Tag: Aviation News

Business

FLY91 Leases Two Aircraft from TrueNoord to Accelerate Regional Expansion

Swara Bodke

Written by Intern Swara Bodke || Team Allycaral

Regional airline FLY91 has inducted two aircraft under long-term operating leases from regional aircraft lessor TrueNoord, continuing its measured fleet expansion aimed at strengthening air connectivity across Tier-2 and Tier-3 markets in India.
The first aircraft entered service in December 2025, while the second, delivered in January 2026, is scheduled to commence operations in February. With this transaction, TrueNoord becomes FLY91’s second aircraft lessor.
“This partnership gives us the flexibility to scale our fleet in a disciplined manner, aligned with demand and our long-term regional strategy,” said Manoj Chacko, Managing Director and CEO of FLY91. “The addition of a second leading global lessor to our portfolio is a significant reaffirmation of FLY91’s operational strengths, governance standards and execution capability.”
One of the newly inducted aircraft will be based in Goa, the airline’s home base, while the other will operate from Hyderabad, reinforcing FLY91’s dual-hub strategy and its focus on underserved regional routes.
Harsha Raghavan, Chairman of FLY91 and Managing Partner at Convergent Finance, said the collaboration supports responsible scaling. “The partnership with TrueNoord enables growth while maintaining financial and operational discipline.”


India’s regional aviation market continues to gain momentum, driven by increasing demand from smaller cities and policy support under the UDAN scheme. Welcoming the partnership, Anne-Bart Tieleman, CEO of TrueNoord, said the company is pleased to support FLY91’s growth plans. He noted that regional flying in India is becoming increasingly viable and commercially sustainable, with airlines seeking aircraft that can be rapidly deployed, operate from regional airports and deliver low trip-cost economics.
Abhineet Awasthi, Commercial & Transaction Manager at TrueNoord, highlighted FLY91’s execution-focused approach. “FLY91 is an agile, execution-driven airline with a clear regional connectivity focus. The team demonstrated a pragmatic, solution-oriented approach throughout the transaction.”
With the induction of these aircraft, FLY91’s fleet expands to four aircraft. The airline currently serves nine destinations and plans to grow its network to 15 destinations in the first quarter of 2026, with two additional aircraft expected to join the fleet by the end of Q1 FY2026.

Travel

Air India Deploys New B787-9 Aircraft on Mumbai–Frankfurt Route from February 2026

rencygomes02

Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Gurugram, January 15, 2026: Air India has announced a major enhancement to its Mumbai–Frankfurt service with the deployment of its newly delivered, first line-fit B787-9 aircraft featuring new cabin interiors. The upgraded aircraft will operate on the route starting February 1, 2026.


Air India currently operates five flights a week between Mumbai and Frankfurt, strengthening connectivity between the financial centres of India and Germany. With this deployment, all Air India flights to Germany, including services between Delhi and Frankfurt, will now be operated using new or upgraded aircraft.

The move is part of Air India’s ongoing fleet transformation programme, which includes additional widebody aircraft deliveries and retrofits planned through 2026. These upgrades aim to modernise a significant portion of the airline’s long-haul fleet and enhance passenger experience.

Further strengthening international connectivity, Air India continues its codeshare partnership with Lufthansa, enabling seamless onward travel from Frankfurt to 29 destinations across Europe, as well as select destinations in North and South America.

Air India’s optimised schedules also provide convenient one-stop connections via Mumbai or Delhi for travellers flying between Germany and destinations across South Asia, Southeast Asia and Australia. These include Bangkok, Bali, Colombo, Ho Chi Minh City, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Phuket and Singapore.

Mumbai–Frankfurt Flight Schedule

Flight Route Departure Arrival

AI2027 Mumbai–Frankfurt 12:35 hrs 17:30 hrs
AI2028 Frankfurt–Mumbai 20:20 hrs 09:00 hrs (+1)


Tickets for the Mumbai–Frankfurt services remain available across all booking channels, including Air India’s website, mobile app, airport ticketing offices, contact centres and authorised travel agents worldwide.

Air India Group, comprising Air India and Air India Express, continues its five-year transformation programme, Vihaan.AI, following its return to Tata Sons ownership in 2022. The airline has placed orders for 570 new aircraft and is undertaking fleet renewal, training infrastructure expansion and maintenance facility development as part of its long-term growth strategy.

Travel

From Kebab to Bibimbap: Air India Refreshes Its Inflight Dining with a Global Gourmet Menu

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Travel Desk

Air India announces the introduction of a refreshed global inflight menu across its fleet, drawing inspiration from India’s rich culinary traditions while incorporating flavours from international cuisines. The new menu reflects the airline’s focus on enhancing customer experience as part of its ongoing transformation, offering thoughtfully curated meals that cater to diverse tastes and preferences of global travellers.

The menu takes inspiration from India’s culinary landscape, ranging from the royal kitchens of Awadh to the coastal flavours of southern India, while also featuring Pan-Asian dishes, European bistro selections and geo-specific star offerings. It is introduced on several international ex-India routes, including flights from Delhi to London Heathrow, New York, Melbourne, Sydney, Toronto and Dubai, as well as services from Mumbai and Bengaluru to San Francisco and Mumbai to New York. The rollout continues progressively across all international sectors and domestic routes.

Travellers in First Class enjoy gourmet meals with artisanal breads, signature desserts and bespoke wine and champagne pairings. Business Class features multi-course gourmet meals with customisable options and curated beverages, while Premium Economy and Economy cabins receive upgraded meal trays with balanced options, familiar regional flavours and improved presentation. The menu includes signature Indian dishes such as Awadhi Paneer Anjeer Pasanda, Murgh Massalam and South Indian platters, alongside international offerings like Japanese Teppanyaki bowls, Mediterranean tapas and Korean-inspired Bibimbap.

The refreshed menu also introduces Gen Z-inspired desserts, homestyle comfort food options and a wide range of plant-based and special dietary meals, including vegan, gluten-free and allergen-conscious choices. Guests can select from over 18 special meal types, reinforcing Air India’s commitment to inclusivity and personalised dining experiences.

Curated by Chef Sandeep Kalra, who recently joined Air India, the menu reflects both traditional Indian flavours and global culinary trends that resonate with modern travellers. The airline’s cabin crew undergo specialised training to further enhance the onboard dining experience, ensuring attention to detail in service and presentation.

Air India also strengthens its focus on sustainability through responsible sourcing, eco-friendly packaging and waste reduction initiatives. The airline prioritises locally sourced, seasonal ingredients to support farmers and reduce food miles, while adopting compostable utensils, paper meal boxes and reduced single-use plastics. With these initiatives, Air India continues to reimagine inflight dining by combining taste, care and culinary excellence, reinforcing its vision of being a world-class global airline with an Indian heart.

Travel

Akasa Air Unveils Christmas Special Goan-Inspired Festive Meal for December Flyers

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Travel Desk

Akasa Air is bringing festive joy to travellers this December with the launch of Café Akasa’s fourth edition of the Christmas Special Meal. Designed to celebrate the warmth, nostalgia and indulgence of the holiday season, the festive offering beautifully blends classic Christmas flavours with the light, coastal charm of Goan cuisine. Travellers can look forward to a delicious Roast Chicken Pie accompanied by a rich Mocha Bebinca and a beverage of choice, creating a wholesome and comforting dining experience in the skies. Available exclusively throughout December across the Akasa Air network, this special meal can be conveniently pre-booked via the airline’s website or mobile app.

The Christmas Special Meal reflects Akasa Air’s continued commitment to offering thoughtfully curated dining options that celebrate India’s vibrant tapestry of regional and seasonal traditions. Since its inception in 2022, Café Akasa has delighted passengers with a wide array of festive menus inspired by occasions such as Makar Sankranti, Holi, Eid, Onam, Diwali and more, making each celebration feel special even while travelling. In addition to its festive offerings, the airline also allows flyers to pre-order cakes for birthday celebrations on board, adding a personalised touch to journeys in the air.

The Café Akasa menu, refreshed frequently, features over 45 gourmet options ranging from fusion meals and appetisers with regional twists to indulgent desserts, all crafted by renowned chefs to suit diverse dietary preferences. With its latest Christmas edition, Café Akasa once again elevates the in-flight dining experience, ensuring travellers can savour the spirit of the holidays from the moment they take to the skies.

Travel

Air India to Resume Non-Stop Flights to Mainland China; Delhi–Shanghai Route Restarting February 2026

allycaralgoa

Air India has officially announced the resumption of its non-stop operations to mainland China, nearly six years after services were halted. Beginning 1 February 2026, the airline will operate four weekly flights between Delhi and Shanghai (PVG), marking a major milestone in restoring India–China air connectivity.

The flights will be operated using Air India’s modern Boeing 787-8 aircraft, equipped with 18 fully flat beds in Business Class and 238 comfortable seats in Economy Class. Shanghai now becomes the 48th international destination served by the Air India group.

In addition, Air India has revealed plans to launch a Mumbai–Shanghai non-stop service later in 2026, pending regulatory permissions.

A Major Step Forward for India–China Connectivity

The resumption follows new diplomatic agreements that restored suspended air links between the two nations. Air India originally launched non-stop flights to mainland China in October 2000, and this relaunch reflects renewed confidence in business, tourism, trade, and academic exchanges.

Air India CEO & MD Campbell Wilson called the move a symbolic reconnection of two ancient cultures and fast-growing global economies.
He stated:

“This resumption is more than a route launch. It is a bridge between two great, ancient civilisations and modern economic powerhouses. We are happy to reconnect one of the world’s most vital air corridors, enabling travellers to pursue opportunities in business, trade, healthcare, education and culture — with warm Indian hospitality that defines Air India.”

Flight Schedule: Delhi (DEL) – Shanghai (PVG)

Effective 01 February 2026

Flight No.SectorDepartureArrivalDays
AI352Delhi–Shanghai1200 hrs2020 hrsTue, Thu, Fri, Sun
AI351Shanghai–Delhi2200 hrs0315 hrs (+1)Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun

Bookings are now progressively opening across Air India’s channels — website, app, sales offices, contact centre, and travel agents worldwide.

The airline expects that the restored route will help strengthen ties in pharmaceuticals, technology, education, finance, and tourism, contributing to deeper socio-economic exchanges.