Airlines

Vistara brand to be dropped after merger, says Air India CEO

Vistara Launches Direct Flights Between Mumbai-Paris

Campbell Wilson, the chief executive officer of Air India, announced on Monday that the Vistara brand would be discontinued after the merger. The full-service airline will only be known as Air India, a name that is much more recognizable outside of India. Wilson indicated that in that “new manifestation,” some of Vistara’s heritage would be preserved.

Air India to introduce premium economy class in some international flights from December 2022(Opens in a new browser tab)

Since assuming control of the losing Air India in January of last year, Tata Group has been working to transform the airline group. As part of this effort, it has announced that Vistara will merge with itself and that AIX Connect, formerly known as AirAsia India, will be integrated into Air India Express.

“One full-service and one low-cost airline will be included in the group, respectively. Air India and Vistara will amalgamate to create the full-service airline “explained Wilson.

Tatas rename AirAsia India as AIX Connect ahead of merger(Opens in a new browser tab)

According to Wilson, Air India is far more well-known outside of India due to its 90-year history, despite Vistara having very strong recognition inside the domestic market. According to him, they intend to keep the Maharaja brand and want it to be a part of “Air India’s future.” Wilson remarked, “That is really loved… It will be a part of our future.”

Air India will take over as the nation’s leading domestic and international airline if the purchase is finalised. Subject to regulatory approvals, the transaction is anticipated to close by March 2024.

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Airlines

Virgin Atlantic Introduces Sign Language Crew Booking for Inclusive Flights

Virgin Atlantic has set a new standard for inclusivity in air travel by becoming the first UK airline to offer British Sign Language (BSL)-trained crew members on its flights.

As part of its commitment to ensuring every customer has a positive and accessible travel experience, Virgin Atlantic teamed up with deaf Gladiators star Jodie Ounsley and deaf twin content creators Hermon and Heroda Berhane. Together, they helped the airline better understand the needs of its deaf and hard of hearing passengers.

Air India to Roll Out New Guidelines for Cabin Crew

The airline tested its BSL services on a flight from London Heathrow to Washington, with the experience captured in a special film to mark International Week of Deaf People. The BSL-trained crew greeted passengers with Virgin Atlantic’s signature warm welcome, assisted with in-flight navigation, alerted passengers to important announcements, and provided accessible in-flight entertainment options.

Virgin Atlantic’s efforts don’t stop there. The airline has committed to increasing subtitled in-flight entertainment options, enhancing clarity for special assistance services on its website, and introducing Sign Live—an on-demand BSL interpreter service for customer support teams. These new initiatives build on Virgin Atlantic’s ongoing work with Remark!, a leading deaf-led organization that provides BSL training for the airline’s crew.

Qatar Airways Launches new Flights From Doha To Toronto

With a growing number of BSL-trained crew members available on all flights, Virgin Atlantic is taking significant steps to make air travel more inclusive. And also recently it has hire the virgin atlantic down syndrome girl for work. This initiative is part of a larger campaign to promote deaf awareness and improve the flying experience for all passengers with hearing loss. Passengers can now request a BSL-trained crew member when booking their flights through the airline’s website, ensuring they have the support they need throughout their journey.

Virgin Atlantic’s commitment to inclusivity extends beyond flights, with partnerships like the one with Channel 4, where BSL-trained crew members appeared in sign language interpreter segments. The airline also proudly supported the England Deaf Rugby team during their tour of South Africa.

By prioritizing accessibility and inclusivity, Virgin Atlantic is leading the way for other airlines, ensuring that every passenger feels confident, supported, and welcomed when flying.