By Aviation Nexus Staff Writer
Published: July 16, 2025
New Delhi — Nearly two years after returning to private hands under Tata Group ownership, Air India is deep into one of the most ambitious airline transformations in modern aviation history. From fleet modernization and brand overhaul to network redesign and digital renewal, the once-beleaguered national carrier is determined to reclaim its status as a world-class global airline.
The transformation comes at a pivotal moment for the Indian aviation market, which is seeing explosive growth, fierce competition, and rising international influence. For Air India, the stakes are high — but so is the momentum.
✈️ A Mega-Order Signals Intent
In early 2023, Air India stunned the industry by announcing a record-breaking order of 470 aircraft — including 250 from Airbus and 220 from Boeing. The deal includes A350s, 787 Dreamliners, 777Xs, and hundreds of narrowbody A320neos and 737 MAX jets.
This order marks the largest single purchase in aviation history and underpins Air India’s goal to replace its aging fleet and fuel an expansive global network.
- First A350s are now flying key long-haul routes such as London, New York, and Tokyo.
- New narrowbodies are being deployed on domestic and short-haul international routes, increasing frequency and reliability.
🎯 Network Overhaul: Strategic Cuts and Bold Expansion
Air India is reworking its global network, focusing on high-demand routes while trimming underperforming ones. This includes:
- New and expanded services to London Heathrow, New York JFK, San Francisco, and Toronto.
- Suspensions or frequency cuts on routes to Milan, Copenhagen, Vienna, Nairobi, and others.
- Partnership integration with Star Alliance carriers and interline agreements to fill network gaps.
CEO Campbell Wilson has made it clear: the new Air India will be “network disciplined”, prioritizing profitability and connectivity over legacy-based decisions.
🛫 Merging Brands Under One Umbrella
Air India is also in the process of integrating Vistara, the full-service joint venture between Tata and Singapore Airlines, into a single full-service brand. This unification — expected to complete in 2025 — aims to combine Vistara’s premium service reputation with Air India’s scale and international reach.
Low-cost sibling Air India Express is also absorbing AirAsia India to form a single value carrier under the Air India Group. The goal: a streamlined two-brand structure — one full-service, one low-cost — mirroring successful global airline models.
🌐 A Modern Identity for a Global Future
Alongside operational shifts, Air India has undergone a complete rebranding, ditching its decades-old “Maharajah” aesthetic for a sleeker, more contemporary identity. The new livery, introduced in late 2023, features a bold red-gold color scheme, modern typography, and a stylized window frame motif.
The airline’s digital experience is also getting an upgrade, with a revamped website, new booking engine, enhanced app functionality, and plans for personalized inflight entertainment and customer service AI by 2026.
🔧 Operational Challenges Still Remain
Despite the progress, the transformation hasn’t been without turbulence:
- The June 2025 crash of Flight AI171 forced a temporary network pause and renewed focus on safety and crew training.
- Legacy systems, inconsistent service standards, and staffing shortages still present short-term operational hurdles.
- Ongoing airspace closures over Pakistan and the Middle East have complicated long-haul scheduling and aircraft utilization.
Still, the airline is pushing forward, with an emphasis on safety culture, global best practices, and employee retraining.
🧭 What Success Looks Like
Air India’s transformation is not just about fixing an airline — it’s about building a globally respected Indian carrier that competes head-to-head with the best. The airline aims to handle 100 million passengers annually by 2030, with a fleet of 500+ aircraft and a digital-first, customer-centric mindset.
According to industry analyst Shweta Mendiratta, “Air India isn’t just changing its livery — it’s changing its DNA. The next 24 months will define whether it becomes the Emirates of India or remains a work in progress.”