CBSE Regional Science Exhibition Held at KIIT World School, Gurugram, with Participation from 50 Schools

Gurugram: KIIT World School, Gurugram, recently hosted the CBSE Regional Science Exhibition, a two-day event that highlighted the innovative spirit of young scientists from across the region. More than 50 schools participated, showcasing 110 projects that spanned themes like Disaster Management, Food and Health, Natural Farming, Transport and Communication, Mathematical Thinking, and Waste Management. The exhibition served as a platform to foster scientific curiosity and creativity among students.

The event was graced by esteemed guests including Dr. Rita Sharma, Director of SCERT; Mr. D. Rama Sharma, former Director of NSC; Mr. Sanjay Kumar Bisht, Deputy Secretary of R.O. Panchkula; and Mr. Sunil Bajaj, Director of SCERT, who encouraged students for their dedication and creativity. The projects were evaluated by a distinguished jury panel comprising Dr. Bhanu Pratap Singh, Dr. Chitra Gautam, Dr. A.M. Biradar, Dr. Tamanna Arora, Dr. Seema Srivastava, and Dr. Indira Dhull, based on criteria such as creativity, scientific knowledge, practicality, and presentation.

In the Junior category, The Shikshayan School won top honors with their project on “Natural Farming,” lauded for its sustainable approach to agriculture. Other remarkable projects included Little Angels School’s “Carbon Emission Purification Plant,” and KIIT World School’s “Safe Bracelet.” Lotus Valley International School’s “Senior Safeguard,” HDFC School’s “Bio-Lumi-Breath,” and Saffron Public School’s “Third Eye Surveillance Device” were also noteworthy.

In the Senior category, Amity International School’s “Thermoelectric Generator” took top spots, along with notable projects like Lion Public School’s “Kisan Bot,” Delhi Public School Site 1’s “Pushp,” an eco-friendly sanitary pad made from temple flowers, and KIIT World School’s “Automatic Pill Dispenser.” Other impressive entries included MVN School Sector 88’s “Accesswaves,” Apeejay School’s “Sustainable Cooling System,” and Air Force School’s “Sign Bridge.”

At the closing ceremony, Dr. Neelima Kamrah, Principal of KIIT World School, expressed gratitude to the guests, jury members, and participating schools. She praised the students’ enthusiasm for science and innovation, saying, “This exhibition ignites a scientific spirit in students and inspires them to explore new ideas and innovations.”

Average home prices in Gurugram up 76 Percent in 2 years, say’s report

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Gurugram: The real estate prices of houses in Gurugram have risen to an average of 76 percent in the past two years driven by high demand and expectation for more homes. The newly released Prop Index Report by Magic Bricks reveals an average price of Rs 14,650 per sq ft, 15.5% up in the last quarter alone (July to September in the fictitious year 2024).

Mr. Gaurav K Singh, Founder & MD, Womeki Group, “As we embrace the vibrant festival season in India, the real estate market is experiencing a notable transformation. Recent trends reveal a shift in buyer preferences toward spacious homes that offer a blend of comfort and functionality. With remote work becoming a lasting reality, many are seeking properties that accommodate their evolving lifestyles, favoring amenities like home offices and communal spaces. Additionally, attractive financing options and festive discounts create a sense of urgency, prompting many to take the leap into homeownership. Many eager homebuyers wait for this period, motivated by the festive spirit and the desire to invest in new beginnings. real estate developers recognize this enthusiasm and often roll out attractive deals, catering to investors, end users, and channel partners alike. These incentives aim to make homeownership more accessible and appealing, offering prospective buyers additional financial benefits and added value to enhance their festive season. The festival season is not just about celebration; it’s a strategic moment in the real estate market that fosters investment, innovation, and community growth.”

This growth pattern can be accrued mainly to a major infrastructure factor led by the successful construction of Dwarka Expressway. Housing sectors in Gurugram and newer sectors, in particular, have become more attractive to home buying as this major project has helped to increase connectivity between the two cities. While core Gurugram locations remain steep in rates these emerging sectors are gaining attention for affordable prices in housing, especially around central business districts.

Mr. Viren Mehta, Director, ElitePro Infra said, “The Gurugram real estate market has shown remarkable resilience, with property prices increasing by 76% over the past two years. This surge highlights the strong demand for housing, especially in key areas that offer enhanced infrastructure and connectivity. While the supply of residential units has also grown, the rising prices reflect sustained investor confidence and the premium that buyers are willing to pay for quality homes. Developers must now focus on balancing supply and affordability, ensuring that the market remains attractive for both homebuyers and investors alike.”

The report also pointed out that the prices have risen sharply and despite the demand for residential units going up a decent 9.9 percent QoQ, while new supply coming in at a much faster pace of 18.3 percent QoQ, thanks to an increase in the number of new listings and new project launches in the quarter.

Mr. Ashish Agarwal, Director, AU Real estate – Over the last 2 years, we have witnessed an unprecedented surge in home prices in Delhi NCR, driven primarily by the region’s ongoing infrastructure development. The enhancements in connectivity and accessibility have not only elevated the desirability of NCR as a residential destination but have also stimulated significant interest from homebuyers. As we approach the festive quarter, we anticipate continued growth in housing sales, as consumers seek to make meaningful investments during this auspicious time.

Also, there is high demand of ready to move apartments, prices have gone up to 12.9 percent quarter on quarter to Rs 13,729/ sq ft, and under-construction apartment prices have gone up to 17.3 percent quarter on quarter to Rs 16,180/ sq ft.

This report factually shows that 3 BHK units are the most in-demand, taking the majority with 66% of the total share. The average price for these units has increased by 21.6 percent in the last quarter which is at Rs 14,600 per square feet. End-user interest is inclined towards upcoming apartment micro-markets like the Dwarka Expressway where the average residential rate was Rs 14,800 against Rs 12,600 in New Gurgaon and Rs 17,000 in Golf Course Extension.

The Dwarka Expressway along with New Gurgaon and SPR has become the most searched area for real estates, as the report identifies. This change signifies a rise in interest in the real estate market in Gurugram connecting the city as a key player to the Delhi NCR real estate market.

Mr. Santosh Agarwal, CFO and Executive Director of Alphacorp, “The impressive 76% surge in residential prices across Gurugram over the past two years is a clear reflection of the region’s growing demand and strong market fundamentals. Gurugram has transformed into a key real estate destination, attracting both end-users and investors, driven by infrastructural advancements, improved connectivity, and the influx of multinational corporations. This price appreciation also mirrors the rising aspirations for luxury and high-end properties. We view this as a pivotal time to continue enhancing our project offerings with cutting-edge amenities and sustainable designs to meet the evolving needs of discerning buyers. Additionally, Gurugram’s growth trajectory aligns with broader economic trends, making it a robust investment hub for the future. With sustained government support and further infrastructure projects in the pipeline, the outlook remains highly positive for Gurugram’s real estate market.”

With infrastructure gradually developing more and new projects on the horizon, the residential market of Gurugram holds a promise of even more growth and the city remains as one among the top choices for consumers and investors.

Mr. Didar Singh, Senior Vice President – Sales, Trehan Iris, said, “Gurugram has seen a remarkable 76% increase in home prices over the past two years, reflecting its rise as a key business hub. The completion of significant infrastructure projects, particularly the Dwarka Expressway, has enhanced connectivity to Delhi, attracting a growing number of residents. This influx has driven residential demand, pushing prices upward, especially in core areas. As the housing supply increases, newer sectors are emerging, offering quality residential options while still maintaining proximity to major business districts. Moreover, as infrastructure continues to develop, Gurugram’s appeal is set to grow, , further solidifying its position as a prime destination for homebuyers seeking both convenience and value.”

Why These Areas of Gurugram Have Become Property Hotspots and :

With prime locations and excellent infrastructure development in NCR, the Gurugram Dwarka Expressway, Southern Peripheral Road (SPR), New Gurugram, Golf Course Road, Golf Course Extension Road, and Sohna Road have become property hotspots. Home buyers are showing significant interest in these areas. Gurugram is known for its various expressways and has the facilities of Indian Railways, Rapid Metro, and Delhi Metro, with the upcoming Rapid Rail facility also set to become available. Last year, the Haryana government formed Gurugram Metro Rail Limited (GMRL), a special-purpose vehicle to implement the 28.5 km metro expansion project from Millennium City Center to Cyber Hub, which will integrate a large part of the city into the metro network.

Le Rêve at The Leela Ambience Gurugram Partners with European Pastry & Culinary School

Gurugram, August 2024: A sweet revolution is brewing in Gurugram as Le Rêve, the artisanal patisserie amidst The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences, gears up for an extraordinary collaboration. On October 15th, Le Rêve will present an immersive showcase featuring two of India’s leading pastry experts, Chef Anil Rohira and Chef Vikas Bagul, owners of the esteemed School for European Pastry & Culinary Arts.

Over the past year, Le Rêve has been living up to its name. The name, French for “The Dream,” perfectly captures the essence of this sweet sanctuary. Now, Le Rêve is set to elevate its offerings even further with an extraordinary collaboration. With master chefs in-house, visitors can expect a symphony of flavours and a feast for the eyes as years of expertise meet Le Rêve’s commitment to authentic tastes and impeccable craftsmanship.
The luxury patisserie has been creating delights that resonate with both the soul and the palate. Each pastry, each loaf of bread, and each delicate dessert forms a verse in an edible tribute to culinary artistry. Le Rêve is all set to persistently explore new frontiers where luxury and emotion harmoniously converge on the plate through a remarkable collaboration with master chefs.

Following The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences’ tradition of excellence, Le Rêve has reimagined classic baking. The patisserie invites you to indulge in the craftsmanship that dedication creates as it celebrates an extraordinary collaboration with Chef Anil Rohira and Chef Vikas Bagul from the renowned School for European Pastry & Culinary Arts.

KIIT World School Showcases Young Innovators through Collaborative Program

Gurugram: KIIT World School is excited to share the success of the Young Inventors Program, an inspiring collaboration between KIIT World School and Vastav Intellect IP Solutions. Designed by Mr. Venkatesh Bharti, Founder and Director of Vastav Intellect IP Solutions LLP (VIIPS) and Vastav Incubatex & Entrepreneurship Foundation (VIEF), along with Ma’am Deepa Kholi, this initiative aims to foster creativity and innovation in students, helping them develop ideas into impactful designs.

kiit world school

The program engaged students from grades 1 to 6, encouraging them to think outside the box and generate fresh, inventive concepts. Through expert-led brainstorming sessions, facilitated by professionals from Vastav Intellect, students explored problem-solving techniques and innovative approaches to address real-world challenges. This hands-on learning experience empowered young minds to look at everyday issues from a new perspective.

At the conclusion of the program, students presented their innovative designs and posters to their classmates, teachers, and a panel of experts. The interactive session allowed for valuable feedback and insights, helping students refine their ideas and chart the next steps in their innovation journey.

Dr. Neelima Kamrah, Principal of KIIT World School, praised the initiative, saying, “It’s heartening to see our students embracing innovation at such a young age. Programs like these build a strong foundation for creative thinking and problem-solving, which are essential skills for the future.”

Samsung Brings Irregular Heart Rhythm Notification to Galaxy Watches in India

GURUGRAM, India – August 21, 2024: Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, on announced the rollout of Irregular Heart Rhythm Notification (IHRN) feature on the Samsung Health Monitor app for Galaxy Watches. The new feature, combined with the app’s existing Blood Pressure and Electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring capabilities, helps detect heart rhythms suggestive of atrial fibrillation (AFib), offering Galaxy Watch users a more comprehensive understanding of their heart health.

Watch7 IHRN

Once activated in the Samsung Health Monitor app, the IHRN feature continuously checks for irregular heart rhythms in the background using the Galaxy Watch’s BioActive Sensor. If a certain number of consecutive measurements are irregular, Galaxy Watch warns the user of potential AFib activity, prompting them to take an ECG using their watch for a more accurate measurement. With the existing Blood Pressure and Heart Rate monitoring, this new feature provides users with even deeper insights into their cardiovascular health.

Cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and AFib — a type of arrhythmia — is widely considered a warning sign for major cardiovascular issues including an increased risk of stroke, heart failure and other complications. Moreover, many cases of AFib are asymptomatic or even silent, leaving people unaware of their risk.

With the addition of the IHRN feature, Galaxy Watch users can now monitor other crucial aspects of their heart health. Equipped with Samsung’s BioActive Sensor, it offers tools to help users better understand their heart health, including on-demand ECG recording and an HR Alert function that detects abnormally high or low heart rates.

The Irregular Heart Rhythm Notification feature is now available as part of the newly launched Galaxy Watch7 Ultra, Galaxy Watch7 as well as on Galaxy Watch6, Watch5 and Watch4 series.

Galaxy Watch users can simply update the Samsung Health Monitor app on their devices via Galaxy Store and then enable the IHRN feature from the settings menu on the app

Honasa Consumer’s BBLUNT Hits INR 100 Crore Net ARR, Grows 4X in Two Years

Gurugram, India – August 13, 2024: BBLUNT, the trailblazing hair care brand from the Honasa Consumer Ltd. portfolio known for bringing salon-like experiences to home announces a significant milestone, achieving an annual revenue rate of INR 100 crore and grows 4 times since its acquisition. This achievement underscores Honasa Consumer’s capabilities to nurture and scale new-age brands with strategic innovations, delivering exceptional haircare solutions to consumers across India.

bblunt

Honasa Consumer has once again demonstrated the strength of its on-trend, data-based innovation strategy, taking BBlunt to achieve this milestone. The focus on leveraging data for product innovation and responding swiftly to emerging trends continues to be a cornerstone of the strategy. Building upon this legacy of innovation, BBlunt has uniquely addressed consumer needs and pioneered innovative hair care and styling products, establishing itself as a market leader in the online styling space.

BBlunt has created solutions tailored specifically to Indian hair types and conditions, focusing on hair colors, shampoos, conditioners, styling products, and hair appliances. The brand’s success stems from its unique product development process, which combines insights from stylists, consumer interactions, and rigorous salon testing. Honasa Consumer Ltd. has established itself as a leader in understanding millennial behaviour and successfully launching and scaling brands with strong millennial appeal. The brand has introduced unique, innovative products tailored to consumer needs, such as the Intense Moisture Heat Spa Mask, Intense Shine Hair Serum, Hot Shot Styling Range, and various hair appliances.

This growth is complemented by a sixfold rise in brand-related Google searches over the past two years, underscoring BBlunt’s dominant presence in the online styling space.

Commenting on this milestone, Varun Alagh, Co-Founder, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Honasa Consumer Limited, says, “We are extremely thrilled with BBlunt’s achievement of reaching an INR 100 crore annual run rate and growing the brand 4x since the acquisition. From the outset, we were confident in the brand’s potential and knew that our strategic playbooks could drive its expansion. These playbooks have enabled us to broaden the brand’s reach and scale it significantly. This milestone highlights our deep understanding of the Indian haircare market. We’ve developed products tailored to the specific needs of Indian consumers, tackling issues like hard water damage and pollution while delivering salon-quality experiences at home. Our success is rooted in a strategic approach that nurtures brands resonating with modern consumers who value both affordability and the freedom to experiment. As we continue to leverage data-driven insights and prioritize digital-first strategies, we remain committed to setting new benchmarks in the beauty and personal care industry.”

Beyond this stellar growth, BBlunt is dedicated to its mission of generating livelihood opportunities for women through BBlunt Shine Academy, which aims to empower women through vocational training in hair styling, promoting skill development and financial independence. The Shine Academy offers a fully sponsored program that has already trained and certified over 10,000 women across 11 states in the ‘Foundation Course for Hair Styling.’ This initiative is implemented through the Sambhav Foundation.

This achievement by BBlunt reaffirms Honasa Consumer’s commitment to nurturing and scaling brands with a focus on consumer-centric strategies, setting new benchmarks in the beauty and personal care sector.

Air India Flying Returns Members Can Now Earn Points on 40+ Cruise Lines Worldwide

GURUGRAM/SCOTTSDALE, AZ, AUGUST 13, 2024 — Air India, India’s leading global airline, and Arrivia, the world’s largest stand-alone travel loyalty provider and a travel technology company, have entered into a partnership for Air India’s Flying Returns loyalty programme. The partnership enables Air India Flying Returns members to earn Reward Points on their cruise trips on more than 40 major cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean International, P&O Cruises, Norwegian Cruises, MSC Cruises, Disney Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Costa & Cunard, among many others, offering over 30,000 itineraries across the world.

Mount Fuji

Through the partnership, Flying Returns members can earn 5 Reward Points for every ₹100 spent on their cruise fare when booked via: flyingreturnsicruise.com

Flying Returns Members will also be able to earn Reward Points on a range of experiences, from ultra-luxurious Caribbean escapes to once-in-a-lifetime Alaskan excursions and increasingly popular river cruises.

“We are committed to making Flying Returns a truly world-class loyalty programme, and this exciting new partnership with arrivia International is one of the many ways in which we are reimagining Flying Returns,” said Sunil Suresh, Head of Marketing, Loyalty & E-Commerce at Air India.

“Flying Returns is no longer just about flights. It’s about enriching travel experiences, whether our valued members enjoy those on Air India or anywhere else around the world. We are delighted to present to our members exciting new ways to earn Reward Points beyond the conventional means in our effort to establish Flying Returns as a truly comprehensive loyalty programme.”

John Williams, Managing Director of arrivia International, added: “Cruising is more than just a transaction. Flying Returns members have thousands of sailings to choose from and are serviced by our expert team of knowledgeable and experienced cruise specialists via our global call centres. Our cruise specialists provide a seamless booking process with personalized assistance and expert advice to ensure that every aspect of the journey exceeds expectations.”

Arrivia’s iCruise program that powers Flying Returns is celebrating its 20th anniversary with strong industry relationships, unbeatable rates, and commitment to value. iCruise is ready to help Flying Returns members set sail on their dream vacations offering more than 30,000 worldwide itineraries spanning oceans, rivers, and expeditions. This partnership ensures that members receive the highest quality cruise experiences, while earning valuable rewards.

The cruise industry has shown impressive resilience and growth despite economic challenges. According to the CLIA State of the Industry Report, global passenger volume reached 31.7 million in 2023, a nearly 7% increase from 2019. Projections indicate ocean-going cruise passenger volume will hit 106% of 2019 levels in 2024, with gross bookings soaring over 500% year over year. Passenger volume is forecasted to approach an impressive 40 million by 2027. Air India’s Flying Returns program is well positioned to thrive in this robust market.

The cruise industry continues to grow rapidly in India and this partnership ensures that voyages are not only unforgettable but also more rewarding for Flying Returns members.

Euronics Launches Experience Centres for Sustainable Washroom Solutions in 4 Cities

Gurugram, 07 August 2024: Euronics, India’s pioneering brand in public and commercial washroom automation, has inaugurated cutting-edge Experience Centres across four tier-1 cities: Gurugram, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Bangalore. These centres are strategically located in key business hubs such as Udyog Vihar in Gurugram, Hi-Tech City in Hyderabad, Saki Naka in Mumbai, and 1st Stage Road in Bangalore to enhance visitors’ interaction and engagement with Euronics’ latest sustainable washroom solutions.

washroom

Euronics’ Experience Centres are designed to immerse visitors in a world of sustainability and innovation. These dynamic spaces allow architects, interior designers, project managers of public infrastructures, and their procurement heads to engage directly with the latest eco-friendly products and technologies. Each centre features interactive displays, hands-on demonstrations by expert staff, and personalised consultations, all aimed at enabling the adoption of washroom accessories that significantly reduce environmental impact, while also enhancing hygiene through touchless solutions.

“We are thrilled to open these Experience Centres as part of our commitment to promoting sustainability and innovation in the hygiene sector,” said Viknesh Jain, MD & CEO of Euronics. “Our centres provide a unique opportunity for visitors to experience our green building certified products firsthand and understand their contribution to reducing carbon footprints.”

Euronics’ product lineup at the Experience Centres includes energy-efficient hand dryers, sensor taps that reduce water consumption by 80%, and other sustainable washroom accessories. These products not only enhance hygiene but also support corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and compliance frameworks for businesses and institutions aiming to integrate sustainability more deeply into their operations.

Euronics is also exploring opportunities to expand its Experience Centres to tier-2 and tier-3 cities in the months to come. This potential expansion aims to reach a broader audience and promote sustainable washroom solutions across India through immersive experiences.

In line with its unparalleled dedication to eco-friendly washroom solutions for India’s ambitious public infrastructure goals, recently, Euronics also launched India’s largest manufacturing plant in Gurugram. Through domestic production, the company is aiming to integrate environment-friendly washrooms in Smart City projects, MICE infrastructure development, and upcoming airport projects PAN India.

CBRE partners with Elan Group for comprehensive facilities management of four malls in Gurugram

August 06th, 2024CBRE South Asia Pvt. Ltd, India’s leading consulting firm, today announced its partnership for comprehensive facilities management of four Elan Group malls in Gurugram. This strategic partnership highlights CBRE’s dedication to delivering exceptional experiences for both tenants and shoppers at these premier locations.

The contract, valued at INR ₹7.5 crore has been awarded for one year to focus on professionalizing mall management and maximizing value for its stakeholders. CBRE will leverage its extensive expertise in property and retail asset management to optimize operational efficiencies, implement best practices, and drive tenant satisfaction across Elan Group’s strategically located malls in Gurugram, including Elan Town Centre on Sohna Road in Sector 67, Elan Miracle in Sector 84, Elan Epic in Sector 70 and Elan Mercado in Sector 80.

Rajesh Pandit, Managing Director, Global Workplace Solutions, India & Property Management, India, South East Asia, Middle East & Africa, CBRE, said, “At CBRE, we master the art of facility management, the backbone of a thriving real estate asset. Our services focus on creating an environment that fosters productivity and attracts tenants and customers. Professional upkeep of real estate assets is critical to enhance the brand image of the entire property. We are committed to delivering the highest-quality services with our team of experienced professionals, ranging from routine maintenance to strategic planning, sustainability initiatives, and disaster preparedness. We understand and customise experiences for our clients to tailor unique solutions that ensure their real estate assets operate at peak efficiency while also being prepared to handle any potential disruptions.

We are glad to partner with Elan Group for their Gurugram retail portfolio. Our service portfolio will bring innovation and exceptional service to elevate their properties’ value proposition and ensure a seamless customer experience, building on Elan’s strong legacy. “

Commenting on the partnership, Pooja Patti – Senior Vice President – Mall Operations, Elan Group, said, “Elan Group prioritizes customer satisfaction, striving to exceed expectations at every touchpoint. To further elevate this commitment, we have onboarded CBRE to manage the comprehensive operations of our 4 Elan malls in Gurugram. We are thrilled to associate with CBRE for their unparalleled experience and proven track record in operations management. Their expertise will be instrumental in enhancing the overall experience for both visitors and tenants, ultimately creating a thriving retail ecosystem within our malls.”

Elan Mercado, launched as the first project in Sector 80, Gurugram, introduced high-street retail with luxury service apartments marking Elan Group’s entry into the commercial and hospitality sectors. Expansion with theme-based concepts included Elan Town Centre, featuring colonial architecture on Sohna Road, Gurugram and the successful development of Elan Miracle at Dwarka Expressway engaging global consultants like UHA from London. Elan Group’s entry into the luxury real estate segment was epitomized by Elan Epic, conceptualized as the future of commercial real estate and recognized as India’s first luxury retail destination, achieving spectacular success and establishing Elan Group as a revolutionary force in the industry. At present Elan Group has about retail portfolio with 9 projects across Gurugram.

Air India Partners with The Bicester Collection for Loyalty Rewards

OXFORD/GURUGRAM, 17 JULY 2024: Air India, India’s leading global airline, has announced an exclusive new partnership with The Bicester Collection, a family of immersive luxury destinations, for the airline’s recently redesigned Flying Returns loyalty programme. The partnership offers Flying Returns reward points on shopping and dining experiences at The Bicester Collection’s nine open-air luxury shopping Villages in Western Europe.

Air India Head of Marketing& Loyalty Sunil Suresh and Air India cabin crew with The Bicester Collection's Chief Brand & Comms Officer, Laurent Vinay

Flying Returns members can now collect 5 Points for every GBP 4 or EUR 4 spent at any of The Bicester Collection’s Villages in Europe conveniently located an hour or less from the major cities London, Paris, Frankfurt, Milan, Munich, Brussels, Dublin, Madrid, and Barcelona. To earn Reward Points, members simply need to present their Air India Flying Returns digital membership card along with their receipts at Concierge Services in the Villages.

The Bicester Collection’s Villages are home to a unique curation of iconic global and European fashion and lifestyle brands offering exceptional savings all year round, alongside five-star hospitality and services, making them havens for discerning travellers and shoppers alike.

Sunil Suresh, Head of Marketing, Loyalty & E-commerce, Air India said, “This partnership aligns perfectly with our ongoing efforts to make the ‘reimagined’ Flying Returns a more robust and faster rewarding programme. Adding The Bicester Collection to our rapidly growing network of ‘earn’ partners, we’re offering our loyal guests even more opportunities to accumulate points for the experiences they value.”

“The demand for luxury shopping among Indians continues to boom at record pace, with Indians now being counted amongst the highest spenders during their travels across the world. We’re also equally excited to offer the benefits of this collaboration to our growing base of loyal guests across Europe, to whom we now offer many new ways of collecting Flying Returns points beyond just taking flights to and within India”, Suresh added.

Laurent Vinay, Chief Brand and Communication Officer, The Bicester Collection said, “We are delighted to launch a partnership with Air India. We look forward to serving new guests from India with this collaboration. Indeed, this partnership will create new opportunities for customer acquisition for us both. Air India aims to provide unparalleled Indian hospitality and customised service and so shares The Bicester Collection’s values of providing its clientele with an elevated experience: this partnership is based on a shared brand ethos. Air India is by far the most well-connected carrier in India with flights to every European country where The Bicester Collection has a Village. And so together we can create wonderful experiences for our customers, making lasting and meaningful memories for all our guests.”

This announcement marks the latest step in the airline’s continuing effort to transform Flying Returns and comes as the airline enters a new phase of its ongoing five-year transformation journey.

In April this year, Air India overhauled Flying Returns, introducing a simplified new structure, more customer-friendly features, renamed tiers, and an updated identity for the programme.
The revamped Flying Returns moves away from the legacy model of miles-based collection of points to a more equitable spend-based approach while offering members instant global status and privileges around the world.

Over the last 18 months, Air India has added over 50 partners for Flying Returns to offer greater ease, more rewards, and recognition for its members.

Air India serves Europe with 94x weekly non-stop flights to India from 10 points, namely Amsterdam Schiphol, Birmingham, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Milan Malpensa, Paris CDG, Vienna, and Zurich. As it continues to grow its global footprint, Air India has been scaling up its European operations, having inaugurated flights to Zurich last week and with additional flights to Amsterdam, Copenhagen and Milan taking off from this month.