Air India Express Embarks on Major Fleet Restructuring with All-Economy Configuration
Air India Express, a subsidiary of the Tata Group, is poised for a major transformation in its fleet operations, with a strategic shift to an all-economy class configuration set to take effect by April 2025. This ambitious plan signifies a significant change in the airline’s approach, emphasizing efficiency and accessibility for a broader market segment.
The move aligns with Air India Express’s vision to optimize its services and expand its reach to smaller cities and major metropolises, while venturing into new international destinations. Since its merger with AIX Connect (formerly AirAsia India) on October 1, Air India Express boasts a formidable fleet of 90 aircraft, comprising Boeing 737 NGs, 737-8s, and A320 family models. Currently, over 30 aircraft within this fleet feature a dual-class configuration, catering to both economy and business class passengers. However, the transition to an all-economy model signifies a commitment to providing consistent and affordable travel options for a wider audience.
Despite global supply chain challenges affecting new aircraft deliveries, Air India Express has successfully acquired 35 “white-tail” Boeing 737-8 aircraft, planes initially manufactured for other airlines but subsequently acquired by Air India Express. This number is projected to reach 50 in the coming months. These newly acquired aircraft, currently equipped with business-class seating, will undergo a gradual conversion process to align with the airline’s standardized all-economy configuration. The expansion is poised to bolster Air India Express’s fleet size to over 110 aircraft by the end of the fiscal year.
This substantial fleet growth will further strengthen the airline’s focus on connecting Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities with major urban centers and key international routes, enhancing connectivity and travel options for passengers in these regions. It’s noteworthy that the Tata Group, in February 2023, placed a monumental order for 470 new aircraft for Air India, with 250 Airbus planes and 220 Boeing models. A significant portion of this order, 400 aircraft, comprises narrow-body planes, perfectly aligning with Air India Express’s strategy of operating a high-density fleet focused on economy seating.
The merger of AIX Connect with Air India Express is an integral part of the Tata Group’s larger strategy to consolidate its aviation assets. Following this merger, the group’s integration efforts will continue with the merger of Vistara and Air India, scheduled to finalize on November 12. These consolidations aim to streamline Tata’s airline portfolio, foster operational synergies, and provide an optimized network for passengers across domestic and international markets.
By adopting an economy-only configuration, Air India Express underscores its commitment to delivering a consistent, cost-effective service for travelers across India and beyond.
