Latest news with #AshishKumarSingh
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Air India, Boeing may Face ‘Unlimited' Liability
Air India or Boeing could be liable for 'unlimited' damages if found negligent under international aviation law, according to UK legal experts. While Air India holds $1.5 billion in liability insurance, reinsured through the London market, claims could exceed standard limits in such an event, they said. The Air India Boeing 787 plane that crashed in Ahmedabad on June 12, killed 241 people on board, including 12 crew, and 33 on the ground. Air India has already announced ₹1 crore each as compensation for those killed. Under the Montreal Convention, the airline is presumed liable and needs to pay a prescribed minimum compensation of 151,800 special drawing rights (SDRs) — an International Monetary Fund-defined unit tied to a currency basket— for death or serious injury in a crash. With one SDR valued at about ₹120, that's as much as ₹1.82 crore per person. This airline is liable for this base compensation, regardless of fault. Beyond this, if negligence is proven, additional compensation can be sought. Families of the victims may also file claims in their home countries, including the UK, where courts typically consider future earnings and personal circumstances. The passengers included 181 Indians, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese nationals and one Canadian. Air India did not comment. Boeing may also face unlimited liability if a fault with the 787 aircraft is discovered. Payouts could vary based on victims' nationality and income, the experts said. If there is any evidence of faults with the Boeing 787, Boeing will also face unlimited liability, in the US and English courts, said James Healy-Pratt, aviation specialist on UK-based Keystone Law's international aviation legal team. Keystone and Chicago-based Wisner Law Firm have commenced an independent investigation into the disaster. Wisner specialises in aviation-related litigation and also advised clients in the 2020 Air India Express crash. Torts Negligence-related claims are subject to the jurisdiction of UK courts under tort law, said Ashish Kumar Singh, cofounder and joint managing partner of Capstone Legal. Tort law covers injury or loss caused to a person. 'After adducing evidence, cross examination etc, the court can award compensation which is way beyond the insurance limits under the Montreal Convention,' he said. 'However, this exercise is a tedious one and involves complex questions of fact and law.' 'Air India is liable to the families for unlimited damages, unless they can prove they were not negligent, and only then can they limit their liability to 151,800 SDRs,' said Healy-Pratt. 'The legal presumption is that Air India is liable without limit until there is evidence that it can prove to the contrary.' Air India has $1.5-billion insurance cover for widebody aircraft, which industry experts believe is sufficient to absorb payouts, though legal battles could push claims higher. 'Investigations can stretch for months to years and, in such cases, claims are settled in tranches — starting with initial compensation, followed by negotiated settlements or litigation outcomes,' said a senior insurance industry executive. 'Even after paying full SDR-based compensation and some additional settlements, the liability pool is not likely to be exhausted.' However, people in the know said the $1.5-billion liability policy should be sufficient to cover even catastrophic events, unless there are multiple large-scale claims in a single year. 'The liability on the operator, Air India, will have multiple angles — the nationality of the passengers on board will define the minimum liability that is applicable to the operator as per the Montreal Convention,' said Hitesh Girotra, vice president, aviation and specialty lines, Prudent Insurance Brokers. 'Since the aircraft crashed into a residential apartment, there is third-party property damage liability on the operator.' In 2010, ₹7.6 crore was awarded to the family of a passenger in the Air India Express crash at Mangalore airport that killed 158 people. 'No amount of money can ever compensate families who have lost loved ones, but our international team will be seeking the fullest compensation from all potentially responsible parties,' said Healy-Pratt.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Ahmedabad plane crash: Air India, Boeing may face ‘unlimited' liability if found negligent
Air India or Boeing could be liable for 'unlimited' damages if found negligent under international aviation law, according to UK legal experts. While Air India holds $1.5 billion in liability insurance, reinsured through the London market, claims could exceed standard limits in such an event, they said. The Air India Boeing 787 plane that crashed in Ahmedabad on June 12, killed 241 people on board, including 12 crew, and 33 on the ground. Air India has already announced ₹1 crore each as compensation for those killed. Under the Montreal Convention, the airline is presumed liable and needs to pay a prescribed minimum compensation of 151,800 special drawing rights (SDRs) — an International Monetary Fund-defined unit tied to a currency basket— for death or serious injury in a crash. With one SDR valued at about ₹120, that's as much as ₹1.82 crore per person. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like New Container Houses Indonesia (Prices May Surprise You) Container House | Search Ads Search Now Undo ET Bureau This airline is liable for this base compensation, regardless of fault. Beyond this, if negligence is proven, additional compensation can be sought. ALSO READ: DGCA gives clean chit to Boeing 787 fleet, flags maintenance concerns at Air India Live Events Families of the victims may also file claims in their home countries, including the UK, where courts typically consider future earnings and personal circumstances. The passengers included 181 Indians, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese nationals and one Canadian. Air India did not comment. Complex, Long-winded Legalities Boeing may also face unlimited liability if a fault with the 787 aircraft is discovered. Payouts could vary based on victims' nationality and income, the experts said. If there is any evidence of faults with the Boeing 787, Boeing will also face unlimited liability, in the US and English courts, said James Healy-Pratt, aviation specialist on UK-based Keystone Law's international aviation legal team. Keystone and Chicago-based Wisner Law Firm have commenced an independent investigation into the disaster. Wisner specialises in aviation-related litigation and also advised clients in the 2020 Air India Express crash. Torts Negligence-related claims are subject to the jurisdiction of UK courts under tort law, said Ashish Kumar Singh, cofounder and joint managing partner of Capstone Legal. Tort law covers injury or loss caused to a person. 'After adducing evidence, cross examination etc, the court can award compensation which is way beyond the insurance limits under the Montreal Convention,' he said. 'However, this exercise is a tedious one and involves complex questions of fact and law.' 'Air India is liable to the families for unlimited damages, unless they can prove they were not negligent, and only then can they limit their liability to 151,800 SDRs,' said Healy-Pratt. 'The legal presumption is that Air India is liable without limit until there is evidence that it can prove to the contrary.' Air India has $1.5-billion insurance cover for widebody aircraft, which industry experts believe is sufficient to absorb payouts, though legal battles could push claims higher. 'Investigations can stretch for months to years and, in such cases, claims are settled in tranches — starting with initial compensation, followed by negotiated settlements or litigation outcomes,' said a senior insurance industry executive. 'Even after paying full SDR-based compensation and some additional settlements, the liability pool is not likely to be exhausted.' However, people in the know said the $1.5-billion liability policy should be sufficient to cover even catastrophic events, unless there are multiple large-scale claims in a single year. 'The liability on the operator, Air India, will have multiple angles — the nationality of the passengers on board will define the minimum liability that is applicable to the operator as per the Montreal Convention,' said Hitesh Girotra, vice president, aviation and specialty lines, Prudent Insurance Brokers. 'Since the aircraft crashed into a residential apartment, there is third-party property damage liability on the operator.' In 2010, ₹7.6 crore was awarded to the family of a passenger in the Air India Express crash at Mangalore airport that killed 158 people. 'No amount of money can ever compensate families who have lost loved ones, but our international team will be seeking the fullest compensation from all potentially responsible parties,' said Healy-Pratt.
Khaleej Times
11-06-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Loyyal launches global partner network across USA and UK for Air India's Maharaja Club members
Loyyal, a leader in blockchain-powered loyalty solutions, has announced the launch of its partnership network for Air India's Maharaja Club frequent flyer programme. This initiative allows Maharaja Club's members to earn loyalty points through everyday purchases across popular brands across the USA and UK beyond India. With Loyyals' ecosystem of leading brands like Alamo, New Balance, Walmart, Victorinox, Victoria's Secret and GAP, Maharaja Club members can now enjoy earning Maharaja points on their purcases with these brands. More partner brands are joining soon, further expanding opportunities to earn and enjoy exclusive rewards. This landmark initiative showcases Air India's commitment to enhancing the loyalty experience for its members by allowing them to earn points through purchases in markets across the USA and UK. The new partnerships are designed to maximise the earning potential of Maharaja Club members by extending opportunities beyond air travel. Members can earn points across various categories including fashion, health and beauty, dining, entertainment, and retail. This broadened scope adds significant value to the Maharaja Club, aligning with the lifestyles and preferences of its members. 'We are thrilled to work with Air India to enhance the Maharaja Club experience through our expanded network of partners across the globe to enrich each member's journey,' said Loyyal CEO Ashish Kumar Singh. 'This initiative significantly boosts the earning potential for Maharaja Club's members, allowing them to earn points through everyday purchases across the USA and UK. The Maharaja Club is designed to go the extra mile, ensuring members feel recognized, acknowledged, and privileged at every step. Together, we reaffirm our commitment to making every journey with Air India exceptional, enriching the daily lives of members with meaningful opportunities that ultimately enhance their travel experiences.' Using Loyyal's Access Point platform, which leverages blockchain technology, the onboarding of new partners is seamless and efficient, allowing members to effortlessly engage with a variety of merchants. This innovation ensures that Maharaja Club members have access to a wealth of attractive rewards that complement their spending habits. 'We're happy to partner with Loyyal as we continue to make Maharaja Club even more rewarding for our rapidly expanding member base across the globe,' said Shailesh Kumar Singh, Head of Loyalty, Air India. 'This partnership makes it easier for our members to earn Maharaja Points on everyday essentials and shopping, without needing to fly frequently. By combining points earned from such purchases with those from flying, members can quickly unlock free flights or cabin upgrades and enjoy a transforming Air India experience.'
Arabian Post
11-06-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
Loyyal Expands Maharaja Club with Global Shopping Rewards
Air India has partnered with blockchain-based loyalty specialist Loyyal to allow Maharaja Club members to earn points on everyday purchases across key brands in the United States and the United Kingdom. The collaboration enables members to accrue Maharaja Points on shopping at major retailers such as Walmart, Victoria's Secret, New Balance, GAP, Victorinox and Alamo – marking a significant expansion of the airline's loyalty programme. Members now earn up to 99 Maharaja Points per USD 100 spent at Walmart, 310 points per GBP 100 at Victoria's Secret, 300 points at Victorinox, 45 at New Balance, 180 at GAP and 64 points at Alamo. These offerings are accessible via the Maharaja Club Partner Offers page on Air India's website, where members can select a brand and follow on-screen prompts to initiate their purchases. Shailesh Kumar Singh, Head of Loyalty at Air India, commented that the alliance with Loyyal 'makes it easier for our members to earn Maharaja Points on everyday essentials and shopping, without needing to fly frequently'. Meanwhile, Loyyal CEO Ashish Kumar Singh noted that the initiative 'significantly boosts the earning potential for Maharaja Club's members,' adding that it enriches daily experiences and complements travel benefits. ADVERTISEMENT The partnership follows a broader revamp of the Maharaja Club, which adopted a simplified tier structure, updated identity and enhanced customer features. Air India has added more than 50 non-airline partners over the last 18 months, supporting its transformation under the strategy and leveraging its Star Alliance membership. The move aligns with global loyalty trends, where airlines increasingly engage shoppers via retail partnerships. By enabling points accrual through non-travel spend, loyalty programmes become more relevant to everyday consumer behaviour, fostering engagement beyond flight activity. Consumers, meanwhile, gain tangible value even during non-travel periods. Maharaja Club's integration with Star Alliance further enhances its value proposition. As noted by Air India's own commentary, elite-tier members benefit from worldwide priority check-in, lounge access at over 1,100 locations, extra baggage allowance, and the ability to accrue and redeem points across the alliance's 25 carriers. These features remain central to the programme's repositioning. Industry analysts highlight that Loyyal's blockchain-based platform offers secure, transparent point tracking and easier integration of diverse partners. Though Air India and Loyyal have not disclosed technical details publicly, Loyyal's existing reputation in travel loyalty schemes supports confidence in seamless implementation. Under the agreement, Air India continues to broaden access to Maharaja Points across shopping categories. The move targets customers traveling abroad or residing outside India, reinforcing Air India's global outreach following its Tata Group-led transformation. In support, the programme emphasises that points can be redeemed for award flights and cabin upgrades through Air India or Star Alliance partners. The timing of the launch coincides with Air India's widened network with new interline agreements and route expansions, such as recent pacts with airlines like airBaltic, Cyprus Airways and Uzbekistan Airways, aimed at increasing global connectivity. As passengers gain more travel options, the value of earning and using loyalty points is projected to grow. As more household and lifestyle brands are added to the programme, members could diversify their point accrual even further. Air India has indicated that additional partners will be announced in due course, though specifics have not yet been released. Maharaja Club members benefit from streamlined user experience with clearly stated earning rates for each participating brand. For example, spending at Victoria's Secret yields 310 points per GBP 100, while spending at Victorinox delivers 300 points per USD 100 – figures that are prominently showcased on the shopping portal. Air India's alignment with Loyyal fits within its hospitality-driven repositioning under along with fleet modernisation, training investments, new routes, and enhanced premium services. The airline aims to appeal to international leisure and business travellers – particularly those based abroad – by offering points that can accrue through both travel and lifestyle spending. Industry commentators suggest that Loyyal's blockchain solution offers underlying benefits including transparent audit trails, fraud reduction and easy tracking of reward accrual from non-travel sources. This increases both partner and consumer confidence in the integrity of the loyalty ecosystem.
Trade Arabia
11-06-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Loyyal sets up global network for Air India's Maharaja Club members
Loyyal, a leader in blockchain-powered loyalty solutions, has announced that it has sealed its partnership network for Air India's Maharaja Club frequent flyer programme. This initiative allows Maharaja Club's members to earn loyalty points through everyday purchases across popular brands across the USA and UK beyond India. With Loyyals' ecosystem of world-leading brands like Alamo, New Balance, Walmart, Victorinox, Victoria's Secret and GAP, Maharaja Club members can now enjoy earning Maharaja points on their purchases with these brands. More partner brands will be joining soon, further expanding opportunities to earn and enjoy exclusive rewards, said the company in a statement. This landmark initiative showcases Air India's commitment to enhancing the loyalty experience for its members by allowing them to earn points through purchases in markets across the USA and UK, it stated. According to Loyyal, the new partnerships are designed to maximise the earning potential of Maharaja Club members by extending opportunities beyond air travel. Members can earn points across various categories including fashion, health and beauty, dining, entertainment, and retail. This broadened scope adds significant value to the Maharaja Club, aligning with the lifestyles and preferences of its members, it added. On the strategic tieup, Loyyal CEO Ashish Kumar Singh said: "We are thrilled to work with Air India to enhance the Maharaja Club experience through our expanded network of partners across the globe to enrich each member's journey." "This initiative significantly boosts the earning potential for Maharaja Club's members, allowing them to earn points through everyday purchases across the US and UK," noted Singh. "The Maharaja Club is designed to go the extra mile, ensuring members feel recognized, acknowledged, and privileged at every step. Together, we reaffirm our commitment to making every journey with Air India exceptional, enriching the daily lives of members with meaningful opportunities that ultimately enhance their travel experiences," he added. Using Loyyal's Access Point platform, which leverages blockchain technology, the onboarding of new partners is seamless and efficient, allowing members to effortlessly engage with a variety of merchants. This innovation ensures that Maharaja Club members have access to a wealth of attractive rewards that complement their spending habits. "We're happy to partner with Loyyal as we continue to make Maharaja Club even more rewarding for our rapidly expanding member base across the globe," remarked Shailesh Kumar Singh, the Head of Loyalty, Air India.
