Air India, the flag carrier airline of 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.

The Airbus A350-900, renowned for its advanced technology and exceptional performance, promises passengers an unparalleled flying experience. With a range exceeding 9,000 miles, the A350-900 is more than capable of effortlessly traversing the distance between Delhi and Dubai, offering passengers a smooth and comfortable journey.

Departing from the bustling Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi at 20:45 local time, the maiden Air India A350 flight will touch down at Dubai International Airport (DXB) at 22:45, marking the beginning of a new era in Air India’s international operations. The return journey will commence shortly thereafter, reaffirming Air India’s commitment to punctuality and reliability.

Air India’s A350-900 aircraft will feature a meticulously designed three-class cabin configuration, boasting a total of 316 seats. Among these, 28 private business suites with full-flat beds will redefine luxury travel, while 24 premium economy seats will offer passengers extra legroom and a host of amenities for added comfort. Additionally, 264 economy seats ensure that every traveler enjoys a comfortable and enjoyable journey.

Passengers aboard Air India’s A350-900 can look forward to an immersive in-flight entertainment experience, thanks to the latest-generation Panasonic eX3 system and HD screens installed in all seats. This promises to elevate the flying experience to new heights, ensuring that every moment spent onboard is memorable and enjoyable.

In addition to the Delhi-Dubai route, Air India has exciting plans to expand its A350-900 operations to North America, with further announcements expected to follow soon. This strategic move underscores Air India’s commitment to enhancing its global footprint and offering passengers a wider range of travel options to key destinations around the world.

In a significant stride towards enhancing travel convenience and efficiency, Japan has unveiled its much-anticipated eVisa program for Indian tourists.

Effective from April 1st, this innovative initiative marks a departure from the conventional practice of affixing physical visa stickers onto passports, ushering in a streamlined electronic visa application process.

Under the new system, Indian citizens aspiring to explore the cultural marvels and scenic landscapes of Japan can now apply for their visas electronically through designated Japan Visa Application Centers operated by VFS Global. This transformative move aims to simplify and expedite the visa acquisition process, ensuring a hassle-free experience for travelers.

Tailored specifically for tourism purposes, the Japan eVisa offers a single-entry short-term visa, enabling a stay of up to 90 days in the country. This flexible arrangement not only caters to the needs of Indian tourists but also extends its eligibility to foreign nationals residing in India, fostering inclusivity in travel opportunities.

The application process remains centralized through the Visa Application Centers managed by VFS Global, ensuring consistency and reliability. Applicants can conveniently submit their visa applications electronically, eliminating the need for physical paperwork and long waiting times associated with traditional methods.

Upon approval, successful applicants receive an electronic visa instead of a conventional sticker affixed to their passports. This digital visa issuance streamlines the travel process, allowing travelers to present a “visa issuance notice” on their smartphones upon arrival at the airport.

It’s imperative to note that access to the internet is necessary for this step, and only a digital visa issuance notice will be accepted. The transition to an electronic visa system underscores Japan’s commitment to embracing technological advancements and enhancing visitor experiences

A new direct connection between Australia and Papua New Guinea is now available to Qantas customers travelling between the two nations.

The national carrier began operating a commercial passenger route between Sydney and Port Moresby yesterday, marking the start of the route’s first service in over five decades. The airline’s Boeing 737 aircraft will operate two weekly return trips, adding more than 36,000 seats to the route annually. The new routes complement Qantas’ daily Brisbane-Port Moresby service.

“By skipping a stopover in Brisbane, our new Sydney service will save customers at least three hours on their return trip.” Tickets can be purchased through travel agencies or on qantas.com.

The route, which will facilitate trade and business between Australia and Papua New Guinea, is the most recent addition to Qantas’ network of international services operating out of Sydney.

Customers flying from Papa New Guinea to Australia will be able to benefit from connections with Qantas’ international and domestic flight itineraries. Customers and frequent flyers of Qantas will be able to accrue and use Qantas Points on their flights, as well as take use of premium amenities including free food and beverages, checked baggage, and lounge access in Sydney.