Air India’s Legacy Amidst the Ahmedabad Crash Crisis

On Thursday, an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner tragically crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad, India, en route to London’s Gatwick Airport. All 242 passengers and crew members on board lost their lives, according to reports from Indian media.

Here’s a closer look at the airline’s extensive history:

Established in 1932

Air India was founded by entrepreneur J.R.D. Tata in 1932, and it became a government entity in 1953. The airline faced years of mismanagement under state control, leading to significant debts amidst increasing competition.

In 2022, Tata Group regained control of the airline in a $2.2 billion acquisition and has since been working to restore its standing in the industry.

Current Operations

As of May 2023, Air India operates flights to 43 domestic and 41 international destinations, boasting a fleet of 191 aircraft that includes a mix of both narrow- and wide-body models from Airbus and Boeing.

It is currently the only Indian airline providing non-stop flights to long-distance locations across Australia, Europe, and North America.

Its budget subsidiary, Air India Express, services 55 routes, primarily focusing on regions in the Middle East.

Major Merger

In November 2022, Tata Group completed a merger between Air India, Air India Express, and its other airlines, Vistara and AIX Connect, creating the largest airline group in India, surpassing IndiGo.

Air India now controls about 30% of the domestic aviation market, with Singapore Airlines owning a 25% stake in the newly merged entity as a result of its initial collaboration with Tata Group on Vistara.

Historic Aircraft Orders

In February 2023, Air India made headlines with a historic order for 470 planes from Airbus and Boeing—this was the largest aircraft order in history. Additionally, in December of the same year, it placed an order for another 100 jets from Airbus.

The airline is currently in discussions with both companies for another significant order, potentially including around 200 single-aisle planes.

Extensive Upgrade Plans

In the middle of 2023, Air India revealed a new logo and branding, along with a revamped aircraft livery.

The carrier has also embarked on a $400 million project to refurbish and upgrade its aircraft interiors, though it has faced some delays due to supply chain issues. Most of its Airbus A320 neo single aisle planes have been retrofitted, and work is ongoing for enhancements on its long-haul Boeing 777 and 787 aircraft.