MAM
One in ten Indian consumers only book from airlines where they are a loyalty member
Mumbai: The latest YouGov survey research shows that more than half of urban Indians (54 per cent) are members of at least one airline loyalty program.
About a quarter (25 per cent) are members of Air India Flying Returns – by far the most popular airline loyalty club – followed, at a distance, by Emirates
Skywards (11 per cent).
Foreign airline loyalty programs
Qatar Airways Privilege Club (9 per cent) and Singapore Airlines / Scoot KrisFlyer (8 per cent) are as popular among consumers as are some domestic programs, namely Club Vistara by Vistara Airlines and SpiceClub by Spicejet (8 per cent each).
The top three loyalty programs are notably more popular with men than women.
Among the age groups, Air India Flying Returns appears to be more popular among the millennials (at 29 per cent) as compared to others but Emirates Skywards has
a stronger resonance with GenZ (at 14 per cent).
When asked about the top two benefits they most appreciate about being an airline loyalty club member, three in ten (29 per cent) highlight being able to redeem
their miles for discounted / free flights as a top perk.
About a quarter (26 per cent) value airport lounge access
as a top advantage followed by additional luggage allowance, hotel deals and dedicated customer service (at 18 per cent each).
Seat upgrades (15 per cent), cost-saving deals on retail purchases (13 per cent), and priority boarding (13 per cent) are the next most popular advantages.
While airport lounge access is more important to men than women (29 per cent vs 22 per cent), dedicated customer service appeals more to women than men (20 per cent vs 15 per cent).
Finally, when airline loyalty program members were asked how they typically decide on international flight bookings, over a third (36 per cent) said they start
by searching for flights that fit their travel schedule and choose the most attractive option irrespective of their loyalty program membership.
However, a fifth (20 per cent) look for airlines that fit their schedule but prioritise ones where they are loyalty members.
One in six (16 per cent) start by searching among airlines where they are a loyalty member – with 11 per cent saying they will typically choose between flights offered
by such airlines only.
Brands
Jubilant FoodWorks faces Rs 47.5 crore GST demand, plans appeal
Tax authorities flag alleged misclassification of restaurant services
MUMBAI: Jubilant FoodWorks Limited has landed in a tax tussle after receiving a GST demand of Rs 47.5 crore from the office of the additional commissioner of CGST and central excise in Thane, Maharashtra.
The order, issued under the provisions of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, relates to an alleged incorrect classification of certain services under the category of restaurant services. According to the tax authorities, this classification resulted in a short payment of goods and services tax for the period between the financial years 2019-20 and 2021-22.
The demand includes Rs 47.5 crore in GST along with an equal amount as penalty, in addition to applicable interest. The order was received by the company on March 13, 2026.
In a regulatory filing to the BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited, the company said it disagrees with the order and believes its arguments were not adequately considered.
The company is preparing to challenge the decision and plans to file an appeal. It added that once the redressal process is complete, the demand is likely to be dropped.
Despite the sizeable figure attached to the notice, the company said it does not expect any material impact on its financials, operations or other activities.
The disclosure was signed by Suman Hegde, EVP and chief financial officer, who confirmed that the company received the order at 19:06 IST on March 13 and has already initiated steps to contest it.
The development places the quick service restaurant major in the middle of a tax debate that could hinge on how certain restaurant-linked services are classified under GST rules. For now, the company appears ready to take the matter from the tax office to the appeals desk.
