Is This the Most Magical Elephant Encounter on Earth? Discover The Gathering of Giants in Sri Lanka

In the heart of Sri Lanka’s wildlands, a breathtaking ritual unfolds—one so colossal, it draws giants from the jungle and nature-lovers from around the globe. Are you ready to witness it?

A Wildlife Spectacle Unlike Any Other

From 25 to 27 July 2025, The Gathering of Giants returns to the Cinnamon Habarana Complex in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, offering front-row seats to the largest gathering of wild Asian elephants on the planet. Hosted by Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, in partnership with Cinnamon Nature Trails and Seylan Bank, this extraordinary three-day wildlife immersion is fast becoming one of Asia’s must-attend eco-experiences.

It’s no ordinary safari—it’s a living, thundering, awe-inspiring symphony of nature.

Why This Gathering Matters (Hint: It's Global)

Each year, as the dry season intensifies, hundreds of elephants migrate from surrounding forests to the water-rich Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks, forming what Lonely Planet has hailed as the 6th greatest wildlife spectacle in the world. The event brings together not just elephants, but conservationists, nature photographers, families, and eco-travellers—especially from neighbouring India.

And 2025? It's shaping up to be bigger, bolder, and even more impactful.

The Cinnamon Habarana Complex: Nature’s Front Row

Comprising Cinnamon Lodge Habarana and Habarana Village by Cinnamon, the Cinnamon Habarana Complex is nestled in Sri Lanka’s ecological and cultural epicentre. This year, it becomes the stage for a responsible travel revolution—a luxurious yet conservation-rooted journey into the wild.

Forget the zoo or virtual safaris—this is nature, raw and real, curated with care.

What’s New in 2025? A Triple Threat of Wildlife Expertise

This year’s programme levels up with:

• Noah Falklind, BBC wildlife cameraman, sharing thrilling tales and footage from his work on leopards
• Dr. Prithiviraj Fernando, Sri Lanka’s leading elephant researcher, delving into the urgent subject of human-elephant coexistence
• Prof. Sampath Seneviratne, renowned ornithologist, hosting captivating workshops on migratory birds

This isn’t just a photo-op. It’s a chance to learn, unlearn, and be inspired.

Beyond the Elephants: A Mindful Eco-Experience

The Gathering of Giants isn’t just about elephants—it’s about engaging with nature mindfully. The event includes:

• Expert-led wildlife talks
• Hands-on conservation workshops
• Ethical jeep safaris and guided excursions
• Family-friendly activities to spark curiosity and eco-consciousness
• Cultural immersions rooted in sustainability

Every aspect is built around preservation, education, and wonder.

Why Indian Travelers are Flocking Here

Timed perfectly around a long weekend in India, The Gathering offers an unbeatable mix of:

• Proximity (just a short flight away!)
• Photogenic grandeur
• Offbeat, soul-stirring travel
• Shared ecological connection between India and Sri Lanka
• Family appeal with purpose-driven programming

It’s Instagram-worthy, but also deeply grounding.

More Than an Event—A Movement

“This event goes beyond observation—it’s about sparking awareness, nurturing responsible tourism, and uniting communities to drive lasting change,” says Hishan Singhawansa, CEO Designate of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts.

That sentiment rings true in every moment of The Gathering. It's not just tourism—it's eco-leadership in action, with Cinnamon championing over 35 active conservation and humanitarian initiatives across the island.

Don’t Just Book a Trip—Join a Legacy

Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, an ethical traveler, a curious family, or someone simply in need of a nature reset—The Gathering of Giants 2025 is more than a destination. It’s a call to be part of something bigger, better, and beautifully wild.

With rising interest—especially from India—early bookings are highly recommended. Because this isn’t just a trip.

It’s a story you’ll tell forever.

TL; DR: Why You Shouldn’t Miss The Gathering of Giants 2025

• Witness the world’s largest Asian elephant gathering—hundreds in one place!
• Held at Cinnamon Habarana Complex, right in the heart of Sri Lanka’s wilderness
• Perfect long-weekend getaway for Indian travellers, families, and nature lovers
• Engage with wildlife experts from BBC, leading researchers, and naturalists
• New features include workshops on leopards and migratory birds
• Built on responsible tourism and active conservation values
• A dream for photographers, kids, and storytellers alike
• Part of a larger mission with 35+ sustainability and community initiatives
• High demand expected—early booking is smart and essential

Ready to walk among giants?

India’s jet-setters are rewriting their European travel itineraries—and Outletcity Metzingen is their new shopping obsession. Nestled in the picturesque German town of Metzingen, this luxury outlet destination has become a retail pilgrimage site for Indian travelers seeking designer threads, smart savings, and curated lifestyle experiences.

And the numbers are turning heads: a whopping 233% increase in Indian visitors in 2024 compared to pre-pandemic 2019. Even more impressively, it’s up 11% over last year alone, making it clear—Outletcity isn’t just a stopover anymore, it’s the destination.

GUESS Who’s Taking Over Europe?

In a bold style statement, Outletcity Metzingen now hosts the largest GUESS outlet in all of Europe. Sprawled across 1,000 square meters and three levels, this fashion-forward behemoth has everything from men’s and women’s wear to children's clothing and accessories. What sets it apart? Thoughtful design elements like:

• A kids’ play zone (yes, shopping and parenting peace)
• A travel experience zone to keep wanderlust vibes strong
• A bold new layout concept that invites exploration, not exhaustion

It's not just shopping—it’s fashion theatre, and Indian visitors are front-row regulars.

BOSS Beach Vibes? In Germany? Yes, Please.

The BOSS Beach Area is Outletcity’s chic new answer to retail burnout. Set just outside the BOSS Outlet Store, this lifestyle concept zone offers:

• Resort-style lounge areas
• Instagram-ready aesthetics
• That elusive European summer vibe in the middle of a shopping spree

It’s not just a break—it’s a mood reset. Perfect for the Indian shopper who wants both their Birkin and a beach moment.

New Balance Is Running In Soon

Indian sneakerheads, rejoice: New Balance is the next major player to join Outletcity’s powerhouse lineup. Known for its fusion of performance and style, the upcoming store will cater to:

• Runners chasing that sub-6 pace
• Athleisure lovers
• Trendsetters who want comfort with their street cred

Whether it’s a gym run or a runway stroll, New Balance promises to up the footwear game at Metzingen.

Why Indians Are Falling Hard for Outletcity

So, what’s behind the surge in Indian footfall? According to Cornelia Koebele, Head of Destination Marketing & Sponsorship at Outletcity, it’s all about curated experiences:

“We’re creating a world of fashion, lifestyle, and unforgettable moments... The overwhelming response from the Indian market reflects the deep connection between discerning global shoppers and our commitment to excellence.”

That means:

• Multilingual support (because shopping should never be lost in translation)
• Tailored visitor services (from tax refunds to travel conveniences)
• An international luxury lineup of 170+ brands like Gucci, Prada, Moncler, Versace, and Burberry

Beyond the Bag: Food, Fun, and Fashion

You didn’t come all this way just to shop. And Outletcity knows it. Between purchases, visitors can:

• Feast at L’Osteria, Starbucks, or Almresi
• Rest at the hip, cozy Moxy Hotel
• Tap into digital perks—as the world’s first omnichannel outlet, Metzingen merges the physical and digital into one seamless luxury experience

A Truly Global Fashion Capital

Outletcity Metzingen isn’t just a shopping mall—it’s a cross-cultural fashion city attracting over 4.5 million visitors annually from 185+ countries. And with India now a priority market, expect even more India-centric experiences on the horizon.

TL; DR: Why Indian Travelers Can’t Get Enough of Outletcity Metzingen

A quick recap, because we know you’re probably packing already:

• Indian footfall surged 233% vs 2019, up 11% over 2024—India is now a key market.
• Largest GUESS outlet in Europe just opened—1,000 sqm of full-family fashion.
• BOSS Beach Area offers a stylish, resort-inspired retail break.
• New Balance store launching soon, catering to athletic and street-style shoppers.
• Multilingual support, tax-free shopping, and digital tools designed for Indian visitors.
• Home to 170+ luxury brands including Gucci, Prada, Burberry, Armani, and Moncler.
• On-site dining and stay options make it a full-day (or weekend) experience.
• The first omnichannel outlet in the world, merging online ease with in-person elegance.
• Not just shopping—it’s lifestyle, leisure, and luxury in one immersive stop.

Ready to update your Europe travel plans? Metzingen’s calling—and it’s wearing designer.

When the U.S. Supreme Court declined on June 30, 2025, to hear American Airlines’ appeal of a lower court’s ruling against its partnership with JetBlue Airways, it sent shockwaves through the aviation industry. Dubbed the “Northeast Alliance,” this collaboration promised consumers more flight options and competitive fares—until the government stepped in. Here’s a closer look at what happened, why it matters, and what comes next.

Unpacking the “Northeast Alliance”

In July 2020, American Airlines (the nation’s largest carrier) and JetBlue Airways (the sixth?largest) announced a groundbreaking joint venture for flights in and out of New York City and Boston. Officially approved by the U.S. Transportation Department in January 2021, just days before the transition from the Trump to the Biden administration, the deal allowed the two airlines to:

• Coordinate schedules for better connectivity
• Pool revenues to share risk and reward
• Offer customers more choice on routes where both carriers competed

Proponents argued that by working together, the airlines could fill seats more efficiently, optimize aircraft use, and introduce new routes—benefits that would translate into lower fares and more convenient schedules for travelers.

The Justice Department’s Challenge

Almost immediately, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and six states filed suit in 2021, claiming the alliance violated federal antitrust laws. Their core arguments:

Reduced Incentive to Compete on Price

By pooling fares, American would no longer need to undercut JetBlue to win passengers on overlapping routes—diminishing one of the industry’s historic “disruptors.”

Potential for Capacity Manipulation

Coordinated scheduling could lead to fewer flights at peak times, raising prices and crowding out smaller rivals.

Risk of Collusion in Key Markets

The Northeast corridor—especially New York and Boston—is one of the busiest and most profitable domestic markets. The government worried that reduced competition here would ripple across the national network.

During oral arguments in 2023, the DOJ underscored its broader agenda under President Biden: to use antitrust enforcement as a lever to keep airfares in check and protect consumers from consolidation-driven price hikes.

A Timeline of Court Rulings

Each ruling has chipped away at the legality of airline collaborations, even those designed with consumer benefits in mind.

How American Airlines Responded

After Judge Sorokin’s 2023 decision, JetBlue abruptly terminated the Northeast Alliance to focus on its proposed $3.8 billion acquisition of Spirit Airlines—another deal later blocked by the DOJ. American, however, kept hope alive with an appeal to the 1st Circuit, arguing:

• Collaboration ? Collusion: Many industries allow joint ventures that enhance efficiency without harming competition.
• Competitive Gains: Data from the short period the alliance operated showed fare reductions and new route offerings.
• Legal Precedent: The lower courts misapplied antitrust standards by focusing on potential harm rather than proven consumer impact.

Nonetheless, the 1st Circuit stood by Sorokin’s ruling, and the nation’s highest court chose not to intervene on June 30, 2025. In a statement, American Airlines described the decision as “disappointing,” warning it “threatens to restrict any future innovative partnerships”.

Implications for the Airline Industry

Chilling Effect on Alliances

Carriers may shy away from pro?consumer collaborations for fear of costly litigation and uncertain legal outcomes.

Regulatory Scrutiny Intensifies

The DOJ’s success signals a tougher antitrust stance under both administrations, making defense strategies more critical for airlines.

Passenger Experience at Stake

Without collaborative networks, travelers may face fewer route options, less-efficient schedules, and—paradoxically—higher fares over time.

Global Context

International partnerships, code?shares, and joint ventures will come under closer examination, potentially reshaping alliances with carriers like British Airways or Emirates.

What’s Next for American and JetBlue?

• Reevaluating Strategy: Airlines will reassess growth plans, focusing more on organic expansion or acquiring smaller carriers.
• Legal Maneuvers: Industry groups may lobby for clearer antitrust guidelines on joint ventures to avoid unpredictable court outcomes.
• Consumer Advocacy: Passenger rights organizations will likely applaud the DOJ’s victory, advocating for continued vigilance against consolidation.

While the Northeast Alliance is dead, the debate it ignited over competition versus collaboration is far from over.

TL; DR

• Supreme Court Declines Appeal: On June 30, 2025, the Court refused to hear American’s challenge of a lower court’s antitrust ruling.
• Alliance Anatomy: The “Northeast Alliance” coordinated schedules and revenue sharing on East Coast routes.
• Government’s Case: DOJ argued the partnership reduced incentives to cut fares and risked collusion in key markets.
• Court Timeline: January 2021 approval ? April 2023 district ruling ? November 2023 appellate affirmation ? June 2025 Supreme Court refusal.
• Industry Impact: Expect caution on future airline partnerships, heightened regulatory scrutiny, and potential service limitations for travelers.

With Inputs from Reuters

In June 2025, Embraer — the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer — planted a strategic flag in New Delhi’s AeroCity, setting up a wholly owned subsidiary to grow its footprint in India. With ongoing discussions with both Air India and IndiGo for its next-gen E-2 regional jets (120–146 seats), the move reflects a clear trend: India is no longer just a market — it's becoming the new frontier of aviation growth.

And with good reason. As per the DGCA, domestic passenger traffic in April 2025 reached 143.16 lakh, an 8.45% jump year-on-year, reaffirming India’s spot as the third-largest aviation market globally.

Even IATA Director General Willie Walsh chimed in during the 81st IATA AGM: “India’s air connectivity development has been nothing short of phenomenal.”

But there’s a catch — or rather, a crosswind. For India to maintain this altitude, it urgently needs to build its own bench of pilots and MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) talent.

Why India Must Build Its Own Wings

According to Airbus, India will need:

• 2,840 new aircraft
• 41,000 pilots by 2045.

Compare that with our current roster of just 6,000–7,000 active pilots, and you’ll understand why the skies are friendly — but not fully staffed.

Then there’s MRO. Despite significant demand, only 15% of aircraft maintenance is currently handled by domestic players. The rest — including engine overhauls — is still flying overseas, draining both time and foreign exchange.

Pilot Training: Flying High, But Too Expensive to Board

One of the biggest challenges? The cost of pilot training in India can touch ?80 lakh–?1 crore. That’s an automatic no-go for thousands of aspirants.

However, the DGCA’s recent policy shift could be a game-changer. For the first time in 30 years, students from arts and commerce streams will soon be allowed to pursue Commercial Pilot Licenses (CPLs), not just those from science.

This bold move opens the cockpit door to a wider, more diverse pool of youth.

What Else Needs to Happen?

• Scholarships and financial aid schemes backed by the government and banks
• Cadet pilot programs co-funded by airlines (as seen in Europe)
• Outreach to schools, building awareness from the grassroots
• Incentivizing training schools to set up in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities

MRO: India’s Multibillion-Dollar Opportunity (Still Waiting for Takeoff)

With a growing fleet of aircraft, MRO isn’t just a need — it’s a $2 billion+ opportunity.

Currently, we lack:

• Engine overhaul infrastructure
• Trained technicians for next-gen aircraft
• Domestic component manufacturing capacity

What Needs Fixing:

• Invest in MRO infrastructure (hangars, engine bays, parts depots)
• Build partnerships with global OEMs (original equipment manufacturers)
• Develop tech-driven MRO skill programs with global certification standards
• Create a favorable tax regime to attract foreign MRO companies to India

Time to Put Policy Where the Plane Is

The aviation boom isn’t just about planes and runways — it’s about people. The Group Chairman of Sky One, a major player in the aviation space, rightly says:

“The onus is now on policymakers and stakeholders to sustain the growth momentum in the civil aviation sector.”

And they’re not wrong. With strategic planning, India can:

• Upskill lakhs of youth
• Attract foreign investment
• Reduce MRO outflows and dependency
• Position itself as a global aviation services hub

Skyward Bound — If We Do It Right

India's aviation growth story is now being watched by the world. With players like Embraer knocking on our doors and record aircraft orders in the pipeline, the opportunity is clear.

But without enough pilots, engineers, and MRO infrastructure, we risk turning our boom into a bottleneck.

The good news? Policy shifts are happening. Investments are brewing. The skies are open.

Now, all we need to do is build our wings — and teach more people to fly.

TL; DR – What You Need to Know

India’s aviation boom is here — but needs serious talent and infrastructure to sustain.

Here’s the quick read:

• Passenger growth is surging, with 143.16 lakh domestic travelers in April 2025.
• Embraer and other OEMs are eyeing India for aircraft sales and expansion.
• India needs 41,000 pilots by 2045, but currently has just ~7,000 active ones.
• High training costs and science-only rules were major barriers — now changing.
• DGCA to allow arts and commerce students to pursue pilot licenses soon.
• MRO is heavily underutilized, with only 15% of maintenance done locally.
• Massive scope for MRO infrastructure, tech investment, and workforce development.
• Policy support, skill-building, and school-level outreach are key to building the pipeline.
• India can be a global aviation hub — if it builds the right runway for its talent.
• The time to act is now. Because aviation is not just flying — it’s lifting an entire economy.

Ready for takeoff? The future of Indian aviation depends not just on jets — but on the people who fly, fix, and fuel them.

Is China’s homegrown C919 narrow-body jet poised to ruffle the feathers of Airbus and Boeing, or will it remain grounded outside its domestic market? Developed by the state-owned Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), the C919 represents Beijing’s boldest bid yet to challenge the long-standing duopoly. Yet, certification hurdles, reliance on foreign suppliers, and a laughably small fleet threaten to keep the aircraft firmly in China’s backyard.

The C919’s Homegrown Leap

After more than a decade of development, COMAC’s C919 finally made its first commercial flight in May 2023 under certification from China’s Civil Aviation Administration. Deliveries have been painfully slow: roughly 16 planes have been handed over to local carriers, with about 13 in active service and a backlog exceeding 1,000 orders from domestic airlines alone. By comparison, Airbus rolled out over 600 A320neos in 2024, underscoring the gulf between COMAC’s infancy and its rivals’ mature production lines.

Certification Roadblocks in the West

COMAC initially targeted 2025 for approval from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), a must-have if it hopes to peddle C919s beyond China. These dreams were dashed in April 2025 when EASA’s director, Florian Guillermet, confirmed certification would take three to six years, effectively meaning no approval until at least 2028—and possibly as late as 2031. With no plans to seek U.S. Federal Aviation Administration certification, COMAC’s jet remains barred from the two biggest markets outside China.

Production Ambitions vs. Reality

COMAC aims to ramp up output from today’s sub-50 jets per year to 200 annual C919s by 2029, boosting its capacity to 100 units in 2025 and 150 by 202. While ambitious on paper, these targets still pale next to Airbus’s 2024 production of roughly 630 A320 family aircraft and Boeing’s 450 737s—numbers COMAC won’t rival for years.

The Safety-Net of a Guaranteed Home Market

At least COMAC has Beijing’s full support and a captive domestic market. Under the Made in China 2025 blueprint, the government set a goal for Chinese manufacturers to claim 10% of the domestic passenger-jet market by 2025. With state-backed airlines lining up to place orders—often pressured by regulators—COMAC can afford early missteps that would sink any Western startup.

Export Controls and Component Dependencies

Paradoxically, the C919’s engines and avionics remain imported. U.S. export controls on the LEAP-1C engine from CFM International and other critical components expose COMAC to geopolitical whiplash. Washington’s recent suspension of U.S. licenses for these parts threatens production continuity and incentivizes Beijing to develop homegrown alternatives—though that could set certification back even further.

Making up for a Fraught Overseas Journey

By 2043, Boeing forecasts China’s commercial fleet will more than double to about 9,740 aircraft, making it the world’s largest traffic market. Even if COMAC captures a modest slice of that growth—say, 10–15%—it still translates to thousands of jets. But first, the C919 must prove itself safe, reliable, and cost-competitive beyond its home soil.

Conclusion: A Marathon, Not a Sprint

Does the C919 stand a chance? In China, absolutely. Abroad, not until the late 2020s at the earliest. COMAC’s journey from also-ran to airline staple will be slow, expensive, and politically charged. Yet, with China’s money and market unrivaled in size, complacency by Airbus and Boeing is unwise. The race to dominate the single-aisle skies may have a new challenger, but it’s going to take time—and a lot of runway—to see if the C919 can truly take off.

TL; DR

• COMAC’s C919 began service in 2023 but only ~16 delivered, ~13 in operation.
• EASA cert won’t come until 2028–2031, ruling out European sales before then.
• Production target: 100 jets in 2025, 150 in 2028, 200 by 2029—still far below Airbus/Boeing output.
• China’s Made in China 2025 policy mandates 10% domestic market share by 2025, giving COMAC breathing room.
• Reliance on foreign engines invites U.S. export-control risks, pushing China toward slower domestic substitutes.
• Boeing sees China’s fleet at ~9,740 by 2043—if COMAC seizes a fraction, sales could soar post-2030.

With Inputs from Reuters

Taipei’s flag carrier just raised eyebrows (and jet bridges) by green-lighting over $2 billion in new Airbus hardware. In a June 25 filing to the Taiwan Stock Exchange, China Airlines revealed plans to add five A350-900 wide-bodies for its longest routes and eight A321neo single-aisles for medium- and short-haul flights.

Long-Haul Firepower: A350-900s

• Five brand-new A350-900s will join the fleet, each boasting state-of-the-art fuel-efficiency and passenger comfort.
• The outright purchase price is capped at $1.965 billion, although the airline noted leasing options could trim that to $1.148 billion.
• These jets slot seamlessly alongside the 15 A350s already in service with China Airlines, reinforcing its competitive edge on transcontinental routes.

Medium & Short-Haul Boost: A321neos

• Eight A321neos will bulk up the airline’s feeder network, with five of them acquired from Air Leasing Corporation for $240 million.
• Negotiations for the remaining three are ongoing, suggesting China Airlines is still haggling for sweet lease or purchase deals.
• The latest arrival will be the carrier’s 18th A321, marking a significant expansion in its bread-and-butter short-haul operations.

Why the Delay? Boeing 787-9 Setbacks

Despite the Airbus love-fest, not everything has gone to plan. Delivery delays for previously ordered Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners have forced China Airlines to postpone retiring older A330s and 737-800s, extending leases on these stalwarts until the new wide-bodies arrive. Chairman George Kao even hinted at pursuing compensation from Boeing if holdups breach contract terms.

Fleet Renewal Strategy and Beyond

China Airlines’ latest Airbus order underscores a broader strategy:

• Diversify suppliers by splitting a nearly $12 billion long-haul order between Airbus and Boeing last year.
• Upgrade to ultra-modern, fuel-efficient jets, cutting operating costs and carbon emissions.
• Maintain network flexibility by phasing in new narrow-bodies without service disruptions—hence the retirement delays.

With the new jets, Taipei Taoyuan’s home team is poised to sharpen its competitive edge against EVA Air and emerging carriers like Starlux, while catering to Taiwan’s strategic transit traffic.

TL; DR

• $2 Billion Investment: Five A350-900s + eight A321neos approved.
• A350 Price Tag: Up to $1.965 B (purchase) or $1.148 B (lease).
• A321 Deal: Five from Air Leasing Corp at $240 M; three still under negotiation.
• Delivery Delays: Boeing 787-9 setbacks force older plane retirements to be postponed.
• Strategic Move: Part of a $12 B order split between Airbus and Boeing for fleet modernization.

With Inputs from Reuters