Air India, under the stewardship of the Tata Group, is gearing up for an ambitious transformation in the aviation sector. With the aim of expanding its fleet to 400 aircraft by 2027, the airline is placing its focus squarely on bolstering its domestic and short-haul international operations by 2025. This plan aligns with a broader strategy to capture a larger market share in India’s fast-growing aviation industry while ensuring sustainability in the long term.
Currently, Air India and its subsidiary, Air India Express, operate approximately 300 aircraft. However, the airline’s chief executive officer, Campbell Wilson, has confirmed that a significant addition of narrow-body planes is underway. Simultaneously, Air India is set to commence the retrofitting of its legacy wide-body aircraft, including the Boeing 787s and 777s, starting in early 2025. This retrofit will improve long-haul capabilities while supporting the airline’s continued expansion in the short-haul market, which is expected to contribute significantly to its growth trajectory over the next two years. The airline’s growth is also marred by delays in the delivery of 50 white-tail Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. Originally expected by December 2024, these planes are now expected to join the fleet by mid-2025, with 35 already delivered. Despite these setbacks, the airline’s growth plans remain unaffected, as it maintains its dominant position in India’s domestic market with a 29% market share and an impressive 55% share on metro-to-metro routes.
While Air India’s expansion is promising, it is equally committed to sustainability. The airline’s retrofit program will ensure that older aircraft are upgraded to meet modern fuel-efficiency standards, which aligns with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions in aviation. The focus on narrow-body planes also reflects an industry trend towards more fuel-efficient, lower-emission aircraft that are better suited for regional and domestic routes, thus contributing to a greener future for air travel. Air India’s efforts to consolidate its operations, including the merger with Vistara and the integration of AIX Connect into Air India Express, are set to enhance operational efficiency, improve customer experience, and ultimately contribute to a more sustainable aviation ecosystem in India. For many Indians, the growth of Air India represents more than just an airline expansion—it is a symbol of progress and national pride. With a strengthened fleet, improved sustainability practices, and a commitment to passenger satisfaction, Air India is positioning itself to become a leader in the global aviation industry while meeting the needs of India’s increasingly mobile population.
