Air India, under the ownership of Tata Group, and Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) have announced a collaboration aimed at transforming Bengaluru into a leading aviation hub for southern India, aiming to enhance air travel connectivity to and from the region in the foreseeable future.
Air India, along with other Tata Group airlines such as AIX and Vistara, has joined forces with BIAL to enhance international connectivity, operational efficiency, and passenger satisfaction over the next five years. The agreement includes strengthening the group's footprint at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (KIAB or BLR airport), through an extended route network and the creation of a specialized domestic lounge serving premium and frequent travelers of Tata Group airlines, Air India, and Vistara.
Air India has further solidified its commitment to Bengaluru by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Government of Karnataka to establish comprehensive Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities at BLR airport. The move aims to bolster the airline's presence in the region and eventually expand its international reach to meet increasing demand for long-haul routes originating from Southern India. This partnership is anticipated to invigorate the MRO ecosystem and create more than 1,200 new job opportunities for skilled individuals in the state, as stated by the airline.
Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of Air India, said, "Airline-airport synergy is pivotal for enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency. Bengaluru serves as an attractive market for both origin and destination travel as well as a connecting hub. Hence, we are pleased to bolster our association with BIAL to augment our presence at the airport, expand air connectivity, and establish a significant MRO center. This partnership agreement marks a significant milestone in Air India's ongoing transformation".
Hari Marar, Managing Director and CEO of Bangalore International Airport Limited, remarked, "As the busiest airport in South India, BLR Airport is committed to strengthening its position as the primary international gateway in Southern and Central India. This collaboration perfectly aligns with the Ministry of Civil Aviation's vision of nurturing Indian airports as hubs, reflecting our dedication to enhancing the passenger experience. With over half of the international outbound travelers from Bengaluru and our catchment heading to Europe, North America, Australia, and the Far East, our alliance with Air India represents a substantial leap towards this objective. We aspire to capture a significant portion of long-haul routes from BLR Airport over the next five years".