SAN FRANCISCO: Air India, India’s leading global airline, today announced the opening of its newest signature lounge at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), called ‘The Maharaja Lounge’. Officially opening its doors to guests on May 23, the launch of the new lounge marks yet another pivot in the ongoing transformation of the airline’s product and service, extending the “new Air India experience” to one of its key international gateways.

Located near Gate A1 in the International Terminal at SFO, The Maharaja Lounge is spread over 3,300 sq. ft. and features luxurious, contemporary interiors that blend modern design sensibilities with elements rooted in Indian aesthetics. The lounge offers a seating capacity of 80 guests and is available to Air India’s First and Business Class guests, and Platinum and Gold members of the airline’s Maharaja Club loyalty program. It also features a dedicated zone reserved exclusively for Air India’s First Class guests.

Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India, said: “The opening of the Maharaja Lounge at San Francisco builds on the recent launch of our flagship lounge at Delhi, marking the beginning of a new generation of signature lounges for Air India. North America has long been a key pillar of Air India’s network, and our continued investments reflect both this commitment and our ambition to introduce a new standard of travel experiences in the region in the time to come.

As Air India continues to transform into a world-class global airline, we are focused on delivering a consistent, elevated experience across our network, blending modern luxury with the warmth and timeless appeal of Indian hospitality.”

Conceptualised by the award-winning global hospitality design firm Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA), The Maharaja Lounge is a refined expression of heritage seamlessly woven with luxury, offering guests an immersive introduction to India even before their journey begins. It mirrors the design philosophy of the recently launched flagship Maharaja Lounge in Delhi, positioning this as the second in a series of signature lounges envisioned by Air India.

Design approach

Thoughtfully curated, the space brings together distinctive elements of the brand and Air India’s rich cultural legacy, creating an atmosphere that is warmly familiar yet exquisite. The hues of champagne, ivory, and deep reds mirror the brand’s colour palette. Brand motifs are integrated throughout the interiors, including the ‘Vista’ patterns on the walls and furniture. The lounge has been designed to evoke the essence of quintessential Indian hospitality, creating an atmosphere of warmth, comfort, and understated luxury for guests. To honour the airline’s historical connection to the arts, the space features works by local artists that showcase regional heritage. Select installations also incorporate upcycled aircraft components, thoughtfully reimagined into contemporary art pieces.

The spatial elegance of the lounge is defined by the following curated zones, each designed to uplift the interior landscape.

The Aviator’s Bar: The bar has a distinctive speakeasy vibe, anchored by a well-curated cellar of wines and whiskies hand-picked for the discerning traveller. The warm, rich hues of the space, coupled with the signature ceiling design, provide a sophisticated backdrop where aviation enthusiasts and global travellers alike can convene in an atmosphere of timeless elegance.

Complementing this is a menu of thoughtfully crafted signature cocktails. For instance, the Maharaja Manhattan is a regal twist on the timeless Manhattan, honouring the Maharaja of spices – black pepper.

Tarmac View: The seating and dining sections of the Private Zone and the Business Class lounge overlook the tarmac, offering enchanting views of aircraft taking off and landing. The immersive experience of ‘wine and dine with a view’ is perfect for both plane-spotters and curious travellers.

Social Zone: Adjacent to the Aviator’s Bar is the lounge’s primary social zone, a space meticulously designed to foster a sense of community. This vibrant area captures the dynamic spirit of modern travel, offering an environment for guests to engage and connect. Configured to accommodate the natural “hustle” of a premier international hub, the seating arrangements encourage both spontaneous conversation and group interaction, while still offering pockets of privacy and a sense of exclusivity for more intimate moments.

Dining Area: The Maharaja Lounge offers a curated and delightful dining experience for all guests, who can choose from a wide variety of Indian and international culinary delicacies, including live cooking stations. The area includes a hot buffet island/counter, a cold counter, and a beverage station serving a host of delicacies to choose from.

Private Zone: Tucked into a serene corner of the lounge, this space is a sanctuary of understated luxury. Designed for heightened privacy and comfort, the Private Zone offers a more intimate setting with elevated service, allowing guests travelling First Class to relax, work, or unwind in a calm and discreet environment before their departure.

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Through this partnership with Collinson International, Kiwi users can now access over 45 airport lounges domestically through Collinson International’s LoungeKey program

INDIA: Kiwi, India’s pioneering credit-on-UPI fintech platform, is redefining travel convenience by becoming the first UPI App to introduce complimentary airport lounge access across 22 airports in the country. To offer customers this travel benefit, Kiwi partners with Collinson International, a global leader in the provision of airport experiences, loyalty, and customer engagement solutions, to provide access to over 45 premium airport lounges in India through their LoungeKey program. This game-changing feature aligns with the surging travel aspirations of Indians, offering users a premium perk tied directly to their spending.

As part of this program, Kiwi users can now enjoy one complimentary airport lounge access for every ₹50,000 spent via Credit Card on UPI on the Kiwi platform. The process is fully digital: users can book lounge access through the Kiwi app, generate a pass or QR code, and simply scan it at the lounge entrance to avail of the service. Whether for business or leisure, this feature transforms routine travel into a luxurious experience, bridging the gap between everyday financial activity and aspirational privileges.

To further enhance the offering, Kiwi plans to launch an additional feature allowing users to extend this benefit to a friend, family member, or companion. This initiative will position Kiwi as a frontrunner in offering holistic lifestyle services through a single platform as it aligns with a “super app” approach, integrating multiple lifestyle benefits into one platform.

Mohit Bedi, Co-founder and Chief Business Officer of Kiwi said, “At Kiwi, our goal has always been to redefine what a payments platform can offer. With this pioneering feature, we aim to integrate premium travel privileges into everyday life while encouraging aspirational and responsible spending. As the first UPI app to offer lounge access, Kiwi is setting a new benchmark in delivering convenience, innovation, and lifestyle value to our users.”

Sumit Prakash, Country Director, India and South Asia, Collinson International said, “Collinson International’s latest research shows that travel is a key driver for consumer expenditure, with a strong ‘travel resonance’ among Indian survey respondents. Travel is the second highest expense for respondents in India, accounting for almost a third of annual expenditure. With growing travel demand and strong consumer preference for travel-related benefits, brands, especially in the financial services sector, have more opportunities to level up their customer value proposition. We are delighted to be partnering with Kiwi to provide a highly valued travel benefit to their customers and we look forward to welcoming them into our network of airport lounges in India.”

As travel returns at pace in India, Indians are placing a heightened focus on tailored travel experiences that add value to their lives. A recent Collinson International research revealed that close to half of the survey respondents in India (44%) rate airport lounge access as one of the most appealing travel-related rewards – surpassing security fast-track (9%) and airport transfers (7%). With Kiwi’s latest initiative incorporating access to airport lounges into their rewards program, Kiwi users can now elevate every journey into something special.

This lounge access benefit is now live and can be availed at major airports across the country. Users can check their eligibility, track their spending, and book their access directly via the Kiwi app.

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The new Star Alliance branded lounge is located in a dedicated space on the upper level of the existing GBIA lounge in the Terminal 1 international area, offering exclusive access to Star Alliance member airline guests. The Star Alliance area provides a comfortable environment for travelers as they relax or work before their flight. Ideally situated close to the departure gates for Star Alliance member airlines, the lounge features an open layout and offers 750 square meters of space which can accommodate up to 100 guests. Open around the clock, it welcomes travelers with varying flight schedules.

“Lounges are a critical component for the effortless travel experience we aim to provide to our member airline passengers,” said Star Alliance CEO Theo Panagiotoulias. “As a key strategic hub in Asia, Guangzhou serves as an important gateway for our guests. We are excited to inaugurate our first lounge in Asia, given the significance of the continent to aviation growth today and in the years to come.”

Ambar Franco, Star Alliance’s Vice President for Customer Experience, added, “Our first Star Alliance branded lounge in Asia is an exciting milestone for us. Thoughtfully designed with the modern traveler in mind, it offers an effortless blend of comfort and functionality. Conveniently located close to departure gates, this lounge also provides travelers with the flexibility to relax, work, or refresh before their flight, all while enjoying a wide range of refreshment options and services tailored to their needs.”

The lounge features a glass facade offering tarmac views, filling the space with natural light. It also includes practical amenities, such as workstations and comfortable seating areas for both relaxation and productivity. Tucked in a quiet space, the VIP room is a 100 square meters private area ideal for group or private business meetings, available upon request. Guests are also welcome to use the state-of-the-art shower suites to refresh themselves before their onward journey.

The Star Alliance branded lounge offers a sense of connection to Guangzhou and the Pearl Delta River region. In addition to being adorned with art pieces by local artists, the lounge also has an exclusive Tea Appreciation Corner that will be available on special occasions, where guests can experience the region’s renowned tea culture. Guests can also enjoy a range of food options, with light bites and regional delights featuring local cuisine served throughout the day. There is also a dedicated bar counter where travelers can enjoy drinks that have been specially curated for the lounge.

Qi Yaoming, Deputy General Manager of Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, said, “The fact that Star Alliance has chosen to open its first branded lounge in Asia at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is not only a sign of trust and support for us but also an acknowledgment of the status of Baiyun Airport as an important international hub. Baiyun Airport will continue to uphold the service concept of ‘Customer First’ and continuously build itself into an airline-friendly airport to provide even better service guarantees for Star Alliance and its member airlines.”

The Star Alliance branded lounge was created by Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in cooperation with member airlines. Operated by Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport Business Travel Service Co., Ltd, the new lounge is set to play a key role in enhancing the airport’s support services and improving the travel experience for international passengers.

Given Guangzhou’s growing importance as a major travel hub in Asia, Star Alliance will open a new branded lounge in the upcoming Terminal 3 of Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport.

At present, 10 Star Alliance member airlines operate from Guangzhou, including Air China, ANA, Asiana Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, THAI, and Turkish Airlines, offering 774 weekly departures to 50 destinations in 10 countries.

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Beyul promises a relaxed and youthful atmosphere through an array of signature cocktails and delectable bites. The bar is a sanctuary for the ever-so-vibrant epicureans and cocktail connoisseurs. Guests can sit back and relax amongst the luscious foliage, an upbeat playlist, and jungle textures in a room that boasts both beautiful outside tables and fully enclosed seating.

The Mystical Rooftop Bar and Lounge at Hyatt Regency Dehradun Resort and Spa is far more than just a rooftop bar. It is an entrance to a different dimension with electro-typical beats, where the transition from dusk to night is a magical spectacle, and the live DJ transports you with ethereal music. This oasis of indulgence allows guests to immerse themselves in the stunning vistas of the Malsi forest, Doon Skyline, and Mussoorie hills while savoring expertly crafted cocktails that are nothing short of liquid artistry.

The menu at Beyul is curated with utmost care and creativity, showcasing an exquisite selection of signature cocktails, such as the Beyul Signature Old Fashioned, the refreshing Himalayan Summer, the exotic Tibetan Butter Tea, and the divine Beyul Blessing, standing tall as ambassadors of taste innovation. Each cocktail is a testament to the fusion of unique flavors, offering a multisensory experience that entices the taste buds.

The culinary offerings at Beyul are equally impressive, featuring a range of delectable small bites designed to complement the exquisite drink selection. From Crispy Lotus Stem to Avocado Taco, Garden Pea, Mozzarella Arancini, and Crispy Fiery Chicken, each dish is a masterpiece and curated with precision.

The Mystical Rooftop Bar and Lounge at Hyatt Regency Dehradun Resort and Spa is open from sundown to dinner, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the captivating space from 5:00 PM to 11:30 PM. Beyul is an unmatched experience, awaiting you in the heart of Dehradun. The ultimate hospitality, the mystique of the venue, the high-end mixology, the carefully curated music philosophy, and the changing hues from sundowner to night craft an atmosphere unlike any other in the region.

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• Eligible Federal Bank cardholders will also have additional access to over 1,200 international airport lounges and travel experiences through Collinson’s LoungeKey^TM program.

MUMBAI: Federal Bank in association with Collinson, owner, and operator of Priority PassTM Access India, a dedicated airport experiences program for India, and  LoungeKey^TM, an international digital travel experiences program, announces a new program that offers the Bank’s customers access to premium airport lounges and travel experiences.

This partnership will enable eligible Federal Bank cardholders (with payment cards issued across any payment network brand – Mastercard, Visa, and Rupay) to enjoy complimentary access to over 50 premium airport lounges and travel experiences across all major cities in India, simply by tapping or swiping their payment card on entry. Additionally, eligible Federal Bank cardholders will also have access to over 1,200 international airport lounges and travel experiences through Collinson’s LoungeKey^TM program. Depending on their card type, eligible cardholders will be entitled to between two and four complimentary lounge visits per annum.

With India experiencing a positive travel rebound over and above pre-COVID levels, this partnership with Federal Bank is perfectly timed to better support its cardholders during their upcoming travels.

The premium benefit is also highly relevant, with travelers having expressed that they are willing to pay more for experiences that make their journeys more comfortable, such as airport lounge access. A recent Collinson study surveying over 5,400 frequent travelers across seven Asia Pacific markets (1,063 of which were India-based respondents) found that 87% of travelers in India expect airport lounge access as a premium card benefit. 55% said they felt ‘rewarded’; while a further 52% ‘feel valued as a customer’ when they are provided with lounge access. Indian travelers also valued other travel experiences, such as dining discounts, lifestyle and wellness benefits such as sleep pods, and having access to a well-being and fitness app, the study found.

Speaking on the partnership, Sumit Prakash, Country Director, India, and South Asia at Collinson, said: “With the Indian market rapidly approaching full travel recovery in both the domestic and international segments, we are delighted to be partnering with Federal Bank to enhance their customers’ travel experience. We are looking forward to welcoming Federal Bank cardholders to enjoy both our local and international network of airport lounges and travel experiences.”

Chitrabhanu KG, Senior Vice President & Country Head- Retail Asset & Cards, at Federal Bank, said, “At Federal Bank, we’re delighted to offer this program to our valued cardholders that provide seamless, integrated travel experiences at the tap of a card. Through our partnership with Collinson, not only are we excited that our customers will be able to enjoy premium airport lounges and travel experiences in India and abroad; but we also believe that this easy access to enhanced travel experiences will be greatly appreciated by our customers.”

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