The news desk · page 20 of 20
Updates, decoded.
What changed and whether it matters — grounded in the numbers, not the press release. Subscribe via RSS →
372 of 376 tracker events have stories — the desk publishes hourly. Too fast? Pulse is the monthly rollup →
Kingfisher Announces India's First Domestic Business Class
On April 18, 2006 Kingfisher Airlines announced Kingfisher First, India's first true domestic premium cabin — eventually landing at a 48-inch pitch, 125-degree recline and full lounge access. It instantly became the aspirational tier of King Club membership.
Jet Airways Orders 10 Boeing 777-300ERs for $2.53 Billion
Jet Airways signed a firm order for ten Boeing 777-300ERs at $2.53 billion list price, with deliveries from 2007, replacing long-haul flying done on A340s leased from South African Airways. The order underpinned Jet's long-haul strategy across Europe, Asia and eventually the US.
Kingfisher launches King Club — India's first flashy FFP
Kingfisher Airlines launched King Club, a four-tier frequent-flyer program, in 2005, setting a new standard for Indian carriers. The program's introduction marked a significant shift in the industry's approach to customer loyalty.
Jet Airways goes international — 2005
Jet Airways launches first intercontinental route in 2005, marking a significant expansion for the airline. The Mumbai-London route was the first genuine long-haul earn-and-burn route for JetPrivilege members.
HDFC Bank starts credit cards — ₹15,000 minimum limit
HDFC Bank started its credit card business in 2001 with limits of ₹15,000 to ₹3 lakh. This has no impact on current cardholders, who can continue using their cards as usual.
Singapore Airlines launches KrisFlyer — 100% expansion to economy
Singapore Airlines launched KrisFlyer on 1 February 1999, allowing economy passengers to earn miles for the first time. This marked a significant shift in the airline's loyalty program, making it more inclusive for all passengers.
Starwood launches SPG — 0 blackout dates
Starwood Preferred Guest launched with no blackout dates in 1999, but this does not affect Indian credit cards. The impact is minimal for Indian cardholders.
SBI Card launched — 1 lakh users in 10 months
SBI Card was launched in 1998 with 1 lakh cardholders in 10 months, marking the beginning of its journey to become India's largest pure-play card issuer. This development had a significant impact on the credit card market in India.
Marriott Rewards replaces Honored Guest Awards
On 6 May 1997 Marriott folded its 14-year-old Honored Guest Awards into Marriott Rewards — the first multi-brand, multi-tier hotel programme, spanning 1,000 hotels in 30 countries with 9 million members across 6 brands.
Air India debuts Flying Returns — India's 1st FFP
Air India introduced Flying Returns in 1994, India's first frequent flyer programme, allowing Indians to earn and burn miles. This move marked the beginning of loyalty programmes in the Indian airline industry.
Jet Airways pioneers private FFP — 1994
Jet Airways launched JetPrivilege in 1994, introducing the first private-airline frequent flyer programme in India. This programme had a lasting impact on the country's loyalty landscape.
Jet Airways takes off — 1993
Jet Airways launched its first flight in 1993, marking the beginning of full-service private aviation in India. This event had a lasting impact on the industry, including loyalty programmes and co-brand cards.
Amex enters India — 1993
American Express entered India's card market in 1993 with premium charge cards. This marked the beginning of Amex's presence in the country, introducing the Membership Rewards program.
HSBC installs India's first ATM in Mumbai
HSBC gave India its first ATM in 1987, in Andheri, Mumbai — replacing the teller queue with 24x7 cash from a machine. Roughly 1,500 ATMs followed over the next decade.
Andhra Bank issues India's first Visa-branded credit card
A year after Centralcard, Andhra Bank launched India's first Visa-branded credit card in 1981, plugging Indian plastic into a global network brand for the first time. Merchant acceptance finally started to widen.
Centralcard launches — India's first credit card
Central Bank of India launched Centralcard in 1980, India's first credit card, marking the start of revolving credit on plastic in the country. This launch paved the way for future credit card issuance in India.
Diners Club enters India — 20 years ahead
Diners Club launched in India in 1961, nearly two decades before the first Indian bank-issued card, with invitation-only charge cards. This marked the beginning of the credit card era in India.