The post AHLA supports No Tax on Tips Legislation appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

AHLA supports the hospitality industry workers’ ability to take home more of their pay, from housekeepers to bellhops and valets to food service professionals and spa and salon team members. Since the legislation was proposed, AHLA has educated leading offices about the many job functions that receive tips in the hotel and lodging industry as well as the varying modalities by which those tips are received.

American Hotel & Lodging Association President & CEO Rosanna Maietta joined President Trump on stage in support of the proposed No Tax on Tips legislation in Nevada and issued the following statement:

“The hotel industry is a people-first business that supports millions of employees and welcomes guests every day,” said AHLA President & CEO Rosanna Maietta. “President Trump’s No Tax on Tips proposal is a crucial step in helping the more than 800,000 workers, who are the backbone of the hotel and lodging industry, that receive tips keep more of their earned income in their pockets. This proposal helps those seeking to achieve the American Dream have more resources to do so. We look forward to working with the Administration and Congress to further preserve and protect critical tax provisions that are key to ensuring long-term job growth and stability for thousands of small business owners within the industry.”

On stage  Maietta added, “I’m here to tell you that the American Dream is alive and well in the hotel industry today. It is still one of the few places where you can grow your career, starting a job as a housekeeper or a dishwasher or a bellhop, to running a hotel, to owning a hotel, or a few, and to even becoming a CEO of a global brand, or President of the United States.”

Background

In June, President Trump announced his plan to exclude workers’ tips from federal taxes.

The proposed No Tax on Tips Act of 2025 would enable an eligible taxpayer to deduct up to $25,000 in qualified tips with guardrails in place to prevent the highly compensated from using it other than how it was intended.

 

 

 

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The post ATIA releases accreditation stats for November / December 2024 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) released the latest statistics for the ATIA Accreditation scheme today, 27th January, for the period running between November and December 2024.

This report underscores the rigorous standards and robust processes that maintain ATIA Accreditation as the gold standard in the travel industry.

The November and December 2024 figures reflect the stringent criteria that ATIA Accredited businesses must meet, ensuring the highest level of trust and excellence for consumers. 

Of those who apply, 25 percent are rejected, highlighting the robustness of achieving ATIA Accreditation.

Developments as 2024 drew to a close

ATIA formally welcomed five new businesses into the ATIA Accreditation community.

These were Helloworld Travel Ascot Vale, Helloworld Travel Highton, Let’s Travel Jindabyne, Snowsea Cruises, and Travellers Lounge.

However, accreditation was likewise revoked for one business. 

Additionally, three businesses have voluntarily opted to withdraw their participation from the accreditation scheme.

With regard to monitoring agreements, 19 members have already been accredited and are obligated to provide quarterly financial and operational disclosures.

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The post a&o Heidelberg: Europe’s largest hostel group expands in Germany appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

After opening new hostels in Brighton (August 2024), Antwerp (October 2024), and Brussels (December 2024), a&o Hostels, Europe’s largest hostel chain, is expanding further with the acquisition of a&o Heidelberg. This marks its 43rd property in Europe and 26th in Germany. The company operates 42 properties across ten countries, with 19 owned directly by a&o.

The a&o Heidelberg will be a new five-storey building, with 118 rooms and 320 beds. Scheduled for opening at the end of 2026, construction work will be starting in spring 2025. The associated property at Speyerer Strasse 5 was acquired from BHB Heidelberg GmbH, a subsidiary of Heureka Real Estate GmbH, as part of a forward sale.

Together with its owners, Proprium Capital Partners and StepStone Group, a&o has over 500 million euros available to invest in the expansion, conversion and modernization of existing and new properties.

Oliver Winter, CEO and Founder of a&o Hostels, said: “Last year, we set out some of our goals for a carefully accelerated growth strategy across 2024 and beyond, and with four new great locations acquired in just six months, we are well positioned to deliver on these.”

Philipp Westermann, Partner at Proprium Capital Partners, said: “We remain very confident in the huge opportunities for continuing long-term growth at a&o Hostels across Europe, which we look forward to continuing to support. a&o Hostels has a best-in-class business and brand, with enormous further potential that a&o are well on track to delivering on.”

“Germany remains a very exciting market”

With a population of 162,000, the city on the Neckar is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Germany and attracts approximately 14 million visitors every year.

“Heidelberg has been a dream location for a long time, so we are delighted with this acquisition”, said Winter.

Robert Waidhaas, Managing Partner of Heureka Real Estate, adds: “We are delighted to realize this ambitious project together with an experienced partner like a&o and to contribute to the revitalization of Heidelberg’s Weststadt.”

Expansion across key cities in Europe

a&o has a strong and growing pipeline of attractive hostel investment opportunities across Europe and the UK. In February this year, a&o Firenze Campo di Marte (Florence) will be the second hostel to open in Italy with 121 rooms in a former municipal administration building,

In line with its sustainability drive, a&o predominantly seeks existing buildings to convert into hostels such as former office and commercial properties. In addition to ownership, renting also remains an attractive option emphasises Winter: “With the support of our owners, we now have the firepower to accelerate our expansion in key locations across gateway cities in Europe. We are really well positioned to take advantage of the significant opportunities we see in this hugely attractive and dynamic market environment and to take our budget hostel product to a new level.”

 

 

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The post Sabre adds Nok Air content to its Global Distribution System appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Travel software and technology provider Sabre Corporation announced that it is adding content from Nok Air, one of Thailand’s prominent budget carriers, to its Global Distribution System (GDS).  

By joining Sabre’s extensive travel marketplace, Nok Air will be able to enhance its visibility among travel agencies, corporate buyers, and travellers, driving bookings and revenue growth. 

The addition of Nok Air’s content reinforces Sabre’s commitment to delivering an extensive range of low-cost carrier options, empowering its travel agency partners to craft the most compelling offers for their customers.

A key to expansion

According to Nok Air chief executive Witthiphum Jurangkool: “We’re thrilled to bring Nok Air’s extensive route network and service offerings to a wider audience through Sabre. By making our content available via Sabre’s GDS, we’re broadening our global and market segment reach and ensuring both leisure and corporate travellers have more ways to discover and book our flights.”

Sabre’s vice-president for agency sales and airline distribution in the Asia Pacific Brett Thorstad added: “This is the first time that Nok Air has offered its content through a GDS which is testament to the value Sabre’s global marketplace brings for our airline and agency partners. By adding Nok Air to our growing portfolio of budget carrier content, we’re expanding the range of options available through Sabre’s multi-source content platform and enabling the airline to connect with new audiences through our global travel marketplace.”

Since it first took off in 2004, Nok Air continues to operate an extensive network within Thailand and to key destinations in the region. 

Additionally, Nok Air offers connecting flights through codeshare partnerships and fly-n-ferry services, providing travellers access to islands in Thailand that aren’t connected via air. 

Sabre’s multi-source content platform enables travel agencies to intuitively compare, shop, book, and service all types of content, including traditional EDIFACT offers, New Distribution Capability (NDC), and low-cost carrier.

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The post Quoz Arts Fest returns for its 12th edition on 25- 26 January 2025 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Spanning Alserkal Avenue and the Quoz Creative Zone, the festival features public art installations, exhibitions, live performances, workshops, conversations, creative pop-ups and a dedicated kids’ programme.

Quoz Arts Fest by Alserkal, the region’s leading community-driven arts and culture festival, will make its return on Saturday, 25, and Sunday, 26 January 2025. Taking place in Alserkal Avenue, Dubai’s vibrant cultural district, and the wider Quoz Creative Zone, the festival spotlights the best of homegrown and international talent in a thoughtfully curated mix of live music performances, art exhibitions, installations, food experiences, and conversations, alongside a special programme designed to inspire kids.

Gilda Gilantash, Director of Events, Programming and Partnerships at Alserkal Avenue, said: “Since its inception in 2012, Quoz Arts Fest has been a creative meeting ground for Dubai’s diverse communities—a place to come together and celebrate culture. Over the years, it’s grown into a major regional attraction while staying deeply connected to the grassroots, homegrown scene. It’s also become a platform for international artists redefining what’s next, offering a glimpse into the next wave of creative talent. This year, we’re proud to offer our most expansive programme yet, with cultural expression at its widest and the community at its heart.”

Festival Headliners 

At the forefront is Syrian rapper, poet, and storyteller Omar Offendum, who gives voice to the experiences of immigration. Tunisian singer and songwriter Emel Mathlouthi also takes the main stage, renowned for her soaring voice and fusion of traditional Arabic music with contemporary influences.

Joining them is the Tunisian alternative duo Ÿuma, composed of Sabrine Jenhani and Ramy Zoghlemi, whose minimalist folk sound offers an intimate, guitar-driven journey; House of Yanos, delivering an electrifying mix of Amapiano, Deep House, and Afro Tech, Dubai City Sound’s all-female choir stirs with breathtaking harmonies, BOUMPH, a bold Arab hip-hop voice, delivers a raw critique of cultural identity, and DJ Hend, presenting an eclectic blend of Afrobeats, Amapiano, Arabic classics, and old-school R&B, inspired by Dubai’s cultural richness.

The main stage will be hosted by Dubai’s own MC, Big Hass, bringing his signature energy to the festival.

Must-See Public Art 

A standout highlight of the festival is Forest Dancer and the Path to Pure Creation by Australia’s ENESS at Concrete. This immersive installation blends light, sound, and movement to create a space that emulates the feeling of stepping into unhindered creative flow.

Across the Avenue will be Bright Memories by Abdulla Alneyadi featuring a series of public water dispensers, iconic to the UAE, designed by the artist and a surprise site-specific outdoor installation by Brazilian artist Zé Tepedino.

On the Avenue’s corner facade, Emirati artist Lamya Gargash presents her large-scale commission—the enlarged photograph, A Corridor of Books. Renowned for her exploration of identity through both lived and abandoned spaces, Gargash turns to the private library of a prominent collector and patron of the arts in the UAE. At the heart of the photograph is a golden fabric draped through his library, guided by the Qibla—a compass pointing towards prayer. The installation invites a meditation on memory, devotion, and the stories woven into the spaces we inhabit.

Gallery Exhibitions 

The Avenue’s galleries and institutions will open an exciting lineup of exhibitions. At Ishara Art Foundation, Shilpa Gupta’s Lines of Flight takes center stage, while Lawrie Shabibi presents a solo show by Farhad Ahrarnia. Over at The Third Line, Neither Here ~ Nor Elsewhere, a group show curated by Sanaz Askari, and Green Art Gallery showcases Citadelles of Today by Chaouki Choukini. Aisha Alabbar Gallery brings Superficial Transactions, a solo exhibition by Eman Al Hashemi, while Gulf

Photo Plus The Life of an Itinerant through a Pinhole presents Behzad Khosravi Noori. 1×1 Art Gallery presents a solo show of Sohan Qadri, Custot Gallery features Photosynthetic Forms by Marc Quinn, and Zawyeh Gallery highlights a solo exhibition by Amirhossein Bayani.

Stage 2.0 

Throughout the weekend, Stage 2.0 showcases Quoz Encore performances, now in its third year, providing a platform for emerging UAE-based artists and talent making their debut, alongside afikra conversations with artists.

Reel Palestine Film Festival 

Cinema Akil hosts Reel Palestine, a film festival celebrating Palestinian stories with screenings and a souk featuring crafts and flavours inspired by Palestinian traditions.

Kids’ Lane 

The festival will have a dedicated Kids’ Lane offering interactive art workshops, reading sessions, and community activations led by Artful Minds, Wisdom Warehouse, The Junction, thejamjar, and The Happy Studio, engaging young audiences in creative play.

What The Food 

The culinary experiences will be curated by What The Food by Alserkal, featuring the city’s most loved chefs, artisanal producers, and food entrepreneurs.

Strategic partners for Quoz Arts Fest 2025 include Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, Al Quoz Creative Zone, and Dubai Economy and Tourism. Lead partners are Mini AGMC, with supporting partners Ounass and Fujifilm.

 

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The post Antara Cruises introduces “Artisans of Bengal” on MV Bengal Ganga  appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Antara Cruises, India’s premier river cruise operator, is thrilled to  announce that its celebrated Artisans of Bengal program will now be available aboard its boutique vessel, the MV Bengal Ganga. This 7-night/8-day immersive journey offers a unique opportunity for  guests to experience the heart of Bengal through its rich craftsmanship, vibrant artisan communities,  and historical landmarks. From Kolkata’s colonial splendour to the handloom weaving villages of Fulia,  the Artisans of Bengal cruise promises an unforgettable cultural exploration along the Hooghly River.

Rediscovering Bengal’s Artisanal Legacy 

Artisans of Bengal has long been one of Antara Cruises’ signature experiences, providing a window  into the time-honoured traditions that define Bengal’s artistic heritage. Now, guests can embark on this  transformative voyage aboard the newly added MV Bengal Ganga, a boutique river cruise vessel that  enhances the experience with modern comforts, personalized service, and panoramic views of the  scenic riverbanks.

The cruise weaves together Bengal’s diverse cultural tapestry, showcasing a variety of local crafts, from  the intricate terracotta sculptures of Kalna to the famous Jamdani sarees of Fulia. This immersive  journey allows guests to meet the artisans behind these crafts, explore their villages, and experience  first-hand the techniques that have been passed down through generations.

Itinerary Highlights 

∙ Day 1 – Kolkata Embarkation: The adventure begins in Kolkata with a panoramic city tour,  featuring the majestic Victoria Memorial, St. John’s Church, and other colonial landmarks.  Guests will then board the MV Bengal Ganga for an evening sail, kicking off their journey with  a delectable dinner onboard.

∙ Day 2 – Kolkata Flower Market & Kumartuli: A visit to Kolkata’s bustling Flower Market offers  guests a chance to witness local artisans creating intricate garlands and ornaments. The day  continues with a tour of Kumartuli, Kolkata’s famed potters’ quarter, where guests can observe  the age-old craft of clay idol making, a tradition that has been practiced for centuries.

∙ Day 3 – Chandernagore: A charming French colonial town, Chandernagore invites guests to  stroll along its promenade, past colonial-era buildings and the elegant Sacred Heart Church,  reflecting the region’s French influence.

∙ Day 4 – Kalna’s Temples & Terracotta Art: In Kalna, guests explore the Rajbari Temple  Complex, home to 108 Shiva shrines, and admire the intricate terracotta artwork that adorns  the temples, depicting themes from Hindu epics and local mythology.

∙ Day 5 – Nabadwip & Mayapur: The journey continues to Nabadwip, the birthplace of Saint  Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Guests will witness the art of handloom weaving in the village  before sailing across the river to Mayapur, home to the renowned ISKCON temple and an iconic  center of Vaishnavism.

∙ Day 6 – Guptipara & Fulia: Explore Guptipara’s terracotta temples and visit Fulia, a village  renowned for its Jamdani saree weaving. Guests will see how these exquisite fabrics are made,  blending cotton and gold thread in intricate designs.

∙ Day 7 – Bandel & Serampore: Visit the historic Hooghly Imambara in Bandel and then travel  to Serampore, once a Danish colony. Guests will walk through the charming old quarters,  visiting landmarks like St. Olav’s Church and the Danish Tavern.

∙ Day 8 – Kolkata Disembarkation: After breakfast onboard, guests disembark in Kolkata,  taking with them lasting memories of their journey through Bengal’s artistic heartland.

The Artisans of Bengal cruise is more than just a sightseeing trip – it’s a deep dive into the cultural  fabric of one of India’s most artistically rich regions. From handloom weaving to terracotta sculpture,  the journey provides guests with rare opportunities to meet artisans in their villages, learn about their  crafts, and even try their hand at traditional techniques. This unique cultural experience is designed for  those who wish to connect with the true essence of Bengal.

“As we introduce Artisans of Bengal aboard the MV Bengal Ganga, we are excited to offer our guests  an even more immersive way to experience this transformative journey,” says Raj Singh, Founder  & Chairman at Antara Cruises – Heritage River Journeys Pvt Ltd.

Raj Singh further adds: “The program celebrates the Artisans of Bengal, whose work has shaped  the region’s identity for centuries. This cruise is an invitation to immerse oneself in the rich cultural  traditions of Bengal, and to connect with the artisans who keep these practices alive.”

A Boutique Experience 

The MV Bengal Ganga is an intimate vessel with mix 20 cabins and suites, ensuring a personalized  experience for every guest. The newly refreshed decor combines contemporary 1970s styling with  traditional elements, providing a stylish yet restful setting for guests to relax and enjoy the voyage.  Onboard amenities include a wellness center, spa, fine dining, and panoramic viewing decks, perfect  for soaking in the spectacular views of the Ganges and the surrounding landscapes. Antara Cruises is  known for its exceptional service, ensuring that each guest feels completely pampered throughout their  journey.

Reservations & Availability 

Artisans of Bengal aboard the MV Bengal Ganga is now open for bookings. With select departures  available, guests are encouraged to book early to secure their spot on this unique and enriching cruise.

 

 

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The post Travel & Hospitality Sector in India projecting 8.2% net employment change in HY2 FY2025: TeamLease Report appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

TeamLease Services, a staffing solutions company in India, has provided detailed insights into hiring trends in the travel and hospitality sector. Its Employment Outlook Report for HY2 (October-March) FY2024-25 reveals strong growth in the sector, with 66% of surveyed companies planning to expand their workforce. The report also projects a Net Employment Change (NEC) of 8.2% during this period, reflecting the sector’s momentum in job creation.

The travel and hospitality sector’s growth is being fueled by the adoption of smart tourism technologies, a revival of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) activities, and a heightened focus on sustainable tourism practices. These factors are reshaping the industry landscape, creating new employment opportunities, and driving demand for skilled professionals in areas such as sustainability coordination, smart travel experience design, and contactless technology deployment.

This growth reflects the broader economic significance of India’s travel and tourism industry, which contributed 9% to the country’s GDP in 2024, amounting to over $ 11 trillion, an impressive 12% increase compared to the previous year. Domestic travel is also on the rise, with a notable surge in religious tourism and visits to Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. Government initiatives such as the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, aimed at theme-based tourist circuit development, the PRASHAD Scheme, focused on pilgrimage tourism, and significant investments in airport infrastructure and regional connectivity, are further catalyzing the sector’s expansion.

Indian travellers, though not yet the most travelled demographic globally, are emerging as significant contributors to the revival of international tourism. This trend has spurred demand for innovative and personalized travel services. To address this, companies are prioritizing recruitment in roles that align with the industry’s transition toward eco-friendly and digitally advanced travel experiences, ensuring they meet the evolving expectations of modern travellers.

The report highlights notable hiring intent by the survey respondents across India, with tier-1 cities like Mumbai (58%), Hyderabad (54%), and Ahmedabad (49%) leading the demand for talent. Simultaneously, tier-2 and tier-3 cities, including Coimbatore, Visakhapatnam and Jaipur, are emerging as employment hubs. Meanwhile, new locations such as Pune(18%), Visakhapatnam(15%), and Kochi(13%) are also gaining traction as significant centres of opportunity. This dual momentum across metros and smaller cities reflects the industry’s commitment to decentralising opportunities and addressing local talent pools.

The growing demand for skilled professionals is reshaping the job market. Sales roles lead hiring intentions, with 76% of companies seeking sales talent, followed by marketing (46%), office service roles (35%), and Information & Communication Technology (18%) positions. Engineering and blue-collar jobs are also seeing significant demand, reflecting the operational and technical advancements shaping the sector’s future.

Balasubramanian A, Senior VP and Business Head, TeamLease Services, said: “The positive hiring intent by 66% of the companies we’re seeing in the travel and hospitality sector tells a compelling story about how the industry is evolving. Businesses are gearing up to meet the demands of today’s eco-conscious and experience-driven travellers. Our report highlights how tier-2 and tier-3 cities in the country are stepping up as major employment hubs, alongside the usual metros, creating opportunities for talent in new regions.”

As the travel and hospitality industry grows, its commitment to sustainability and innovation is becoming more pronounced. Companies are prioritising developing eco-conscious travel options, smart tourism infrastructure, and seamless digital experiences, ensuring that the sector aligns with global trends. This transformation positions the industry as a significant contributor to India’s economic growth while reinforcing its role as a dynamic employment generator.

The TeamLease Services Employment Outlook Report sheds light on the opportunities and challenges in this evolving sector, highlighting the need for agility and innovation as businesses cater to a new wave of travellers seeking sustainability and personalisation.

 

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The post IndiGo reported a profit of INR 38.5 billion appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Driven by strong demand for air travel, continued growth, and lower fuel cost, for the quarter ended December 2024, IndiGo reported a solid profit of INR 38.5 billion excluding the impact of currency movement, as against a profit of 30.5 billion during the same period last year. 

Including the impact of foreign exchange, the net profit for the quarter aggregated to INR 24.5 billion.

InterGlobe Aviation Ltd. (“IndiGo”) reported its Third quarter fiscal year 2025 results.

For the quarter ended December 31, 2024, compared to the same period last year

• Capacity increased by 12.0% to 40.8 billion
• Passengers increased by 12.7% to 31.1 million
• Unit passenger revenue (PRASK) up by 0.3% to INR 4.72
• Revenue from Operations increased by 13.7% to INR 221,107 million
• CASK has increased by 6.8% to INR 4.83 (CASK ex fuel ex fx increased by 10.1% to INR 2.90) • EBITDAR of INR 60,587 million (27.4% EBITDAR margin), compared to EBITDAR of  INR 54,751 million (28.1% EBITDAR margin)
• EBITDAR excluding forex impact of INR 74,560 million (33.7% margin), compared to EBITDAR  excluding forex impact of INR 55,260 million (28.4% margin)
• Net profit of INR 24,488 million, compared to net profit of INR 29,981 million

Profitability Metrics

Particulars (INR mn);	Quarter ended
	Dec‘24	Dec‘23	Change
EBITDAR	60,587	54,751	+10.7%
EBITDAR excluding  foreign exchange*	74,560	55,260	+34.9%
PBT	25,271	29,985	-15.7%
PAT	24,488	29,981	-18.3%
Profit excluding foreign exchange*	38,461	30,490	+26.1%

 

*Net of gain on forex hedging of INR 591 million and Nil for quarter ended Dec’24 and Dec’23 respectively

Operational Metrics*

Particulars	Quarter ended
	Dec‘24	Dec‘23	Change
ASK (billion)	40.8	36.5	+12.0%
RPK (billion)	35.5	31.3	+13.5%
Load Factor	86.9%	85.8%	+1.2 pts
Passengers (million)	31.1	27.5	+12.7%

 

*Includes non-scheduled operations

Pieter Elbers, CEO, said: “We delivered a strong third quarter of financial year 2025, both operationally and financially. We reported  a total income of INR 230 billion, reflecting a growth of 15 percent and profit excluding the impact of  currency movement of INR 38.5 billion. Including currency impact, we reported a profit of INR 24.5 billion  highlighting effective execution of our clear and well-defined strategy. These results were driven by robust  demand in the market and our ability to cater to that demand supported by lower fuel prices.

We touched new milestones as we operated a peak of 2,200 daily flights and served a record 31.1 million  passengers during the quarter. We will continue the growth path to offer our customers with options to  conveniently fly to the destination of their choice.”

Revenue and Cost Comparisons

Total income for the quarter ended December 2024 was INR 229,928 million, an increase of 14.6% over the  same period last year. For the quarter, our passenger ticket revenues were INR 192,678 million, an increase of 12.3% and ancillary revenues were INR 21,531 million, an increase of 22.3% compared to the same period  last year.

Particulars (INR mn)	Quarter ended
	Dec‘24	Dec‘23	Change
Revenue from operations	221,107	194,521	+13.7%
Other income	8,821	6,102	+44.6%
Total income	229,928	200,623	+14.6%
RASK* (INR)	5.44	5.34	+1.9%
Yield (INR/Km)	5.43	5.48	-1.0%

 

*Net of finance income of INR 7,605 million and INR 5,834 million for quarter ended Dec’24 and Dec’23 respectively

Total expenses for the quarter ended December 2024 were INR 204,657 million, an increase of 19.9% over  the same quarter last year.

Particulars (INR mn)	Quarter ended
	Dec‘24	Dec‘23	Change
Fuel cost	64,226	68,414	-6.1%
Other costs excluding fuel	140,431	102,224	+37.4%
Total cost	204,657	170,638	+19.9%
CASK* (INR)	4.83	4.52	+6.8%
CASK ex fuel* (INR)	3.25	2.64	+23.1%
CASK ex fuel ex forex* (INR)	2.90	2.63	+10.1%

 

* Net of finance income of INR 7,605 million and INR 5,834 million for quarter ended Dec’24 and Dec’23 respectively

Cash and Debt 

As of 31^st December 2024

• IndiGo had a total cash balance of INR 437,808 million comprising INR 289,035million of free cash  and INR 148,773 million of restricted cash.
• The capitalized operating lease liability was INR 495,937 million. The total debt (including the  capitalized operating lease liability) was INR 651,385 million.

 

Network and Fleet 

• As of 31^st December 2024, fleet of 437 aircraft including 45 A320 CEOs (19 damp lease and 6 secondary leases), 199 A320 NEOs, 128 A321 NEOs, 48 ATRs, 3 A321 freighters, 12 B737  (damp lease) and 2 B777 (damp lease); a net increase of 27 passenger aircraft during the quarter.
• IndiGo operated at a peak of 2,200 daily flights during the quarter including non-scheduled  flights.
• During the quarter, provided scheduled services to 89 domestic destinations and 34 international destinations.

Operational Performance 

For the period October – December’24

• IndiGo had a Technical Dispatch Reliability of 99.89%.
• IndiGo had an on-time performance of 73.3% at four key metros and flight cancellation rate of  0.97%.

Future Capacity Growth  

• Fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025 capacity in terms of ASKs is expected to increase by around  20% as compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2024.

Awards and Accolades 

• IndiGo was recognized as ‘2024 Airline of the Year’ by Centre for Aviation (CAPA) • IndiGo was honoured at ‘National Energy Conservation Awards 2024’ by Government of India • IndiGo won prestigious NCPEDP Helen Keller Award 2024 for Promotion of Employment for  Disabled People (NCPEDP)
• IndiGo was recognized among the Top 25 Safest Workplaces by KelpHR PoSH Awards 2024 • IndiGo was awarded for ‘Excellence in Sustainability Initiatives’ by Dubai Airports at Dubai  Airports excellence awards 2024

 

 

 

 

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The post Virgin Australia Tops On-Time Performance Charts in December appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Virgin Australia has been recognised as the country’s most punctual and reliable major airline for December 2024, according to on-time performance (OTP) data released by the Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics (BITRE). The airline achieved an impressive departure OTP rate of 74.7% and completed 99.4% of its scheduled domestic flights, with a daily average of nearly 400 flights. Remarkably, there were four consecutive days between Christmas and New Year when no flights were cancelled.

Record Passenger Movements

December also marked a record month for Virgin Australia, with more than 1.925 million guests flown across its domestic and international network. This is the highest number of passengers flown on Virgin Australia services in any December throughout its 24-year history.

Commentary from Virgin Australia Group CEO

Virgin Australia Group CEO Jayne Hrdlicka expressed her pride in the airline’s performance during the critical summer holiday period. “The stakes are never higher than during the important summer holiday period, so we are really pleased to have been the most reliable major Australian airline in December,” said Hrdlicka. “We knew it was going to be an extremely busy time and we were prepared with a number of additional resilience measures, including more team members at airports and spare aircraft on standby.”

Hrdlicka also highlighted the significant improvement in on-time performance. “Our on-time performance improved by 18.5 percentage points from December 2023 to December 2024. Over the past twelve months we have been working hard to improve our operational performance, and it is wonderful to see these positive results, especially at such an important time of the year,” she added.

Commitment to Schedule Completion

Virgin Australia has been particularly focused on completing its schedule. For 11 of 12 months in 2024, the airline recorded a higher completion rate than its major competitor. “When unexpected disruption occurs, for example due to weather, we will prioritise completing a flight even if it means a delay is necessary. When challenges arise, our aim remains to get our guests to their destination on the day they have chosen to travel,” Hrdlicka explained.

Accommodating Rex Customers

Following the suspension of Rex’s jet operations in July 2024, Virgin Australia has continued to accommodate Rex customers free of charge. More than 135,000 Rex customers have been rebooked free of charge, with over 125,000 of them having already travelled.

Looking Ahead

Virgin Australia’s dedication to improving operational performance and ensuring passenger satisfaction has clearly paid off. As the airline continues to focus on reliability and customer service, travellers can look forward to more positive travel experiences with Virgin Australia.

For more information and to book flights, visit Virgin Australia.

Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! Let’s celebrate this achievement together.

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Source: traveldailymedia