Amadeus has acquired Vision-Box, a provider of biometric solutions for airports, airlines, and border control customers. The acquisition of Vision-Box will bring new capabilities around biometrics hardware and software, adding border control solutions to the Amadeus portfolio. Through this combined offering with Vision-Box, Amadeus will now be able to deliver a full end-to-end seamless passenger experience from booking to arrival at the airport, through border control and boarding. This acquisition will contribute to Amadeus’ ambition to connect the travel industry through a seamless ecosystem approach. With this in mind, this deal will deliver outstanding biometrics interoperability between airports, airlines and…
Author: Gauri Sawant
China has announced a “comprehensive mutual visa cooperation” agreement with 23 countries, aiming to enhance tourism and facilitate freer international travel for its citizens. Beijing is actively pursuing visa-free or liberalized visa procedures with various nations to counter the decline in international tourist numbers to China and encourage Chinese citizens to travel abroad more freely. Wang Wenbin, the Foreign Ministry spokesman, highlighted the continuous expansion of China’s “visa-free circle of friends.” China has already established mutual visa exemption agreements with 157 countries, simplified visa procedures with 44 countries, and comprehensive mutual visa cooperation with 23 countries, including Thailand, Singapore, the…
In a significant move, the New Zealand government has transitioned the application process for Permanent Resident Visas (PRV), Second or Subsequent Resident Visas (SSRV), and Variation of Travel Conditions of a resident visa (VOTC) to an entirely online platform. This change, implemented from January 2024, means that immigrants seeking these visas will no longer be required to submit physical copies of documents such as passports unless under special circumstances or exceptions. Applicants can now conveniently apply online, track the status of their applications, and receive notifications about the decision-making timeframe. It is crucial for applicants to ensure that they meet…
A U.S. bankruptcy judge has approved Brazilian airline Gol’s request to borrow the first USD350 million of its proposed USD950 million bankruptcy financing. The approval is crucial for Gol to maintain normal operations. While expressing concerns about the high costs associated with the loan, the judge will consider approving the remaining amount at a future hearing, seeking more insight into financing costs. The loan carries an interest rate exceeding 15%, over USD235 million in additional fees, and potential additional attorneys’ fees. Gol filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection with about USD8 billion in total balance-sheet debt, citing struggles with the…
Minor Hotels aims to launch over 200 new locations worldwide within three years, revealing insights into its dynamic commercial strategy for 2024 and beyond. The target for new hotels would increase the group’s global portfolio by almost 40% from its current count of 540 properties, as well as adding more than 30,000 rooms to its present inventory of almost 80,000. The rapid acceleration of Minor’s global growth ambition builds on record financial performance in 2023 and will be driven by a multi-pronged commercial strategy that will see the company enhance its portfolio of brands and overhaul its digital strategy, while…
A recent Local Circles survey at Delhi airport disclosed that 29% of respondents who signed up for the DigiYatra app did so “unknowingly,” with only 15% aware of its benefits. DigiYatra, a mobile app for contactless airport passenger movement, faced scrutiny for allegedly collecting biometric data without consent. Out of 10,892 responses, 29% signed up unknowingly, and 15% did so due to the absence of a regular queue. Despite the provision of government-assisted Digi buddies, 85% of respondents felt there should be increased awareness about the program. DigiYatra, operational in 13 airports, requires Aadhaar-based registration and boarding pass scanning for…
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is set to undertake a substantial ₹400 crore project to construct 11 rapid exit taxiways at Chennai airport. These taxiways aim to reduce aircraft fuel consumption and alleviate airside congestion. The project includes eight rapid exit taxiways linking the main runway and three with the secondary runway. Officials anticipate completion in about 2-3 years, with the airport’s handling capacity expected to increase from 36 to 45 movements per hour. As part of the ongoing ₹2,467 crore phase II modernization project, some rapid exit taxiways are already under construction. Additionally, the demolition of the old…
SpiceJet Ltd. has allotted shares and warrants totalling INR 744 crore on a preferential basis in the first tranche. On January 25, 2024, the company’s Board of Directors approved the allotment of 5.55 crore equity shares on a preferential basis to 54 subscribers. Additionally, the Board approved the allotment of 9.33 crore warrants, offering the option to apply for and be allotted an equivalent number of equity shares, on a preferential basis to Elara India Opportunities Fund Limited and Silver Stallion Limited. SpiceJet is due to complete another tranche of equity/warrants raise from remaining subscribers and has requested additional time…
The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) reported provisional whole-year visitor arrivals of 34 million in 2023, with four million visitors in December alone. The Mainland remained the primary visitor source market throughout the year, witnessing satisfactory arrivals during key holiday periods. Southeast Asian markets showcased swift recovery, with December arrivals from the Philippines and Thailand surpassing pre-pandemic levels at 116% and 106%, respectively. The Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing, and Exhibitions (MICE) segment led the rebound, reaching about 70% of pre-pandemic levels and outpacing leisure travel in recovery. Overnight visitors constituted half of the total travelers, with an average stay of 3.6…
The Supreme Court, on Monday, intervened by staying the Himachal Pradesh High Court’s order that had temporarily halted the expansion work at Gaggal airport in the Kangra district. The three-judge bench, led by Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud, issued the stay while allowing the High Court to proceed with pending petitions. Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing the state government, highlighted that Kangra airport is the only one among the three airports in the state capable of expansion. The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet, in June 2023, chaired by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, had decided to move forward with the…
