Tata Group-owned Air India is strategically looking to expand its presence in the United States and explore potential new destinations, as per PTI sources. Currently, the airline offers non-stop flights to five American cities including Washington, DC, New York, New Jersey, Chicago, and San Francisco.
The sources revealed that Air India is considering Los Angeles and Boston as potential new destinations for long-haul flights from India. The airline currently has a code-share partnership with United Airlines.
Air India’s Growth Plan: Los Angeles and Boston Flights
“We are actively planning our expansion in the US and assessing several cities as potential new destinations. Boston and Los Angeles are among the cities being assessed,” said one of the sources. “We are also considering other essential factors,” the source added.
Starting a new destination entails a careful evaluation of various factors, including fleet size, pilot strength, and traffic volume on the desired route, according to aviation industry experts. The source also emphasized the need to consider current pilot strength, cabin crew training, and ground staff deployment for the new destination airport.
Air India’s Road to Recovery
A significant number of Indian nationals and people of Indian origin reside or work in the US, including students enrolled in various American universities. The US is also a popular tourist destination for many Indians.
Air India, now under the ownership of the Tata Group since January last year, is determined to recover and rebuild. In February 2023, the airline announced its plans to purchase 470 narrow-body and wide-body planes from Airbus and Boeing, with an estimated total deal value of USD 80 billion. This landmark aircraft order is one of the largest in the industry.
Under separate deals, Air India will acquire 250 aircraft, including 40 wide-body A350 planes, from European aviation giant Airbus, and 220 planes from leading US aircraft manufacturer Boeing. The Airbus order includes 210 A320/321 Neo/XLR and 40 A350-900/1000, while the Boeing order consists of 190 737-Max, 20 787s, and 10 777s.
Air India’s Need for Pilots
Industry sources revealed that Air India will require over 6,500 pilots to operate the 470 aircraft that will be delivered by Airbus and Boeing in the coming years.
Recently, a senior Air India official highlighted how the privatization of Air India has opened up vast opportunities in the market. “Privatization, especially of an asset like Air India, a national carrier that holds strong sentimental value, has always been a challenging subject in India,” the official stated. “However, with Tata’s involvement and the trust associated with the brand, the process has been smoother,” the official added.
The official also emphasized the importance of trust, stating that when trust is established, whether in a brand or an individual, it can pave the way for success, support, and collaboration.
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Omprakash Tiwary is a business writer who delves into the intricacies of the corporate world. With a focus on finance and economic landscape. He offers readers valuable insights into market trends, entrepreneurship, and economic developments.
