10 Apr 2025
#2 April 2025: India Aviation Newsletter
Air India Integrates Baggage Tracking with Apple AirTag
Air India has become the first airline in Asia to integrate Apple AirTag technology into its baggage-tracking system, enabling passengers using iPhones, iPads, or Mac devices to monitor the location of their checked-in luggage via the airline’s mobile app and website. With over 100 million bags handled annually and a 99.6% on-time baggage delivery rate, Air India is enhancing service transparency for the small percentage of bags delayed due to transfer issues or ground handling errors.
Dr. Satya Ramaswamy, Air India’s Chief Digital & Technology Officer, commented, “As we transform into a world-class global airline, we are excited to offer guests a way to locate their baggage if it doesn’t arrive on time. Our integration with Apple’s AirTag and the Share Item Location feature complements our real-time baggage tracking system, ensuring peace of mind for our travellers.”
IndiGo Connects Mumbai and Bengaluru to Krabi
IndiGo has announced new daily non-stop flights from Mumbai and Bengaluru to Krabi, Thailand—its third destination in the country following Bangkok and Phuket. The route is designed to support both leisure and business travellers and strengthen cultural and trade ties between the two countries.
Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales at IndiGo, stated, “With over 95 weekly flights from India to Thailand, the launch of Krabi services marks a significant milestone in our international expansion. These convenient flights allow customers to explore a popular resort town known for its natural beauty, while also bolstering India–Thailand bilateral cooperation.”
Star Air Reconnects Bengaluru and Bidar
Star Air will restart direct flights between Bengaluru (BLR) and Bidar (IXX) from 15 April 2025, in a move that strengthens intra-state air connectivity within Karnataka. The route will be especially beneficial for business travellers, students, tourists, and defence personnel travelling between the state capital and the historic city of Bidar, significantly cutting travel time compared to road or rail.
Star Air CEO Simran Singh Tiwana said, “We are delighted to resume services on this vital route. Enhancing regional air access remains a core part of our strategy, and this relaunch underscores our commitment to serving underserved markets across India.”
Acumen’s Take
On Air India’s AirTag Integration
Air India’s integration of Apple AirTag is a forward-thinking move that positions the airline at the forefront of customer-focused digital innovation. With baggage issues a critical pain point for global travellers, this initiative demonstrates leadership in operational transparency and tech adoption—a key signal of its ongoing transformation under the Tata Group.
On IndiGo’s Krabi Launch
IndiGo’s launch of flights to Krabi signals a confident push into high-demand Southeast Asian leisure markets. With Thailand ranking as a top international destination for Indian travellers, this expansion enhances IndiGo’s brand as a regional connector and supports government initiatives aimed at promoting bilateral tourism and trade.
On Star Air’s Bidar Service
The revival of the Bidar–Bengaluru route reinforces Star Air’s focus on regional connectivity and the UDAN scheme’s long-term goals. As Tier-II and III markets continue to emerge as viable growth zones, such routes offer essential mobility, economic access, and wider integration into the national air grid.
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