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Air India, once synonymous with India’s global aviation ambitions, is undergoing a sweeping transformation under the Tata Group’s stewardship. Central to this revival is the airline’s five-year Vihaan.AI plan, a comprehensive roadmap designed to restore Air India’s reputation, operational efficiency, and profitability. Vihaan.AI, meaning “dawn of a new era” in Sanskrit, sets clear milestones for the airline, focusing on fleet expansion, network growth, customer experience, and financial turnaround.
Launched in 2022, Vihaan.AI aims to secure a 30% share of India’s domestic market and significantly expand Air India’s international presence by 2027. The plan is structured in phases: the initial “Taxi” phase addressed legacy issues and laid the groundwork for growth, while the current “Take Off” phase is centered on building excellence through robust systems, technology upgrades, and customer-centric initiatives. The transformation is not just about numbers but about reimagining Air India as a world-class airline with a distinctly Indian heart, delivering reliability, innovation, and hospitality on a global scale.
Fleet Modernization:
At the core of Air India’s transformation is a massive fleet modernization drive. In the past 30 months, the airline’s fleet has grown by 40% to nearly 300 aircraft, with an unprecedented order of 570 new planes—including 80 widebody jets from Boeing and Airbus—currently in the pipeline. This expansion has enabled Air India to induct a new aircraft every six days, nearly doubling its weekly flights since September 2022 and expanding its market share from 12% to 23% by the end of 2024.
While awaiting new deliveries, Air India has embarked on a $400 million retrofit program to upgrade its 67 legacy aircraft, both single-aisle and twin-aisle. The retrofit includes installing new seats in a three-class configuration, modernizing interiors with fresh carpets, curtains, and lavatories, and introducing contemporary amenities such as USB chargers, device holders, and Wi-Fi. The narrow-body Airbus A320neo fleet, the backbone of Air India’s domestic and short-haul operations, is being progressively upgraded, with completion targeted by mid-2025. Widebody Boeing 787 and 777 aircraft, serving long-haul routes, will follow with similar upgrades as new certified seats are delivered.
The introduction of state-of-the-art A350-900 aircraft has already elevated Air India’s international offering, with premium economy and business class suites catering to discerning travelers on routes like New York, Newark, and London. The airline’s commitment to a world-class product is further underscored by plans to roll out new first-class suites on future A350-1000s, targeting high-demand intercontinental routes.
Customer Experience and Brand Reinvention:
Air India’s transformation extends well beyond hardware. The airline is investing in a completely revamped customer proposition, aiming to set new standards in service, reliability, and hospitality. The “There is an Air About India” campaign and the launch of the Maharaja Club loyalty program reflect a renewed focus on passenger engagement and brand identity. The Maharaja Club offers frequent flyers benefits such as award flights, extra baggage, complimentary upgrades, and lounge access, not only on Air India flights but also with Star Alliance partners.
Technology and operational excellence are equally prioritized. A $200 million investment in IT is enabling proactive maintenance, refined flight schedules, and improved on-time performance. The merger of AirAsia India and Air India Express, along with the integration of Vistara, has created a unified Air India Group with nearly 300 aircraft, streamlining operations and expanding the route network. Since the launch of Vihaan.AI, Air India has added 2,500 weekly flights, including 500 on international routes, and introduced new destinations, further strengthening its global footprint.
Profitability, Growth, and the Road Ahead:
Air India’s transformation is already yielding tangible financial results. The airline has reported a reduction in consolidated losses by over 50% year-on-year, with operating revenues rising by 25% to record levels. These improvements are attributed to increased capacity, higher load factors, and disciplined cost management—a testament to the effectiveness of the Vihaan.AI strategy.
Air India’s ambitions are firmly set on sustained growth and market leadership. The airline’s leadership, led by CEO Campbell Wilson, is committed to maintaining momentum, with the entire organization engaged through regular communication and feedback sessions. The focus remains on completing the retrofit of legacy aircraft by mid-2025, inducting new planes, and continuing to enhance customer experience and operational reliability.
The transformation journey is far from over, but Air India’s progress signals a new chapter in Indian aviation. With a modernized fleet, a refreshed brand, and a clear path to profitability, Air India is poised to reclaim its status as a global airline of choice—serving the world with a proudly Indian heart.
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