Tag Archives: AI

MoCA seeks report on 80 AI Express flights being cancelled due to ‘mass sick leave’

Over 80 international and domestic flights of Air India Express were cancelled after the senior crew members of the airline went on mass ‘sick leave’.

The development came after several cabin crew members started reporting sick since Monday evening and as there are not enough cabin crew members, “scores of flights” have been cancelled at various airports, including Kochi, Calicut and Bengaluru, reports News18.

According to sources, the Ministry of Civil Aviation is looking into the issue to understand the cause of the sudden incident.

Releasing a statement, the Air India Express said, “A section of our cabin crew has reported sick last minute, starting last night, resulting in flight delays and cancellations. While we are engaging with the crew to understand the reasons behind these occurrences our teams are actively addressing this issue to minimise any inconvenience caused.”

“We sincerely apologise to our guests…those impacted will be offered a full refund or rescheduling. Guests flying us today are requested to check if the flight is affected, before heading to the airport,” the statement added.

A union representing a section of the airlines’ cabin crew, Air India Express Employees Union (AIXEU), also wrote to the Chairman of Air India Natarajan Chandrashekharan, talking about the grievances of employees and raised concerns regarding the current situation at Air India Express Limited, particularly following its acquisition by TATA.

The union alleged that the airline is being mismanaged and there is a lack of equality in the treatment of the staff and alleged that mismanagement of the affairs has affected the morale of the employees.

“It is with great disappointment that we address the growing unrest and dissatisfaction among the employees since the takeover by TATA. However, it appears that the reality on the ground does not align with these principles. Despite assurances of job security, salary maintenance, and respect for seniority and experience, there has been a stark departure from these commitments,” the letter read.

Hours after the news of Air India Express flights getting cancelled grabbed headlines, the MoCA sought a report on the cancellations and asked the airlines to ensure facilities for passengers as per the norms laid down by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

In addition to this, the Ministry asked the carrier, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Air India, to resolve the issue “promptly”. (Source: News18)

Saudia launches AI-powered digital platform ‘Travel Companion’

Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has launched a digital platform, the Travel Companion (TC), powered by advanced artificial intelligence. This move is part of a two-year plan to revolutionise the travel industry by embracing digital innovations.

In collaboration with global professional services firm Accenture, Saudia’s Travel Companion is set to change how travellers interact with the airline and redefine the standards of digital travel.

The Travel Companion offers personalised and tailored solutions to meet individual preferences and needs, providing search results from trusted and authenticated sources and utilizes image-supported responses.
The platform is intended to be a comprehensive, one-stop solution that allows users to book concierge services such as hotels, transportation, restaurants, activities, and attractions, eliminating the need to switch between multiple platforms. Additionally, it establishes seamless connections with transportation platforms and various train companies, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted journey.

In the next stages, Saudia will introduce additional features, such as voice command and digital payment solutions. Through an always-on Travel Companion accessible via a telecom e-SIM card enabled by Saudia, users can enjoy global access without relying on other internet providers. Furthermore, users can purchase data packages for additional applications, ensuring continuous access to the platform’s services.

The ultimate goal of the Travel Companion is to become the top app for travellers, providing unparalleled travel information. With aspirations to become the go-to platform for various services beyond flight bookings, the Travel Companion will aim to distinguish itself in the airline industry.

His Excellency Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, said, “We are thrilled to introduce the Travel Companion, a game-changer in the airline industry that will revolutionise the digital travel experience. This platform, resulting from our ongoing collaboration with Accenture, signifies our forward-looking approach to providing guests with unparalleled convenience and flexibility.”

 

AI, ANA ink code-share for travel between India & Japan

Air India (AI) and All Nippon Airways (ANA), the largest Japanese carrier, have signed a code-share agreement connecting their networks.

The new commercial partnership will provide more travel opportunities for customers of both airlines, who will benefit from the enhanced flight selections between India and Japan.

With this agreement, effective for travel from today, Air India and All Nippon Airways guests will fly to their desired destination by combining those flights between India and Japan with a single ticket.

In addition, guests of both airlines flying on code-share flights will enjoy premium services such as lounge access and priority boarding that Star Alliance offers to its premium members.

Available for sale from today, Air India will add its ‘AI’ designator code on ANA’s flights between Tokyo Haneda and Delhi as well as Tokyo Narita and Mumbai, while All Nippon Airways will add its ‘NH’ designator code on Air India’s flight between Tokyo Narita and Delhi. Air India and ANA are considering further expanding their cooperation on additional routes.

“This codeshare agreement with All Nippon Airways marks an important step forward in connecting India and Japan,” said Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial & Transformation Officer, Air India. “This collaboration broadens our network connectivity and offers our guests seamless travel experiences and a wider choice of flights between the two countries. We look forward to a successful collaboration with ANA and exploring further avenues for cooperation in the future.”

This agreement will contribute to further consolidate the economic and commercial relations between India and Japan and will offer Indian tourists the opportunity to broadly discover the wonders of Japan and to Japanese citizens the opportunity to easily travel to India, ensuring the highest standards of safety.

“We look forward to building this strategic partnership with Air India, as it is a significant step towards furthering stronger air connectivity and enhancing customer experience between Japan and India,” said Katsuya Goto, Member of the Board and Executive Vice President of Alliances and International Affairs, All Nippon Airways.

“This collaboration is a testament to ANA’s commitment to improving the air travel experience for all of its travellers and we hope this will lead to a seamless travel environment between our two nations.”

AI Set to Shape the Future of Travel & Tourism: WTTC

Recent studies from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and Microsoft underscore the significant impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its influence on the evolution of Travel & Tourism.

The final two reports of a series on Artificial Intelligence from WTTC entitled “Responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI): Overview of AI Risks, Safety & Governance” and “Artificial Intelligence (AI): Global Strategies, Policies & Regulations,” underscore a commitment to a digital future that prioritises safety, ethical considerations, and responsible AI adoption.

Launched during the global tourism body’s participation at the UN General Assembly in New York, these reports mark significant milestones in WTTC’s mission to promote innovation and excellence in customer experiences through the safe and trustworthy integration of AI.

“Responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI)” delves into the potential risks associated with AI deployment and offers strategies for establishing frameworks that promote transparency, accountability, and fairness.

From addressing bias and discrimination to ensuring human oversight of AI systems, this report empowers organisations to harness the power of AI responsibly.

In the fourth and final instalment, “Artificial Intelligence (AI): Global Strategies, Policies & Regulations,” WTTC provides a detailed overview of the AI ecosystem across key countries and international organisations.

It shows how policymakers are navigating the AI landscape and shaping regulations and strategies to foster AI innovation, while ensuring its ethical and responsible use.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said, “In a rapidly evolving landscape, AI emerges as a catalyst for positive change. The insights provided in these reports demonstrate that AI is not just a technological advancement; it is a strategic tool that can personalise customer experiences, drive sustainable improvements, and shape the future of Travel & Tourism.

“AI is already being used across our sector with incredible results. Several major hotel groups including Iberostar are using AI to monitor and reduce food waste, which recently resulted not only in a 27% cost saving but prevented thousands of kilos of unwanted food going to landfill.”

Julie Shainock, Managing Director, Travel, Transport, & Logistics Industry for Microsoft, said, “We are seeing AI being embraced across the entire travel eco-system enhancing the customer experience, the employee experience and also driving more efficiency in operations, but we know we are only at the beginning of the journey.

“We are excited to see what the future holds as AI becomes more widely adopted to automate the more mundane tasks of travel and harness the true spirit of travel, to elevate the human experience.”

According to WTTC, AI has the power to revolutionise how businesses in the Travel & Tourism sector operate, offering immense opportunities for growth and innovation.

Both reports underscore the urgent need for Travel & Tourism businesses to embrace AI as a strategic priority, investing in talent and fostering collaboration between humans and AI.

But despite the sector’s increasing recognition of AI’s potential, challenges such as AI-skilled workforce shortages in the Travel & Tourism sector persist, highlighting the importance of proactive measures to overcome barriers to adoption.

As AI continues to reshape the world, WTTC remains at the forefront, advocating for safe, ethical, and inclusive AI innovation.

San Francisco attracts 23.1mn visitors in 2023; India ranks among Top 5 for visitation & spend

San Francisco Travel Association, the official destination marketing organization for the City and County of San Francisco, released 2023 visitor impact results and an updated 2024 forecast at its annual Marketing Conference held yesterday at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.

The conference also featured presentations and panel discussions on AI and other pioneering technologies and initiatives shaping the visitor experience and destination sales and marketing.

2023 Results
San Francisco attracted 23.1 million visitors in 2023, a 5.2% year-over-year increase. Visitor spending grew by 18% to USD 8.8 billion. Total 2023 visitor-related spending, including USD 494.6 million in meeting planner and exhibitor spending, increased by 20% to USD 9.3 billion.

A strong convention year—marked by global events including Dreamforce and the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’ Summit—drove lodging gains. Hotel room nights attributed to delegates attending Moscone Center conventions totaled 618,298, an 82.6% increase from 2022. Moscone Center hosted 34 events in 2023, up from 33 the year prior.

Average hotel occupancy rose 3.2% to 64.2%. The average daily rate (ADR) was USD 243.80, up 7.2% year-over-year. Revenue per available room (RevPAR) rose 10.6% to USD 156.43.

Tourism generated USD 609.6 million in tax revenue for the city, an increase of more than USD 87 million compared to 2022. The visitor economy also helped support nearly 63,000 jobs in San Francisco, up 18%. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the leisure & hospitality industry was the second-largest source of employment in San Francisco in Q3 2023.

“San Francisco’s tourism recovery efforts continue to make steady progress. While 2023 had us on the right trajectory with increased visitation and visitor spending, we still have ground to cover before the full impact of visitors reaches pre-pandemic levels,” said Scott Beck, President and CEO, San Francisco Travel. “Attracting more conventions and events to the city is a key focus for SF Travel given their citywide impact on San Francisco’s economy.”

“San Francisco is a thriving city full of vibrant neighborhoods, parks and open spaces, unmatched views, and some of the best food and hospitality in the world,” said Mayor London Breed. “We are proud to be welcoming more visitors back to our City and we are growing stronger every day, but there is more work ahead of us. We will continue to do everything we can to make San Francisco a welcoming, safe, and exciting city for visitors, workers, and our residents.”

International visitation continued to be a key driver in San Francisco’s tourism recovery, growing by 26% in 2023. Over two million international visitors contributed USD 4.64 billion in visitor spending.

According to the most recent 2023 data from Oxford Economics for San Francisco and San Mateo counties, visitation from Japan, South Korea, and China more than doubled. China regained its position as the top international market for visitor spend in San Francisco and San Mateo counties for the first time since 2019, contributing USD 633.4 million.

The top five international markets for visitor spending in 2023 were China, India, the U.K., Mexico, and Canada, and the top five for visitor volume were Mexico, the U.K., Canada, Germany, and India.

San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
In 2023, SFO served over 50 million passengers, up 18.7% from 2022. SFO added dozens of new and returning routes last year, including United Airlines launching its first nonstop service to Manila, Christchurch, and Rome; Starlux Airlines launching nonstop service from Taipei; and ITA Airways launching nonstop service from Rome. Additionally, SFO saw nonstop service from China resume with Air China, China Eastern Airlines, and China Southern Airlines flying from Beijing, Shanghai, and Wuhan, respectively.

Outlook for 2024
San Francisco Travel forecasts growth in visitation and overall visitor spending in 2024, driven primarily by increased leisure and business travel. Visitor volume is expected to reach 23.7 million, with 2.36 million international visitors forecast to contribute USD 5 billion of the anticipated USD 9.45 billion in 2024 visitor spending.

Hotel occupancy is forecast to reach 65%, and ADR is projected to grow by 3.3% to USD 251.91 in 2024. Hotel RevPAR is anticipated to increase by 4.7% to USD 163.82.

San Francisco Travel previously reported events at Moscone Center would be below their historical impact in 2024. The diminished impact of meetings and conventions is the direct impact of being unable to sell Moscone Center for two years during the pandemic.

Moscone Center is confirmed to host 25 events this year, accounting for more than 480,000 hotel room nights. San Francisco’s ethos of innovation continues to be a strong magnet for business and technology meetings, with events such as the Game Developers Conference, RSA Conference, Dreamforce, and Data + AI Summit taking place at Moscone Center this year.

Visitor spending is expected to surpass 2019’s levels by 2025, while visitor volume is expected to reach 2019’s 26 million in 2026. The impact of San Francisco’s visitor economy is expected to be back in volume and spending by early 2027.

SFO expects continued growth and projects it will service nearly 54 million passengers in 2024.

Club Med harnesses AI as part of its ‘Happy Digital’ initiative

After the launch of Data Factory in 2022, Club Med has integrated Generative AI as part of its ‘Happy Digital’ initiative which aims to elevate customer experience.

Club Med has announced a new stage in its digital transformation with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI). After the implementation of Data Factory (data management platform) in 2022, the brand is further stepping up its investments in ‘Happy Digital’, one of its five strategic pillars, to enrich the customer experience and
enhance employee efficiency.

Dedicated to using technology to free up guests from organizational constraints and make their user experience easier, Happy Digital, as an initiative, positions Club Med as an early adopter in leveraging AI as a valuable catalyst for innovation, heightened consumer satisfaction, and accelerated growth.

Data is at the core of Club Med’s digital strategy: In 2023, Club Med began a major transformation by rethinking its Data Factory, aggregating 2.1 billion data points of commercial, customer, and operational data.

This progress which is enabled thanks to AI, has transformed the way Club Med manages its information: Currently, over 5 million new data points per day are processed in near real-time.

Commenting on this transformation, Quentin Briard, CEO, Marketing, Digital & Technologies, Club Med, said, “Generative artificial intelligence, powered by a substantial collection of data, is taking us into a new era of innovations. Our strategic choice towards customer-oriented digitalisation and direct-to-consumer distribution has enabled us to create a volume of high-quality data. Thanks to generative AI, we can reinforce all of our strategic pillars: from individualizing our customer communications to improving our recruitment processes and developing innovative solutions to intensify our CSR commitments, thus reinforcing our Happy Digital positioning.”

Additionally, Siddhartha Chatterjee, Chief Data Officer at Club Med shares how generative AI technologies are going to revolutionise internal employee experiences. “We are developing the multimodality of AI, which represents, not only an ability to personalize interactions with our customers but also gains efficiency and precious time for our teams. For instance, with the automation of low value-added tasks such as indexing and automatically sorting the 50,000+ images we own. In addition, as a global brand, we capitalise on Generative AI’s translation ability to translate marketing content for our international customers.”