After a prolonged absence, Air India is set to make a comeback at Zurich Airport with the launch of its non-stop service between Delhi and Zurich.

This move not only marks the airline’s reentry into Switzerland but also expands its presence in mainland Europe to seven cities, reaffirming its commitment to global connectivity. According to an official press release, Air India will deploy its two-class configured Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft for the Delhi-Zurich route.

Operating four times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, the flights aim to cater to both business and leisure travelers. The modern Boeing 787-8, equipped with 256 seats, promises a comfortable and efficient travel experience for passengers.

Flight schedules have been strategically designed to accommodate diverse travel needs. Departing from Zurich at 8:50 pm, the aircraft arrives in New Delhi at 08:05 am the following day, facilitating convenient connections for travelers. Conversely, flights depart from New Delhi at 2:05 pm, landing in Zurich at 7:15 pm, offering seamless travel options for both inbound and outbound passengers.

Air India’s return to Zurich comes after a hiatus of nearly three decades since its last scheduled services to the Swiss city in 1997. Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Air India, expressed enthusiasm about the new route, highlighting its significance in strengthening bilateral ties between India and Switzerland.

Wilson emphasized the robust economic relationship between the two countries, with numerous Swiss companies operating in India, Indian companies in Switzerland, and a thriving Indian diaspora.

It’s worth noting that Air India‘s entry into Switzerland complements the existing connectivity provided by Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS), the home carrier, and Star Alliance partner. SWISS already offers daily flights connecting New Delhi with Zurich, further enhancing travel options between the two nations.

Air India, the flag carrier of India, recently unveiled its much-anticipated new livery with the rollout of the first Airbus A320neo from the paint shop.

While the airline had been consistently inducting A320neos in its traditional livery, this marked a significant departure as the aircraft emerged adorned in the fresh design. Originally, the debut of the new livery was earmarked for the A350-900, which joined Air India’s fleet in December 2023.

However, enthusiasts were pleasantly surprised when the new branding was spotted gracing an A320 aircraft in France, hinting at an imminent shift. Identifiable by the distinctive tail sign beginning with VT-RT*, these aircraft now include the new livery as part of Air India’s rebranding efforts.

Notably, the latest addition to this lineup, an A320neo configured entirely in an economy layout, made its debut outside the paint shop at Airbus‘ Toulouse facility. In a nod to the esteemed Tata, the tail sign of this freshly painted A320neo will bear VT-RTN, symbolizing a tribute to his legacy. This move underlines the deep-rooted connection between Air India and the Tata Group, with the latter playing a pivotal role in the airline’s history.

The revamped livery incorporates modern elements, including the distinctive black eyemask feature reminiscent of the A350 aircraft. This infusion of contemporary design elements is aimed at aligning Air India’s visual identity with current industry standards while retaining its heritage.

Recently, Air India is set to embark on a new era of international travel with the introduction of its state-of-the-art Airbus A350-900 jets.

The airline has chosen Dubai as the inaugural international destination for these cutting-edge aircraft, marking a significant milestone in its journey toward modernization and enhanced passenger experience. Commencing from May 1st, 2024, Air India will operate the A350-900 daily on the prestigious Delhi-Dubai route, flight numbers AI995/996.

IndiGo, India’s leading airline, has made headlines with its latest announcement of a generous reward for its workforce, celebrating their exceptional contributions throughout the fiscal year 2024.

In a move aimed at recognizing and appreciating their outstanding performance, the company has unveiled the “Thank You Bonus,” equivalent to 1.5 months’ basic salary. This bonus will be disbursed as an ex-gratia payment alongside the May 2024 salary.

The decision comes on the heels of remarkable financial achievements for IndiGo, marked by a notable surge in profits during the third quarter of the fiscal year 2024. With a staggering 110% increase in profits, the airline reported standalone profits of Rs 2,998 crore for the quarter ended December 31, compared to Rs 1,423 crore in the same period of the previous year.

IndiGo’s CEO, Pieter Elbers, has consistently emphasized the company’s resilience in navigating the challenges posed by the pandemic. This substantial bonus underscores the company’s positive trajectory and its commitment to recognizing and rewarding the dedication and hard work of its employees.

Beyond financial success, IndiGo is also dedicated to fostering inclusivity and diversity within its workforce. The Thank You Bonus initiative is not just about monetary appreciation but also about empowering every member of the IndiGo family, including specially-abled colleagues, by providing them with opportunities to showcase their skills and abilities.

Moreover, this move reaffirms IndiGo’s core values of providing an affordable, punctual, courteous, and hassle-free travel experience for all passengers. The airline has consistently prioritized accessibility, ensuring that all its facilities, technologies, information, and privileges are accessible to persons with disabilities.

In sum, IndiGo’s decision to award a 45-day bonus to its employees amid significant profits not only reflects the company’s financial success but also underscores its commitment to its workforce and its values of inclusivity, excellence, and customer satisfaction.