Airlines

India’s new regional airline ‘Fly19’ backed by former Kingfisher executive to begin soon

A former Kingfisher Airlines executive and the former India head of Prem Watsa’s Fairfax Financial are teaming up to create a new regional airline at a time when demand for air travel is rising in India.

Harsha Raghavan, current managing partner at Convergent Finance LLP, will lead the new airline, Fly91. He will be the planned airline’s Chairman. Manoj Chacko, formerly of the now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines, will be the CEO. Fly91 plans to begin operations in December 2023, with a base in Goa.

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Fly91 will be active in the short-haul sector, where flights typically run 45 to 90 minutes. About 30% of domestic passengers in India fly into regional airports, which the airline would serve. As a solely focused passenger airline, it will operate a conventional fleet of ATR 72-600 aircraft, each of which can seat between 72 and 78 passengers.

In view of the fact that countless airlines, both big and small, have previously failed to sustain operations, both Chacko and Raghavan are aware of how challenging it is to establish and maintain an airline in the competitive Indian industry.

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However, they think that keeping things straightforward and focusing on the fundamentals is the key. Chacko declared, “We must keep in mind two essential factors. The first is that, at our core, we are in the transportation business, and getting people from point A to point B safely, comfortably, and economically is our primary goal.”

The second is to make things incredibly simple, concentrate to the fundamentals, execute them flawlessly, and avoid trying to reinvent the wheel when it is not required.

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Airlines

British Airways Unveils Its Brand-New First Class Cabin for the Airbus A380

British Airways has introduced its brand-new First Class seat, blending sleek design with expert British craftsmanship. Reflecting modern British luxury travel, this new cabin is part of the airline’s Airbus A380 retrofit plans, set to take flight in mid-2026.

The updated First Class cabin has been crafted to feel like a modern luxury hotel in the sky, complete with cozy touches and thoughtful British details.

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Designed by top experts from across Great Britain and Ireland—including London, Glasgow, West Yorkshire, Kilkeel, and Dublin—the seat reflects the best of British design and quality.

Features and Comforts
The new First Class seat is ultra-wide at 36.5 inches, with a bed length of 79 inches for ultimate comfort. It includes:

A multi-purpose ottoman and stowable table.
A 32-inch 4K TV screen.
Adjustable mood lighting with modes like “relax,” “dine,” and “cinema.”
A cocooned 60-inch curved wall for privacy while maintaining a spacious feel.

Passengers traveling together can enjoy a shared experience with a sliding divider that creates a lounge-like space. The stowable tables also allow for “buddy dining,” where two people can dine together.

The cabin’s flowing curves, inspired by the iconic Concorde wings, create a welcoming and stylish environment. Additionally, passengers can now wheel their luggage directly into their personal storage space, making settling in easier.

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British Airways carefully considered customer feedback when designing this cabin. The seat includes practical storage and features like a fully rectangular bed for home-like comfort. Every detail, from usability to elegance, has been designed to enhance the travel experience.

British Airways is proud to be the only UK-based European airline offering a First Class product across the Atlantic. british airways premium economy and First Class travelers enjoy exclusive perks such as stylish seats, access to luxury lounges, fast-track security, and the First Wing at Heathrow. The airline ensures a premium experience from booking to landing.

This cabin upgrade is part of British Airways’ £7 billion investment in improving customer experiences. The airline has already introduced over 120 initiatives, including new short-haul seats, free onboard Wi-Fi messaging, and refreshed lounges worldwide.