Air India Express to Increase Flights by 40 Percent, Focus on Domestic Network
Air India Express, a subsidiary of the Tata Group in the aviation sector, is set to expand its flight operations by 40 percent in the upcoming fiscal year. The focus will primarily be on enhancing its domestic route network rather than adding new destinations. While there are currently no plans to increase the number of new destinations, there may be a slight uptick in international flights in the future, as reported by sources. Notably, Air India Express boasts a fleet of 69 aircraft and conducts approximately 350 daily flights.
As per reports, the budget airline currently employs approximately 1,300 pilots, which includes 400 pilots from AirAsia India, with an additional 400 undergoing training. Sources suggest that Air India Express is planning to introduce flights to Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka in the upcoming summer schedule. Furthermore, it is anticipated that Air India Express will receive an order for 50 Boeing 737 Max aircraft by December this year, with around 13-14 already integrated into its fleet. Notably, Air India Express operates as a subsidiary of Air India.
According to sources, the airline anticipates finalizing the merger with AirAsia India by the second quarter of the upcoming fiscal year. Air India Express foresees that upon the completion of the merger, the entirety of AirAsia India's fleet will be included in its air operation permit by July-August this year. Presently, AirAsia India operates with three A320neo aircraft under its operation permit. In December, Air India Express announced the commencement of flights between Delhi and Ayodhya, which commenced on January 16 this year. Additionally, Air India operates numerous international flights.