Our Air India coverage provides a thorough aggregation of news concerning the airline's strategic overhaul, fleet expansion, and service enhancements. As Air India aims to redefine its position in the global aviation market, our news feed captures the key developments and decisions shaping the future of India's flag carrier.
FlightGlobal
• Alfred Chua
FlightGlobal reports: Air India has selected SIA Engineering (SIAEC) to develop its base maintenance facilities in Bangalore, as part of a strategic partnership between the pair.
Air India announces a strategic partnership with SIA Engineering Company Limited to enhance its MRO facilities in Bengaluru, promising wide-body and narrow-body hangar expansions by 2026.
Facing a mass sick leave strike since Tuesday, Air India Express expects operations to normalize by Sunday after cancelling 75 flights nationwide.
In a significant move within the Indian aviation sector, Air India and Vistara chiefs are set to brief their staff about the critical merger steps on May 13, post the announcement in November 2022.
Air India is the flag carrier airline of India, headquartered in New Delhi, owned by Talace Private Limited and operating a fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft. It serves 102 domestic and international destinations, and is the largest international carrier out of India with an 18.6% market share and 60 international destinations across four continents. It was founded in 1932 as Tata Airlines and became Air India in 1946, becoming the first Asian airline to induct a jet aircraft into its fleet in 1960.
In a strategic move to enhance its maintenance capabilities, Air India partners with SIAEC to develop a new base maintenance facility in Bangalore, marking a significant step in the carrier's fleet management strategy.
The integration process, uniting Singapore Airlines' and Tata Group's joint venture Vistara with Air India, is set to consolidate their operations into a singular full-service carrier by year-end.
Air India announces a strategic partnership with SIA Engineering Company Limited to enhance its MRO facilities in Bengaluru, promising wide-body and narrow-body hangar expansions by 2026.
Facing a mass sick leave strike since Tuesday, Air India Express expects operations to normalize by Sunday after cancelling 75 flights nationwide.
In a significant move within the Indian aviation sector, Air India and Vistara chiefs are set to brief their staff about the critical merger steps on May 13, post the announcement in November 2022.
In a major fleet expansion move, Air India Express has taken delivery of the first two Boeing 737-8 aircraft out of six, leased from AviLease, backed by Saudi Arabia's PIF.
In a significant operational disruption, over 70 international and domestic flights of Air India Express were canceled after cabin crew took mass sick leave, affecting passengers and flight schedules.
Marking a significant rebrand, Air India's inaugural Airbus A320neo showcasing a new livery has been rolled out, aligning with enhanced PaxEx initiatives.
In line with industry standards, Air India transitions its lowest economy fare segments to a 15 kg cabin baggage limit, integrating fare families 'Comfort', 'Comfort Plus', and 'Flex' to cater to diverse passenger preferences.
Due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East between Israel and the Hamas group, Air India extends its suspension of flights to Tel Aviv, impacting travel plans.
As Tata Sons aims for a consolidated operation by the end of 2024, Air India and Vistara have initiated the integration of their operations and crew.
IndiGo has confirmed a significant expansion with an order of 30 Airbus A350-900 aircraft, powered by Rolls Royce's Trent XWB engines, alongside options for 70 more, marking a strategic shift toward long-haul flight capabilities.
In a poignant ceremony held in a Thai hangar, Thai Airways officially retired its fleet of Boeing 747s, closing a significant chapter in aviation history.
An Air India pilot shared the unparalleled privilege and joy experienced while piloting the iconic Boeing 747 'Queen of the Skies', marking the end of an era.
The Tata-owned Air India and Vistara merger is slated for completion by October 2024, aiming to enhance their market position through operational harmonization.
Starting May 23, 2024, Air India and All Nippon Airways will implement a codeshare agreement, enabling seamless travel between India and Japan with single-ticket convenience for passengers, aligning flight networks and designator codes across key routes.
Marking a poignant close to a storied chapter in aviation history, Air India's revered Boeing 747 has completed its final journey, culminating at Seattle Paine Field for parting out and disposal at Roswell.
Air India and its passengers breathe a sigh of relief as aircraft technicians cancel their proposed strike, ensuring uninterrupted travel schedules.
In a strategic move to streamline its fleet, Air India has divested four of its Boeing 747 aircraft to AerSale, a prominent aftermarket aircraft broker, reflecting the ongoing adjustments within the airline's operational assets.
Eligible passengers of Air India will use Encalm Privé as an alternative lounge while the Delhi Airport's T3 International lounge undergoes expansive renovations starting April 19, 2024.
In response to exceptional passenger traffic, Air India announces the development of a new connecting hub at Bengaluru Airport (BLR), enhancing its network capabilities.
Torrential rains and thunderstorms in the UAE led to the temporary closure of Dubai International Airport (DXB), causing flight diversions, cancellations, and delays. Over 45 flights were directly affected by the adverse weather conditions.
In response to the escalating situation in the Middle East, Indian airlines, including Air India, Vistara, and IndiGo, are rerouting flights away from Iranian airspace following a directive from the Civil Aviation Ministry to assess operational risks.
As the merger effort between Air India and Vistara presses on, a new challenge emerges with pilot rosters at Vistara, signaling potential consolidation effects.
Starting May 1, 2024, Air India will operate its Airbus A350-900 on the Delhi to Dubai route, marking the aircraft's first international flight.
In a decisive move by the NCLT, struggling airline GoFirst is granted a 60-day moratorium extension, sparking competition between two potential acquirers aiming to rejuvenate the 18-year-old Indian carrier.
In response to heightened Middle East tensions and the threat of an imminent Iranian attack on Israel, Qantas has adjusted its Perth to London route to include a stopover in Singapore, bypassing Iranian airspace.
In a strategic move to mitigate pilot shortages, Tata Group's Air India will depute more than 30 first officers, trained for A320 operations, to Vistara, enhancing operational continuity amidst disruptions.
The Vistara and Air India merger, while promising consolidation benefits, is marred by employee dissent over role assignments and pay disparities.
In response to long-standing concerns over work conditions and compensation, Air India technicians are set to strike on April 23, potentially impacting airline operations significantly.
Air India collaborates with Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) to transform Bengaluru into a premier hub, focusing on enhancing international connectivity, establishing a domestic lounge, and developing MRO facilities.
Bringing a wealth of experience from BIAL, Singapore Airlines, and Qatar Airways, Jayaraj Shanmugam is set to spearhead Air India's airport operations globally, enhancing operational efficiencies.
Air India passengers have encountered broken seats on flights, with efforts by airline staff and engineers to rectify the issues proving unsuccessful, sparking complaints on social media.
Vistara CEO Vinod Kannan reports a resolution to the recent operational disruptions, with over 98% of pilots signing new contracts, indicating a swift return to stable flight operations.
In an annual address, Air India's CEO emphasizes the company's endeavor towards establishing itself as a premier, global airline with roots deeply embedded in Indian culture.
Air India's workforce has seen a significant expansion with one-third of its current staff hired in the last two years, indicating dynamic growth as it embarks on a merger with Vistara.
In response to a critical pilot shortage, Vistara has canceled over 125 flights since early April, with disruptions prompting regulatory oversight. This operational challenge highlights the aviation sector's broader issues with staffing and reliability.
Air India's loyalty program undergoes a significant transformation, introducing a revised Flying Returns program that simplifies reward redemption and status earning.
Amid a significant operational meltdown, Vistara faces over 100 flight cancellations and delays due to pilot protests against revised salary contracts, leading to an intervention request by the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
While landing at Kolkata airport, an Air India flight's cockpit was compromised by a laser, leading to temporary pilot blindness.
A unique ashtray designed by Salvador Dalí for Air India, an example of the airline's commitment to integrating art into passenger experience, is set for auction along with works by other notable artists.
Following a rigorous examination due to the Boeing 737 Max incident, the FAA has granted the Gulfstream G700 its official certification, clearing the path for imminent customer deliveries.
Following the CBI's closure of the Air India-Indian Airlines merger investigation, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut demands an apology from BJP to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, citing lack of evidence.
With a historic order of 470 aircraft and a massive recruitment drive, Air India embarks on a transformative journey under CEO Campbell Wilson's ambitious vision.
Vistara has received its 70th aircraft, a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, concluding its current order spree. This significant delivery marks the completion of the airline's fleet expansion as it prepares for the upcoming merger with Air India.
Following a flight, Air India has terminated a pilot for alcohol consumption before operating, with potential legal actions being considered as DGCA is informed.
Following a ground collision between an IndiGo A320neo and a stationary Air India Express Boeing 737 at Kolkata Airport, DGCA has de-rostered pilots and initiated a detailed investigation.
Unexpected cancellation of Air India's AI186 from YVR to DEL disrupts travel plans for several passengers, marking another hiccup in the carrier's operations.
Following a DGCA mandate for a one-time emergency exit inspection on 737 MAX planes, Akasa Air's CEO, Vinay Dube, assures the airline's fleet safety.
The summer schedule at Kannur Airport will see enhanced connectivity with Air India Express and IndiGo adding flights to various domestic destinations including Kolkata and Delhi.
