GURUGRAM- Tata Group-owned Air India (AI) launched more international routes than domestic as it plans to make India a global hub.
Air India’s workforce has grown substantially in the past two years. The airline added 9,000 employees, including 5,000 crew members, to support its expanding fleet and network. CEO Campbell Wilson shared this information with staff on Friday (September 20, 2024).
Improved Performance
The airline’s market share has improved significantly. Domestic market share climbed from 24% to 27%, while international market share increased from 21% to 24%. This growth stems from network expansion and improved service quality. Air India has completed two years of its five-year transformation plan, Vihaan.ai.
Financially, the Tata Group-owned airline saw a 25% increase in operating revenue. It also managed to cut losses by more than half in the previous financial year.
Wilson emphasized that these positive results came early in the transformation program, before fully implementing most planned initiatives.
Air India has significantly expanded its workforce, adding 9,000 employees over the past two years. This expansion has reduced the average staff age from 54 to 35.
Air India International Routes
The airline is actively upgrading its fleet, initiating the refit of 67 narrow-body aircraft with new cabin configurations and seats.
Air India plans to retrofit three to four planes monthly, aiming to revamp the entire narrow-body fleet by mid-2025. Additionally, 40 legacy Boeing 787 and 777 aircraft will undergo similar upgrades, with new seats already selected and awaiting certification and delivery.
The airline currently operates 142 planes and has launched 35 new routes, including 10 domestic and 25 international. Air India has also added 11 new destinations, comprising 2 domestic and 9 overseas locations. This expansion strategy aims to increase the airline’s reach and customer base.
Tata Group’s airline consolidation strategy involves integrating Air India Express (IX) and AIX Connect (I5) by October 2024. The merger between Air India and Vistara (UK) is expected to conclude by November 2024. These consolidations will strengthen Air India’s market position and streamline operations.
My Thoughts
Air India is focusing on getting international traffic as it faces fierce competition on the domestic front from IndiGo (6E) and the fastest-growing Akasa Air (QP).
I think Air India is on the right track and it will take a few years to improve its offering and upgrade the experience.
I have flown on Air India’s Airbus A350 in the domestic sector and my experience is a whole lot different than the one I experienced earlier. Also, my friends and family members prefer IndiGo and Vistara over Air India for domestic flights as it is on time and has better interiors.
On the other hand, if we look at the international fares except on Monopoly routes, Air India is slightly premium. For example, if we look at the Mumbai-London flight, Air India charges more than British Airways (BA) and Qatar Airways (QR) which has newer planes and better service.
So they need to improve their service and at the same time offer better fares so that more passengers choose Indian carriers for overseas travel over foreign airlines.
Also Read: Air India Refund American Founder’s First Class Fare Amid Poor Service
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Air India Begins $400 Million Refit Program, 67 Planes to Get New Seats and Livery
The post Air India Adds More International Routes than Domestic appeared first on Aviation A2Z.