Tag: aviation course in kolkata

In-Flight Internet: What It Is and What Are Its Pros and Cons

Technology has revolutionized the way the aviation industry works. It has made flying much more affordable and entertaining for the general public. In-flight internet, the latest buzz amidst frequent flyers, is one such revolutionary feature. In this article, we, at Avlon Shiksha Niketan, will shed light on what in-flight Wi-Fi is and what are its key pros and cons.

30-second summary:

  • Flights use specially installed antennae and satellite connections to provide internet to passengers on board.
  • In-flight internet means no more missing emails while you are flying. You can also access your favorite OTT platforms while flying.
  • However, there are several downsides to the technology like increased costs, security issues, etc.

Think of the times when getting on a plane was more of a ritual than just a way to travel. Air trips used to be planned in advance for months, the luggage used to be weighed carefully so that it didn’t exceed the allowance limit, and reaching the airport way too early had to be the norm. All in all, it was a proud moment to be able to fly!

While some of these things are still pretty much the rule (for instance, arriving three-four hours before time), the overall excitement of getting on a plane (unless you are a newbie) is nothing like it was even a few decades back.

And it isn’t all that bad. It simply means that more and more people are using airplanes today than ever before. It is not only more affordable to buy flight tickets today, but the airline industry has also revolutionized the way people fly. From better airport facilities like self-check-in, lounge access, etc., to in-flight internet access, the aviation industry has surely grown by leaps and bounds.

With all these new developments, there are more frequent flyers today than you could even imagine. The industry supports a massive number of employees, including ground and flight staff. But, as advancement plans roll out progressively, there is a growing need for skilled professionals in the industry. And at the Avlon Shiksha Niketan, one of the most reputed aviation colleges in Kolkata, we take it upon ourselves to help the aspiring minds skill up and be on the fast track to a successful career in the industry.

In this blog, we will discuss the rise of this raging phenomenon called In-Flight Wi-Fi and how it is likely to change the flying experience (for good and for bad). Happy reading! 

The Rise of In-Flight Internet: A Boon or a Bane for Travelers? 

If the Wright Brothers got a chance to fly today, they would be amazed by the impressive milestones we’ve achieved in aviation and how it is so different from the airplane they invented. And we’re pretty sure if they knew about the internet and its hold over humans, they wouldn’t be surprised that even airplanes come with internet connections! Yes, you read that right.

Starting in 2018, the Indian Government and TRAI approved the use of internet services onboard flights in India. But then aren’t you supposed to put your phone connections off or on ‘flight mode’ during flights? After all, every electronic device has a special mode dedicated for flights! Also, how can you receive telecom signals so high up when you can’t get connectivity in most hilly areas? Read on to find out more about in-flight Wi-Fi and how it works.

The Mechanics of In-Flight Internet Services – How it Works

Before going into the technical details, let’s be clear on one thing, you still have to put your electronic devices on flight mode while flying. Nothing changes there. So, how does the internet work? Well, obviously not via your mobile internet provider.

When you put your phone on flight mode, it essentially severs all connections to transmission satellites completely. That means no incoming or outgoing calls, messages, and internet. However, you can still connect to the internet via a Wi-Fi router.

The same thing happens with in-flight internet. The flight operator can provide Wi-Fi to passengers on board in two ways, both of which require installing a physical antenna on the flight (just below the wings). These are:

  • Using land towers – Much like how your mobile internet works, flight antennae connect to the nearest land tower and transmit the signal to the devices on the flight. However, there are certain limitations. This method is not suitable for long-haul flights that fly over vast seas or land without towers, and it doesn’t work well after a certain altitude.
  • Using satellites – Just like DTH services, flight antennae pick up signals from satellites instead of directly connecting to land towers. This data then transmits to devices via a flight Wi-Fi router. Since satellites do not depend on geographical locations or altitude, this method is better than using direct towers.

So now that you know why you can’t use your mobile data but can still connect to the in-flight Wi-Fi, let’s move on to the pros and cons of using the technology.

Using In-flight Internet – The Pros

  • You no longer have to wait to de-board to send that urgent email. It is a blessing for frequent flyers who spend more time flying than on land.
  • It opens up a world of in-flight entertainment options to make even the longest flight fun.
  • You can connect to friends and families and update your travel time or even check up on your kids while flying high up in the sky.

The Basic Cons of the In-flight Internet

  • Setting up the antenna and other infrastructure is an expense that flight operators must bear. This may reflect increased ticket prices as well.
  • For most carriers, in-flight internet packages are costly and would add to the cost of flying.
  • Those couple of hours on the flight is the only time you can truly get an internet detox. But with Wi-Fi, that seems like a choice no one would want to make.
  • The dangers of using public Wi-Fi networks, especially in today’s world of growing cyber threats, is definitely something to worry about.

The world of air travel is changing at an astonishing rate. And with new-age technologies reforming the experience, there is an ever-increasing need for professionals who have the right skills to carry out operations. At Avlon Shiksha Niketan, recognized among the best aviation colleges in Kolkata, our industry-relevant courses on aviation management cover all the latest technologies that are reforming the industry. Join our aviation management program and get empowered to register a bright future for yourself in the evergreen and ever-advancing aviation industry.

The Earning Potential in the Domain of Aviation Management

cargo plane loading for logistic and transport business

The aviation industry is undoubtedly one of the best paying industries in the current times.  Even the entry-level pay packages are much higher than several other career domains. So today, let us have a look at the earning potential that the domain of aviation management has to offer, along with a few other crucial facts about this field.

30-seconds summary

  • Aviation management is a multifaceted role with varied responsibilities
  • Increasing demand in the aviation sector of the nation leading to high earning potential
  • Pay packages are good for both freshers and experienced professionals
  • The nature of the degree and the training taken also dictates the earning potential
  • The salary varies from one job role to the other, though it continues to be significantly high overall

The fact that the aviation industry is multifaceted is best manifested through the domain of aviation management. That’s because the umbrella of aviation management includes a vast number of fields such as airline management, airport management, the management of an aircraft manufacturing business, air cargo management, and a lot more.

Regardless of the type of job role you play as a part of the aviation management team, there is no denying that a lot of crucial responsibilities come along with it. As such, you will not only be supervising routine operations, but also manage everything from higher to the lower level at the airlines, airport, and the aviation sector.

No wonder when a job has such multivariate roles and responsibilities, it is bound to come with an impressive earning potential, and aviation managers are handsomely rewarded for their service at every stage of their career. With that being said, we, at Avlon Shiksha Niketan, recognized among the topmost aviation colleges in Kolkata, are taking a closer look today at the earning potential in the domain of aviation management, along with a few other related facts about this field.

The comprehensive salary prospects in aviation management

One of the best things about aviation management is that the salary prospects are lucrative throughout the career of an individual. Of course, like all other fields, salaries are based on the experience of the candidate in the industry and the position to which they are applying. However, it continues to be one of the highest paying arenas in the field of aviation, with individuals starting their careers earning well and experienced professionals earning even better.

If you are starting your career in this field, you can expect your salary packages to vary from INR 3.5 lakh to INR 5 lakh. The average pay scale that the management graduates with relevant education in aviation management get is around INR 4,50,000 to INR 6,50,000 per annum based on the proficiency and performance of an individual. An experienced professional who comes with about eight to ten years of experience can expect the salary to reach around INR 15 to INR 25 lakh per annum.

It is important to mention in this regard that this is a comprehensive scenario of the earning potential that we showed you. The salary of the management professionals varies greatly depending on your job role, as well.

Job-wise earning potential in the field of aviation management

As we mentioned earlier, aviation management is the one that consists of various job roles. So, the nature of the degree and training you have also dictates the kind of earning potential you can have in this field. Let’s take a closer look at that to explain the scenario to you.

  • Training in Airport Management

Under this job role, your focus will be on different management areas such as financial management, accounting, safety management, human resource management, and even marketing to some extent. After the completion of the course, the candidates can be expected to get offer letters from top domestic and international airports as airport manager, administrator, staff manager, and safety officer. In this case, the average starting salary ranges from 3 to 4 lakhs per annum.

  • Cabin Crew and Ground Staff Training

The training focuses on honing the skills of the candidates in the roles of air hostesses and stewards on flights. You’ll be taught about the first aid and safety procedures, communication skills, customer services, in-flight conduct, beverage and food production, and serving to aid you to come to the aid of the passengers who are on board the flight. After completing your course, you can take various roles such as that of a front-end office operator, steward, ground staff, and air hostess, and as a fresher in this arena, you will have a salary of around 4 to 6 lakhs per annum.

  • Training in Aviation Hospitality

Hospitality has always been one of the prime elements in the aviation industry, and thus, the demand is high for trained professionals in this section of the job. Once you have mastered the skills of communication, computer and IT, food and beverage production and serving, and general management, you can be expected to fetch a salary of 4 to 6 lakhs per annum.

What keeps the earning potential so high in aviation management?

Reports suggest that India is all set to overtake the United Kingdom to become the third-largest air passenger market by the year 2025. Furthermore, the aviation market is slated to cater to 478 million passengers by the year 2036.

In addition to that, there are government schemes like NABH Nirman and UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) that aim to connect airports and helipads across the nation. The schemes are expected to expand the airport capacity of the country by over five times. With such an increasing demand in the aviation sector of the nation, aviation management being an unavoidable role in the sector is bound to fetch you a good pay package.

If you want to have a glorious career in the field of aviation management that also pays handsomely, you need the right kind of training to hone your skills to perfection. And this is where Avlon Shiksha Niketan comes into the picture as one of the leading aviation colleges in Kolkata. The program has been designed to impart the students with highly industry-centric, real-world based training and know-how. Besides, the strong industry connect provided by us and the guidance and mentorship offered under by the top industry experts roped in by us further help to provide the students with a robust understanding of the industry. Hence, if you wish to make your aviation career reach the heights you have always dreamt of, register for the aviation management program at Avlon Shiksha Niketan.

How are the Airports Gearing up for the New Normal – An Insight

The much talked about ‘new normal’ is now around the corner, and the aviation industry has brought about a lot of changes in its way of operations to deal with the situation. In this article, we have brought to you some crucial insights into the functional and organizational alterations that the airports have implemented to thrive amid the new normal.

30-seconds summary

  • Strengthening social distancing and health screening measures through better surveillance
  • Increased automation at several crucial checkpoints across the airport premises
  • Better management of passenger flows at the major points through active monitoring
  • Renewed training and preparations for the workforce to play a pivotal role in preventing the spread of COVID-19

With the world coming to a standstill and the countries shutting down their borders, the onset of the global pandemic changed the face of travel and tourism as we know it. And, undoubtedly, the airports had to bear its impact in a major way. There was no more of that mad dash for tickets, crowded immigration lines, sitting areas packed with people, big luggage bags all around, and the general bustle of the airports.

However, the aviation sector is known for being resilient to challenges and hurdles that come along its path. As such, when the country resumed domestic flights back in May, the airports were quick to adapt to the multitude of changes in its procedures and operations that came as part and parcel of this recommencement.

So, today we, at Avlon Shiksha Niketan, one of the leading aviation colleges in Kolkata, have decided to take a closer look at how the airports have geared up to welcome the new normal. Read on to know more.

New measures for social distancing and health screening

Given the highly transmissible nature of the coronavirus, the first and foremost thing to ensure is to pertain to the measures for social distancing and health screening. To that end, markers have been placed at each turn to remind travelers of the need to maintain distance. Additionally, authorities and teams are being present at all security check areas, boarding gates, check-in halls, and curbsides to ensure that adequate health screening is being carried out, along with following the norms of social distancing.

Specific measures for better hand-hygiene management

The significance of hand hygiene can never be stressed enough in the current scenario. No wonder why the health officials and the media consistently keep reminding the people about its importance. And, going by the studies that have revealed that as many as 30% of travelers avoid washing hands after using public restrooms, which further increases the risk of transmission of infectious diseases, the airports have enough reasons to particularly stress on the measures for better hand-hygiene management.

A 10% rise in the level of hand cleanliness at the airports can ensure a 24% reduction in the spread of a disease, while a 40% increase in the same can lead to a 69% reduction. This not only outlines the role of airports in controlling the pandemic but also highlights the significance of maintaining hand hygiene for all passengers.

The airports have provided touch-less hand sanitizers at different points along the premises and are also ensuring sanitization of the check-in baggage through UV machines. Furthermore, several points have been demarcated at the airports where hand sanitization is mandatory.

Increasing presence of automation at the airports

With the need of the hour being reducing the contact between passengers and staff, increased automation has become one of the prime focus of the airports. Though Indian airports were already making the move towards greater automation for the past couple of years, the resumption after the pandemic has accelerated the rate of adaption of advanced automated technologies.

Automated information kiosks are already a part of most airports, and these are being further enhanced with decision-making software and artificial intelligence. Here are a few areas where the airports have either already implemented or are in the process of implementing promising automation measures:

  • Security surveillance
  • Baggage collection from passengers
  • Offering information regarding passenger transit
  • Disinfecting and cleaning operations

The present health crisis might even accelerate the realization of the vision that airport robotization might be a possibility by 2030. Apart from the inherent cost-saving potential of increased automation, such solutions offer the added benefit of keeping both the passengers and the employees safe from close interactions.

Improved management of passenger flow at the major points

Just as the tower control makes sure that there is a safe separation between aircrafts, the airports are now promoting safe separation between the passengers! Better management of passenger flows at the major points pertains to taking a number of critical actions.

For instance, airports have regulated access to different areas, and are carrying out active monitoring of the expected and present passenger density to mitigate any chances of congestion. To add to that, since queues are simply unavoidable at places like check-in counters and passport control, improved queue management techniques are also being implemented.

Training and acquainting the teams to face the new normal

Last but not the least in importance, the pandemic has made the airport employees gear up for the latest challenges with a new round of training and preparation. After all, the airport managers and their teams are instrumental in ensuring the effective implementation of all the measures that we talked about so far. Being in the frontline of the fight against the pandemic, the airport staff are not only having to keep the premises protected and secure for the passengers but also ensure their own safety to offer the optimum level of services.

So, when it comes to being one of the leading forces of the country in its combat against COVID, the aviation industry needs an adaptable, proficient, and skilled workforce that can rise to the demand of the times. And, this is where our advanced training and real-world teaching methodologies come into the forefront.

As one of the pioneering aviation colleges in Kolkata offering world-class training in the field of aviation, tourism, and hospitality management, we, at Avlon Shiksha Niketan, make sure that our students stand out based on their experiential knowledge, dexterity, and dedication to excel and succeed. So, if you want to see yourself making a mark in this dynamic field, let Avlon be the wind beneath your wings.

Customer Experience Has Emerged as the Top Priority for the Aviation Industry

Ensuring customer satisfaction and delivering them with the finest experiences is the key factor where most airlines are laying their focus nowadays. Let us have a look in this article today on why customer experience holds so much significance in the aviation industry and what are the different initiatives that the industry has taken in this regard.

30-seconds summary

  • Customer experience is closely tied to customer loyalty and revenue growth
  • Digital transformation is being used to bind personalization with customer experience
  • Airlines now focus on each point of interaction of the customers for a better holistic experience
  • The service provided by the industry in this COVID situation is one of the finest examples of ensuring superior customer experience

The progression of the aviation industry in the last couple of years has been truly phenomenal. This, in turn, has given rise to increasing competition among the airlines operating in the field. And, with the major names in the business seeking to amplify their relationship-building efforts in this new decade, it seems quite evident that the customer experience is now the game-changer for the industry.

We, at Avlon Shiksha Niketan, one of the leading aviation colleges in Kolkata, strongly believe that customer experience is the one thing that is making the difference in turning people towards or away from certain airlines. When it comes to attracting the customers and raking in the profit numbers in the aviation industry, it’s all about bridging the gap between what the customers want and what the industry has to offer.

And, since our young professionals are soon going to join the industry and work towards eliminating that gap, today, we will be offering our insights on the significance of customer experience and the industry’s initiatives in this matter.

Significance of customer experience in the aviation industry

Customer experience in the aviation industry is all about what the customer feels and perceives while going through the multiple stages of their arrival in and departure from an airport. It involves the interactions with self-service booths, check-in and check-out counters, online facilities, and all other choices of channels.

When an airline is able to play all their cards right, the result is a happy customer who wouldn’t think twice before selecting the same company again for their travels. As such, one of the greatest reasons for focusing on customer experience is that it not just gets an airline a one-time business from a traveler, but rather they can earn a loyal customer for a lifetime. Per se, such a loyal customer will search for that airline the next time they have to fly from anywhere to anywhere.

It is the quality of service on offer in varied aspects, such as the service processing time, queuing time, physical facilities, space, and so on, which come together to outline the quality on offer. And, an increase or decrease in the passenger flow is the direct result of this quality perception of the customers. Besides, we live in an era where a couple of bad reviews about a business on social media platforms and negative word-of-the-mouth publicity are enough to make a company lose several potential customers at one fell swoop. Thus, customer experience is not something to be compromised in the aviation business.

Initiatives being taken to ensure an enhanced customer experience

As we have already established the reason behind customer experience being the top priority of the aviation industry, let’s get to the efforts made by the industry in enhancing the said experience. And, here are some of the initiatives taken by the industry in this regard:

  • Digital transformation binds personalization with customer experience

It would be wrong to assume that customer experience is something that starts counting from the moment an individual walks into the airport. In fact, it begins way before when the same individual is sitting across a computer or smartphone and evaluating which flight tickets he/she should book.

In sight of that, the major players of the industry have increased their social media connect with the travelers and taken an agile-drive tactic for personalizing customers’ journeys. Additionally, the airlines are introducing the latest offerings of technology in the form of inflight connectivity, biometrics, assistive tech, and more to give a seamless experience to the customers.

  • Focusing on each point of interaction of the customers

Customers generally have several points of interaction with the airlines from the moment they enter the airport. It starts from the baggage counter, continues through the check-in process for the flight, and so on, and ends when the customer checks out from the airport.

Thus, the focus remains on offering excellent service at each stage of this entire journey of the customer. Right from having skilled personnel manning every station of this long process to employing the needful technological innovations, the airlines function like a well-oiled machinery with not a cog out of place.

  • Keeping up with the increasing expectations of the customers

The airlines are also investing more in customer experience based studies since it has become the core of their business strategy. At the end of the day, customer experience is a crucial aspect that is indirectly connected to the revenue growth of each business.

As such, emotionally impacting the customers through personalized experiences has been one of the central parts of their initiative. For instance, airlines are sending personalized messages to each customer, offering added assistance to infants and new moms, addressing each passenger by their name, and so on.

  • Keeping the rules and norms of the new normal in sight

Any discussion on the customer experience offered by the aviation industry would remain incomplete without mentioning the steps taken by the industry in the new normal brought in by the global pandemic.

The industry has truly stepped up its game within the very little time of preparation that it received, and is now one of the front runners in the fight against COVID-19. Right from ensuring the health and safety of the passengers at each point of the journey to increasing the efforts towards sanitizing the premises, the airports have truly left no stones unturned in the current crisis.

A deliberation on the significance of customer experience would also be lacking without the mention of the team of skilled professionals who are entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring a superior experience. And, we, at Avlon Shiksha Niketan, ranked among the best aviation colleges in Kolkata, are one of the pioneering institutes in the field to prepare such skilled and proficient young achievers who leave their mark in the industry through their unparalleled service. So, as customer experience continues to become more and more demanding, we, at Avlon, are training and grooming professionals who can efficiently meet that demand and grow and thrive even amid the most challenging times.

Significance of Sustainability in the Tourism & Hospitality Industry

Sustainable practices have been lately gaining a lot of attention from almost all industry verticals, and the hospitality sector is no exception to it. In this article today, let us have a look at the importance of sustainability in the hospitality sector and a few viable measures that are have been adopted by the industry in this regard.

30-seconds summary:

  • Sustainable management practices turn out to be more cost-effective in the long run
  • Sustainability is a crucial factor in the choices made by modern travelers, especially the millennials
  • Millennials want to work for businesses that adopt sustainable practices
  • The brand image created by adopting green practices helps in bringing greater profits

The hospitality sector historically has had an undeniable environmental impact through its water and energy consumption, use of durable and consumable goods, and hazardous and solid waste creation. In fact, the sector is responsible for about 8% of the global greenhouse gas emissions, which makes hotels the second-largest polluters. The environmental impact of the sector is so pronounced that the Paris Climate accord has explicitly addressed the hotels to bring down their carbon emissions by 66% by 2030.

In such a scenario, adopting sustainable practices becomes a necessity rather than an option for the hospitality industry. And, we, at Avlon Shiksha Niketan, a renowned tourism management institute in Kolkata, are saying this not only from the viewpoint of environmental concerns but also from the customers’ perspective. Indeed, adopting sustainable practices can offer multifold benefits of customer satisfaction, environmental wellbeing, and profit acquisition. Let us explain this in detail by outlining the significance of sustainability in the hospitality industry.

Busting the myth of green operations being more expensive

There is a widely believed myth that green operations are invariably more expensive, and the guests don’t really care much about it. Let’s start with unraveling the truth about the first part of that sentence, shall we?

As per reports, recent advancements in technology related to renewable sources of energy, such as wind or solar energy, have considerably reduced the long-term costs incurred by the hospitality businesses. Of course, we are not denying that the initial cost of setting up such alternative energy sources is a bit on the steeper side, but it’s also true that these setups pretty much pay for themselves in the long run.

Moreover, when the businesses decide to go green, the encouragement comes from multiple quarters. The government offers several financial grants, tax write-offs, and expedited permitting for sustainable practices, and even insurance companies provide premium discounts.

That’s not all! An important aspect of sustainability in the hospitality industry is the employee training program to help them embrace green practices. It ensures improved performance and efficiency from the employees, which further helps to bring in the profits.

Adding to the guest experience and ensuring happy customers

Now, let’s come to the second part of the aforementioned myth: the customers are not concerned about sustainability. This is even farther from the truth because 87% of travelers rate sustainability as a crucial factor in their choices, and almost 40% actively opt for more sustainable lodging and travel options.

To add to that, two-third of the travelers indicate that they are willing to pay at least five percent more for sustainable alternatives. This trend also extends to their travel choices as a majority of tourists look for eco-holidays nowadays. And, the ever-rising demand for eco-tourism bears testimony to that.

From our years of experience as one of the leading hospitality and tourism management institute in Kolkata, we, at Avlon Shiksha Niketan, can vouch for the fact that all these trends are mainly being set by the millennials as they are the ones with the spending power. And, millennials are keener on supporting brands with strong environmental and social policies, whereby greener management practices are not just there on paper but in practice. So, even if the aim is to attract and appease more customers, a viable way for the industry is to go green.

Creating a stronger and better brand image for the businesses

The brand image of the businesses in the hospitality sector is strongly linked to the customers’ perception of them. In a world where a few bad reviews can make or break the reputation of an establishment, sustainable practices might just be the key to make the customers happy and satisfied.

It is important to keep in mind that the millennials take pride in having a clear idea about which brands are walking the walk instead of just talking the talk. So, investing in sustainable business practices will ensure an enhanced brand image and reputation that translates into bigger profits in the long-term.

Besides, it’s not only the guests and their satisfaction, but also about the employees and their preferences. The millennial professionals prefer to work for socially responsible companies. In fact, 70% of millennials claim to want to work for companies that help them in contributing to environmental and social issues. Thus, with sustainability being a major perk for the guests and the employees, it has to be on the top of the agenda for the employers.

The sustainable practices being adopted by the hospitality industry

The good news is that the significance of sustainability, as showcased above, has been realized by the hospitality industry. To that effect, several established and new businesses have already adopted green policies in the operations and management of their hotels and restaurants. Most hospitality businesses now prefer to work with vendors who follow the same green philosophy. After all, the products used in the hotel or restaurant have a direct impact on the overall sustainability of the operations.

Across the industry, businesses of different types and scales have embraced the policies of recycle and reuse and are paying greater attention to smarter waste management. Furthermore, regular training of the employees is being emphasized by the businesses because the staff has to be well-equipped to enact the policies levied by the top management.

To help the hospitality industry move forward with effective sustainable strategies, the need of the hour is skilled and proficient young professionals with adequate prior knowledge of the green practices. And, at Avlon Shiksha Niketan, one of the most prominent tourism management institute in Kolkata, we are doing the same by training our students to lead from the front when it comes to ushering an era of sustainability in the industry. Our advanced training in tourism and hospitality pays special attention to the real-world scenarios of eco-friendly practices and environmental management. And, this not only makes our students more skilled and employable but also serves as the way forward to making the planet cleaner and greener.

The Rapidly Growing & Strengthening Potential of the Tourism & Hospitality Industry in India

The Tourism & Hospitality sector has always remained one of the prime contributors to our country’s economy. Let’s take a closer look at the rapidly growing potential of this industry and how it is emerging as one of the best options from the employment perspective.

30 seconds summary:

  • The tourism & hospitality industry is a major contributor to India’s GDP.
  • Greater employment opportunities stemming from an increase in investments and new government initiatives.
  • The pandemic has only been a temporary setback to the potential of the sector.
  • More Indian tourists are eager to travel internally in the current scenario.

From having some of the most remarkable landscapes on earth to a unique historical and cultural heritage, our country is well-endowed in more ways than one. To add to all that, India is also a rapidly developing nation that the top multinationals are considering as one of the major hubs for their operations. When you consider facts like these, the immense potential of the tourism and hospitality industry in India becomes clear as the day.

The country has truly made the most of its potential as the tourism and hospitality sector continues to be one of the foremost drivers of growth among our services sector. In this regard, the fact that the contribution of travel and tourism to GDP in 2019 was 6.8 percent (US$ 194.30 billion) of the total economy would be a good case in point. (Source: https://www.ibef.org/industry/tourism-hospitality-india.aspx).

No wonder, tourism and hospitality are emerging as one of the prime career choices among the youth of the nation. And before you embark on your journey, we, at Avlon Shiksha Niketan, one of the finest travel and tourism colleges in Kolkata, would like to give you a clear idea of the massive potential that the industry holds and the actual picture of the scenario post the pandemic.

The figures showcasing the increasing potential of the industry

We have already mentioned how the industry majorly contributed to the country’s GDP in 2019. The fact is that the tourism & hospitality industry has come to the forefront of the economic progress of India in every financial year. As a matter of fact, if these growth trends of the last five years are considered, the scenario looks truly promising in the years to come.

 In 2017, the contribution of the industry to India’s GDP was more than US$ 91 billion, which increased to over US$ 98 billion in 2018. During 2019, over 10.89 million foreign tourists arrived in the country, which means a year-on-year growth rate of 3.2 percent. In the previous year, 10.56 million foreign tourists visited India, which was an increase of 5.2 percent from the figures of 2017.

The number of hotel chains, restaurants, and ancillary services has also increased in tandem in the past couple of years. And this translates into some really great numbers in terms of employment opportunities, which also brings us to the next segment of our discussion.

The growth and diversity of employment opportunities

Reports show that international hotel chains have increased their presence in India. At present, it accounts for around 47 percent share in the industry, and it’s expected to rise to 50 percent in a span of two years. The increase in investments naturally stems from the demand for the tourism and hospitality sector in the country, which is also proven by the fact that this sector received a total FDI inflow of over US$ 15.48 billion from April 2000 to June 2020.

These figures show a bright ray of hope for the young aspirants studying in the travel and tourism colleges in Kolkata. After all, the increase in the number of tourist inflow and hospitality establishments leads to a subsequent growth of job opportunities. And, in fact, 39 million jobs were generated in the tourism and hospitality sector in India in the fiscal year 2020, which made up about 8 percent of the country’s total employment.

The key drivers behind the strengthening potential of the sector

The facts and figures we have discussed above must have made it amply clear that the growth of the tourism and hospitality sector is relentless. Now, let’s try to understand these growth trends further by outlining their key drivers:

  • Government initiatives leading to infrastructural improvement:

The government has made significant strides in bringing infrastructural improvements in the industry to ensure its further growth. Along with the inauguration of several new tourist spots across the country, the Ministry of Tourism has aimed at encouraging local tourism through initiatives like Swadesh Darshan for eight Northeast states.

  • The steadily increasing number of international tourists:

We have already shown the numbers with regards to the increasing influx of foreign tourists in the country. The fact remains that India is still an affordable destination to most of the international tourists from the developed nations. Add the diversity of traditions, places, cultures, and food choices to the mix, and you’ll know why India remains the top choice of millions of foreign tourists.

  • The rising competition in the tourism & hospitality sector:

The direct result of this increase in demand and investments in the sector is seen in the growing competition among the businesses. Every establishment, regardless of their scale of operations, wants to stand out from the rest in terms of their customer services, facilities offered, location, and so on. And, in an obvious cycle of events, it translates into better employment opportunities for skilled professionals.

The picture of hope for the future of the tourism & hospitality sector

We cannot discuss the growing potential of the sector without dwelling upon the ongoing pandemic and its impact on the tourism and hospitality industry. After all, there is no denying that the pandemic had given a never-seen-before heavy blow to the sector. Yes, we said “had” because the industry has already bounced back and shown how those setbacks are a thing of the past.

With greater attention to safety measures, the airports, hotels, restaurants, and local destinations have opened up their doors to welcome the excited travelers. And, they have reasons to rejoice as 65 percent of Indian travelers want to travel more in the upcoming years to make up for all the lost time in 2020.

Furthermore, 52 percent of Indian travelers are planning to travel more within the country on a long-term basis. Thus, even though international trips are going to have to wait and so does the international tourists, the tourism & hospitality sector will still go on strong.

At Avlon Shiksha Niketan, one of the top travel and tourism colleges in Kolkata, we prepare you to become an accomplished part of this booming sector of the country. With the experiential learning and real-world skills that you acquire during your time with us, you will be ready to make the most of all those opportunities mentioned above. So, are you ready to have a high-flying career in the rapidly growing tourism and hospitality sector of India?

How is the Aviation & Hospitality Industry Battling the COVID Effect?

The long fight against the COVID-19 pandemic has made the world come to a standstill. Attempts to contain the spread of the deadly virus had led governments across the world to announce lockdowns and travel restrictions, preventing the movement of people both inside the nation and out of it. And, even as the lockdown restrictions are being gradually eased in parts of the country, it seems like we are still quite far from returning to normalcy. In that sense, if there is one industry that has been the worst hit by the pandemic, it is definitely the hospitality and aviation industry.

So, what does this mean for this sector? Has the aviation and hospitality industry given in to the COVID effect and lost hope in front of the ongoing crisis? No! And we have multiple reasons to say that.

Surely, the aviation and hospitality industry has come face-to-face with these unforeseen times, but that has only motivated it to roll out extraordinary measures to offer continued services, with special attention to health and safety. In fact, at Avlon Shiksha Niketan, we believe that the aviation and hospitality industry has always remained instrumental in strengthening the nation’s fight against the pandemic.

So, how exactly is the aviation and hospitality industry battling the pandemic impact and serving the nation at the same time? Let’s find out!

The Aviation and Hospitality Industry is Stepping Up to Serve the Nation

For us, at Avlon Shiksha Niketan, a renowned aviation college in Kolkata, it feels like a moment of pride to see the sector rise to this occasion by working together for the greater good. The industry has shown its true commitment to hospitality and has dedicatedly stood on the forefront to help the nation fight the pandemic.

Many hotels have opened their doors to house medical staff and made the venue available for hospital beds. Chefs and teams involved in food service in hotels across the country have taken an active part in arranging free meals to the medical staff while putting themselves at risk for battling the crisis.

Moreover, it would not be an exaggeration to say that one of the greatest victories of the aviation and hospitality industry lies in the ‘Vande Bharat’ mission: an attempt to bring home over 14,800 nationals from twelve countries. Not only has our aviation sector successfully taken up this mission, but the fact that a number of top-notch hotels have allocated separate rooms for quarantining these passengers, also shows that the hospitality sector is ready to fulfil its commitments.

Renewed Attempts at Winning Over the Trust of the Customers

The fact that the relationship between the consumer and the brand begins by building trust is something that the hospitality and aviation industry has always understood and reflected in its work.

The sector has a keen realization that regaining customer confidence is the key step in bouncing back from the crisis. No wonder, strict hygiene and sanitary measures have already been implemented by the businesses in the aviation and hospitality sector, with new practices being introduced for monitoring and controlling the conditions in the work environment.

Cautionary safety and intensified sanitation and hygiene measures and practices have been put in place across airports, flights, and hotels to make sure that the customers can rely on the industry they invest their trust in.

An Opportunity to Re-evaluate the Varied Facets of the Business

One of the finest steps taken by the aviation and hospitality sector amid the ongoing crisis is to relook at the way business has been done until now. We have all accepted the fact that being a part of the sector is never going to be the same even after we come out of this pandemic situation. And it lies in acknowledging this very fact that makes this time as the perfect opportunity to act and prepare the sector and its staff for the times to come.

The current condition has made the industry focus on new business opportunities and models, such as human capital sharing platforms, better delivery concepts, and promoting staycations. In fact, the businesses operating in the sector have also used this time to focus on activities like social media strategies, outlining standard procedures for operating, security plans, and asset counts, which have been taking a backseat for quite a while now.

New Approaches and Measures to Ensure the Safety of Travelers Post Pandemic

The sector has already reached the planning stage for the measures to be taken for the travelers venturing out of their states or countries in the post-pandemic era.

Right from enhancing security measures to increasing the sanitation efforts at the venues, the new approach focuses on ensuring that the customers feel safe with traveling and accommodations. The focus is now being laid on offering the guarantee of health safety, along with ensuring the psychological assurance of wellbeing.

The Aviation and Hospitality Industry is All Set to Bounce Back Even Stronger

We will have to accept the fact that the industry is among the worst hit by the pandemic. But, it is also true that the aforementioned steps taken by the sector show that it’s ready to battle the crisis and bounce back to its previous glory. However, the new and evolved needs of the industry would need its professionals to embrace the new normal and advance accordingly.

In the times to come, there will be a prominent demand in the industry for professionals who are skilled enough to be unfazed by such challenges in the path. After all, the pandemic will pass, but many other new challenges in terms of serving the customers might arise in the future. COVID has shown the importance of having resilient and dedicated employees in the industry who can tackle any kind of crisis, and the businesses are now going to keep this factor in mind in their hiring initiatives.

If you are one of those ambitious minds who have always been willing to join the highly lucrative aviation and hospitality industry, this is the time when you can not only contribute to the profession but also the nation. As a leading hospitality management college in Kolkata and one of the pioneering educational institutes of the country, we, at Avlon Shiksha Niketan, are right here to arm you with the real-world skills and know-how. With our immense experience in preparing the young minds for the aviation and hospitality sector, we know what exactly it takes to thrive in the changing environment, and hence we leave no stones unturned in prepping up our students for the same.

With our industry-centric training and education, we have helped many students carve a robust career in the aviation and hospitality sector. We, at Avlon, are all geared up to continue shaping the careers of many more youngsters by imparting them with the knowledge, skills, and the best practices and standards to make their mark in the changing times ahead. So, use this time to enhance your skillset under our expert guidance, and get ready to make your career dreams come true.

The Booming Scope of Aviation and Hospitality in India

In the modern era of globalization, the aviation and hospitality industry has not only assumed greater significance, but is also gaining a place among the most lucrative career domains. No wonder, more and more individuals are preferring to work in the industry. However, as per recent reports, the career opportunities in the field far outweigh the availability of skilled professionals. It would be safe to say that this field of work is going to maintain a profitable status for the jobseekers in the years to come.

So, if you have the zeal to work across the globe, with a spirit to assist people with a smile, then aviation and hospitality can be the ideal profession for you. And, if you are still pondering over the scope of aviation and hospitality in the country, we, at Avlon Shiksha Niketan, the most renowned aviation training institute in Kolkata, would like to assure you that the sector is booming and the number of job positions and growth prospects are on the rise each year.

Let us explain the facts further by elaborating on the widening scope of aviation and hospitality in India.

Career prospects in the aviation and hospitality industry

As we mentioned earlier, the future looks bright for the aspirants of the aviation and hospitality industry in terms of varied job roles and lucrative pay packages. And, we have the numbers to support our statement. First off, the international players in the industry are ready to increase their presence in the country, and as per the recent report by IBEF, they are slated to account for 50 percent of shares by 2022. With the international names entering the field, the scope is widened greatly in terms of number of the job vacancies opening up for the future aspirants.

To top it off, when speaking specifically in terms of the aviation sector in the country, the Indian carriers are expected to increase their fleet sizes to at least 1,100 aircraft by 2027, and the freight traffic on the Indian airports is projected to cross 11.4 MT by 2032. Thus, the Indian airports will need more number of qualified professionals not just up in the air, but also on the ground to ensure that everything runs without a glitch. 

Right from managing the guests to handling the finest details of everyday operations, certified experts of aviation and hospitality are in-demand for diverse responsibilities in the field. The need is for you to rise up to the challenge and prepare yourself for the accomplished career path that lies ahead.

The top five job profiles in the aviation and hospitality industry

The job profiles in the aviation and hospitality industry are diverse, with several new roles opening up in recent years. Keeping all that in mind, we, at Avlon, present to you the top five job profiles in the field:

  1. Cabin crew/flight attendant: Airline cabin crew and flight attendants are responsible for the safety, comfort, and welfare of the passengers traveling on the aircraft during long-haul and short-haul flights. This is one of the most in-demand job profiles in the aviation industry.
  2. Airport ground staff: Airport ground staff includes passenger service agents who have the responsibility to uphold the smooth running of the group operations and offer superior customer service to the travelers. Ticketing and handling baggage claims are prime examples of their duties.
  3. Culinary managers: Dining experiences are an important part of air travel. The primary goal of a culinary manager is to make sure that the customers are pleased with the culinary delights served to them on the flight.
  4. Concierge: The responsibility of a concierge is to interact directly with the customers and provide them with varied services, such as booking a restaurant reservation or the tickets to a show, or providing a babysitter.
  5. Executive chefs: An executive chef has more of a managerial role that involves overseeing the food operations in venues that serve food. They supervise sous chefs, cooks, and other kitchen employees.

The earning potential of aviation and hospitality industry professionals

There is no denying the fact that a good salary structure and attractive pay packages are among the main draws for the aspirants looking to join the industry. As a matter of fact, even the entry-level salaries in the aviation and hospitality sectors are profitable enough, with the promise of better pay assured with increased experience and improved skillsets.

For instance, an entry-level flight attendant can expect to earn an average total compensation of nearly INR 400,000, with the salary figures reaching nearly INR 760,000 within five years in the profession. The same goes for an executive chef, whose average total compensation with less than one year of experience stands at around INR 425,000, and ideally goes up to more than INR 880,000 within five years.

These are only two instances of the salary prospects in the field. Even in other job profiles, you will note that the pay structure is pretty lucrative. Besides, these are not absolute figures, and as the demand for qualified experts increases in each of the job positions, you can expect these numbers to go even higher.

Let your career dreams turn into a reality with Avlon Shiksha Niketan

Though the opportunities are aplenty in the field, securing the job of your dreams needs you to truly stand out from the rest. After all, the top job providers in the field look for expert professionals who can enrich their business even further with their unique skillset. And, this is where we, at Avlon Shiksha Niketan, can help you out!

We are the only institution in its category, offering exclusive BBA certification in Aviation, Tourism, and Hospitality management: the three core sectors of the service industry and the fastest-growing employment sectors globally.

We, at Avlon Shiksha Niketan, recognized as the Best Hospitality Management Institute in Kolkata, are affiliated under three renowned universities of the country – the University of North Bengal, Panchanan Barma University (PBU), and West Bengal State University (WBSU). We, through our BBA degree course, offer our students a holistic learning experience that helps them in making the most of the career prospects that lay in their path. Our education programs are focused on offering technical knowledge and practical skillsets to the young professionals to prepare them better for the professional experiences that await them in the near future.

So, come and join us at Avlon to turn your career dreams into a reality and continue the saga of accomplishments as led by our alumni.