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GURUGRAM– Air India Express (IX), a wholly owned subsidiary of Air India (AI) under the Tata Group, is implementing an aggressive growth strategy that encompasses multiple dimensions of airline operations.
The carrier has set an ambitious target of transporting 30 million passengers in the 2025-26 financial year, a significant leap from the current year’s 20 million passengers.
Photo: avgeekwithlens/ Harsh TekriwalAir India Express Operations
AIX currently maintains a robust operational framework with a fleet of 103 aircraft, including 67 Boeing 737s and 36 A320s. This diverse fleet enables the airline to operate approximately 485 daily flights, demonstrating substantial operational capacity and market reach.
Air India Express (IX) plans a significant fleet reconfiguration, transitioning to an all-economy class configuration by the first quarter of 2026-27.
The retrofit process will commence in the next fiscal year, with completion anticipated within 12 months. This strategic move aims to streamline the passenger experience and optimize operational efficiency.
New Flights:
The airline is significantly expanding its regional connectivity. Notable route additions include:
- Direct flights from Mangaluru International Airport (IXE) to Hyderabad (HYD)
- Flight IX 2915: Departing Mangaluru (IXE) at 6:10 am, arriving in Hyderabad (HYD) at 8:00 am (Every Wednesday)
- Return Flight IX 2913: Leaving Hyderabad (HYD) at 5:25 pm, reaching Mangaluru (IXE) at 7:15 pm
- Direct flights from Mangaluru (IXE) to Chennai (MAA)
- Flight IX 2917: Departing Mangaluru (IXE) at 2:00 pm, landing in Chennai (MAA) at 3:40 pm (Every Saturday)
- Return Flight IX 2918: Departing Chennai (MAA) at 4:20 pm, arriving in Mangaluru (IXE) at 6:00 pm
These routes will be serviced by 186-seater Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft, offering substantially increased capacity compared to existing regional services.
Photo- Air IndiaAIX Partnerships with Foreign Low-Cost Carriers
A cornerstone of Air India Express’s expansion strategy involves developing virtual interline partnerships with foreign low-cost carriers. The ‘AIX Connect‘ platform represents an innovative approach to travel, enabling passengers to book self-connected itineraries across partner airlines.
Currently, the airline has established six such partnerships, with plans to expand this network further.
Photo: avgeekwithlens/ Harsh TekriwalTechnological Innovation: ConstantThrust® Program
The ConstantThrust® program represents a revolutionary approach to engine maintenance. By providing serviceable engines from its portfolio, the program:
- Reduces engine downtime
- Eliminates maintenance unpredictability
- Lowers engine change costs
- Enables airlines to concentrate on core operations
In a landmark agreement, Air India Express (IX) has signed definitive engine sale and leaseback arrangements with Willis Lease Finance Corporation. The deal covers 26 CFM56-7B engines installed on 13 Boeing 737-800 aircraft, leveraging the ConstantThrust® program to enhance operational reliability and cost efficiency.
CEO Remarks
Aloke Singh, Chief Executive Officer of Air India Express (IX), highlighted the strategic imperatives driving these initiatives. “We are focused on eliminating maintenance uncertainties, mitigating unpredictable costs, and improving fleet reliability,” Singh stated.
“WLFC’s ConstantThrust® program has been successful so far for Air India, and we are pleased to expand our partnership with WLFC in support of the Air India Express fleet… This agreement allows us to eliminate the uncertainties associated with engine maintenance and mitigate unpredictable costs. WLFC’s ConstantThrust® program will help us improve fleet reliability, reduce cost and optimize cash flows.”
Aloke Singh, Chief Executive Officer, Air India Express
Brian R. Hole, President of Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC), noted the significance of the partnership-
“This agreement validates our team’s performance and provides an opportunity to support the growth of the Indian aviation industry.”
Brian R. Hole, President of Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC)
CFM56-7B; Photo- Bidgee; Wikimedia CommonsOverall Benefits
These strategic initiatives are expected to deliver multiple benefits:
- Enhanced network connectivity
- Improved operational flexibility
- Optimized cost structures
- Increased passenger capacity
- Streamlined maintenance processes
Future Outlook
Air India Express (IX) is positioning itself as a dynamic and innovative player in the Indian aviation market. By combining strategic partnerships, technological innovations, and a customer-centric approach, the airline is set to redefine regional and international air travel connectivity.
The comprehensive strategy underscores the airline’s commitment to growth, efficiency, and delivering exceptional value to passengers across its expanding network.
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Air India Express Hindon Airport Expansion: A Masterstroke
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