Thai Airways to Launch Northeast India Flights

In a major Boost towards the connectivity for the eastern India, Thailand government has confirmed that the Thai Airways, the national carrier of Thailand would be starting direct flights to Assam capital Guwahati. It has been observed that there has been growing number of Indians visiting Thailand for tourism and The flights to the Eastern region will be also a step towards initiating more Business visitors to the country.


But the flights are expected to initiated not before the end of January 2011. Currently Thai Airways have direct flights to Indian cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and Bangalore.The move would also boost the opportunity to Thai construction companies to invest in India. The move also come at a time when the aviation sector in India is seeing major growth potential with most of the airline flying at 80-90% occupancy and opening an untapped market may be profitable for Thai Airways.Presently most of the airline do not have direct flight to the Northeast region of India.

Air India Express To Start Cheap Flight Operation for Tier II cities

Air India Express the low cost arm of the India's national carrier Air India has taken credible steps towards launching budget domestic flights from March 2011, linking all metros in India such as Delhi,Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata with tier II suburban and million plus cities in the initial phase.But particularly for Delhi, the cheap Flights will start only from October or December 2011. Late Delhi operation is due to the operational requirement to get the pilots trained for flying in Fog like circumstances.

Once a big hit the Low costs carrier is also to get renamed as Express India as well as shifting headquarters to Cochin from Mumbai due to heavy Southern presence for the carrier. The cheap Air India express flights are termed super economy and the proposed fares for these carriers will be be double that of the economy charges and the seats may also have in flight entertainment.

United States to enforce US secure flight rules form next Month

Air travelers visiting United states will have to furnish additional details regarding personal information on all flight bookings starting from November all international and domestic flights. At the time of booking all the travelers would be required to fill in their date of birth, gender at least 72 hours before the scheduled departure of the flights.

The rules to be enforced and overseen by the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) wants passengers to provide complete secure flight passenger data when booking reservations so that it can conduct watch list matching and approve airlines to issue a boarding pass to the travelers. The new rules apply to all international and domestic flights.Recent times has seen United states go heavy on accumulating traveler data and its matching with the available records for security purposes.

World Travel and Tourism Awards Goes to India for 2010

India was judged the best in the World Travel Awards Asia & Australasia Ceremony held in Delhi on 14 October 2010.India bagged the Asia’s Leading Destination” at the World Travel Awards Ceremony attended by the leading Travel company's CEOs.Besides the tourism destination category India also figured prominently in terms of Hotels and Resorts category.Indian awards also included “Asia’s Leading Hotel” and “Asia’s Leading Luxury Hotel” for the Trident Gurgaon; “Asia’s Leading Resort” for The Leela Kempinski Kovalam Beach Kerala, Oberoi Hotels & Resorts won the award for “Asia’s Leading Hotel Brand”; whilst India Tourism picked up “Asia’s Leading Tourist Board”.

Some Asian Brands also emerged for their exemplary service and customer orientation. This included Malaysia Airlines, which bagged the “Asia’s Leading Airline” and “Asia’s Leading Airline Business Class” awards. Shanghai won the award for “Asia’s Leading Meetings & Conference Destination”, Avis received the trophy for “Asia’s Leading Car Hire”, Cox & Kings were awarded “India’s Leading Destination Management Company”. The Pan Pacific Singapore won the trophy for “Asia’s Leading Business Hotel”, while Swissôtel was crowned “Asia’s Leading Business Hotel Brand”.

In totality India bagged picking up 11 out of a possible 47 awards. This also indicates the rise of India as a top Holiday destination.

American Airlines to codeshare with Jetstar

In yet another indication of the growing cooperation between airlines to beat the market competition, Jetstar and American Airlines have decided to share domestic New Zealand services to boost air traffic numbers into particularly in Queenstown and the lower South Island in New Zealand.

The new alliance could dramatically increase the number of American tourists visiting New Zealand.
American Airlines is the world's second largest airline and US visitors to New Zea land account for a third of the over-all inbound market, worth about $500 million to the economy each year.


Recently Jetstar expanded its services between Singapore and Auckland and this segment can also be a major beneficiary of the new code share agreement. The proposed code share agreement applies to domestic services between Queens town, Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland and accounts for 116 weekly flights. It is noteworthy that American Airlines already has an existing agreement with Qantas, the owner of Jetstar with respect to flights between Los Angeles and Auckland in Newzealand.

From now on the passengers on international flights to Newzealand could catch a domestic Jetstar flight from Auckland as part of one itinerary. Code share agreements have been one way in which airlines cooperate to beat the recessions.

American Airlines,British Airways and Iberia Air Launches their Joint Venture

In a major development American Airlines, British Airways and Iberia air have launched their Joint Venture which will have a major impact on the European and American Travel and flight industry. Most important of all with the collaboration between the three airlines airfares are going to be reduced considerably. In recent time there have been a flurry of airlines cooperation deals such as that by Continental Airlines, SkyTeam alliance of Air France-KLM, Delta and Alitalia air.

The combined airlines will launch operations in four new routes - New York JFK-Budapest, Chicago-Helsinki, London Heathrow-San Diego and Madrid-Los Angeles from April. Mean time the airlines expect that increased code-sharing will drive prices down as customers will have a greater number of flights from which to choose if the price offered by the airlines happens to be different.

The airlines will:

• An aligned schedules will be launched spacing out departure times to give customers more flexibility.
• Allowing Travelers e to book on any of the three airlines' websites and check in at the desk of the airline they booked with or are flying.
• Also the frequent flyer programs of all the three airlines have been aligned allowing greater customer flexibility.

Continental Airlines and united Airlines Merger Deal

Continental Airlines and United UAL have entered into a deal that is set to emerge as the largest Carrier group in the world. The United Continental Holdings, the name for the new entity is formed fro the $3.1 billion merger and the Symbol would be UAL.Both the companies have already strong Global Network and with the merger have unparalleled global network, the best new aircraft order book among U.S. network carriers and can afford to offer superior products and services.

The United Holding will have approximately $9 billion in unrestricted cash at closing and the merger is expected to deliver $1.0 billion to $1.2 billion in net annual synergies by 2013, including between $800 million and $900 million of incremental annual revenue, from expanded customer options resulting from the greater scope and scale of the network, fleet optimization and expanded service enabled by the broader network of the combined carrier.

On a pro-forma basis, the combined company would have annual revenues of $31.4 billion, based on results for the 12 months ending June 30,2010.The impact of The merger will on other airlines such as Delta airlines is yet to be seen particularly when share of Delta airlines in domestic flights is reduce in this preceding quarter.
Tags:United Airlines, Continental Airlines

Jet airways get Nod For Flights to Milan

Jet Airways Proposed Flight to Milan (Italy) has been approved by the Indian aviation ministry. Besides Flight to Milan the Indian airlines also got permission to increase the no of light operations to many other international destinations such as Dubai, Bangkok and Colombo from various Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore.

This is seen as very favorable opportunity for Jet Airways to delve into the untapped European markets which presently are served through indirect flights from India. Besides Milan, Jet Airways also proposes to have direct flights to other European destinations as till now there was a freeze India’s largest airline by passengers carried had imposed on long-haul route expansion following the financial crisis of 2008.

Jet Airways launched international flights in 2004 and expanded aggressively on long-haul routes, but imposed a moratorium of new long-haul international flights in November 2008 after a credit crunch and economic slowdown in the wake of the collapse of US investment bank Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. in September 2008. As a part of resuming its long-distance route expansion, Jet Airways had applied for permission to fly to other international routes including Mexico and Paris.
The step of Jet Airways is definite to be followed by many other Indian airlines such as Kingfisher who are now vying for international destinations to enhance their profitability.

Singapore airlines Grand India and Global Plans

Singapore Airlines has finally set its eyes on teh Indian airlines market for its next phse of expansion.Singapore Airlines plans to expand its footprints in India seems to be fructifying in terms of landing rights for new destinations and enhancing capacity on the routes that it services.

Singapore airlines hopes to utilize the Indian growth prospects emerging markets to expand its operations globally.

Airline traffic has been in the upswing since last year and at he same time traffic between Singapore and India is expected to rise with the scaling up of the comprehensive economic cooperation agreement (CECA) between the two countries to facilitate flow of trade, services and investment. India has emerged as a priority market and an important component of Singapore Airlines global operations.


The CECA between the two countries is expected to pave the way for Indian doctors, dentists and architects to tap the opportunities available in Singapore. In the education sector , Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, already has a presence in Singapore along with universities such as Stanford and Cornell . The strengthening of the economic ties is expected to result not only in more business, but also tourists traveling between the two countries. After the global slowdown, Singapore has bounced back strongly with estimates indicating economic growth at 15%, providing more scope to both sides to expand trade and investment flows.

Singapore Airlines has reinstated double dailies on the Mumbai and Delhi routes and together with its sister carrier Silk Air, the two carriers operate 80 flights to India. With its fleet of newly acquired Air bus 380 The airlines seems to be much prepared to tap the market. But Only Emirates airlines and Air India expansion plan have to be watched.

British Airways and American Airlines Joint Venture to Start

The proposed agreement between British Airways Plc’s American Airlines for a joint venture on flights across the United states and Europe is set to kick start in the first week of November.

The two airlines have indicated that both of them will also align their frequent-flier programs allowing travelers to earn and use their miles on both airlines as soon as the venture starts operating. The companies then plan to coordinate their schedule next year before adding new destinations in the U.S. and Europe.


British Airways is Europe’s third-largest carrier, and American airlines based in Texas, won approval for the tie- up from antitrust regulators in July on their third try, after rejections in 1997 and 2001. The alliance will control almost 50 percent of U.S. flights at London’s Heathrow Airport.

In another development, Iberia Lineas Aereas, the Spanish airline is scheduled to complete its merger with London-based British Airways by the end of 2010,is also part of the joint venture and will contribute about 10 percent of the venture’s estimated $7 billion in annual revenue.

British Airways to Codeshare with an Indian Airlines

In a major development the British Airways and an Indian Airlines, Kingfisher Airlines have decided to implement code sharing on each other’s flights across India, UK and all over Europe starting from coming 15 September 2010.

This development is very important as it is for the first time that the British Airways has initiated this for an India based airlines. As such the British airways code will be shared on 11 domestic Indian routes and one route to Sri Lanka operated by Kingfisher Airlines and in turn Kingfisher Airlines’ code will be placed on nine British Airways’ routes from Heathrow to the UK regions and continental Europe.

As a consequence of this,the airlines’ customers will be able to book their whole journey on each other’s websites, earn frequent flyer points on the code share routes and gain access to each other’s airport lounges.

Kingfisher Also announced earlier that it is lining up to join oneworld. The codeshare with British Airways will mean that our guests from India will now be able to fly seamlessly to nine new European cities. Besides making onward connections much simpler, this will mean enhanced connectivity and reach for guests traveling with us to Europe. Similarly, all British Airways’ fliers will now be able to travel with India’s first and only five star airline.

British Airways have flights from from Heathrow to Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Chennai. Hence its code will be placed on Kingfisher Airlines flights from Bangalore to Chennai, Coimbatore and Kochi; Chennai to Coimbatore and Colombo (Sri Lanka). Delhi to Bangalore and Kolkata; Mumbai to Bangalore, Chennai, Goa, Hyderabad and Kolkata.

Kingfisher Airlines flies from Delhi and Mumbai to Heathrow. Its code will be placed on British Airways flights from Heathrow to Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester, Amsterdam, Brussels, Dusseldorf, Lisbon and Paris.

Indian Airlines announces International Flights to Srilanka

Two Indian airlines have decided to start operations to Sri Lanka following such moves by other international airlines such as Air Asia and Emirates.

Both SpiceJet and Jet Airways have announced their plans to start direct flights to Colombo from many Indian cities. Known for their low-cost fare structuring it is assumed that travel to the island may get cheaper with arrival of new players.
Also Jet Airways, one of the fastest growing airlines too announced earlier of its plans to launch charter flights to Sri Lanka from Brussels.

Other international airlines have already started operations to Sri Lanka since the end of war. They are Air Asia, Fly Dubai, Oman Air and Indian Express.

Flights To India crippled

Flights to India such as Air India, Indian airline and many international airlines such as Lufthansa and British airways was affected by the trade union strike going on in India. The major problems faced by the commuters were primarily regarding flights cancellation and Flight delays.

Left stranded the commuters had to face harrowing time in waiting impatiently for the airlines for they were not told in advanced about the delays or impending trade union strike.

Most importantly, there were no words from the government to alleviate the situation and neither there were reports of any Trade Union and government meeting to cut a deal.

Indian National airline, Air India airlines has been voted and ranked as the 'Most Trusted Brand' in the aviation sector in India according to the study conducted by the Economic Times Brand Equity Survey 2010.

Air India has made to the top profile for the fifth consecutive year. Air India express has also been ranked 28th among the top 50 service brands in India, which incidentally is placed ahead of many Indian leading banks, renowned insurance companies, retail food-chains and of course other airlines .

Not many months ago Air India was ranked also chosen for the Reader’s Digest Trusted Brand Gold Award also for the fifth consecutive year. One of the foremost criteria adopted by the survey of the Economic Times in collaboration with The Nielsen Company is related to a particular brand's with consumers. in terms of familiarity, consumer perception about quality and reassurance of a good service.

Air India has been positioning itself for continued market dominance by remodeling it as a major low cost airline service provider as rising income of suburban cities means that there will be greater demand for airlines and air services in those cities.

Hence, Air India Express has decided to introduce many new destinations, international and domestic starting with 20 cities and 150 flights per week and waiting for the pan-India services launch. The viability of an all economy aircraft is yet to be proved in the Indian market and hence the steps of Air Indian express is keenly watched and so are the Air Indian Express airfares and online booking offerings. Recently Jet airways also launched the low cost carrier model and other airlines may follow suit.

Kerela Emerges Top Asian Travel Destination in 2010

Kerala’s serene beaches, tranquil stretches of emerald backwaters, lush hill stations and exotic wildlife has emerged as the winning combination for the travellers to vote the state as the best Asian holiday destination ahead of Bali, Phuket and the Maldives.

The accolade was revealed in the ‘Best in Travel poll 2010’ carried out by an independent online travel magazine Smart Travel Asia. It is a destination of reader’s perception and favorite travel brands. The poll, conducted throughout May-July this year, puts the spotlight on ‘aspirational” brands and travel trends in the region.

Bali and Phuket were voted as second and third most favorite holiday destinations in Asia. The only other Indian travel destinations to be listed in the top 10 were Rajasthan and Goa which came in at eighth and tenth spot respectively.


The vote is based on actual travel experience, word-of-mouth, as well as an idea of the brand drawn from ads and PR. Voters polled in 12 categories including Asia's best business hotels, luxury resorts, spas, destinations, business cities, shopping spots, and the world's best airlines and airports.

Bangalore Travel figures in the eighth position in the top 10 cities in Asia for businesses. Jet Airways figure in the top 10 airlines worldwide and those for business class and for cabin services. In the category of budget airline, Two Indian Airlines,Spice jet and Kingfisher Red figure in the top 10.

Approximately 60 per cent of voters are based in Asia (largely Singapore, Australia, Hong Kong, India, China, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, and the Middle East), 20 per cent in UK/Europe and 20 per cent in USA and North America.

On average, voters took 13.56 air travel trips over the last 12 months and earned US$164,501 in household income. Smart Travel Asia has over one million readers worldwide. Kerela is already on top of the Tourist map and has healthy Air and Bus services including Volvo Buses and Ac Car travel options.

Tags: Kerela Travel Packages

Airline Traffic Growth in India

Airline traffic rowth in India remained in double digits last month, with traffic now rebounding to well above pre-recession levels, at an average growth rate of almost 21% in the year-to-date. Meanwhile, the stability in the sector has improved, as continued passenger growth combines with a pick up in business class travel - and henceyields.

Traffic growth exceeding 2008 and 2007 levels

Indian aviation, which entered negative territory earlier than other Asian nations and the rest of the world, has also been one of the quickest to recover, with domestic traffic now some 34% above Jul-2008 levels (17% above Jul-2007 and 65% above Jul-2006 levels).

However numbers were weaker for a second consecutive month on a month-on-month basis in Jul-2010, from a record high in May-2010. July is a traditionally weak month for travel demand in India, however traffic is expected to pick up again after mid Sep-2010.

India airline shares gaining strongly: Spicejet and Jet shares reach highest levels since Jan-2008

Shares in Indian airlines have gained strongly this month (reflecting overall market strength, with India’s benchmark stock index rising to a 30-month high during the month as slowing food inflation fuelled speculation the monsoon will boost crop output and buoy economic growth).

Meanwhile, shares in Kingfishre reached their highest levels since Jan-2010 on 24-Aug-2010, with Jet Airways and SpiceJet share prices on the same date reaching their highest levels of 2010 (Jet Airways and SpiceJet share prices both reached their highest level since Jan-2008).

Jet Airways’ shares have been the strongest, with SpiceJet also gaining strongly, while Kingfisher shares have been dogged by concerns about high debt levels. Indian airline stocks have also been buoyed by hopes that the strong economy will result in improved demand, especially given the start of the holiday season in October.
Jet Airways, SpiceJet and Kingfisher index share price: Jan-2010 to Aug-2010


Indian Government considering raising FDI levels for domestic airlines
The carriers' share price gains in the month were also boosted by reiterations by Civil Aviation Minister, Praful Patel, on 19-Aug-2010, that the Government is examining a plan to allow foreign carriers to invest in domestic airlines.

The government has also agreed to a one-year extension to a Jul-2010 deadline to phase out 400 foreign pilots from commercial carriers in a bid to increase the number of Indian pilots.

4.1 million domestic pax in Jul-2010

The carriers’ share prices have also been boosted by figures released on 18-Aug-2010 by the Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation that overall domestic passenger numbers in India increased 13.5% to 4.1 million.

Kingfisher remained the largest stand-alone carrier (by domestic passenger numbers) in Jul-2010, handling 815,000 passengers (a 1.7% year-on-year reduction), with an average load factor of 79.3%. Jet Airways, meanwhile, reported a 14.8% increase in domestic passenger levels, to be the second-largest single carrier in the market, although the combined Jet Airways-JetLite grouping handled 1.1 million passengers in the month.

Among the LCCs, Indigo handled 691,000 passengers with a 38% year-on-year increase (to witness the fastest growth among the carriers) while SpiceJet passenger numbers increased 20.3% to 540,000. IndiGo is now just a small margin behind third position (currently state-owned Air India with 708,000 domestic passengers and growth of 21.6%).
Indian domestic passenger traffic: Jul-2010
Traffic Year-on-year
Kingfisher 815,000 -1.7%
Jet Airways 782,000 +14.8%
Air India 708,000 +21.6%
Indigo 691,000 +37.6%
SpiceJet 540,000 +20.3%
JetLite 308,000 +15.8%
Goair 228,000 +11.8%
Paramount 12,000 -83.3%
Total 4.1 mill +13.5%
Source: Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation and DGCA
Kingfisher and Paramount witness passenger reductions

However, Kingfisher, along with Paramount, reported year-on-year domestic passenger reductions, of 1.7% and 83.3% respectively in Jul-2010. Paramount’s domestic passenger levels slumped to only 12,000 in the month due to the grounding of most of its aircraft (Paramount is, however, permitted to operate despite the suspension of its licence by the Indian Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), based on an interim order handed down by the Madras High Court last month. The DGCA requires a domestic carrier to operate with a minimum of five aircraft – Paramount operates one).
LLCs lead the way in return to traffic growth

The reversal of negative traffic growth in 2010 has been predominantly led by LCCs. Perhaps the most significant recent strategic development in the Indian domestic market has been that it is rapidly turning low cost.

The combined market share of independent LCCs is now over 35%, while the nation’s full service carriers now deploy almost 70-80% of their domestic capacity under budget brands, such as Jet Konnect and Kingfisher Red, pushing the share of LCCs up to around 70%. The national carrier, Air India, is now the only airline in the market without a domestic LCC or low-cost brand, although it is planning to follow suit.

Most load factors above 70%, with the exception of Air India
Most domestic carriers reported load factors of above 70% for the month, with the exception of Air India, with a load factor of 62.5% in the month (the carrier is currently conducting a route rationalisation programme, involving the redeployment of capacity from non-profitable to profitable routes).

At the other end of the spectrum, Paramount’s load factors stood at 86.9%, with other load factors in the 70-80% range. However, the Jul-2010 load factors lagged Jun-2010 levels, with this attributed to reduced travel due to the onset of the monsoon season.
As a whole, Indian carriers have generally been careful in adding capacity back into the market, with single-digit capacity growth anticipated for the full year across the industry. This is likely to increase to double-digit growth in the future. This capacity discipline has provided a much-needed boost to load factors and yields, which will in turn have a flow-on effect into profitability.
Indian carriers seat factor: Jul-2010

Source: Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation & Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation
On-time performance rate of 82.7%; Government to introduce new delay compensation regulations
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Civil Aviation also stated scheduled domestic airlines reported an overall on-time performance rate of 82.7% in Jul-2010, as follows:
• Paramount: 90.3%;
• JetLite: 90%;
• Jet Airways: 89.1%;
• Kingfisher: 86.5%;
• IndiGo: 85.4%;
• GoAir: 80.5%;
• Air India: 74.6%;
• SpiceJet: 69.9%.

Separately, India’s Minister for Civil Aviation, Praful Patel, commented that Indian airlines would soon be required by law to compensate passengers in the event of long delays and sudden cancellations. Airlines that fail to notify passengers travelling on confirmed tickets will be forced to compensate passengers up to INR2,000 (USD43) for sectors longer than one hour, INR3,000 for one to two hour sectors, and up to INR4,000 for longer sectors.

Outlook improving

Domestic growth first returned in Jun-2009, with growth in every subsequent month, following a turbulent period from Jul-2008 onwards, characterised by weak demand and excess capacity. Financially, the domestic airline industry has been in turbulence for the past two financial years, with weak demand exacerbated by escalating fuel prices in mid 2008.

The industry is estimated to have lost approximately USD1.7 billion in 2009/2010, although it will likely be profitable in the 3 months ended 30-Jun-10 due to a combination of improved load factors and yields. The sector is expected to rebound in the current fiscal year (ending Mar-2011), with India’s private carriers including Jet, Kingfisher and SpiceJet, estimated to post a combined net profit of INR12-14 billion (approximately USD258-301 million), compared with a loss of INR30 billion (USD639 million) last year. Meanwhile, Air India will continue to be loss-making, with India’s Minister for Civil Aviation, Praful Patel, stating Air India’s parent, the National Aviation Company of India Ltd (NACIL) is targeting break-even by 2014-15.

Meanwhile, the traffic outlook for the nation’s carriers is also optimistic, with a further pickup in traffic demand expected post Sep-2010, coinciding with the festival and holiday season.

Will Emirates buy Stakes in American Airlines?

Emirates, which is the biggest airline by international traffic has denied any plan to acquire a stake in AMR Corp., denying speculation of a linkup with the parent of American Airlines.

AMR gained as much as 6.8 percent after Theflyonthewall.com reported that Dubai-based Emirates was in talks with the Justice Department to acquire a 49 percent stake. The shares of Fort Worth, Texas-based AMR rose 13 cents, or 2.2 percent, to $6.17 at 4 p.m. in New York Stock Exchange composite trading.

U.S. law limits foreign ownership of domestic carriers to no more than 25 percent of voting stock. American sat out the two recent big U.S. mergers, as Delta Air Lines Inc. bought Northwest Airlines Corp. in 2008 and UAL Corp.’s United Airlines agreed in May to combine with Continental Airlines Inc.

In June, Emirates Airlines ordered 32 additional Airbus SAS A380s valued at $11 billion. That order would give the 25-year-old company 70 more super jumbos than any other airline, funneling passengers through its Dubai base in a challenge to network carriers including Deutsche Lufthansa AG, Air France-KLM Group and Singapore Airlines Ltd.

Emirates ranked only 24th among international airlines as recently as 2000, putting it on a par with Sabena SA, the state- owned Belgian carrier that went bust a year later.

In the intervening period the Gulf carrier has achieved a sixfold increase in traffic, overtaking Lufthansa last year to become the biggest carrier on international flights, according to the International Air Transport Association, which counts Air France and KLM as two airlines.
Tag Cloud: Indian Airlines, Lufthansa

Commonwealth games spurt local Travel Market

Commonwealth games has led to an unexpected rise in the domestic travel, airlines and holiday booking. This is largely on account of the one month school and office vacations planned during the commonwealth games. Another reason could be wish of the less sport loving people to avoid the huge traffic and crowd during the commonwealth games.

Major online travel portals have seen a major hike in travel bookings for the period starting October, with an hike of 15% increase in ticket sales. Another major component is the tendency of visitors to avoid Rajasthan, Agra and nearby areas as these places are expected to attract the most visitors as an spin off from the commonwealth games.

Indian Airlines partnering with Star Alliance: Still Some time to wait

Air India’s plans of joining the global airline network Star Alliance could get delayed again as the air carrier has not been able to get its employees appropriate training. The airline had fixed March 2011 as its outer deadline to join Alliance, which will open new routes and boost traffic for the carrier.

The debt-laden Indian airlines has not been able to commence a programme, the commercial transformation project (CTP), to train and bring employees to the standards recommended by the Star Alliance. “This project (CTP) is a prelude to joining the Star Alliance but it hasn’t even started due to unnecessary delays at AI’s end,” a government official told ET.

The delay comes despite the airline setting up a three-member committee to chart a course for the training so that Air India could join the alliance on time. “That (committee) has not even met, delaying the process. There is no clarity on the matter,” said an airline official, adding that the CTP will cost lot more now. In November 2009, Air India signed an agreement with London-headquartered management consulting firm Mckinsey and Co to implement the training project at a fee of Rs 12.86 crore.Now, that the programme has not taken off for eight months, McKinsey has hiked fee by 25%, means Rs 3.2 crore more, which could have been avoided according to airline official said.

More on Indian Airlines Flights

Ten Heritage Sites to look for while travelling to India

Agra Fort


The Read Sadstone fort, Near the gardens of the Taj Mahal stands the important 16th-century Mughal monument known as the Red Fort of Agra. This powerful fortress of red sandstone encompasses, within its 2.5-km-long enclosure walls, the imperial city of the Mughal rulers. It comprises many fairy-tale palaces, such as the Jahangir Palace and the Khas Mahal, built by Shah Jahan; audience halls, such as the Diwan-i-Khas; and two very beautiful mosques. Connected to delhi by Indian airlines Flights

Location:Uttar Pradesh, Northern India
Nearest Airport: Agra
Flights: Indian Airlines, Etihad Air, Kingfisher Airlines, Jet Airways


Ajanta fort
Maharashtra State, Weastern India


The first Buddhist cave monuments at Ajanta date from the 2nd and 1st centuries B.C. During the Gupta period (5th and 6th centuries A.D.), many more richly decorated caves were added to the original group. The paintings and sculptures of Ajanta, considered masterpieces of Buddhist religious art, have had a considerable artistic influence.
Location: Aurangabad District
Nearest Airport: Nagpur, Pune


Elephanta Caves



The 'City of Caves', on an island in the Sea of Oman close to Bombay, contains a collection of rock art linked to the cult of Shiva. Here, Indian art has found one of its most perfect expressions, particularly the huge high reliefs in the main cave.
Loaction: Maharashtra State,
District Kolaba (Island of Elephanta)
Nearest Airport: Mumbai

Group of Monuments at Hampi



The austere, grandiose site of Hampi was the last capital of the last great Hindu Kingdom of Vijayanagar. Its fabulously rich princes built Dravidian temples and palaces which won the admiration of travellers between the 14th and 16th centuries. Conquered by the Deccan Muslim confederacy in 1565, the city was pillaged over a period of six months before being abandoned.


Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram


This group of sanctuaries, founded by the Pallava kings, was carved out of rock along the Coromandel coast in the 7th and 8th centuries. It is known especially for its rathas (temples in the form of chariots), mandapas (cave sanctuaries), giant open-air reliefs such as the famous 'Descent of the Ganges', and the temple of Rivage, with thousands of sculptures to the glory of Shiva. Directly connected to airlines flights from Chennai.
Location: Tamil Nadu State
Nearest Airport: Chennai
Served by : Indian airline Flights


Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya



The Mahabodhi Temple Complex is one of the four holy sites related to the life of the Lord Buddha, and particularly to the attainment of Enlightenment. The first temple was built by Emperor Asoka in the 3rd century B.C., and the present temple dates from the 5th or 6th centuries. It is one of the earliest Buddhist temples built entirely in brick, still standing in India, from the late Gupta period. Connected to Patna and Delhi by Air India flights
State of Bihar, Eastern India
Nearest airport: Gaya, Patna

Sun Temple, Konârak


On the shores of the Bay of Bengal, bathed in the rays of the rising sun, the temple at Konarak is a monumental representation of the sun god Surya's chariot; its 24 wheels are decorated with symbolic designs and it is led by a team of six horses. Built in the 13th century, it is one of India's most famous Brahman sanctuaries.
State of Orissa,Puri District
Nearest airport: Bhubaneswar


Khajuraho Group of Monuments

The temples at Khajuraho were built during the Chandella dynasty, which reached its apogee between 950 and 1050. Only about 20 temples remain; they fall into three distinct groups and belong to two different religions – Hinduism and Jainism. They strike a perfect balance between architecture and sculpture. The Temple of Kandariya is decorated with a profusion of sculptures that are among the greatest masterpieces of Indian art.
Location: State of Madhya Pradesh
Nearest airport: Bhopal

Great Living Chola Temples



Two great Chola Temples of the 11th and 12th centuries have been added to the 11th century Brihadisvara temple of Thanjavur, inscribed in 1987. The Great Living Chola Temples were built by kings of the Chola Empire, which stretched over all of South India and the neighbouring islands. The site now includes the three great 11th and 12th century Chola Temples: the Brihadisvara temple of Thanjavur, the Temple of Gangaikondacholisvaram and the Airavatesvara temple at Darasuram. The Temple of Gangaikondacholisvaram, built by Rajendra I, was completed in 1035. Its 53-m vimana (sanctum tower) has recessed corners and a graceful upward curving movement, contrasting with the straight and severe tower at Thanjavur. It has six pairs of massive, monolithic dvarapalas statues guarding the entrances and bronzes of remarkable beauty inside. The Airavatesvara temple complex, built by Rajaraja II, at Darasuram features a 24-m vimana and a stone image of Shiva. The temples testify to the Cholas brilliant achievements in architecture, sculpture, painting, and bronze casting.



Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka



The Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka are in the foothills of the Vindhyan Mountains on the southern edge of the central Indian plateau. Within massive sandstone outcrops, above comparatively dense forest, are five clusters of natural rock shelters, displaying paintings that appear to date from the Mesolithic Period right through to the historical period. The cultural traditions of the inhabitants of the twenty-one villages adjacent to the site bear a strong resemblance to those represented in the rock paintings.
Loaction; Madhya Pradesh
Nearest airport: Bhopal
Srved by Indian airlines

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Enchanting Kerela: Six places in Kerela you can't miss

Kerala, Located in southern India, often referred to as "God's Own Country" truly deserves its name with it's vast expense of virgin evergereen foreste, backwaters, Tropical coastal climate and rich cultural traditions.Coupled with this is the mixture of traditional medical, yogic and Ayurvedic streams which makes Kerela a really enjoyable destination with unique blend of both rejuvenation,leisure and luxury. Here is the list of most exiting places to visit while you are in Kerela.

Kerala Backwaters


Found in coastal Kerela and often on the outskirts of big rice fileds, Backwaters is One of the most tranquil and relaxing things you can do in Kerala is take a trip in a houseboat along the palm-fringed Kerala canals, known as the backwaters. Freshly cooked Indian food and chilled beer on board the boat make the experience even more enjoyable. You can even spend the night out on the middle of a lak

Fort Kochi


Known as the "Gateway to Kerala", Kochi is an enchanting city that's had an eclectic influence. Arabs, British, Dutch, Chinese, and Portuguese have all left their mark on the city. The architecture and historical sites in Fort Kochi attract most of the visitors to the area. There you'll find the Saint Francis Church, said to be the oldest European built church in India.

Fort Kochi is an excellent place to explore on foot. In the late afternoon head to the waterfront, where the Chinese fishing nets line the shore, and relax in one of the many casual restaurants as the sun sets. You can also catch a Kathakali dance performance at the Kerala Kathakali Center. Interested in an Ayurvedic treatment? Agastyatheeram Ayurvedic Center is the place.


Periyar National Park


Kerala's Periyar National Park is one of the most popular national parks in southern India. One of the best things about the park is that it stays open all year round, even during the monsoon season. Periyar is known for its elephants, and 30 minute elephant rides through the jungle are offered. Safaris are carried out by boat, with the lake being particularly captivating at sunset. Visitors can also take part in an excellent variety of eco-tourism activities there. Abode to wild boar, deers and antelope.

Varkala

The setting of this Varkala beach is striking enough to take your breath away, with a long winding stretch of cliff and views that extend over the Arabian Sea. A paved footpath runs along the length of the cliff, bordered by coconut palms, quaint shops, beach shacks, hotels, and guest houses. Nestled at the bottom of the cliff is a long stretch of sparkling beach, reached by steps leading down from the cliff top. It's not surprising that Varkala is one of India's best beaches. If you're there during late March/early April, try and catch the temple festival.

Munnar

If you like tea, a visit to Munnar is a must! The surrounding region is renowned for its sprawling tea plantations. The Kundale Tea Plantations, which surrounds a picturesque lake, offers the best opportunity to see the tea being picked and processed, and to try fresh tea straight from the gardens. The area is blessed with the natural beauty of winding lanes, misty hills, and forests full of exotic plants and wildlife. Adventure enthusiasts can trek to Anamudi, the highest peak in south India, explore Eravikulam National Park, or go rock climbing and para gliding. If you want to relax away from it all, try a homestay at one of the many plantation bungalows. Mahindra Homestays have a couple of excellent homestays in Munnar.


Wayanad

Wayanad is a bright green mountainous region that stretches along the Western Ghats. It has a great deal of scenic appeal. Abundant coconut palms, thick forests, paddy fields, and lofty peaks form the landscape. Due to the nature of its terrain, the area also has much to offer adventure enthusiasts. Popular attractions include trekking to Chembra Peak and Meenmutty Falls, exploring old Jain temples, climbing to Edakkal Caves, and wildlife spotting at Muthanga and Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuaries. Another highlight of Wayanad is the many delightful homestays in the area.

The Indian Travel Company Goes Global

Towards establishing a global Footprint, India's largest online travel company Make Mytrip has intended to get listed in the US stock exchange NASDAQ and plans to raise as much as $100 Millions. It is the first such listing by any Indian company in last four years.

The Gurgaon based firm intends to use the proceeds of the share sale to expand its operations by acquiring or investing in strategic assets that complement its services and product offering. The company also plans to use the money to enhance technology and for meeting working capital needs.

The number of shares to be offered and the price range for the offering have not yet been determined.The company has a presence in Flight, holidays, Tours and Travels as ell as railway and online bus bookings.

Ten Places in India worth Visiting

Travelling is a joy in itself and if your itinerary includes such places that strikes your imagination in terms of beauty, architectural majesty and gives some fodder to your soul and heart to recline in the eternal and peaceful surrounding . Here we recollect some thematic adventure destinations each known for some specific pleasure it provides in terms of architectural beauty, adventure destination or serve purely a religious function.

1.Taj Mahal:


The ‘Monument of Love” needs no description and placed in one of the modern Seven Wonders of the World, Taj Mahal was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaj Mahal. Thus it is an “epitome of love” that characterizes the majestic Taj Mahal. A unique blend of Persian, Indian and rajasthani artitecture, the monument was constructed by 20,000 workers and took about 16 years to complete. The white marble which was used to build Taj Mahal was brought from the quarries of Makrana, in Nagaur district of Rajasthan. Over 1000 elephants were used to transport the big rocks of white marbled used in construction. 28 kind of rare & semi precious and precious stones were used to decorate the ineer inlay of Taj Mahal. The central dome of Taj Mahal is 187 feet high at the centre.
What to watch: stone embroidery on the walls, unique four pillared artitecture, symmetry
How To Reach: By Road:204 KM from Delhi
Air: Flights from all major airports in India by airlines such as Air India flights,
2.Leh Ladakh:



The mountainous region of Ladakh in the North Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir, is like NO other place in the World. Because of it's unusual terrain and barren landscape it's sometimes referred to as 'Moonland'. Set high up in the Himalaya's at 3,000 m (9,800 ft) Ladakh is a plateau in the Indus Valley between the Kunlun mountain range in the north and the main Great Himalayas to the south. Ladakh is renowned for its remote mountain beauty and culture. Strongly influenced by Tibet and largely inhabited by people of Tibetan descent, Ladakh is also known as 'Little Tibet'. It is not only home to some of the most beautiful and serene monasteries you'll ever see, but it also a land of rich natural beauty - and it's this natural beauty that hits you so hard, because it's a barren beauty. The enormous mass of the Himalayas creates a rain shadow, denying entry to the moisture-laden clouds of the Indian monsoon. Ladakh is thus, a high altitude desert. Many travelers find themselves at loss to understand how something so barren can yet be so beautiful.
What to watch: Beautiful landscaping, adventure

3.Kashmir:


Kashmir is set like a jeweled crown on the map of India. Kashmir is a heaven on earth. The two major Himalayan ranges and the Great Himalayan Range and the Pir Pinjal , surround the landscape from the north and south respectively. The picturesque landscape is breathtaking and the green grass lands are amazing. Holidaying in Kashmir is an experience of a lifetime. The slow pace life, calm environment, lush green surroundings and fresh air are the ingredients that make Kashmir a must see destination in India.
What to watch: Everything from valleys, Houseboats, Adventure

4.Goa:
Goa is the smallest state of India in terms of geographical area, it is the major and famous most tourist attraction in India and thus commands almost a monopoly over the tourist inflow. Goa is located on the western coast of India also known as Konkan Coast. It is surrounded by the state of Maharashtra on the north, Karnataka on the east and south and the Arabian Sea on its west. The capital city of Goa is known as Panaji or Panjim and the largest city in Goa is Vasco-da-Gama. While Goa is well known for it's beaches and laid back style...it's also the Party Hub of India. Night life in Goa is one of the most flamboyant and matured than in any other part of the country. You could be a retro lover or a hip-hop fan; you could be eighteen or eighty; you could love dancing in the crowd or a solitary traveler...Goa serves up an endless array of things to do at night for everyone.
What to watch: Beaches, Party Hub


5.Rajasthan:
Rajasthan is the largest state of India in terms of area. The major land comprises of the Great Thar Desert. Rajasthan is surrounded by states like Gujarat on the southwest, Madhya Pradesh to the southeast, Pradesh and Haryana to the northeast and Punjab to the north and Pakistan to the west. Rajasthan covers an area of 342,269 Km sq. which is about the size of Germany. Rajasthan is the place where you’ll find great historic monuments like palaces, forts, temples etc. These monuments are preserved and maintained very well. Rajasthan is a place that will give you a real look into the Royal and luxuries past of India. The Cities like Jaipur, Udaipur, Ranthambore, Ajmer, Jaisalmer are a few worth a visit.
What to watch: Forts, Lakes, Local Cuisine

6.Mumbai:
India's most dynamic, cosmopolitan and crowded city home to billionaire tycoons living in posh area’s with the some of the highest real estate prices in the world and the poor living in some of the largest slum establishments around the world alike, Mumbai is definitely like no other city in the world. The crowds and chaos of this city can bewilder even the savviest of travelers. Mumbai is India at its most contradictory, with its sharp contrasts: it can be aggressively modern yet some parts deeply rooted with the traditional bordering on medieval, from glamorous to rough-edged and raw…quintessentially Indian.
What to watch: Beaches, Elephanta Caves

7.Kerala:
Kerala is also known as the “Gods Own Country” is one of the prime tourist destinations of India. It is a perfect destination for holidays, Honeymoon, art, culture, tradition, health care, yoga, ayurveda and meditation. Kerala is famous for its natural beauty, amazing beaches, delicious sea food and backwaters. Backwaters - a unique web of lakes, lagoons, canals and rivers - are an integral part of Kerala's Tourism Scenario. A Journey through the curving and winding backwaters of Kerala is an experience of returning to nature. Now-a-days backwater tourism is something special to Kerala. And Houseboats go a long way in actualizing the many backwater oriented tourism possibilities. Houseboat holidays have become popular in the backwaters of Kerala and provide an extremely soothing experience.
What to watch: Backwaters, Ayurveda, Rainforests resorts

8.Kodaikanal:
Kodaikanal is one of the most peaceful and beautiful hill stations of Tamilnadu. Located 120 Km/75 mile away from Madurai, Kodaikanal is a beautiful hill station at an altitude of about 2133 m on the southern tip of upper Palani / Palni hills in Tamil Nadu in the Western Ghats. Kodaikanal is also referred to as “Princess of Hill Stations”. There are many high waterfalls and ubiquitous gardens and flower beds in bloom. The hillside is covered by the meadows and the grassland, the valley is covered up by huge eucalyptus trees and Shola forest. The places to see are Kodaikanal Lake, Bryant Park, Coaker’s walk, Bear Shola Falls, Pillar rocks, Silver cascade, dolphin’s nose and Kurinji Andavar Murugan temple
What to watch: Hill Resorts, Ayurveda

9.Golden temple :
Golden Temple, Amritsar is one of the famous Sikh Shrines in India. People across the world come here visit Shri Harmander Sahib. It is one of the holy pilgrimages where not only Sikhs but people from different countries and of different religion pay their homage. It is popularly known as “Golden Temple” because of the Gold coating on the main building of the Darbar Sahib. The Harmandir Sahib was invaded and destroyed many a times by the Afghan and other rulers. Sri Harmandir Sahib, is built on a 67ft. square platform in the center of the Sarovar(tank). The temple itself is 40.5ft. square. It has a door each on the East, West, North and South.
What to watch : Akal Takht, Baba Atal, Sri Guru Ramdas Niwas.

10.Khajuraho:
The Heart of India is Madhya Pradesh, and the hearth of Madhya Pradesh is Khajuraho. Khajuraho is an example of rich cultural heritage of India. Khajuraho is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Khajuraho is one of the best tourist destinations famous for its sculptures, temples and architecture. The realistic sculptures of the temples are famous world wide. These temples were built during the Chandela Empire. Most of the temples depict the lifestyle of a woman in medieval age. They represent life in 11th century. The Sculptures of Khajuraho are an example of a highly matured civilization. These temples were constructed in between 950 – 1050 A.D. The name Khajuraho came from the tree “Khajur” (the date palm tree) which is found in good number in this region. Now there are only 22 temples left after the natural calamities. Prior there were a total of 85 temples at Khajuraho.
What to watch : Fine architecture, Medievel Temples

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Travelling to US: Plan Your Trip

One of the important aspect of international travel is to plan your travel destinations, itineraries and schedules well in advance so that you escape the hassles normally encountered.
here is a quick list of what you should be planning:

Obtain Country Specific Information, Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts
Background Notes about the country you are visiting
choosing your itinerary planner: it is best left to a professional agency having a wide range of expertise