Kathmandu. Air India Express, a wholly owned subsidiary of Air India (AI), India’s private sector-promoted air service provider, under the Tata Group, has set a target of flying 30 million passengers in the coming financial year 2025-26.
The Tata Group is implementing an aggressive expansion strategy that encompasses multifaceted dimensions of its air service operations. It has achieved its target of carrying 20 million passengers in the current financial year 2024-25.
In India, the period from 1 April of each year to mid-March of the following year is practiced as the 12 months of the financial year.
Air India Express currently maintains a strong operational structure with a fleet of 103 aircraft, including 67 Boeing 737s and 36 Airbus A320s. This diverse aircraft has enabled the airline to operate 485 flights daily.
Air India Express aims to upgrade all Economy Class seats on its older aircraft by the first quarter of 2026-27, including interior design and passenger seating, lounges, etc. This strategic move aims to streamline the passenger experience and optimize operational efficiency.
The airline is set to significantly expand its regional network. The plan includes direct flights from Bengaluru International Airport to Hyderabad and direct flights from Bengaluru to Chennai. These routes will be served by 186-seater Boeing aircraft.
In addition, Air India Express has also announced plans to collaborate with foreign low-cost carriers. According to Aviation Atujet, the cornerstone of Air India Express’s expansion strategy includes developing virtual interline partnerships with foreign low-cost carriers. Through the ‘AIX Connect’ platform, Air India passengers will be able to easily book tickets for itineraries of partner airlines.
Currently, the airline has established six such partnerships with plans to further expand this network.
