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{{short description|Flag carrier of India}}{{pp|small=yes}}{{good article}}{{EngvarB|date=October 2023}}{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2024}}

factoids

| aoc = Indira Gandhi International Airport>DelhiChhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport>Mumbai

• Ahmedabad
• Bangalore
• Chennai
• Hyderabad
• Kochi
• Kolkata
• Thiruvananthapuram

{edih}| frequent_flyer = Flying Returns| alliance = Star AllianceAir India fleet>141List of Air India destinations>84| parent = Air India Limited

• N. Chandrasekaran (Chairman)
• Campbell Wilson (CEO & MD)

}}| founder = J. R. D. Tata| headquarters = Gurgaon, Haryana, India| subsidiaries = Air India Express313.77lk=r}} (FY 2022–23)HTTPS://WWW.THEHINDUBUSINESSLINE.COM/ECONOMY/LOGISTICS/AIR-INDIAS-LOSSES-UP-BY-18-PER-CENT-IN-FY23-REVENUES-DOUBLE/ARTICLE67473586.ECE>TITLE=AIR INDIA’S LOSSES UP BY 18 PER CENT IN FY23; REVENUES DOUBLENEWSPAPER=THE HINDU, 1 December 2023, | operating_income = -113.81lk=r}} (FY 2022–23)| assets = | equity = www.airindia.com/}}}}Air India is the flag carrier airline of India. It is owned by Air India Limited, a Tata Group enterprise and operates a fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft serving 102 domestic and international destinations. It is headquartered in Gurgaon. The airline has its main hub at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi and secondary hub at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai alongside several focus cities across India. {{As of|July 2023}}, the airline is the second-largest airline in India in terms of passengers carried, after IndiGo. Air India became the 27th member of Star Alliance on 11 July 2014.The airline was founded by J. R. D. Tata as Tata Airlines in 1932; Tata himself flew its first single-engine de Havilland Puss Moth, carrying air mail from Karachi to Bombay’s Juhu aerodrome and later continuing to Madras (currently Chennai). After World War II, it became a public limited company and was renamed Air India. On 21 February 1960, it took delivery of its first Boeing 707 named Gauri Shankar and became the first Asian airline to induct a jet aircraft in its fleet. In 2000–01, attempts were made to privatise Air India and from 2006 onwards, it suffered losses after its merger with Indian Airlines. Another privatization attempt was launched in 2017, which concluded with ownership of the airline and associated properties reverting to the Tata Group in 2022.Air India also operates flights to domestic and Asian destinations through its subsidiary Air India Express. Air India operates a mix of narrow body aircraft such as the Airbus A320 family and Boeing 737 used for most domestic and short-haul international routes and wide body aircraft such as the Airbus A350, Boeing 777 and Boeing 787 aircraft for long haul international routes. Air India’s mascot is the Maharajah (Emperor) and the erstwhile logo consisted of a flying swan with the wheel of Konark inside it, before being replaced by a new logo inspired by the airline’s Jharokha window pattern in 2023.

History

Early years (1932–1945)

(File:TataAirlinesLogo.jpg|thumb|right|Tata Air Service)Air India had its origin in Tata Sons, founded by J. R. D. Tata, an Indian aviator and business tycoon.WEB, Airline Companies of the World,www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1939/1939%20-%201264.html, Flight International, 27 April 1939, 17 September 2011, In April 1932, Tata won a contract to carry mail for Imperial Airways and the aviation department of Tata Sons was formed with two single-engine de Havilland Puss Moths. On 15 October 1932, Tata flew a Puss Moth carrying air mail from Karachi to Bombay (currently Mumbai) and the aircraft continued to Madras (currently Chennai) piloted by Nevill Vintcent, a former Royal Air Force pilot and friend of Tata.WEB,www.tata.in/aboutus/articlesinside/How-the-Maharaja-got-his-wings, How Maharaja got his wings, Tata Sons, 7 March 2016, 4 June 2016,www.tata.in/aboutus/articlesinside/How-the-Maharaja-got-his-wings," title="web.archive.org/web/20160604131141www.tata.in/aboutus/articlesinside/How-the-Maharaja-got-his-wings,">web.archive.org/web/20160604131141www.tata.in/aboutus/articlesinside/How-the-Maharaja-got-his-wings, dead, The airline fleet consisted of a Puss Moth aircraft and a Leopard Moth.BOOK, Seth, Pran Nath, Bhat, Sushma Seth, An introduction to travel and tourism, Sterling Publishers, 2005, 978-81-207-2482-2, BOOK, Behari, Bapu, Astrological Biographies: Seventeen Examples of Predictive Insights, Motilal Banarsidass, 1996, 978-81-208-1322-9, Initial service included weekly airmail service between Karachi and Madras via Ahmedabad and Bombay. In its first year of operation, the airline flew {{convert|160000|mile}}, carrying 155 passengers and {{convert|9.72|tonne}} of mail and made a profit of {{INRconvert|60|k}}.WEB,www.airindia.ch/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=19&Itemid=45,www.airindia.ch/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=19&Itemid=45," title="web.archive.org/web/20120811132127www.airindia.ch/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=19&Itemid=45,">web.archive.org/web/20120811132127www.airindia.ch/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=19&Itemid=45, 11 August 2012, Switzerland Schweiz Suisse Svizzera, Air India, 13 September 2012, NEWS,india.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/10/15/when-air-india-was-efficient-profitable-and-growing-fast/, When Air India Was Efficient, Profitable and Growing Fast, Subramanian, Samanth, The New York Times, 15 October 2012, 24 March 2013, Later, the airline launched a domestic flight from Bombay to Trivandrum with a six-seater Miles Merlin.WEB,medind.nic.in/iab/t07/s1/iabt07s1p95.pdf, Humane Face of IAF: Aid to the Civil Administration, Medind.nic.in, 1 October 2012, 30 January 2016,medind.nic.in/iab/t07/s1/iabt07s1p95.pdf," title="web.archive.org/web/20160130160404medind.nic.in/iab/t07/s1/iabt07s1p95.pdf,">web.archive.org/web/20160130160404medind.nic.in/iab/t07/s1/iabt07s1p95.pdf, dead, In 1938, it was re-christened as Tata Air Services and later as Tata Airlines. Delhi and Colombo were added to the destinations in 1938. During the Second World War, the airline helped the Royal Air Force with troop movements, shipping of supplies, rescue of refugees and maintenance of planes.

Post-Independence (1946–2000)

File:Boeing 707-437, Air-India AN2227437.jpg|thumb|Air India became the first Asian carrier to induct a jet aircraft with the Boeing 707Boeing 707After World War II, regular commercial service was restored in India and Tata Airlines became a public limited company on 29 July 1946 under the name Air India.ENCYCLOPEDIA,www.britannica.com/topic/Air-India, Air India, Indian airline, Encyclopædia Britannica, 6 March 2016, After the Indian independence in 1947, 49% of the airline was acquired by the Government of India in 1948.BOOK,books.google.com/books?id=qXxAAAAAIAAJ&q=air+india+49%25, Report of the Air Transport Inquiry Committee, 1950, Air Transport Inquiry Committee, 21 December 2023, University of California, 28, On 8 June 1948, a Lockheed Constellation L-749A named Malabar Princess (registered VT-CQP) took off from Bombay bound for London Heathrow marking the airline’s first international flight. In 1953, the Government of India passed the Air Corporations Act and purchased a majority stake in the carrier from Tata Sons though its founder J. R. D. Tata would continue as chairman until 1977.NEWS,economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/air-india-was-at-its-peak-during-the-jrd-tata-times-jitendra-bhargava-former-ed-air-india/articleshow/59252990.cms, Air India: Air India was at its peak during the JRD Tata times: Jitendra Bhargava, Former ED, Air India, The Economic Times, 21 June 2017, 24 October 2017, live,economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/air-india-was-at-its-peak-during-the-jrd-tata-times-jitendra-bhargava-former-ed-air-india/articleshow/59252990.cms," title="web.archive.org/web/20170729005531economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/air-india-was-at-its-peak-during-the-jrd-tata-times-jitendra-bhargava-former-ed-air-india/articleshow/59252990.cms,">web.archive.org/web/20170729005531economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/air-india-was-at-its-peak-during-the-jrd-tata-times-jitendra-bhargava-former-ed-air-india/articleshow/59252990.cms, 29 July 2017, The company was renamed as Air India International Limited and the domestic services were transferred to Indian Airlines as a part of restructuring.WEB, Air Corporations Act, 1953, Government of India, DGCA,dgca.nic.in/nat_conv/NatConv_Chap1.pdf, 6 March 2016, From 1948 to 1950, the airline introduced services to Nairobi in Africa and to major European destinations Rome, Paris and Düsseldorf. The airline took delivery of its first Lockheed Constellation L-1049 named Rani of Jhansi (registered VT-DGL) and inaugurated services to Bangkok, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Singapore.On 21 February 1960, Air India International inducted its first Boeing 707–420 named Gauri Shankar (registered VT-DJJ), thereby becoming the first Asian airline to induct a jet aircraft in its fleet.BOOK, Sabharwal, Gopa, Penguin India, India Since 1947: The Independent Years, 2007, 978-0-14-310274-8, 77, WEB, Air India : The history of the aircraft fleet,www.airwhiners.net/whine_cheez/20040726.htm, 2 April 2014, Sean Mendis, The airline inaugurated services to New York on 14 May 1960.WEB, Timeline: Air India,www.airindia.com/timeline.htm, Air India, 2 April 2014, On 8 June 1962, the airline’s name was officially truncated to Air India and on 11 June 1962, Air India became the world’s first all-jet airline. In 1971, the airline took delivery of its first Boeing 747-200B named Emperor Ashoka (registered VT-EBD)NEWS,www.nytimes.com/1985/04/21/us/theory-on-air-india-crash-backed-by-a-pilot.html?ref=boeing_company, The New York Times, Theory on Air India Crash Backed by a Pilot, 21 April 1985, 6 March 2016, and introduced a new Palace in the Sky livery and branding. In 1986, Air India took delivery of its first Airbus A310-300. In 1993, Air India took delivery of a Boeing 747-400 named Konark (registered VT-ESM) and operated the first non-stop flight between New York and Delhi.NEWS,www.sunday-guardian.com/analysis/the-dying-maharajas-last-sigh, The dying Maharaja’s last sigh, Sunday Guardian, Jethmalani, Ram, 6 March 2016, 9 October 2016,www.sunday-guardian.com/analysis/the-dying-maharajas-last-sigh," title="web.archive.org/web/20161009140743www.sunday-guardian.com/analysis/the-dying-maharajas-last-sigh,">web.archive.org/web/20161009140743www.sunday-guardian.com/analysis/the-dying-maharajas-last-sigh, dead,

Financial trouble, merger with Indian and later (2000–2022)

File:Caribjet (Air India) Airbus A310-300 Durand.jpg|thumb|Air India Airbus A310-300Airbus A310-300File:VT-ANJ Boeing B.788 Air India (13886637492).jpg|thumb|In January 2013, Air India cleared some of its debts by selling and leasing back the newly acquired Boeing 787 Dreamliners. Also, the airline posted its first positive EBITDA after almost six years]]File:Air India Boeing 787-8 on final into LHR.jpg|thumb|Air India joined the Star Alliance in 2014. Pictured is Air India Boeing 787 DreamlinerBoeing 787 DreamlinerIn 2000–01, attempts were made to re-privatize Air India.NEWS,news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/1523153.stm, BBC, India privatisation plans near ‘collapse’, 3 September 2001, 23 April 2010, NEWS,news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/1522947.stm, Tata still eyeing Air India, BBC, 3 September 2001, 6 March 2016, NEWS,hindu.com/2001/09/02/stories/01020003.htm, Singapore Airlines pulls out, The Hindu, 2 September 2001, 6 March 2016, NEWS, Timmons, Heather, Criticism of State-Owned Air India Grows,www.nytimes.com/2011/05/26/business/global/26airindia.html?pagewanted=all, 20 May 2012, The New York Times, 25 May 2011, In 2000, Air India introduced services to Shanghai, China. On 23 May 2001, the Ministry of Civil Aviation charged Michael Mascarenhas, the then-managing director, with corruption. According to the ministry reports, the airline lost approximately {{INRConvert|570|m}} because of extra commissions that Mascarenhas sanctioned and he was later suspended from the airline.NEWS, Katakam, Anupama, Controversy in the air,www.frontline.in/static/html/fl1812/18121000.htm, The Hindu, Frontline, 21 April 2014, 6 March 2016, In May 2004, Air India launched a wholly owned low cost subsidiary called Air-India Express connecting cities in India with the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Until 2007, Air India mainly operated on international long-haul routes while Indian Airlines operated on domestic and international short-haul routes. In 2007, Air India and Indian Airlines were merged under Air India LimitedWEB, National Aviation Company of India Limited,mmd.airindia.co.in/aimmd/tender/Integrity_Pact_brief.pdf,www.webcitation.org/6G1QZJ2YV?url=http%3A%2F%2Fmmd.airindia.co.in%2Faimmd%2Ftender%2FIntegrity_Pact_brief.pdf, 20 April 2013, Air India, 18 February 2013, and the airline took delivery of its first Boeing 777 aircraft. The airline was invited to be a part of the Star Alliance in 2007.NEWS, Star Alliance invites Air India to join,articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2007-12-13/news/27673381_1_air-india-formal-invitation-thulasidas, 23 March 2014, The Economic Times, 13 December 2007, The combined losses for Air India and Indian Airlines in 2006–07 were {{INRConvert|7.7|b}} and after the merger, it went up to {{INRConvert|72|b}} by March 2009.NEWS,economictimes.indiatimes.com/What-sent-Air-India-crashing/articleshow/4782707.cms, What sent Air India crashing?, The Economic Times, 16 July 2009, 30 August 2010, NEWS,www.hindu.com/2009/07/09/stories/2009070960801200.htm, Air India restructuring plans being readied, The Hindu, 9 July 2009, 30 August 2010, Chennai, India, In July 2009, State Bank of India was appointed to prepare a road map for the recovery of the airline.NEWS,www.dnaindia.com/money/report_sbi-caps-prepares-roadmap-for-air-india-restructuring_1276407, SBI Caps prepares roadmap for Air India restructuring, DNA India, 22 July 2009, 30 August 2010, The carrier sold three Airbus A300 and one Boeing 747-300M in March 2009 for $18.75 million to finance the debt.WEB,www.financialexpress.com/news/AI-sells-4-aircraft-in-Mar-to-tackle-financial-crunch/495189/, AI sells 4 aircraft in Mar to tackle financial crunch, The Financial Express (India), The Financial Express, 29 July 2009, 30 August 2010, By March 2011, Air India had accumulated a debt of {{INRConvert|426|b}} and an operating loss of {{INRConvert|220|b}}, and was seeking {{INRConvert|429|b}} from the government.NEWS,www.livemint.com/2011/08/09002707/Air-India8217s-recurring-de.html, Air India’s recurring default ‘credit negative’ for its banks, Mint-Wall Street Journal, 9 August 2011, WEB,www.moodys.com/credit-ratings/State-Bank-of-India-credit-rating-718330, State Bank of India Credit Rating, Moodys.com, 1 October 2012, A report by the Comptroller and Auditor General blamed the decision to buy 111 new planes and the ill-timed merger with Indian Airlines for the poor financial situation.NEWS,www.freepressjournal.in/air-india-aircraft-acquisition-was-necessary-patel/, Air India aircraft acquisition was necessary, Malayala Manorama, 8 September 2011, 6 March 2016, NEWS,www.wsj.com/article/SB10001424053111904836104576558101182208210.html, The Wall Street Journal, Santanu, Choudhury, Auditor Slams Air India Plane Orders, 8 September 2011, 6 March 2016, In August 2011, the invitation to join Star Alliance was suspended as a result of its failure to meet the minimum standards for the membership.PRESS RELEASE, Star Alliance and Air India put Air India’s Alliance Membership Application on hold, Star Alliance, 31 August 2011,www.staralliance.com/assets/doc/en/press/press-releases/pdf/2011/SCP_PR_AIR_INDIA_31JULUPDATE_FINAL_WEB.pdf,www.staralliance.com/assets/doc/en/press/press-releases/pdf/2011/SCP_PR_AIR_INDIA_31JULUPDATE_FINAL_WEB.pdf," title="web.archive.org/web/20120328215015www.staralliance.com/assets/doc/en/press/press-releases/pdf/2011/SCP_PR_AIR_INDIA_31JULUPDATE_FINAL_WEB.pdf,">web.archive.org/web/20120328215015www.staralliance.com/assets/doc/en/press/press-releases/pdf/2011/SCP_PR_AIR_INDIA_31JULUPDATE_FINAL_WEB.pdf, 28 March 2012, 31 August 2011, NEWS,www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/sectorsaviation/Air-India-Star-Alliance-resume-talks/Article1-756987.aspx,www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/SectorsAviation/Air-India-Star-Alliance-resume-talks/Article1-756987.aspx," title="web.archive.org/web/20111216205424www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/SectorsAviation/Air-India-Star-Alliance-resume-talks/Article1-756987.aspx,">web.archive.org/web/20111216205424www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/SectorsAviation/Air-India-Star-Alliance-resume-talks/Article1-756987.aspx, 16 December 2011, Air India, Star Alliance resume talks, 13 October 2011, 15 October 2011, Hindustan Times, The government pumped {{INRConvert|32|b}} into Air India in March 2012.NEWS,www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-03-13/air-india-aid-dwarfing-hospital-budget-adds-to-kingfisher-pain.html, Air India Aid Dwarfing Hospital Budget Adds to Kingfisher Pain, 14 March 2012, Bloomberg L.P., Bloomberg, Karthikeyan, Sundaram, Adi, Narayan, NEWS,www.bbc.com/news/business-18082903, Air India: Problems run deep in India’s national airline, BBC, 16 May 2012, 6 March 2016, On 1 March 2009, Air India made Frankfurt Airport its international hub for onward connections to the United States from India. However, the airline shut down the Frankfurt hub on 30 October 2010 because of high operating costs.NEWS,beta.profit.ndtv.com/news/show/air-india-to-use-terminal-3-as-hub-of-operations-82429, Air India to use Terminal-3 as hub of operations, NDTV, 14 July 2010, 12 August 2010,beta.profit.ndtv.com/news/show/air-india-to-use-terminal-3-as-hub-of-operations-82429," title="web.archive.org/web/20100718072036beta.profit.ndtv.com/news/show/air-india-to-use-terminal-3-as-hub-of-operations-82429,">web.archive.org/web/20100718072036beta.profit.ndtv.com/news/show/air-india-to-use-terminal-3-as-hub-of-operations-82429, 18 July 2010, In 2010, financially less lucrative routes were terminated and the airline planned to open a new hub for its international flights at Dubai.NEWS,www.thenational.ae/business/industry-insights/aviation/dubai-in-talks-over-india-hub-at-dwc-says-emirates-airline-president, Dubai in talks over hub, The National, Abu Dhabi, 5 November 2015, In 2012, a study commissioned by the Corporate Affairs Ministry recommended that Air India should be partly privatised.NEWS, Air India should be partly privatised, says study,articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-09-30/news/34177422_1_air-india-minister-ajit-singh-civil-aviation-sector, The Economic Times, 30 September 2012, 6 March 2016, In May 2012, the carrier invited offers from banks to raise $800 million via external commercial borrowing and bridge financing.NEWS, Air India seeks proposals to raise up to $800 million in debt,uk.reuters.com/article/airindia-fundsraising-idUKL4E8G86OP20120508, The Economic Times, 8 May 2012, 6 March 2016, In May 2012, the airline was fined $80,000 by the US Transportation Department for failing to post customer service and tarmac delay contingency plans on its website and adequately inform passengers about its optional fees.NEWS, $80,000 Fine Slapped on Air India by US,news.outlookindia.com/items.aspx?artid=761554, 4 May 2012, Outlook (Indian magazine), Outlook, 6 March 2016, 2 February 2014,news.outlookindia.com/items.aspx?artid=761554," title="web.archive.org/web/20140202134815news.outlookindia.com/items.aspx?artid=761554,">web.archive.org/web/20140202134815news.outlookindia.com/items.aspx?artid=761554, dead, In 2013, the then-Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh stated privatisation was the key to the airline’s survival.NEWS, Air India must perform or perish: Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh,www.ndtv.com/article/india/air-india-must-perform-or-perish-civil-aviation-minister-ajit-singh-428576, NDTV, 6 October 2013, 6 March 2016, However, the opposition led by the BJP and the CPI(M) slammed the government.NEWS, Opposition slams Ajit Singh for AI plan,www.thehindu.com/news/national/opposition-slams-ajit-singh-for-ai-plan/article5206918.ece, The Hindu, 7 October 2013, Chennai, India, Sujay, Mehdudia, 6 March 2016, In 2013, the Indian government planned to delay equity infusion of {{INRConvert|300|b}} that was slated to be infused into the airline slowly over eight years.NEWS, Debt laden Air India unlikely to get government bailout of Rs 30,000 crore by 2020–21,economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/debt-laden-air-india-unlikely-to-get-government-bailout-of-rs-30000-crore-by-2020-21/articleshow/18438960.cms, The Economic Times, 11 February 2013, 11 February 2013, In January 2013, Air India cleared a part of its pending dues through funds raised by selling and leasing back the newly acquired Boeing 787 Dreamliners.NEWS, GMR Infra gets Rs 415 cr in outstanding dues from Air India,businesstoday.intoday.in/story/gmr-infra-gets-outstanding-dues-from-air-india/1/192173.html, Business Today (business magazine), Business Today, 7 February 2013, 8 February 2013, NEWS, Air India puts Dreamliner planes for sale, leaseback,economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/air-india-puts-dreamliner-planes-for-sale-leaseback/articleshow/18224001.cms, The Economic Times, 28 January 2013, 28 January 2013, In March 2013, the airline posted its first positive EBITDA after almost six years and 20% growth in its operating revenue since the previous financial year.NEWS, Air India likely to end fiscal with Rs 65 crore positive EBITDA,articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2013-03-10/news/37598268_1_air-india-seat-factor-passenger-revenue, The Economic Times, 10 March 2013, 6 March 2016, NEWS, Significant improvements in Air India’s performance parameters,articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2014-04-01/news/48767414_1_air-india-express-operating-revenue-load-factor, 4 April 2014, The Economic Times, 1 April 2014, Air India Limited split its engineering and cargo businesses into two separate subsidiaries, Air India Engineering Services Limited (AIESL) and Air India Transport Services Limited (AITSL) in 2013.NEWS, Air India engineers threaten to drag management to court,www.deccanchronicle.com/150920/nation-current-affairs/article/air-india-engineers-threaten-drag-management-court, Deccan Chronicle, 6 December 2015, WEB, Companies – Air India, 30 January 2013,www.livemint.com/Companies/Lo2EQBTMgtHG0ApxmNbuDM/Air-India-hives-off-engineering-ground-handling-subsidiarie.html, Live Mint, 7 December 2015, In December 2013, the airline appointed veteran pilot SPS Puri as its head of operations. The appointment was criticised by the Air India pilots union as Puri allegedly has multiple violations to his name.NEWS, Singh, Bipin Kumar, Air India appoints ‘biggest violator’ as its operational head, pilots furious,timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Air-India-appoints-biggest-violator-as-its-operational-head-pilots-furious/articleshow/27684109.cms, 21 April 2014, The Times of India, 20 December 2013, Air India became the 27th member of Star Alliance on 11 July 2014. In August 2015, it signed an agreement with Citibank and State Bank of India to raise $300 million in external commercial borrowing to meet working capital requirements.WEB, Can Ashwani Lohani turn Air India around?,www.business-standard.com/article/companies/can-ashwani-lohani-turn-air-india-around-115091401152_1.html, Business Standard, 14 September 2015, 6 December 2015, For FY 2014–15, its revenue, operating loss and net loss were {{INRConvert|198|b}}, {{INRConvert|2.171|b}} and {{INRConvert|5.41|b}} compared FY 2011–12, which were {{INRConvert|147|b}}, {{INRConvert|5.138|b}} and {{INRConvert|7.55|b}}.NEWS, Significant improvements in Air India’s performance parameters,profit.ndtv.com/news/aviation/article-air-india-cuts-losses-to-rs-5-547-crore-1201055, NDTV, 27 July 2015, 6 March 2016, As of February 2016, Air India is the third largest carrier in India, after IndiGo and Jet Airways with a market share of 15.4%.NEWS,www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/india-s-domestic-passenger-demand-up-25-percent-iata-116040700595_1.html, India’s domestic passenger demand up 25 percent: IATA, Business Standard, 6 April 2014, 14 April 2016, NEWS,articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-06-24/news/29699126_1_air-india-market-share-aviation-market, Air India market share slips to fifth slot, The Economic Times, New Delhi, 24 June 2011, 1 October 2012, NEWS, Nirbhay, Kumar,articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2007-11-16/news/27687285_1_market-share-full-service-carriers-budget-carriers, Spice, IndiGo close in on Jet, Air India market share, The Economic Times, New Delhi, 16 November 2007, 1 October 2012, NEWS, IndiGo market share shrinks for 2nd month in a row in December,articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2014-01-22/news/46462741_1_market-share-second-consecutive-month-star-alliance, 4 April 2014, 21 January 2014, The Times of India,

Post privatization (2022–present)

On 28 June 2017, the Government of India approved the privatisation of Air India and set up a committee to decide the details.NEWS, 28 June 2017, Air India cleared for privatisation by Delhi, BBC News,www.bbc.com/news/business-40435922, live, 24 October 2017,www.bbc.com/news/business-40435922," title="web.archive.org/web/20170823133530www.bbc.com/news/business-40435922,">web.archive.org/web/20170823133530www.bbc.com/news/business-40435922, 23 August 2017, In March 2018, the Government issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) to sell a 76% stake in Air India, along with low-cost airline Air India Express, and a 50% stake in AISATS, a ground handling joint venture with Singapore Airport Terminal Services (SATS). According to the EOI, the new owner would have to take on a debt of {{INRConvert|33392|c}} and a bid would have to be submitted by mid-May as the Government wanted to complete the selling process by the end of 2018.NEWS, Mishra, Mihir, 29 March 2018, Government invites bids to sell 76 per cent stake in Air India, The Economic Times,economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/government-calls-out-bids-to-sale-76-per-cent-stake-in-air-india/articleshow/63517638.cms, 26 January 2020, However, no private firms showed any interest to buy a share in the debt-laden airline.NEWS, 13 June 2018, With no buyers for Air India, Modi government may be open to listing airline on stock market, The Indian Express, Reuters,indianexpress.com/article/business/with-no-buyers-for-air-india-modi-government-considers-listing-it-on-stock-market-5216046/, 26 January 2020, Having failed to sell off a majority stake in the airline, the Government decided to completely exit the airline and invited fresh EOIs on 27 January 2020. In order to attract bidders this time, the government reduced the debt burden on Air India by moving nearly {{INRConvert|30000|c}} of the company’s debts and liabilities to a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV).NEWS, Air India sale: EoI out, govt to completely exit airline,www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/companies/air-india-eoi-out-govt-to-completely-exit-airline-4860691.html, 1 December 2023, 27 January 2020, Money Control, NEWS, Noronha, Peter, For 100% Sale Of Air India, March 17 Deadline For Bids: 10 Points, NDTV, Reuters,www.ndtv.com/business/government-invites-bids-for-100-per-cent-stake-sale-in-air-india-2170124, 1 December 2023, 27 January 2020, In view of the prevailing situation arising out of COVID-19, the last date for submission of interest was extended multiple times and the Government eventually received EOIs from seven parties by December 2020.NEWS, 26 August 2020, Air India EOI deadline extended for the 4th time, The Hindu,www.thehindu.com/news/national/air-india-eoi-deadline-extended-for-the-4th-time/article32442343.ece, 16 November 2023, Five of these parties were disqualified and the Government invited financial bids for Air India from the two qualified parties in September 2021.NEWS, 8 October 2021, 3 attempts, 20 years: Why government was able to sell Air India this time, The Times of India,timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/why-was-govt-able-to-sell-air-india-successfully-this-time/articleshow/86870568.cms, 16 November 2023, In September 2021, Spice Jet’s Ajay Singh-led consortium and Tata Sons submitted their financial bids for Air India.NEWS, Phadnis, Aneesh, 15 September 2021, Tatas, SpiceJet’s Ajay Singh submit financial bids to acquire Air India, Business Standard India,www.business-standard.com/article/companies/tatas-spicejet-s-ajay-singh-submit-financial-bids-to-acquire-air-india-121091501391_1.html, 8 October 2021, On 8 October 2021, Air India along with its low cost carrier Air India Express and fifty per cent of AISATS, a ground handling company, were sold for {{INRConvert|18000|c}} to Tata Group.NEWS, 8 October 2021, Air India: Struggling national carrier sold to Tata Sons, en-GB, BBC News,www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-58778274, 8 October 2021, NEWS, Air India acquisition: What Tatas will get, en, The Times of India,timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/air-india-acquisition-what-tatas-will-get/articleshow/86871669.cms, 8 October 2021, On 27 January 2022, the airline was officially handed over to Tata Group.NEWS, Saha, Poulomi, Air India handed over to Tata Group, India Today,www.indiatoday.in/business/story/air-india-handed-over-to-tata-group-1905228-2022-01-27, 1 December 2023, 27 January 2022, On 14 February 2022, after its re-privatization, the airline appointed Ä°lker Aycı, former Chairman of Turkish Airlines as its new CEO and managing director to take charge on or before 1 April 2022 which did not materialize.NEWS, Chandra, Jagriti, 1 March 2022, Ilker Ayci declines Air India CEO’s post, The Hindu,www.thehindu.com/news/national/ilker-ayci-declines-air-india-ceo-offer/article65143729.ece, 2 March 2022, 0971-751X, WEB, Sinha, Saurabh, 1 March 2022, Ilker Ayci: Ilker Ayci declines Tata Group’s offer to be CEO & MD of Air India: Sources,timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/turkeys-ayci-declines-air-india-ceo-role-tata-spokesperson/articleshow/89918672.cms, 2 March 2022, The Times of India, en, In March 2022, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, the chairman of Tata Sons was appointed as the chairman of the airline and in May 2022, Campbell Wilson was announced as the CEO and MD.NEWS, Freed, Jamie, Monnappa, Chandini, 12 May 2022, Scoot CEO Wilson appointed head of Air India, en, Reuters,www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/scoot-ceo-campbell-wilson-appointed-new-head-air-india-2022-05-12/, 13 May 2022, NEWS, Vijayaraghavan, Kala, Tata Sons chief N Chandrasekaran appointed as chairman of Air India, The Economic Times,economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/tata-sons-chief-n-chandrasekaran-appointed-as-chairman-of-air-india/articleshow/90202494.cms, 12 April 2022, After the airline’s acquisition, Tata Group began discussion on bringing the other airlines including Vistara and AirAsia India where it held a stake under a unified umbrella. In November 2022, Air India acquired AirAsia’s stake in AirAsia India, renamed it into AIX Connect and announced plans to merge it with Air India Express.NEWS, AirAsia India-Air India Express merger likely by 2023-end: Air India, 2 November 2022,indianexpress.com/article/business/aviation/airasia-air-india-8245634/, Indian Express, 1 December 2023, On 29 November 2022, Air India announced the merger with Vistara by March 2024 with Singapore Airlines which owns a 49% stake in Vistara getting a 25% stake in the newly formed airline.NEWS, Sharma, Anu, 27 February 2023, Air India to end brand Vistara after merger,www.livemint.com/companies/news/air-india-to-end-brand-vistara-after-merger-11677521516029.html, mint, 1 December 2023, Vistara brand would be discontinued post the merger and the brand will operate under the Air India name.PRESS RELEASE, Tata Group to Consolidate Air India and Vistara,www.tata.com/newsroom/business/air-india-vistara-consolidation, 1 December 2023, 7 April 2023, Tata, NEWS, Majumder, Arindam, 21 February 2023, Air India and Vistara kick off their integration process, The Economic Times,economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/air-india-and-vistara-kicks-of-their-integration-process/articleshow/98069976.cms, 1 December 2023, 0013-0389, On 15 September 2022, the Tata Group announced Vihaan, a five-year transformation goal aimed at restructuring and transforming Air India in phases.NEWS, 6 April 2023, Air India done with first phase of its 5-year turnaround plan. What is next on the cards?, The Economic Times,economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/air-india-done-with-first-phase-of-its-5-year-turnaround-plan-what-is-next-on-the-cards/articleshow/99288346.cms, 7 April 2023, 0013-0389, NEWS, 15 September 2022, Vihaan.AI: Air India’s five-year plan to become lord of the skies,www.livemint.com/news/india/air-india-to-be-rebranded-as-vihaan-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-transformation-plan-11663234233289.html, 7 April 2023, mint, NEWS, 6 April 2023, Air India: Putting the Raja back in the Maharaja,www.cnbctv18.com/aviation/air-india-lists-achievements-in-14-months-after-tatas-took-over-16354061.htm, 7 April 2023, CNBC, en, As part of the plan, Air India announced flights to additional international destinations.NEWS, Livemint, 15 December 2022, Air India launches Mumbai-San Francisco direct flight, more flights by next year,www.livemint.com/news/india/air-india-launches-mumbai-san-francisco-direct-flight-more-flights-by-next-year-11671117044948.html, 30 January 2024, NEWS, 31 October 2023, Air India to launch direct flight service from Mumbai to Melbourne on Dec 15,economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/air-india-to-launch-direct-flight-service-from-mumbai-to-melbourne-on-dec-15/articleshow/104857442.cms, 30 January 2024, The Economic Times, 0013-0389, The route expansion was supported by improving air-worthiness of existing fleet and leasing aircraft from other airlines.NEWS, Schlappig, Ben, 15 December 2022, Air India Starts Flying Former Delta 777-200LRs,onemileatatime.com/news/air-india-delta-777/, 30 January 2024, One Mile at a Time, NEWS, Schlappig, Ben, 2 August 2023, Air India Leasing Six Etihad Airways Boeing 777s,onemileatatime.com/news/air-india-etihad-777/, 30 January 2024, One Mile at a Time, NEWS, Majumder, Arindam, 22 July 2023, Air India to lease three 777-300 ER from Singapore Airlines,economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/air-india-to-lease-three-777-300-er-from-singapore-airlines/articleshow/102035381.cms, 30 January 2024, The Economic Times, 0013-0389, On 14 February 2023, Air India announced an order for 470 aircraft consisting of including 250 from Airbus and 220 from Boeing at a cost of US$70 billion, which set the record for the world’s largest aircraft order at the time.NEWS, Air India Announces Order for 470 Aircraft,www.thehindu.com/business/air-indias-order-for-470-jets-at-list-price-of-70-billion/article66559223.ece, 27 February 2023, 14 March 2023, The Hindu, On 10 August 2023, the airline announced a rebranding exercise named “Vista” with a new livery and logo.NEWS, Air India unveils its new logo, the iconic Maharaja to be revamped, The Times of India,timesofindia.indiatimes.com/etimes/trending/air-india-unveils-its-new-logo-the-iconic-maharaja-to-be-revamped/articleshow/102640086.cms, 1 December 2023, 13 August 2023, 0971-8257, NEWS, 8 December 2022, Air India to spend $400 million on cabin upgrade of existing 40 wide body aircraft, The Times of India,timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/air-india-to-spend-400-million-on-cabin-upgrade-of-existing-40-wide-body-aircraft/articleshow/96080528.cms, 1 December 2023, 0971-8257, On 1 January 2024, Air India announced that it will begin operating its first Airbus A350 aircraft on domestic routes from 22 January 2024 before expanding to international destinations.NEWS, 1 January 2024, Air India to start operating A350 aircraft from January 22,indianexpress.com/article/business/aviation/air-india-a350-aircraft-operation-9090577/, 1 January 2024, The Indian Express,

Corporate affairs and identity

Business trends

The key trends of Air India are (as at the financial year ending March 31NEWS, 30 October 2023, Air India’s losses up by 18 per cent in FY23; revenues double,www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/logistics/air-indias-losses-up-by-18-per-cent-in-fy23-revenues-double/article67473586.ece, 15 April 2024, Business Line, ):{|class=“wikitable” style="text-align:center;“!Financial Year (FY)!2015-16!2016-17!2017-18!2018-19!2019-20!2020-21!2021-22!2022-23Revenue (₹Cr)AIR INDIA: FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE 2022>URL=HTTPS://WWW.STATISTA.COM/STATISTICS/587955/FINANCIAL-PERFORMANCE-AIR-INDIA/PUBLISHER=STATISTA, |20,610|22,177|23,003|26,487|28,524|12,104|19,815|31,377Net profit (₹Cr)|−3,836|−6,281|−5,337|−8,556|−7,982|−7,083|−9,591|−11,388Number of passengers (mn)|18.0|19.1|21.1|22.1|22.5|6.3|11.5|18.5Passenger load factor (%)|75.6|76.3|80.0|79.0|79.8|68.4|73.5|81.9Freight carried (000 tonnes)|192|196|204|240|221|74.9|169|175Fleet sizeAIR INDIA LTD.: NUMBER OF AIRPLANES>URL=HTTPS://WWW.STATISTA.COM/STATISTICS/1189850/AIR-INDIA-NUMBER-OF-AIRPLANES/PUBLISHER=STATISTA, |135|136|158|171|127|124|165|127ReferenceACCESS-DATE=20 NOVEMBER 2023, BSE, URL=HTTPS://WWW.FINANCIALEXPRESS.COM/BUSINESS/INDUSTRY-AIR-INDIA-NET-LOSS-FALLS-17-6-TO-RS-5337-CRORE-IN-FY18-1427007/NEWSPAPER=FINANCIAL EXPRESS, ACCESS-DATE=20 NOVEMBER 2023ACCESS-DATE=20 NOVEMBER 2023, Statista, ACCESS-DATE=20 NOVEMBER 2023, Air India, |ACCESS-DATE=20 NOVEMBER 2023, Air India, ACCESS-DATE=20 NOVEMBER 2023, Air India, URL=HTTPS://WWW.THEHINDUBUSINESSLINE.COM/ECONOMY/LOGISTICS/AIR-INDIAS-LOSSES-UP-BY-18-PER-CENT-IN-FY23-REVENUES-DOUBLE/ARTICLE67473586.ECENEWSPAPER=THE HINDU BUSINESS LINE,

Headquarters

{{Multiple image| direction = vertical| image1 = Air-India-building.jpg| caption1 = Air India Building in Mumbai served as Air India’s headquarters until 2013| image2 = Air india maharajah.jpg| caption2 = The Maharajah, Air India’s mascot| image3 = | caption3 = Air India logo from 1940–2007| image4 = Air India.svg| caption4 = Air India logo between 2007–2023| image5 = Vörösmarty tér 6. Air-India légitársaság képviselete. Fortepan 53015.jpg| caption5 = Some artworks exhibited at the Air India office in Budapest (Hungary) in 1970.}}Air India Limited is headquartered at the Indian Airlines House, New Delhi.NEWS, Air India vacates Nariman Point; moves headquarters to Delhi,articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2013-02-15/news/37100980_1_air-india-nariman-point-moves-headquarters, The Economic Times, 16 February 2013, Anindya, Upadhyay, 15 February 2013, WEB,www.airindia.in/board-of-directors.htm, Air India, Board of directors, Air India, 4 November 2015, live,www.airindia.in/board-of-directors.htm," title="web.archive.org/web/20151030054518www.airindia.in/board-of-directors.htm,">web.archive.org/web/20151030054518www.airindia.in/board-of-directors.htm, 30 October 2015, Air India moved its headquarters from Air India Building, Mumbai to Delhi in 2013. The former headquarters is a 23-story tower on Marine Drive and was one of the targets of the 1993 Bombay bombings.NEWS,news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/march/12/newsid_4272000/4272943.stm, Bombay hit by devastating bombs, BBC, 12 March 1993, 3 September 2011, live,news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/march/12/newsid_4272000/4272943.stm," title="web.archive.org/web/20081211202614news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/march/12/newsid_4272000/4272943.stm,">web.archive.org/web/20081211202614news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/march/12/newsid_4272000/4272943.stm, 11 December 2008, In 2023, Air India moved its headquarters to Gurgaon in the National Capital Region.NEWS,www.deccanherald.com/business/companies/merged-air-india-express-finds-new-hq-in-gurugram-2772401, Merged Air India Express finds new HQ in Gurugram, 16 November 2023, Deccan Herald, 1 December 2023,

Subsidiaries

{{Further|Air India structure}}

Current

{{Further|Air India Express}}Air India Express began operations on 29 April 2005 and was initially owned by Air India Charters and operates flights from South India to the Middle East and Southeast Asia.NEWS, Ramavarman, T.,timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/shifting-of-air-india-express-headquarters-to-kochi-gets-nod/articleshow/17606736.cms, Shifting of Air India Express headquarters to Kochi gets nod, The Times of India, 14 December 2012, 1 February 2023, NEWS,www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/air-india-express-route-scheduling-from-city-soon/article4282465.ece, Air India Express route scheduling, The Hindu, 7 January 2013, 5 February 2013, live,www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/air-india-express-route-scheduling-from-city-soon/article4282465.ece," title="web.archive.org/web/20130111050657www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/air-india-express-route-scheduling-from-city-soon/article4282465.ece,">web.archive.org/web/20130111050657www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/air-india-express-route-scheduling-from-city-soon/article4282465.ece, 11 January 2013, In November 2022, Air India acquired AirAsia’s stake in AirAsia India, renamed it into AIX Connect and announced plans to merge it with Air India Express.NEWS, Air India signs agreements to acquire AirAsia India; commences process to merge with Air India Express into a single Low-Cost Carrier, 2 November 2022,indianexpress.com/article/business/aviation/airasia-air-india-8245634/, Indian Express, 1 December 2023,

Defunct

{{Further|Alliance Air (India)|Air India Cargo}}Air India became the first Asian airline to operate freighters when Air India Cargo was set up in 1954 and started its freighter operations with a Douglas DC-3 aircraft. Air India Cargo ended freighter aircraft operations in early 2012.NEWS,www.businesstoday.in/sectors/aviation/air-india-shuts-down-cargo-business/story/21477.html, Air India shuts down bleeding cargo business, Business Today (business magazine), Business Today, Singh, Sanjay, New Delhi, 7 January 2012, 6 March 2016, Alliance Air was a wholly owned subsidiary of Indian Airlines established on 1 April 1996. It started operations on 21 June 1996. It was renamed Air India Regional after the merger between Air India and Indian Airlines.WEB, Air India Regional,www.airindia.in/alliance-air.htm, Air India, 29 December 2014, live,www.airindia.in/alliance-air.htm," title="web.archive.org/web/20150109041931www.airindia.in/alliance-air.htm,">web.archive.org/web/20150109041931www.airindia.in/alliance-air.htm, 9 January 2015, It was renamed back to Alliance Air in 2017 and ceased being a subsidiary of Air India in April 2022 when the Government of India sold Air India to the Tata Group.NEWS, Alliance Air no longer subsidiary of Air India; moves to own website, flight code,www.hindustantimes.com/business/alliance-air-no-longer-subsidiary-of-air-india-moves-to-own-website-flight-code-101650028436555.html, Hindustan Times, 15 April 2022, 1 December 2023,

Mascot

Air India’s mascot is the Maharajah (high king).NEWS,timesofindia.indiatimes.com/red-hot/The-Wonderful-Journey-Of-Air-Indias-Maharajah/quickstirshow/41855576.cms, The Wonderful Journey of Air India’s Maharajah, 6 September 2014, The Times of India, 6 March 2016, live,timesofindia.indiatimes.com/red-hot/The-Wonderful-Journey-Of-Air-Indias-Maharajah/quickstirshow/41855576.cms," title="web.archive.org/web/20160130160404timesofindia.indiatimes.com/red-hot/The-Wonderful-Journey-Of-Air-Indias-Maharajah/quickstirshow/41855576.cms,">web.archive.org/web/20160130160404timesofindia.indiatimes.com/red-hot/The-Wonderful-Journey-Of-Air-Indias-Maharajah/quickstirshow/41855576.cms, 30 January 2016, WEB,www.airindia.in/the-air-india-brand.htm, Air India Brand, Air India, 4 November 2015, live,www.airindia.in/the-air-india-brand.htm," title="web.archive.org/web/20151104025811www.airindia.in/the-air-india-brand.htm,">web.archive.org/web/20151104025811www.airindia.in/the-air-india-brand.htm, 4 November 2015, It was created by Bobby Kooka, the then-commercial director of Air India, and Umesh Rao, an artist with J. Walter Thompson Limited in 1946.NEWS, Maharajah, gets a makeover,timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Air-Indias-Maharajah-gets-a-makeover/articleshow/45926691.cms, Sinha, Saurabh, The Times of India, 18 January 2015, 6 December 2015, live,timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Air-Indias-Maharajah-gets-a-makeover/articleshow/45926691.cms," title="web.archive.org/web/20151210020922timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Air-Indias-Maharajah-gets-a-makeover/articleshow/45926691.cms,">web.archive.org/web/20151210020922timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Air-Indias-Maharajah-gets-a-makeover/articleshow/45926691.cms, 10 December 2015, Kooka stated that, “We call him a Maharajah for want of a better description. But his blood isn’t blue. He may look like royalty, but he isn’t royal”.NEWS, PM Modi reportedly wants Air India’s mascot, The Maharajah, replaced by a plebeian one,timesofindia.indiatimes.com/edit-page/PM-Modi-reportedly-wants-Air-Indias-mascot-The-Maharajah-replaced-by-a-plebeian-one/articleshow/37097790.cms, 24 June 2014, The Times of India, 6 December 2015, live,timesofindia.indiatimes.com/edit-page/PM-Modi-reportedly-wants-Air-Indias-mascot-The-Maharajah-replaced-by-a-plebeian-one/articleshow/37097790.cms," title="web.archive.org/web/20150123231633timesofindia.indiatimes.com/edit-page/PM-Modi-reportedly-wants-Air-Indias-mascot-The-Maharajah-replaced-by-a-plebeian-one/articleshow/37097790.cms,">web.archive.org/web/20150123231633timesofindia.indiatimes.com/edit-page/PM-Modi-reportedly-wants-Air-Indias-mascot-The-Maharajah-replaced-by-a-plebeian-one/articleshow/37097790.cms, 23 January 2015, Air India adopted the Maharajah as its mascot in 1946. It was used in promoting it although initially designed only for the airline’s memo-pads.NEWS, When did the Maharaja become Air-India’s mascot,timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/sunday-times/When-did-the-Maharaja-become-Air-Indias-mascot/articleshow/1110592.cms, The Times of India, 15 May 2005, Rao, Sunil, 6 December 2015, live,web.archive.org/web/20180303130933/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/sunday-times/When-did-the-Maharaja-become-Air-Indias-mascot/articleshow/1110592.cms, 3 March 2018, The Maharajah was given a makeover in 2015 and the brand is represented by a younger version.NEWS,timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Air-Indias-Maharajah-gets-a-makeover/articleshow/45926691.cms, Maharajah gets a makeover, The Times of India, 18 January 2015, 6 March 2016, live,timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Air-Indias-Maharajah-gets-a-makeover/articleshow/45926691.cms," title="web.archive.org/web/20151210020922timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Air-Indias-Maharajah-gets-a-makeover/articleshow/45926691.cms,">web.archive.org/web/20151210020922timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Air-Indias-Maharajah-gets-a-makeover/articleshow/45926691.cms, 10 December 2015, In 2023, the Maharajah was given a makeover and was revealed that the mascot would only be used in certain aspects of the airline like the premium lounges and crockery.NEWS, Maharaja takes a back seat in Tata’s Air India,timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/maharaja-takes-a-back-seat-in-tatas-air-india/articleshow/102626522.cms, The Times of India, 10 August 2023, 1 December 2023,

Logo and livery

Air India’s colour scheme is red and white. The aircraft were painted white with red palace-style carvings on the outside of the windows and the airline’s name written in red. The name is written in Hindi on the port side fuselage and in English on the port side tail. On the starboard side, the name is written in English on the fuselage, and in Hindi on the tail.WEB,www.airwhiners.net/whine_cheez/20040726.htm, Air India:History, airwhiners.net, 5 November 2015, live,www.airwhiners.net/whine_cheez/20040726.htm," title="web.archive.org/web/20150923115706www.airwhiners.net/whine_cheez/20040726.htm,">web.archive.org/web/20150923115706www.airwhiners.net/whine_cheez/20040726.htm, 23 September 2015, The window scheme was designed in line with the slogan Your Palace in the Sky. The aircraft were earlier named after Indian kings and landmarks. In 1989, to supplement its Flying Palace livery, Air India introduced a new livery that included a metallic gold spinning wheel on a deep red-coloured tail and a Boeing 747, Rajendra Chola, was the first aircraft to be painted in the new colours.The first logo of Air India was a centaur, a stylised version of Sagittarius shooting an arrow in a circle representing the wheel of Konark. The logo chosen by founder J. R. D. Tata was introduced in 1948 and represented the airline until 2007.WEB,www.spellbrand.com/airlines-logos-with-flying-colors, Airlines logos with colors, 13 July 2010, spellbrand.com, 5 November 2015, live,www.spellbrand.com/airlines-logos-with-flying-colors," title="web.archive.org/web/20151124002453www.spellbrand.com/airlines-logos-with-flying-colors,">web.archive.org/web/20151124002453www.spellbrand.com/airlines-logos-with-flying-colors, 24 November 2015, On 22 May 2007, Air India and Indian Airlines unveiled their new livery consisting of a Flying Swan with the wheel of Konark placed inside it. The flying swan was morphed from the centaur logo and the chakra was derived from Indian’s erstwhile logo.NEWS,www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pictures-air-india-to-get-new-livery-following-indian-airlines-merger-214180/, 23 May 2007, Air India to get a new logo, FlightGlobal, 4 November 2015, live,web.archive.org/web/20151123190026/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pictures-air-india-to-get-new-livery-following-indian-airlines-merger-214180/, 23 November 2015, On 15 May 2007, Air India refreshed its livery, making the Rajasthani arches along the windows slightly smaller, extending a stylised line from the tail of the aircraft to the nose and painting the underbelly red. The new logo features on the tail and the engine covers with red and orange lines running parallel to each other from the front door to the rear door.After the airline’s acquisition by the Tata Group, the airline revealed its brand new logo and livery on 10 August 2023.NEWS, Majumder, Arindam, 2 December 2022, Air India to get a brand makeover, London based consultancy firm roped in, The Economic Times,economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/air-india-to-get-a-brand-makeover/articleshow/95921330.cms, 10 August 2023, 0013-0389, NEWS, 29 June 2023, Air India to get brand makeover,www.financialexpress.com/business/brandwagon-air-india-to-get-brand-makeover-3147235/, 10 August 2023, The Financial Express, en, The new livery features a palette of deep red, aubergine, and gold with chakra pattern and the new logo is inspired by the airline’s Jharokha window pattern.NEWS,indianexpress.com/article/et-al-express-trending/air-india-overhauls-its-identity-heres-whats-changed-8887337/, Air India Overhauls Its Identity: Here’s What’s Changed, 11 August 2023, Indian Express, 1 December 2023, In December 2023, the airline unveiled new uniforms for its crew and rolled out its new identity with an Airbus A350-900, the first aircraft to be re-branded.NEWS, 13 December 2023, Air India unveils Manish Malhotra designed new collection of uniforms for cabin & cockpit crew, The Economic Times,economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/air-india-unveils-manish-malhotra-designed-new-collection-of-uniforms-for-cabin-cockpit-crew/articleshow/105932756.cms, 27 December 2023, 0013-0389, NEWS, 24 December 2023, AirIndia A350 pics: Get into the inside of India’s first wide-body plane,www.hindustantimes.com/photos/news/airindia-a350-pics-get-into-the-inside-of-indias-first-wide-body-plane-101703397084310.html, 27 December 2023, Hindustan Times, NEWS, 25 December 2023, Air India’s game-changer: The Airbus A350’s revolution in Indian aviation,www.thehindubusinessline.com/blexplainer/air-indias-game-changer-the-airbus-a350s-revolution-in-indian-aviation/article67672038.ece, 27 December 2023, The Hindu,

Art collection

Air India maintained a collection of Indian art from 1956 comprising works of important Indian artists and photographers, sculptures, wood carvings, glass paintings, rare textiles etc.WEB, Thomas, Maria, The fascinating story behind Air India’s priceless collection of art,qz.com/india/1325611/the-fascinating-story-behind-air-indias-priceless-collection-of-art/, 2 August 2020, Quartz India, 13 July 2018, en, The artworks were often sent to be hung in Air India booking offices around the world and used in promotional material. In 1967, the company commissioned ashtrays from Salvador Dalí and gifted an elephant calf as payment.NEWS, 22 April 2016, In pics: When Air India presented Surrealist Salvador Dali an elephant,www.hindustantimes.com/india/in-pics-when-air-india-presented-surrealist-salvador-dali-an-elephant/story-qiMd1WrlxFZ4kxziE5tH6N.html, 2 August 2020, Hindustan Times, en, In 2010, a plan to establish a museum from the collection was stalled and the artworks reside in a building in Nariman Point, Mumbai. Air India organized the first ever exhibition of these art at the National Gallery of Modern Art in Delhi, titled Air India Salutes Indian Masters in 2013.NEWS, Gupta, Gargi, First ever exhibition of the Air India art collection,www.dnaindia.com/lifestyle/report-first-ever-exhibition-of-the-air-india-art-collection-1875819, 1 January 2024, DNA India, Following a memorandum of understanding agreed between the airline and the Ministry of Culture, the art collection was transferred to the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) in Mumbai in January 2023.NEWS, 18 January 2023, Air India to hand over its priceless art collection to NGMA for public display, The Economic Times,economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/air-india-to-hand-over-its-priceless-art-collection-to-ngma-for-public-display/articleshow/97099269.cms, 1 January 2024, 0013-0389, The art was put up for exhibition titled Maharaja’s Treasure: Select Works of Art from the Famed Air India Collection.NEWS, ‘Maharaja’s Treasure’ famed Air India collection inaugurated at NGMA Mumbai,amritmahotsav.nic.in/spotlight-of-the-week-detail.htm?216, 1 January 2024, Government of India, NEWS, Bose, Mrityunjay, Air India art exhibition ‘Maharaja’s Treasure’ on display in Mumbai,www.deccanherald.com/india/air-india-art-exhibition-maharajas-treasure-on-display-in-mumbai-1227783.html, 1 January 2024, Deccan Herald,

Destinations

{{As of|2024|04}}, Air India flies to a total of 84 destinations, including 44 domestic destinations and 40 international destinations in 37 countries across five continents around the world.WEB,www.airindia.com/in/en/destinations/route-map.html, Route Map, Air India, 16 December 2023, Its primary hub is located at Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, and it has a secondary hub at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai.NEWS, Kumar, Akshay, 1 October 2015, Air India to develop Mumbai as its secondary hub,www.financialexpress.com/india-news/air-india-to-develop-mumbai-as-its-secondary-hub-3/148782/, The Financial Express (India), The Financial Express, 1 June 2023, Air India operates some of the world’s longest non-stop flights.WEB, Air India AI 176 Flight Details, Notes, History,www.flightstats.com/v2/flight-details/AI/176, live,web.archive.org/web/20230127051446/https://www.flightstats.com/v2/flight-details/AI/176?year=2023&month=1&date=27&flightId=1128198930, 27 January 2023, 27 January 2023, FlightStats, en,

Alliance

Air India became the 27th member of Star Alliance on 11 July 2014.NEWS, Young, Kathryn M.,atwonline.com/finance-data/air-india-join-star-alliance-july-11, Air India to join Star Alliance July 11 | Finance & Data content from, ATWOnline, 25 June 2014, 6 August 2014, live,atwonline.com/finance-data/air-india-join-star-alliance-july-11," title="web.archive.org/web/20140715072220atwonline.com/finance-data/air-india-join-star-alliance-july-11,">web.archive.org/web/20140715072220atwonline.com/finance-data/air-india-join-star-alliance-july-11, 15 July 2014, NEWS, Air India to join Star Alliance in 2014,www.staralliance.com/en/press/ceb1-prp/,www.staralliance.com/en/press/ceb1-prp/," title="web.archive.org/web/20131216081629www.staralliance.com/en/press/ceb1-prp/,">web.archive.org/web/20131216081629www.staralliance.com/en/press/ceb1-prp/, 16 December 2013, Star Alliance, 23 March 2014,

Codeshare agreements

Air India has codeshare agreements with the following airlines:WEB, Global Booking Partners,www.airindia.com/in/en/destinations/partner-airlines/booking-partners.html, 2 December 2023, airindia.com, {{div col|colwidth=17em}}

• Air India Express (Subsidiary)
• Air Mauritius
• All Nippon Airways (begins 23 May 2024)WEB,www.aeroroutes.com/eng/240423-nhaicodeshare, Air India / ANA begins codeshare partnership from May 2024, AeroRoutes, 23 April 2024,
• Asiana Airlines
• Avianca
• Croatia Airlines
• Egyptair
• Ethiopian Airlines
• EVA Air
• Hong Kong Airlines
• LOT Polish Airlines
• Lufthansa
• Singapore Airlines
• SriLankan Airlines
• Swiss International Air Lines
• TAP Air Portugal
• United Airlines

{{div col end}}

Interline agreements

• Alaska AirlinesNEWS,www.businesstoday.in/industry/aviation/story/air-india-enters-into-interline-partnership-with-alaska-airlines-for-32-destinations-in-us-mexico-canada-404550-2023-11-04, Air India enters into interline partnership with Alaska Airlines for 32 destinations in US, Mexico, Canada, Business Today, 4 November 2023, 4 November 2023,
• Bangkok AirwaysNEWS,timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/air-india-enters-into-interline-partnership-with-bangkok-airways/articleshow/103479402.cms, Air India enters into interline partnership with Bangkok Airways, The Times of India, 7 September 2023, 7 September 2023,

Fleet

{{Multiple image| direction = vertical| image1 = VT-ESC_A320-232_Air_India_(5598504534).jpg| caption1 = Air India Airbus A320| image2 = VT-ANL_Boeing_788_Air_India_(13894940893).jpgBoeing 787>Boeing 787-8| image3 = Boeing 777-237(LR) Air India VT-ALD, LHR London, England (Heathrow Airport), United Kingdom PP1369760077.jpg| caption3 = Air India Boeing 777-200LR| image4 = Air India 777-300ER VT-ALL.jpg| caption4 = Air India Boeing 777-300ER}}{{As of|2024|04}}, Air India operates a fleet of 133 aircraft, both narrowbody and widebody aircraft with a fleet composed of Airbus A319, A320, A320neo, A321, A321neo, A350 as well as the Boeing 777 and Boeing 787.WEB, Fleet Details,www.airindia.com/in/en/experience/airindia-fleet.html, Air India, 31 December 2023,

Fleet information

In 1932, Air India started operations with De Havilland Puss Moth. On 21 February 1960, Air India International inducted its first Boeing 707–420 named Gauri Shankar (registered VT-DJJ), thereby becoming the first Asian airline to induct a jet aircraft in its fleet. In 1971, the airline took delivery of its first Boeing 747-200B named Emperor Ashoka (registered VT-EBD) In 1986, Air India took delivery of its first Airbus A310-300. On 4 August 1993, Air India took the delivery of its first Boeing 747-400 named Konark (registered VT-ESM).WEB, VT-ESM Air India Boeing 747–437,www.planespotters.net/Production_List/Boeing/747/27078,VT-ESM-Air-India.php, PlaneSpotters, 11 February 2013, 27 May 2013,www.planespotters.net/Production_List/Boeing/747/27078,VT-ESM-Air-India.php," title="web.archive.org/web/20130527014914www.planespotters.net/Production_List/Boeing/747/27078,VT-ESM-Air-India.php,">web.archive.org/web/20130527014914www.planespotters.net/Production_List/Boeing/747/27078,VT-ESM-Air-India.php, dead, In 1989, Indian Airlines introduced the Airbus A320-200 aircraft, which Air India now uses to operate both domestic and international short haul flights. In 2005, Indian Airlines introduced the smaller A319, which is now used mainly on domestic and regional routes. After the merger in 2007, Air India inducted the A321, to operate mainly on international short-haul routes and leased the Airbus A330s to operate on medium-long haul international routes. The airline’s first Boeing 777-200LR aircraft was delivered on 26 July 2007, which was named Andhra Pradesh.WEB, VT-ALA Air India Boeing 777–237(LR),www.planespotters.net/Production_List/Boeing/777/36300,VT-ALA-Air-India.php, PlaneSpotters, 11 February 2013, 1 December 2012,www.planespotters.net/Production_List/Boeing/777/36300,VT-ALA-Air-India.php," title="web.archive.org/web/20121201033118www.planespotters.net/Production_List/Boeing/777/36300,VT-ALA-Air-India.php,">web.archive.org/web/20121201033118www.planespotters.net/Production_List/Boeing/777/36300,VT-ALA-Air-India.php, dead, Air India received its first Boeing 777-300ER aircraft on 9 October 2007 and the aircraft was named as Bihar.WEB, VT-ALJ Air India Boeing 777–337(ER),www.planespotters.net/Production_List/Boeing/777/36308,VT-ALJ-Air-India.php, PlaneSpotters, 11 February 2013, 1 January 2013,www.planespotters.net/Production_List/Boeing/777/36308,VT-ALJ-Air-India.php," title="web.archive.org/web/20130101041743www.planespotters.net/Production_List/Boeing/777/36308,VT-ALJ-Air-India.php,">web.archive.org/web/20130101041743www.planespotters.net/Production_List/Boeing/777/36308,VT-ALJ-Air-India.php, dead, Air India received its first Boeing 787 dreamliner aircraft on 6 September 2012 and commenced flights on 19 September 2012.NEWS,www.ibnlive.com/news/india/air-indias-dreamliner-to-be-in-service-from-sep-19-507222.html, Air India’s Dreamliner to be in service from Sep 19, 13 September 2012, IBN live, 13 September 2012, Air India One is the call sign of any Air India aircraft carrying the Prime Minister, President or the Vice-President.NEWS, Air India One, Seat No 59G,www.indianexpress.com/news/air-india-one-seat-no-59g/687970/1, The Indian Express, 9 April 2011, 26 September 2010, NEWS, Manmohan Singh to travel in Air India One Agra,www.topnews.in/manmohan-singh-travel-air-india-one-agra-2238677, Topnews.in, 26 September 2010, 9 April 2011, NEWS, April 1 date for President with business jets,zeenews.india.com/nation/2009-03-16/515323news.html,zeenews.india.com/nation/2009-03-16/515323news.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20120523183547zeenews.india.com/nation/2009-03-16/515323news.html,">web.archive.org/web/20120523183547zeenews.india.com/nation/2009-03-16/515323news.html, 23 May 2012, 8 April 2011, Zee News, 16 March 2009, Though the call-sign of Air India is used, these flights are operated on customized Boeing 777-300ER aircraft owned by Indian Air Force and maintained by Air India on a special contract.NEWS, Raj, Ashoke, 14 August 2020, Contingents of Air India, IAF, govt officials and security personnel leave for US to collect VVIP aircraft ‘Air India One’,www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/contingents-of-air-india-iaf-govt-officials-and-security-personnel-leave-for-us-to-collect-vvip-aircraft-air-india-one20200814180112/, 25 September 2021, ANI News,

Fleet restructuring

(File:Air India A350 - 900.png|thumb|Air India’s first Airbus A350-900.)As a part of the financial restructuring, Air India sold five of its eight Boeing 777-200LR aircraft to Etihad Airways in December 2013. According to the airline, plans for introducing ultra-long flights with service to Seattle, San Francisco and Los Angeles were cancelled due to factors like high fuel prices and weak demand.NEWS, PTI, Air India firms up deal to sell five Boeing 777 to Etihad,www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/air-india-firms-up-deal-to-sell-five-boeing-777-to-etihad/article5433602.ece, 25 April 2014, The Hindu, 7 December 2013, In April 2014, the airline decided to sell its remaining three Boeing 777-200LRs as well, citing higher operating costs.NEWS, Choudury, Santanu, Air India to Sell Rest of 777-200 Fleet,www.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702303825604579515153204933772, 25 April 2014, The Wall Street Journal, 21 April 2014, On 24 April 2014, Air India issued a tender for leasing 14 Airbus A320 aircraft for up to six years, to strengthen its domestic network.NEWS, Air India seeks to lease 14 Airbus A320 aircraft,in.reuters.com/article/2014/04/24/uk-airindia-tender-idINKBN0DA0QX20140424, 25 April 2014, Reuters, 24 April 2014, 26 April 2014,in.reuters.com/article/2014/04/24/uk-airindia-tender-idINKBN0DA0QX20140424," title="web.archive.org/web/20140426215200in.reuters.com/article/2014/04/24/uk-airindia-tender-idINKBN0DA0QX20140424,">web.archive.org/web/20140426215200in.reuters.com/article/2014/04/24/uk-airindia-tender-idINKBN0DA0QX20140424, dead, By April 2024, Air India has sold four of its last remaining Boeing 747-400 jumbo jets US company AerSale. Two will be converted into freighters and two will be scrapped.WEB, air india: Air India bids adieu to ‘your palace in the sky’,economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/air-india-bids-adieu-to-your-palace-in-the-sky/articleshow/109382236.cms, 2024-04-18, The Economic Times,

New aircraft orders

File:A350&B777x.jpg|thumb|AI’s first A350 alongside its future companion, the Boeing 777X that the airline has ordered in early 2023 during the Paris Air ShowParis Air ShowOn 11 January 2006, Air India announced an order for 68 jets â€“ 8 Boeing 777-200LR, 15 Boeing 777-300ER, 18 Boeing 737-800 and 27 Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners. The eighteen Boeing 737s ordered were later transferred to Air India Express and Air India took delivery of the dream liners.NEWS, Business Standard,www.business-standard.com/india/news/all-27-dreamliners-to-be-delivered-by-2016/186440/on, All 27 Dreamliners to be delivered by 2016, 1 July 2012, 13 September 2012, On 14 February 2023, Air India announced an order for 470 aircraft with Airbus and Boeing consisting of 210 A320neo family, 40 A350, 190 737 MAX, 20 787-9 and 10 777-9 aircraft for US$70 billion with deliveries beginning late 2023.

Services

{{Multiple image|direction= vertical|image1=Air India 2.jpg|caption1=Business Class seats on board the Boeing 777-200LR/777-300ER|image2=29-APR-2023 - AI154 VIE-DEL (B787-8 - VT-ANV) (02).jpg|caption2=Air India economy class in-flight meal}}

Cabin

The Boeing 777-200LRs/777-300ERs that have operated with Air India since before its privatization have a three-class configuration with first, business, and economy class.WEB, SeatGuru Seat Map Air India,www.seatguru.com/airlines/Air_India/Air_India_Boeing_777-200LR.php, 2024-01-31, www.seatguru.com, These include the carrier’s older, 2-3-2 business class cabins and 3-3-3 economy class cabins. Following privatisation, Air India began operating ex-Delta 777-200LRs on certain routes to North America, which allowed for the airline to introduce Premium Economy (using Delta’s Premium Select product).WEB, Schlappig, Ben, 2022-12-15, Air India Starts Flying Former Delta 777-200LRs,onemileatatime.com/news/air-india-delta-777/, 2024-01-30, One Mile at a Time, en-US, The introduction of ex-Etihad 777-300ERs on routes to London-Heathrow{{cn|date=April 2024}} introduced a third product type within the carrier’s fleet (though Premium Economy product is still limited to the ex-Delta 777s).Air India’s Boeing 787 Dreamliners have a similar product to its older 777s but do not have first class, opting for a two-class configuration with a 2-2-2 business class and economy class.In January 2024, the airline introduced its first Airbus A350 on select domestic services.WEB, 2024-01-01, Air India A350 bookings open: Check schedule, routes of the wide-body plane,www.hindustantimes.com/business/air-india-airbus-a350-bookings-open-check-schedule-routes-of-the-wide-body-plane-101704105864085.html, 2024-01-31, Hindustan Times, en, Within its A320ceo fleet, which primarily serves domestic and regional international services, only business and economy class are offered,WEB, SeatGuru Seat Map Air India,www.seatguru.com/airlines/Air_India/Air_India_Airbus_A319_V1.php, 2024-01-31, www.seatguru.com, with some aircraft, including newly delivered A320/321neo aircraft having only economy class.

In-flight entertainment

Air India’s widebody fleet is equipped with personal on-demand in-flight entertainment systems on which passengers can choose from available content. This varies from the Thales i5000 on the legacy 777 product, the Thales i8000 on the 787-8s, to the Panasonic eX3 on the A350-900 and ex-Delta 777-200LRs.WEB, Mukhi, Karun, 19 February 2024, Air India transforms 777-200LR IFE with new GUI, content and map,runwaygirlnetwork.com/2024/02/air-india-777-200lr-ife/, live, 20 May 2024, Runway Girl Network, The legacy 777 and 787 product will be replaced with Thales’ Avant Up system. Thales will also linefit the as of yet-to-be-delivered 787-9s and further deliveries of the A350-900 with the same system.WEB, 19 February 2024, AIR INDIA SELECTS THALES’ AVANT UP IN-FLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT TO ELEVATE EXPERIENCE FOR ITS PASSENGERS,www.thalesgroup.com/en/worldwide/aerospace/press_release/air-india-selects-thales-flight-entertainment-elevate-experience, live, 20 May 2024, Thales Group, Namaste.ai is the current in-flight magazine published in English by Air India.WEB, 25 July 2023, Air India launches in-flight magazine namaste.ai,indianexpress.com/article/business/aviation/air-india-launches-in-flight-magazine-namaste-ai-8859773/, live, 20 May 2024, The Indian Express, It replaced Shubh Yatra (meaning Happy Journey), which was a bilingual in-flight magazine published in English and Hindi.NEWS, Air India to now have a new in-flight bi-lingual magazine,economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/air-india-to-now-have-a-new-in-flight-bi-lingual-magazine/articleshow/18403161.cms, The Economic Times, 9 February 2013, 8 February 2013, live,economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/air-india-to-now-have-a-new-in-flight-bi-lingual-magazine/articleshow/18403161.cms," title="web.archive.org/web/20170823134650economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/air-india-to-now-have-a-new-in-flight-bi-lingual-magazine/articleshow/18403161.cms,">web.archive.org/web/20170823134650economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/air-india-to-now-have-a-new-in-flight-bi-lingual-magazine/articleshow/18403161.cms, 23 August 2017,

Frequent flyer programme

Flying Returns is Air India’s frequent-flyer programme. It was India’s first frequent flyer programme and is shared by Air India and its subsidiaries. A member can earn mileage points and redeem them during future travel. On higher fares, passengers will earn bonus miles and clock mileage points.WEB, About Flying Returns,www.airindia.com/in/en/flying-returns.html, Air India, 29 January 2013,

Missions

As the flag carrier, Air India is often involved in the evacuation of civilians during wars. The airline entered the Guinness Book of World Records for the most people evacuated by civil airliner. Over 111,000 people were evacuated from Amman to Mumbai, a distance of {{convert|4117|km}}, by operating 488 flights from 13 August to 11 October 1990  â€“ lasting 59 days. The operation was carried out during Persian Gulf War to evacuate Indian expatriates from Kuwait and Iraq.WEB,www.thisismyindia.com/air-line/airindia.html, Air India, History of Air India, Air India Flight Services, Air India International, Passenger Operations, Awards in Air India, Thisismyindia.com, 10 June 2010, live,thisismyindia.com/air-line/airindia.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20091231062841thisismyindia.com/air-line/airindia.html,">web.archive.org/web/20091231062841thisismyindia.com/air-line/airindia.html, 31 December 2009, WEB, Venkataramakrishnan, Rohan, The Berlin airlift was remarkable, but the largest civilian evacuation in history is by India, Scroll.in, 2 July 2014,scroll.in/article/668866/the-berlin-airlift-during-ww-ii-was-remarkable-but-the-largest-civilian-airlift-was-by-india, 11 April 2015, live,scroll.in/article/668866/the-berlin-airlift-during-ww-ii-was-remarkable-but-the-largest-civilian-airlift-was-by-india," title="web.archive.org/web/20150416192358scroll.in/article/668866/the-berlin-airlift-during-ww-ii-was-remarkable-but-the-largest-civilian-airlift-was-by-india,">web.archive.org/web/20150416192358scroll.in/article/668866/the-berlin-airlift-during-ww-ii-was-remarkable-but-the-largest-civilian-airlift-was-by-india, 16 April 2015, WEB,www.thebetterindia.com/15179/heres-need-know-largest-air-evacuation-history-india/, Did You Know That The Largest Air Evacuation in History Was Done By India?, 18 February 2015, The Better India, 6 March 2016, live,www.thebetterindia.com/15179/heres-need-know-largest-air-evacuation-history-india/," title="web.archive.org/web/20160305062841www.thebetterindia.com/15179/heres-need-know-largest-air-evacuation-history-india/,">web.archive.org/web/20160305062841www.thebetterindia.com/15179/heres-need-know-largest-air-evacuation-history-india/, 5 March 2016, NEWS,timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Airlift-Akshay-Kumars-next-a-thriller-of-the-biggest-human-evacuation/articleshow/40364005.cms, Airlift: Akshay Kumar’s next a thriller of the biggest human evacuation, The Times of India, 19 December 2012, live,timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Airlift-Akshay-Kumars-next-a-thriller-of-the-biggest-human-evacuation/articleshow/40364005.cms," title="web.archive.org/web/20160111163459timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Airlift-Akshay-Kumars-next-a-thriller-of-the-biggest-human-evacuation/articleshow/40364005.cms,">web.archive.org/web/20160111163459timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Airlift-Akshay-Kumars-next-a-thriller-of-the-biggest-human-evacuation/articleshow/40364005.cms, 11 January 2016, The event was later featured in the film Airlift.WEB,www.news18.com/news/india/mathunny-mathews-the-real-life-hero-of-airlift-dies-in-kuwait-1407625.html, Mathunny Mathews, the Real-life Hero of ‘Airlift’, Dies in Kuwait, 21 May 2017, News 18, In February–March 2011, Air India evacuated more than 15,000 Indian nationals during the Libyan civil war.NEWS,www.indiatoday.in/india/story/times-when-india-successfully-evacuated-its-citizens-during-crisis-2448179-2023-10-12, Times when India evacuated its citizens during crisis, India Today, 1 December 2023, 12 October 2023, In March–April 2015, the airline was involved in Operation Raahat during the Yemeni civil war. In August 2021, Air India evacuated 669 people under Operation Devi Shakti from war-torn Afghanistan during the 2021 Taliban offensive.NEWS,www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/air-india-flight-with-78-people-evacuated-from-afghanistan-lands-in-delhi-101629774345596.html, Air India flight with 78 people evacuated from Afghanistan lands in Delhi, Hindustan Times, 24 August 2021, 1 December 2023, In February 2022, Air India evacuated Indian citizens from Russia and Ukraine as a part of Operation Ganga during the Russo-Ukrainian War.NEWS,www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-60474292, Air India: India begins evacuating citizens from Ukraine, BBC, 22 February 2022, 1 December 2023, In October 2023, the airline evacuated people from Israel during the 2023 Israel–Hamas war as a part of Operation Ajay.NEWS,www.thehindu.com/news/national/operation-ajay-air-india-flight-from-israel-to-arrive-in-delhi-on-october-13-morning/article67413871.ece, India evacuates 212 citizens from Israel in first Operation Ajay flight, The Hindu, 1 December 2023, 23 October 2023,

Awards and recognitions

• Preferred International Airline for travel and hospitality from Awaz Consumer Awards (2006)NEWS,www.hindu.com/2006/07/21/stories/2006072102901809.htm, Air India bags Awaz consumer awards 2006, The Hindu, 21 July 2006, 30 August 2010, Chennai, India,
• Best Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative by Galileo Express Travel WorldNEWS,home.airindia.in/SBCMS/Webpages/Backgrounder-Note.aspx?MID=196,home.airindia.in/SBCMS/Webpages/Backgrounder-Note.aspx?MID=196," title="web.archive.org/web/20100222084408home.airindia.in/SBCMS/Webpages/Backgrounder-Note.aspx?MID=196,">web.archive.org/web/20100222084408home.airindia.in/SBCMS/Webpages/Backgrounder-Note.aspx?MID=196, 22 February 2010, Air India on the upswing, Air India, 10 June 2010,
• Best Short-Haul International Airline by Galileo Express Travel World (2008)
• Corporate Excellence Award by Amity University (2006)
• Trusted Brand by Reader’s Digest (2006)
• Dun and Bradstreet Award (D&B), first in terms of revenue out of the top airline companies out of India (2006)
• Best South Asian Airline, Mice and business travel publications (2006)
• Cargo Airline of the Year, 26th Cargo Airline of the Year AwardsNEWS,home.airindia.in/SBCMS/Webpages/cargo-wins.aspx,home.airindia.in/SBCMS/Webpages/cargo-wins.aspx," title="web.archive.org/web/20090504082932home.airindia.in/SBCMS/Webpages/cargo-wins.aspx,">web.archive.org/web/20090504082932home.airindia.in/SBCMS/Webpages/cargo-wins.aspx, 4 May 2009, Air India Cargo wins ‘Cargo Airline’ Award, Air India, 29 April 2009, 10 June 2010,
• Montreal Protocol Public Awareness Award by the United Nations for environmental protectionNEWS,m.moneycontrol.com/news/business/air-india-gets-montreal-protocol-public-awareness-award_303164.html, Air India bags UN Environment Award, Money Control, 30 August 2010, 14 September 2007,
• Air India was named India’s most trusted airline by The Brand Trust Report 2015.BOOK, The Brand Trust Report India Study 2015, Chandramouli, TRA, 2015, 978-81-920823-8-7, 182,

Air India’s ground services became the first ground service provider to acquire ISO 9002 certification on 31 January 2001.NEWS,www.rediff.com/business/1999/may/13airin1.htm, Air India gets ISO 9002 certification, 13 May 1999, Rediff, 6 March 2016, WEB,www.airindia.in/introduction.htm, Introduction to Air India, Air India, 6 March 2016,

Accidents and incidents

{{See also|Air_India_Express#Accidents_and_incidents|label 1=Air India Express – Accidents and incidents}}As of January 2024, Air India has been involved in ten fatal crashes, two of which were caused by acts of terrorism.

• On 27 December 1947, a Douglas C-48C (registered VT-AUG) carrying nineteen passengers and four crew en route from Karachi to Bombay, crashed at Korangi Creek due to loss of control following instrument failure, killing all on board. This was the airline’s first fatal accident. The aircraft had been notorious for electrical problems and had an unusual number of instrument replacements.{{ASN accident|title=VT-AUG|id=19471227-0|access-date=1 December 2023}}
• On 3 November 1950, Air India Flight 245, a Lockheed L-749 Constellation (registered VT-CQP, Malabar Princess) carrying forty passengers and eight crew on a flight from Bombay to London via Cairo and Geneva, crashed on Mont Blanc in France, killing all on board.WEB,ghmorel.free.fr/malpag/synus.html, Malabar Princess, 17 June 2009, live,ghmorel.free.fr/malpag/synus.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20110720221455ghmorel.free.fr/malpag/synus.html,">web.archive.org/web/20110720221455ghmorel.free.fr/malpag/synus.html, 20 July 2011, dmy-all, WEB,www.montblanc.to/uk/glacier/texte4.html, The ‘Malabar Princess’ Catastrophe, 17 June 2009,www.montblanc.to/uk/glacier/texte4.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20090620064252www.montblanc.to/uk/glacier/texte4.html,">web.archive.org/web/20090620064252www.montblanc.to/uk/glacier/texte4.html, 20 June 2009,
• On 13 December 1950, a Douglas C-47B (registered VT-CFK) carrying 17 passengers and four crew from Bombay to Coimbatore, crashed into high ground near Kotagiri due to a navigational error, killing all on board.{{ASN accident|title=VT-CFK|id=19501213-1|access-date=13 September 2015}}
• On 15 September 1951, a Douglas C-47A (registered VT-CCA) lost control and crashed on takeoff from HAL Bangalore Airport with the autopilot turned on, killing a crew member; all 23 passengers survived.{{ASN accident|title=VT-CCA|id=19510915-0|access-date=1 December 2023}}
• On 9 May 1953, a Douglas C-47A (registered VT-AUD) crashed shortly after takeoff from Palam Airport following a loss of control due to pilot error, killing all thirteen passengers and five crew on board.{{ASN accident|title=VT-AUD|id=19530509-0|access-date=1 December 2023}}
• On 11 April 1955, Kashmir Princess, a Lockheed L-749A Constellation (registered VT-DEP) flying from Hong Kong to Jakarta, crashed while attempting a water landing post a mid-air bomb explosion in the right main landing gear bay, killing all eleven passengers and eight crew.{{ASN accident|title=VT-DEP|id=19550411-1|access-date=1 December 2023}}NEWS, Déjà vu from 30,000 ft,timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/sunday-times/deep-focus/Dj-vu-from-30000-ft/articleshow/45747222.cms, The Times of India, 4 January 2015, 6 March 2016, live,timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/sunday-times/deep-focus/Dj-vu-from-30000-ft/articleshow/45747222.cms," title="web.archive.org/web/20160607212935timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/sunday-times/deep-focus/Dj-vu-from-30000-ft/articleshow/45747222.cms,">web.archive.org/web/20160607212935timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/sunday-times/deep-focus/Dj-vu-from-30000-ft/articleshow/45747222.cms, 7 June 2016,
• On 19 July 1959 Rani of Aera, a Lockheed L-1049G Super Constellation (registered VT-DIN) carrying 46 people (39 passengers and seven crew) crashed on approach to Santacruz airport, Bombay in poor visibility conditions due to rain. There were no fatalities but the aircraft suffered damage beyond repair and was written off.{{ASN accident|title=VT-DIN|id=19590719-0|access-date=1 December 2023}}

File:Air India Memorial.jpg|thumb|upright|The Air India Memorial in Toronto, Ontario, Canada dedicated to the victims of Air India Flight 182Air India Flight 182

• On 24 January 1966, Air India Flight 101 Kanchenjunga, a Boeing 707-420 (registered VT-DMN) carrying 117 people (106 passengers and 11 crew) crashed on Mont Blanc, France killing all on board including Indian scientist Homi J. Bhabha.NEWS,www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/india/9509958/Diplomatic-post-bag-from-1966-Indian-plane-crash-found-on-Mont-Blanc.html, Diplomatic post bag from 1966 Indian plane crash found on Mont Blanc, The Daily Telegraph, 22 August 2012, 28 November 2013, live,www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/india/9509958/Diplomatic-post-bag-from-1966-Indian-plane-crash-found-on-Mont-Blanc.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20131203232542www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/india/9509958/Diplomatic-post-bag-from-1966-Indian-plane-crash-found-on-Mont-Blanc.html,">web.archive.org/web/20131203232542www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/india/9509958/Diplomatic-post-bag-from-1966-Indian-plane-crash-found-on-Mont-Blanc.html, 3 December 2013,
• On 25 December 1974, Air India Flight 105, a Boeing 747-237B (registered VT-EBE), flying from Santacruz airport, Bombay to New York JFK, with stops at Beirut, Rome, and Paris was hijacked by a 31-year-old male passenger, while flying on the Beirut-Rome leg. The crew was able to subdue the hijacker, who was handed over to top Italian police officers after landing.{{ASN accident|title=VT-EBE|id=19741225-3|access-date=1 December 2023}}
• On 1 January 1978, Air India Flight 855 Emperor Ashoka, a Boeing 747-200B (registered VT-EBD) crashed into the Arabian Sea post taking off from Bombay after the pilot became disorientated due to instrument failure, killing all 190 passengers and 23 crew on board.
• On 21 June 1982, Air India Flight 403 Gouri Shankar, a Boeing 707-420 (registered VT-DJJ) carrying 99 passengers and 12 crew from Kuala Lumpur to Bombay via Madras crashed while landing at Sahar airport during a rainstorm. The fuselage broke apart and seventeen people including two crew members were killed.WEB,www.airdisaster.com/cgi-bin/view_details.cgi?date=06221982®=VT-DJJ&airline=Air+India, Accident Database: Accident Synopsis 06221982, Airdisaster.com, 30 August 2010,www.airdisaster.com/cgi-bin/view_details.cgi?date=06221982®=VT-DJJ&airline=Air+India," title="web.archive.org/web/20100811193649www.airdisaster.com/cgi-bin/view_details.cgi?date=06221982®=VT-DJJ&airline=Air+India,">web.archive.org/web/20100811193649www.airdisaster.com/cgi-bin/view_details.cgi?date=06221982®=VT-DJJ&airline=Air+India, 11 August 2010, usurped, WEB,www.airsafe.com/events/airlines/ain.htm, Fatal Events Since 1970 for Air India, Airsafe.com, 30 August 2010, live,www.airsafe.com/events/airlines/ain.htm," title="web.archive.org/web/20100223015026www.airsafe.com/events/airlines/ain.htm,">web.archive.org/web/20100223015026www.airsafe.com/events/airlines/ain.htm, 23 February 2010,
• On 28 January 1983, Air India Flight 306 Emperor Kanishka, a Boeing 747-200B (registered VT-EFO), collided with an Indian Airlines Airbus A300 after landing at Palam Airport, Delhi with the plane suffering substantial damage.{{ASN accident|title=VT-EFO|id=19830128-1|access-date=1 December 2023}}
• On 2 June 1984, Air India flight 315, a Boeing 747-200B, flying from Bangkok to Delhi with 314 passengers and crew, suffered a No 4 engine fire five minutes after takeoff. While the fire extinguishers were armed, the fire persisted, forcing the plane to dump fuel and land at Bangkok Don Muang Airport. The fire was caused by a fuel leak on the left forward side of the engine near the air to fuel convertor valve. The plane was later repaired and put back to service. WEB,aviation-safety.net/asndb/327426, VT-EDU, Aviation Safety Network,
• On 23 June 1985, Air India Flight 182, a Boeing 747-200B (registered VT-EFO), was blown up in mid-air by a suitcase-bomb planted by Babbar Khalsa terrorists on the first leg of its Montreal-London-Delhi-Bombay flight. The aircraft exploded off the coast of Cork, Ireland in the Atlantic Ocean killing all 307 passengers and 22 crew on board.NEWS,www.cbc.ca/news/airindia/, Indepth: Air India, CBC News, 8 May 2007,www.cbc.ca/news/airindia/," title="web.archive.org/web/20070506221356www.cbc.ca/news/airindia/,">web.archive.org/web/20070506221356www.cbc.ca/news/airindia/, 6 May 2007,
• On 7 May 1990, Air India Flight 132 Emperor Vikramaditya, a Boeing 747-200B (registered VT-EBO) flying on the London-Delhi-Bombay route carrying 215 people (195 passengers and 20 crew) caught fire on touch down at Delhi airport due to a failure of an engine pylon-to-wing attachment. There were no fatalities but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair and written off.{{ASN accident|title=VT-EBO|id=19900507-0|access-date=1 December 2023}}
• On 30 July 2005, Air India Flight 127, a Boeing 747-400, flying from HAL Airport, Bangalore skidded while landing at Mumbai damaging the nose wheel landing gear after hitting a few runway lights. While there were no injuries, the plane sustained damage and was taken off service for repairs.NEWS,www.hindustantimes.com/india/ai-plane-skids-off-runway/story-knm5uKinB2frFFlW1vKo5H.html, AI plane skids off runway, 30 July 2005, 1 December 2023, Hindustan Times, NEWS,www.rediff.com/news/2005/jul/30airport1.htm, A-I pilot did not brake hard: Patel, 30 July 2005, 1 December 2023, Rediff,
• On September 4, 2009, During the pre-takeoff phase at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai, Air India Flight 829, a Boeing 747-400 (registered as VT-ESM), experienced an engine fire. As a result, the aircraft was declared a total loss, and 21 of the 229 individuals on board were injured while evacuating.{{ASN accident|title=VT-ESM|id=20090904-0|access-date=1 December 2023}}
• On 28 May 2012, Air India flight 112, a Boeing 777-200LR (registered VT-ALH), suffered damage to the nose radar dome and left engine cowling on landing at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai following a flight from London Heathrow. The cause of the damage could not be determined, but the aircraft was withdrawn from service to be repaired. The Boeing 777 returned to service in January 2015 after repairs and test flight were completed.WEB,aviation-safety.net/asndb/320930, ASN Aircraft accident Boeing 777 VT-ALH Mumbai International Airport, Aviation Safety Network, 28 April 2024, WEB,www.bangaloreaviation.com/2014/03/air-india-cannibalises-777-named-maharashtra-shivajis-airport.html, Exclusive photos: Air India strips its newest Boeing 777-200LR,
• On 5 January 2014, Air India flight 890, an Airbus A320 (registered VT-ESH), flying from Imphal to Delhi via Guwahati was diverted to Jaipur Airport due to heavy fog in Delhi. The rear tire of the plane burst during landing, damaging the right wing. While there were no fatalities among 173 passengers and 6 crew, the 20 year old Airbus suffered severe damage and was written off. WEB, ASN Aircraft accident Airbus A320-231 VT-ESH Jaipur International Airport,aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20140105-2, Aviation Safety Network, 25 March 2015, NEWS, First person account: Air India passenger on Guwahati-Delhi flight recounts horror : India, News - India Today,indiatoday.intoday.in/story/air-india-flight-delhi-to-jaipur-airbus-a320-burst-tyre/1/334802.html, 25 March 2015, 7 January 2014, India Today,
• On 17 December 2015, an Air India technician was killed in a freak accident at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai after being sucked into the engine of an Airbus A320 during pushback when the co-pilot mistook a signal and started the engine.NEWS, Chowdhury, Anirban, 17 December 2015, Air India technician dies in freak accident, The Economic Times,economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/air-india-technician-dies-in-freak-accident/articleshow/50209907.cms, 7 December 2019,
• On 11 September 2018, Air India flight 101, a Boeing 777-300ER (registered VT-ALQ), operating from New Delhi to New York JFK airport, suffered multiple instrument failures and was unable to perform an ILS approach into any airport. Because of bad weather, the flight had to hold, resulting in a critical low fuel situation as well. The flight was able to divert to Newark, where it landed safely.WEB,www.ndtv.com/india-news/multiple-failures-low-fuel-zero-visibility-the-inside-story-of-air-india-flight-101-1922754, Multiple Failures, Low Fuel, Zero Visibility: The Inside Story of Air India Flight 101,

See also

• List of airlines of India
• List of airports in India
• Transport in India

References

{{reflist|25em}}

External links

{{Commons category}}

• {{official website}}
• {{Twitter}}

{{Air India}}{{Tata Group}}{{Star Alliance}}{{Airlines of India}}{{IATA members|asia}}{{authority control}}