Air India Express has achieved a significant milestone by adding its 100th aircraft to its fleet. This momentous occasion marks a new era of expansion and innovation for the airline, which continues to grow rapidly under the Tata Group’s leadership. The latest addition to the fleet, a Boeing 737-8, features exquisite ‘Chittara’ tail art inspired by Karnataka’s traditional mural painting and was flagged off from Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport—Air India Express’s largest hub.
Expanding Network and New Destinations
With the introduction of its 100th aircraft, Air India Express has significantly expanded its network, now operating over 445 flights per week from Bengaluru alone. The airline has also introduced Hindon (Ghaziabad, Delhi NCR) to its growing list of destinations, making it the first and only airline to serve two airports in the National Capital Region.
Since its acquisition by the Tata Group in January 2022, Air India Express has consistently expanded its reach, adding key domestic and international routes. Some of the new destinations introduced include Bangkok, Dibrugarh, Dimapur, Hindon, Jammu, Patna, Phuket, and Port Blair. This strategic expansion not only enhances connectivity but also solidifies Air India Express’s position as a leading carrier in India and beyond.
Fleet Growth and Modernization
The airline’s fleet has nearly doubled since its privatization, growing from 26 Boeing 737 NGs and 28 A320 aircraft to an impressive 100 aircraft. This expansion is part of a broader initiative to modernize the fleet, ensuring efficiency and sustainability. The addition of fuel-efficient Boeing 737-8 aircraft supports the airline’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint while offering passengers a superior flying experience.
Managing Director of Air India Express, Aloke Singh, expressed his pride in this achievement, stating: “In just over three years since privatisation, we integrated and merged the LCC airlines, while scaling up rapidly with a modern and fuel-efficient fleet, broad-basing our domestic network, and deepening and expanding our Middle East and Southeast Asia routes.”
Enhancing Passenger Experience
Beyond its expanding network and growing fleet, Air India Express has introduced several innovative services to enhance the passenger experience. These include:
- ‘Gourmair’ Hot Meals: A selection of delicious in-flight meals catering to various tastes.
- Xpress Biz Seats: Premium travel experience at affordable prices, offering additional comfort and amenities.
- Enhanced Loyalty Program: Rewarding frequent flyers with exciting benefits.
- XpressHolidays: Custom travel packages combining flights, stays, and activities for a seamless travel experience.
- Custom Fare Options: Four fare categories, including XpressLite, India’s only special fare for cabin baggage-only travelers.
These offerings reflect the airline’s commitment to customer satisfaction and a high-quality travel experience.
Celebrating India’s Artistic Heritage
A distinctive feature of Air India Express is its dedication to showcasing India’s rich artistic heritage. Each aircraft in the fleet is adorned with unique tail art under the ‘Tales of India’ theme. These designs celebrate traditional textile patterns and art forms such as Ajrakh, Bandhani, Banarasi, Ikat, Warli, and more.
The 100th aircraft proudly continues this tradition with its stunning Chittara art from Karnataka. Historically practiced by the Deewaru community, Chittara represents prosperity and celebration. Created using natural colors on mud-coated surfaces, this intricate art form reflects a deep connection to nature and culture. By incorporating these traditional elements into its fleet design, Air India Express pays homage to India’s rich artistic legacy while providing passengers with a visually captivating travel experience.
A Bright Future for Air India Express
With its expanding fleet, enhanced passenger offerings, and dedication to celebrating Indian culture, Air India Express is poised for a bright future. The airline’s rapid growth and commitment to innovation are setting new benchmarks in the aviation industry. As it continues to scale new heights, Air India Express remains a carrier of choice for millions of travelers, both within India and internationally.
With a passion for news writing and a deep interest in Journalism, Bowrna wants to write articles that create an impact. Not only writing, she also has a passion for voiceovers and also aspires to become a Radio Jockey in the future. When not writing, she likes to listen to songs and dance to her heart's content. She is proficient in English, Tamil and Hindi.
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