering over 500,000 seats annually between the UK and India.

Commenting on the expansion, Juha Jaervinen, Chief Commercial Officer, Virgin Atlantic, said,

“We’re delighted to be strengthening our Bengaluru service, reflecting strong customer demand and our continued commitment to India. As one of India’s most dynamic technology and business hubs, it’s fantastic to be able to offer more choice for travellers between Bengaluru and the UK, as well as greater connectivity to North America with our partners, Delta Air Lines and WestJet. Our amazing people look forward to welcoming even more customers on board with our signature service.”

With this expansion, Virgin Atlantic continues to deepen its footprint in the Indian market while strengthening long-haul connectivity between India, the UK, and North America.


Bollywood Meets the High Seas: Yacht Week Opens Its Iconic Adriatic Experience to Indian Travellers

Bollywood Meets the High Seas: Yacht Week Opens Its Iconic Adriatic Experience to Indian Travellers

By Hariharan U

Published on December 25, 2025

Following the release of the visually striking trailer of the Bollywood entertainer Tu Meri Main Tera, curiosity around its breathtaking coastal backdrops has surged among Indian audiences. From turquoise waters to sun-drenched decks and high-energy yacht parties, the film’s sailing sequences have quickly become talking points online.

Yacht Week has now confirmed that these iconic scenes are not cinematic fantasy. The sailing lifestyle, vibrant social moments, and the much-talked-about circle raft parties featured in the trailer are part of its real-world experience and Indian travellers are officially invited to join.

Shot along Croatia’s stunning Adriatic coastline, the film showcases destinations such as Hvar, Vis, and Brač. These islands form the core of Yacht Week’s legendary Original Route, a carefully curated sailing journey that has long been popular with travellers from around the world.

For Indian audiences, this marks a chance to step beyond the screen and experience the lifestyle themselves. Yacht Week combines island-hopping, sailing, and immersive social experiences that closely echo the companionship, romance, and freedom portrayed in Tu Meri Main Tera.

The week-long journey mirrors the spirit of the film, taking guests along the same Adriatic waters, stopping at historic coastal towns and hidden bays. Days are spent soaking up the sun on deck, swimming in clear blue waters, and enjoying relaxed seaside meals. Evenings transform into open-air celebrations, culminating in the iconic Circle Raft, a signature Yacht Week moment where yachts connect in the middle of the sea to create a floating celebration, just as seen in the trailer.

Despite its global reputation, Yacht Week is positioning the experience as accessible for Indian millennials, couples, and groups of friends. Flexible instalment plans are also available, allowing guests to secure their spot with an initial deposit.

Commenting on the growing interest, Sahil Wahid, Director, Revel Travel — Official Travel Partner for India, said,

“We were thrilled to see Bollywood bring the energy of Yacht Week to the big screen with Tu Meri Main Tera. The trailer perfectly captures the spirit of friendship and freedom that defines our global community. We know Indian travelers have a deep love for travel and cinema, and we are ready to welcome them to live the journey they've fallen in love with on screen — real yachts, real people, and the real Adriatic summer.”

Bookings are now open for the upcoming summer season, offering Indian travellers the opportunity to experience the exact route, lifestyle, and energy that made the film’s sailing scenes go viral.

For more details, visit: www.theyachtweek.com


Ring in 2026 with Grand Celebrations at ZANA Luxury Resorts & Country Inn Hotels

Ring in 2026 with Grand Celebrations at ZANA Luxury Resorts & Country Inn Hotels

By Hariharan U

Published on December 19, 2025

As the countdown to 2026 begins, ZANA Luxury Resorts and Country Inn Hotels & Resorts invite travellers to celebrate the New Year in style with thoughtfully curated packages across some of India’s most picturesque destinations. From lakeside luxury and hill retreats to wildlife escapes, these celebrations promise a perfect blend of fun, relaxation, and indulgence.

ZANA Luxury Resorts – Jim Corbett: Guests at ZANA Luxury Suites & Cottages and ZANA In The Wild can enjoy an energetic New Year under the stars with DJ entertainment, fireworks, lucky draws, and a live performance by acclaimed percussionist Nishant Gugnani. A dedicated kids’ zone and special buffet ensure fun for all ages.

ZANA Lake Resort, Udaipur: Celebrate amid the shimmering lakes of Udaipur with a serene yet festive lakeside gala dinner. Guests can enjoy gourmet breakfasts, leisurely hi-teas, and even bring their own alcohol for a personalised experience.

ZANA By The Ganges, Rishikesh: This newest luxury address offers a soulful start to 2026 with a lively gala dinner, live singing, and tranquil views of the Ganges and Himalayas—perfect for those seeking festive celebrations with a touch of serenity.

ZANA Forest Resort, Ranthambore: Spread across 11 acres, the resort blends luxury cottages, green spaces, and a festive gala dinner, making it ideal for families and nature enthusiasts looking for a peaceful yet memorable New Year.

Country Inn Nature Resort, Bhimtal: Surrounded by hills and crisp mountain air, guests can enjoy a DJ, fireworks, Kumaoni folk dance, live singing, bonfire, and a lavish gala dinner, providing a joyous and family-friendly way to welcome 2026.

Country Inn Premier, Mussoorie: Step into the New Year with panoramic hill station views, warm hospitality, a lively DJ, and gala dinner, creating a relaxed yet festive celebration in Mussoorie.

Country Inn Riverside Resort, Jim Corbett: Adjacent to ZANA In The Wild, this property offers a nature-centric celebration with fireworks, bonfire, DJ entertainment, lucky draws, and live percussion performances, ensuring a memorable New Year getaway.

Across all locations, guests can enjoy live music, curated gastronomic experiences, and immersive entertainment designed to create unforgettable memories. With these New Year packages, ZANA Luxury Resorts and Country Inn Hotels offer the perfect blend of celebration, comfort, and scenic beauty.

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