Air India is the national flag carrier of India and one of the country’s major full-service airlines. It plays an important role in connecting India with major domestic and international destinations. Here is detailed information about its history, mergers, operations and current developments.
History of Air India
Founding: Air India began in 1932 when J.R.D. Tata established Tata Airlines as part of Tata Sons. It played an important role in the development of India’s commercial aviation industry and the growth of air travel in the country.
Renaming: In 1946, Tata Airlines was renamed Air India Limited as its operations and ambitions expanded. This change marked an important stage in the development of the airline from its early mail-service origins into a growing commercial passenger carrier.
International Expansion: In 1948, AirIndia International was established to operate international services. The airline launched its first international flight from Bombay to London via Cairo and Geneva, marking an important milestone in India’s global aviation history.
Nationalization: In 1953, the Government of India nationalized the airline industry and established AirIndia International for international services and Indian Airlines for domestic operations. Air India subsequently became the country’s principal international flag carrier, while Indian Airlines primarily served domestic and regional routes.
Post-independence Era: Air India became a symbol of Indian identity in international aviation, gaining recognition for its Maharaja mascot, distinctive branding, and hospitality. The airline expanded its international network and introduced jet aircraft, strengthening its position in long-distance air travel.
Challenges and Financial Difficulties: During the late 1990s and early 2000s, AirIndia faced increasing competition, financial difficulties, operational challenges, and mounting debt. These problems affected its profitability and created a need for significant organizational and financial restructuring.
Merger with Indian Airlines: In 2007, Air India and Indian Airlines were merged into a single airline group. The combined operation aimed to improve efficiency, expand the route network, and strengthen the airline’s position in domestic and international markets. However, integration challenges and financial pressures continued to affect performance.
Return to Tata Group: In October 2021, Tata Sons’ subsidiary Talace Private Limited won the bid to acquire AirIndia from the Government of India. The transaction was completed on 27 January 2022, returning the airline to the Tata Group after approximately 69 years under government ownership.
Vistara Merger: Vistara was established in 2013 as a joint venture between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines. On 12 November 2024, Vistara merged into Air India, bringing together two full-service airlines and combining their operations, employees, and networks. Vistara aircraft continued to operate under Air India’s flight codes, while the integration supported the group’s ambition to create a stronger international airline.
AirAsia India Merger: AirAsia India, later renamed AIX Connect, was another Tata Group-associated airline operating in India’s low-cost aviation market. On 1 October 2024, AIX Connect merged with Air India Express, consolidating the group’s low-cost airline operations. This merger was separate from the Vistara merger, which involved AirIndia itself.
Transformation Programme: After returning to the Tata Group, Air India launched Vihaan.AI, a multi-year transformation programme focused on fleet modernisation, customer experience, operational efficiency, employee development, and financial sustainability. The programme also introduced a refreshed brand identity and new aircraft livery in 2023.
Indigo Old Logo vs New Logo
Key Details Of Air India
Rank in India: One of India’s major full-service airlines.
Owner (Ownership):Â Talace Private Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Sons.
Funder: J.R.D. Tata.
Founded in: 1932 (as Tata Airlines).
Started operations: 1932 (as Tata Airlines); renamed Air India in 1946.
Main hub: Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi (DEL).
Second hub: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai (BOM).
Headquarters: New Delhi, India.
Chairman: N. Chandrasekaran (Since March 2022).
CEO: Tewolde Gebremariam (Appointed in August 2026).
Managing Director (MD): Tewolde Gebremariam also serves as CEO and Managing Director.
Total fleet: 191 aircraft as accessed on 12 October 2026 (excluding Air India Express)
Total destinations: 79 destinations, including Domestic and international destinations.
Type: Full-service airline.
IATA code: AI. ICAO code: AIC.
New Orders: Air India has placed major aircraft orders with Boeing and Airbus.
Website: https://www.airindia.com/
Careers Page: https://careers.airindia.com/
Operations and Services of Air India
1. Domestic and International Network: Air India operates an extensive network of domestic and international flights, connecting major Indian cities with important destinations around the world. Its network serves both business and leisure travellers and provides connections for passengers travelling within India and abroad.
2. Premium Cabins and Passenger Comfort: The airline offers different travel classes, including Economy, Premium Economy, Business Class, and First Class on selected aircraft. Cabin facilities and seating arrangements vary according to the aircraft type and route, allowing passengers to choose options that suit their travel needs.
3. In-flight Services: AirIndia provides onboard dining, in-flight entertainment, and Wi-Fi on selected aircraft and routes. These services are designed to improve passenger comfort and make journeys more enjoyable, although availability may vary depending on the aircraft and service route.
4. Maharaja Club Loyalty Programme: Air India’s Maharaja Club allows eligible members to earn and redeem points on qualifying travel and access selected membership benefits. The programme is designed to reward frequent flyers and provide additional benefits according to the applicable membership terms.
5. Customer Support and Passenger Assistance: The airline provides customer support for flight bookings, ticket changes, travel information, and other service-related queries. Passengers can use these services to obtain assistance with their travel arrangements and resolve common booking-related issues.
6. Baggage Allowance and Special Assistance: Air India provides baggage allowances according to the route, ticket class, fare conditions, and applicable policies. Special assistance may also be available for eligible passengers who require additional support during airport procedures, boarding, or other stages of their journey.
7. Airport Check-in and Boarding: The airline offers airport check-in facilities and online check-in options for eligible flights. These services help passengers complete travel formalities, obtain boarding passes, and prepare for departure, subject to the applicable check-in deadlines and requirements.
8. Codeshare and Connecting Flights: Air India works with selected partner airlines to provide connecting travel options to additional destinations. Depending on the itinerary and partnership arrangements, passengers may be able to connect between flights and access a wider network beyond Air India’s own services.
Current Developments of Air India
1. Transformation under Tata Group: Under Tata Group ownership, AirIndia is pursuing a major transformation focused on modernising operations, improving customer experience, and strengthening its position in the global aviation industry. Its long-term transformation programme, Vihaan.AI, provides a strategic roadmap for growth, improved service standards, and greater operational efficiency.
2. Fleet Modernisation and Expansion: Air India has placed major aircraft orders with Airbus and Boeing as part of its fleet expansion and modernisation strategy. These investments are intended to increase capacity, support network growth, and improve the airline’s long-term operational capabilities.
3. Aircraft Cabin Upgrades: The airline is progressively upgrading the interiors of selected existing aircraft to improve passenger comfort and the onboard experience. Depending on the aircraft, these improvements may include updated seating, entertainment systems, and other cabin facilities.
4. Digital Services and Technology: AirIndia is working to improve its digital platforms, booking processes, passenger communication, and operational systems. These initiatives aim to make travel arrangements more convenient for passengers while supporting more efficient airline operations.
5. Route Expansion and Global Connectivity: Air India continues to develop its domestic and international network to strengthen connectivity between India and overseas destinations. Its membership in Star Alliance also provides access to participating airlines’ networks and selected benefits for eligible passengers, subject to alliance and programme conditions.
6. Customer Experience and Service Quality: Improving service consistency, passenger assistance, onboard facilities, and overall travel experience remains an important part of Air India’s transformation. The airline aims to strengthen its reputation as a global full-service carrier by focusing on passenger satisfaction and service improvements.
Vision under Tata Group
Air India’s vision under the Tata Group is to establish itself as a world-class global airline with a strong Indian identity, combining high service standards, operational efficiency, and an extensive international network.
By investing in aircraft, technology, employee development, and passenger services, the airline aims to strengthen its competitiveness and achieve sustainable long-term growth. Its transformation strategy also focuses on improving financial performance while delivering a better travel experience to passengers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Air India
1. When was AirIndia founded?
Answer: In 1932 as Tata Airlines.
2. Who founded AirIndia?
Answer: J.R.D. Tata.
3. What was the original name of AirIndia?
Answer: Tata Airlines.
4. When was Tata Airlines renamed AirIndia?
Answer: In 1946.
5. When did AirIndia start international flights?
Answer: In 1948.
6. When was AirIndia nationalised?
Answer: In 1953 by the Indian Government.
7. Who owns AirIndia today?
Answer: Tata Group.
8. When did AirIndia return to the Tata Group?
Answer: On 27 January 2022.
9. What is the IATA code of AirIndia?
Answer: AI.
10. What is the ICAO code of AirIndia?
Answer: AIC.
11. Where is Air India’s headquarters?
Answer: New Delhi, India.
12. What type of airline is AirIndia?
Answer: A full-service airline.
13. What is Air India’s Maharaja mascot?
Answer: Air India’s iconic mascot.
14. When did Air India merge with Indian Airlines?
Answer: In 2007.
15. When did Vistara merge with AirIndia?
Answer: On 12 November 2024.
16. When did AirAsia India merge with Air India Express?
Answer: On 1 October 2024.
17. What is Vihaan.AI?
Answer: Air India’s transformation programme.
18. What is Air India’s frequent-flyer programme called?
Answer: Maharaja Club.
19. Which aircraft manufacturers have received major orders from AirIndia?
Answer: Airbus and Boeing.
20. Is AirIndia a member of Star Alliance?
Answer: Yes.
21. Does AirIndia operate domestic flights?
Answer: Yes, across India.
22. Does AirIndia operate international flights?
Answer: Yes, to international destinations.
23. Does AirIndia offer Business Class?
Answer: Yes, on selected aircraft and routes.
24. Does Air India provide in-flight entertainment and Wi-Fi?
Answer: Yes, on selected aircraft and routes.
25. What is Air India’s main objective under Tata Group ownership?
Answer: To become a world-class global airline.