Aviation

Air India loyalty members can now earn points on Legoland tickets

WINDSOR/GURUGRAM, 7 AUGUST 2024: Air India, India’s premier global airline, has partnered with Merlin Entertainments, a worldwide leader in family entertainment, to offer a new benefit for Air India Flying Returns loyalty program members.

Starting today, members will earn Reward Points when purchasing tickets to LEGOLAND® theme parks.

Flying Returns members can accumulate up to 10 Reward Points for every INR 100 spent at any of the five participating LEGOLAND® locations: Windsor (UK), New York and California (U.S.), Dubai (UAE), and Malaysia.

To start earning Reward Points, members should book their LEGOLAND® tickets through this link.

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LEGOLAND® is designed for families with children aged 2-12, providing an exciting day out or an ideal short getaway. Each park features interactive rides, live shows, building workshops, and a variety of attractions, including Miniland areas showcasing famous landmarks and attractions from the local area—all constructed with LEGO® bricks

Sunil Suresh, Head of Marketing, Loyalty & E-commerce, Air India, said: “This partnership
enables families to create lasting memories at LEGOLAND® destinations around the world,
while also earning valuable Reward Points towards future flights and travel experiences with
Air India.

Aviation

India Launches Its Medium-Lift Class Helicopter Program, chooses New Engine

India’s longstanding need for a Medium Helicopter may soon become a reality as the country has fully ramped up its engine development efforts. This new helicopter is set to replace the Russian-built models currently in service and will play a crucial role across various scenarios for the Indian Armed Forces.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt. Ltd. (SAFHAL) have launched a groundbreaking partnership to develop a state-of-the-art high-power engine named Aravalli.

This new engine will power the upcoming 13-ton Medium Lift Helicopter (IMRH) and the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH), both of which are being designed and developed by HAL.

Named after the majestic Aravalli mountain range in India, the Aravalli engine symbolizes the country’s drive for self-reliance, or Aatmanirbharta, in critical engine technologies. This cutting-edge engine will be instrumental for the IMRH, a versatile 13-ton multi-role helicopter designed to meet the needs of the Indian armed forces, and the DBMRH, a 12.5-ton naval variant tailored for the Indian Navy.

The IMRH is poised to become a cornerstone of the Indian armed forces over the next decade. With its first flight expected in 3 to 4 years, the IMRH is anticipated to begin induction by 2030, with plans to integrate between 300 to 400 units, and potentially more in the future.

The IMRH is envisioned as a highly versatile multi-role helicopter that will enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian military. The DBMRH, designed for naval operations, will also face the challenges of high-altitude environments in regions such as Ladakh, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh—areas of strategic importance due to their proximity to the China border.

In addition to its military applications, the Aravalli engine is projected to enter the civil market, serving roles in offshore operations, utility services, and VVIP transport. The long-term vision includes Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) activities to further extend the engine’s utility and support the aviation industry.

This collaboration between HAL and SAFHAL builds on their successful history of working together on the Shakti engine, which powers several HAL helicopters, including the Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv, the Light Combat Helicopter Prachand, and the Light Utility Helicopter. The proven success of this partnership lays a strong foundation for the development of the Aravalli engine, setting the stage for a new era in India’s helicopter capabilities.