PILOT CHECK: Nationwide review underway in India. © Federico Caputo

India's aviation industry is reeling from reports that pilots and officials have been faking qualifications, bribing officials and fudging flying records. To date, the Indian government has revoked the licences of more than a dozen commercial pilots in a nationwide investigation into fraudulent pilot qualifications.

In a country where passenger numbers have doubled in 10 years and new airlines have flourished, critics say the aviation industry has not been monitored closely and the governing body has been understaffed.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation is responsible for all aspects of airport safety, fleet maintenance, pilot training and certification. This week, the New York Times reported that the DGCA's director of air safety has been removed from his post following allegations that he influenced an airline to employ his daughter after she failed to earn her pilot's licence.

A review of all active commercial pilot licences is ongoing. Meanwhile the DGCA is stepping up efforts to audit up to 40 flight schools across India. Institutes found to have faked flying records and exam results could be closed down immediately.

Korean Air has completed its extensive fleet refurbishment. Next-generation premium seats and Korean Air's audio-video-on-demand system are now available on all its passenger aircraft. The massive six-year investment project cost USD 333 million and involved the replacement of 14,441 seats on 49 aircraft. Korean Air's existing Boeing 777s, 747s and Airbus A330s were all refurbished. At the same time, 19 new aircraft already equipped with the next-generation premium seats, the AVOD system and upgraded galley facilities joined the fleet.

Mongolian Airlines will launch scheduled direct services between Hong Kong (HKG) and Mongolia's capital city, Ulaanbaatar (ULN), on June 2. This is the second flight destination in China for the Mongolian national carrier after Beijing (PEK). The non-stop route between Hong Kong and Ulaanbaatar will be served by a Boeing 737-800 aircraft every Thursday and Sunday, providing 12 seats for business class and 150 seats for economy class.

Australia's newest airline, Strategic Airlines, has applied for the rights to fly to the United States. If the application to the International Air Services Commission is approved, the airline could start flying across the Pacific as early as September. Strategic launched its first flights to Bali (DPS) and Phuket (HKT) last year.

A luxury private residence-style resort has opened on Pulau Joyo in Indonesia's Riau Islands. Easily accessible by boat from Singapore's Changi airport (SIN), Pulau Joyo was originally the location of the private residence of a wealthy shipping family. The resort comprises eight beach-front villas, each designed to blend in with the island's natural surroundings affording guests complete privacy within the comfort of their residence. Guests can charter the residence's 140-foot yacht to explore Indonesia's pristine beaches and reefs.

A special message supporting the recovery of Japan and promoting solidarity now graces the livery of All Nippon Airways' aircraft in Asia. A Boeing 767-300ER aircraft, serving the Haneda (HND)–Taipei (TPE) route is the first to display the “Forward together as one, Japan” statement. From April 30, a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft serving ANA's long-haul flights connecting Tokyo (HND and NRT) to New York (JFK), Frankfurt (FRA) and London (LHR) will also display the same message of support.

Book now to enjoy Special Rates and Free Breakfast at participating Leading Hotels of the World. Choose from full-service hotels in city-center locations such as London, Frankfurt, New York, Moscow, Paris, Sao Paulo, and more. This offer is valid for a limited time. Package is subject to availability, terms and conditions vary by participating property. Visit LHW.com for more details.

To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Small Luxury Hotels of the World is offering guests the chance to win a stay of up to 12 nights at an SLH hotel of their choice anywhere in the world plus GBP 1,000 spending money as part of the SLH Gold Coin Competition. Twenty 20th Anniversary SLH Gold Coins are hidden within the pages of the SLH website. Through Dec. 31, entrants who collect a coin are automatically added to a monthly draw. SLH will be also dropping hints and clues via the SLH blog, Facebook and Twitter.

Starting June 17, Garuda Indonesia will fly twice a day between Bangkok (BKK) and Jakarta (JKT). The new flight will utilise the airline's Boeing 737-800 aircraft featuring Garuda Indonesia's upgraded on-board services. To celebrate the additional service Garuda is launching discounts on fares from Bangkok to selected destinations in Indonesia. Promotional fares from Bangkok to Bali (DPS), Jakarta, Yogyakarta (JOG) and Surabaya (SUB) range from THB 8,000 to THB 9,500 for travel June 17–Sept. 30.

The Caravelle Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City is offering discounts on rooms this spring. Through May 3, deluxe rooms at the Caravelle Hotel start from USD 150 per night. Opened in 1959 when the city was called Saigon, the 335-room Caravelle Hotel is one of Ho Chi Minh City's leading 5-star hotels and is located in the heart of historic District 1 in the middle of the entertainment, business and shopping areas. For details of rates and other promotions visit the Caravelle website.

To celebrate its first birthday, Melbourne's Crown Metropol is offering a special promotional package. Guests booking a luxe room for AUD 249 per night receive complimentary breakfast for two, valet parking and an AUD 50 voucher for the hotel's Iskia spa. This special birthday offer is available Sunday through Friday only, until the end of May. The Crown Metropol offers extensive entertainment and retail options plus more than 40 restaurants including Nobu, and two restaurants headed by Gordon Ramsay.

Star Alliance has introduced a Micronesia Airpass allowing passengers to travel on a single ticket for up to 10 flights throughout Micronesia. Flights are available on United Airlines and Continental Airlines (the Star Alliance member carriers for Micronesia). Travel on the Micronesia Airpass can commence from any Star Alliance destination in Japan, as well as from Cairns (CNS), Guam (GUM), Hong Kong (HKG), Manila (MNL), Nadi (NAN), Palau (ROR) and Saipan (SPN). Fares start at USD 75 (excluding taxes) for flights up to 150 miles, rising to USD 375 (plus taxes) for flights covering between 2,001 and 2,250 miles.