Air India is the national flag carrier of India, and one of the largest and oldest airlines in the country. Here is more detailed information on its history and operations.
History of Air India
Founding: Founded in 1932 by J.R.D. Tata as Tata Airlines, a division of Tata Sons, primarily to carry mail and passengers. It became Air India in 1946 after World War II.
Nationalisation: In 1953, the Government of India nationalised Air India, taking control of the airline into its hands. This led to its development as the country's international airline, while Indian Airlines focused on domestic routes.
Post-independence era: Air India became a symbol of Indian pride in the international aviation industry, known for its Maharaja mascot and superior service standards.
Challenges: The airline suffered losses in the early 2000s due to financial mismanagement, competition and outdated systems. The merger with Indian Airlines in 2007 and heavy debt further affected its performance.
Return to Tata: In 2021, after decades of financial struggles, the airline was privatized and bought back by its original founder Tata Sons. Since then, efforts have been made to modernize and revamp the airline.
Key Details Of Air India
Rank in India: One of India's largest and oldest airlines.
Owner: Tata Sons (acquired in 2021).
Funded by: Tata Group.
Founded in: 1932 (as Tata Airlines).
Started operations: 1932 (as Tata Airlines); rebranded as Air India in 1946.
Ownership: Publicly owned by the Tata Group.
Main hub: Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi (DEL).
Second hub: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai (BOM).
Headquarters: New Delhi, India.
Current Chairman: N. Chandrasekaran (till 2024).
Current CEO: Campbell Wilson (till 2024).
Current MD: Not specified; often the CEO also holds this title.
Total fleet: Around 120 aircraft (till 2024).
Total destinations: Over 90 (including domestic and international).
Type: Full-service airline.
IATA code: AI.
ICAO code: AIC.
New Orders: Air India had ordered including old and new over 200 aircraft with Boeing and Airbus.
Website:
Careers Page:
Operations and Services of Air India
• Air India operates a wide network of both domestic and international flights, offering full-service operations, including premium cabins (business and first class), dining, entertainment, and lounges for passengers.
• The airline provides in-flight dining, entertainment, and Wi-Fi on select routes. Its Flying Returns program rewards frequent flyers, while dedicated customer support ensures a seamless travel experience for all passengers.
Current Developments of Air India
• Under the ownership of Tata, Air India is undergoing a transformation, focusing on upgrading its fleet, improving customer service, and streamlining operations.
• Major aircraft orders with Airbus and Boeing are part of the renewal plan to make Air India a competitive global player.
• Air India is a member of Star Alliance, one of the largest global airline alliances providing expanded connectivity to passengers across the globe.
• In recent years, Air India has been going through a transformation to modernize its fleet and improve service quality, especially after its acquisition by Tata Sons.
Vision under Tata Group
The vision of Air India is to re-establish itself as a world-class airline in terms of both service and operational efficiency. With Tata's experience in the aviation and hospitality sectors, Air India is expected to leverage new synergies to provide a better travel experience and become a financially sustainable carrier.
