As Malayalee communities worldwide prepare to celebrate the joyous festival of Onam, Air India Express is joining in the festivities with a beautiful tribute to Kerala’s rich cultural heritage. The airline has unveiled a special Boeing 737-8 aircraft adorned with an exquisite tail art inspired by the iconic ‘kasavu’ design, a handwoven fabric that is synonymous with elegance and cultural pride in Kerala. The striking tail art beautifully captures the essence of the ‘kasavu,’ a fabric deeply intertwined with Kerala’s festivals and ceremonies. This artistic addition to the aircraft embodies the timeless charm and grace that Onam represents for Malayalees globally.
In a heartwarming gesture, Air India Express employees, excluding cabin crew, donned traditional ‘kasavu’ attire to welcome the newly decorated aircraft at Kochi International Airport. This symbolic act reflects the airline’s deep respect for Kerala’s cultural traditions. The festive atmosphere was further amplified by vibrant ‘athapookalam’ (floral carpets) meticulously laid out beneath the aircraft’s wings and at check-in counters, adding to the celebratory mood. The meticulous attention to detail showcases Air India Express’s commitment to bringing Kerala’s vibrant heritage to life, even in the skies.
Passengers boarding the inaugural ‘Kasavu’ flight, which took off from Kochi on Wednesday, were treated to a special Onam gesture. They received warm hospitality and traditional ‘kasavu’ shawls, making their journey even more memorable. The flight, destined for Bengaluru, became a symbolic extension of the Onam celebrations, connecting passengers to the traditions of Kerala.
To complement this initiative, the in-flight experience was enriched with Onam-themed meals, offering passengers a taste of Kerala’s culinary heritage. The traditional flavors of ‘sadhya,’ a festive meal typically served on banana leaves, were thoughtfully incorporated into the onboard menu, allowing passengers to partake in the festivities during their journey.
This thoughtful initiative by Air India Express not only highlights Kerala’s cultural identity but also strengthens the airline’s connection to its passengers by weaving tradition into their travel experience. As the aircraft soars through the skies, it carries with it the spirit of Onam, bridging communities across regions and reinforcing the message of unity, prosperity, and cultural pride.
