Air India’s Bold Comeback: Transformation and Global Growth
Air India is undergoing one of the most dramatic airline turnarounds in recent history, becoming a symbol of India’s economic momentum and rising global presence. Speaking at the 81st IATA Annual General Meeting in Delhi (June 1–3, 2025), Air India CEO Campbell Wilson detailed the airline’s transformation since its acquisition by Tata Sons in 2021, calling it a bold reinvention aimed at building a world-class global carrier.
Following the merger of Air India, Air India Express, Vistara, and AirAsia India, the airline has focused not only on brand consolidation but also deep operational restructuring. Over 63 outdated facilities have been closed and consolidated into a new headquarters in Gurugram, while Air India has ended a 20-year hiring freeze, slashing the average employee age from 54 to 35 and introducing modern training programs.
The airline has invested $200 million in digital upgrades, including a new website, mobile app, and backend systems. It is also building a new MRO facility in Bengaluru, enhancing technical capabilities.
On the fleet front, Air India has placed orders for 570 new aircraft from Airbus and Boeing, including A350s, 787s, 777Xs, and B737 MAX jets, and is spending $400 million to retrofit its legacy fleet with upgraded interiors. The widebody transformation is crucial as India had only 43 active widebody aircraft at the start of the decade—a figure that is rapidly rising.
Air India’s global strategy includes expanding hubs at Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, and leveraging India’s geographic position for connecting traffic across Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. Wilson also sees the Indian diaspora and growing domestic demand as core pillars of long-term growth.
Despite challenges such as airspace restrictions over Pakistan, which have forced costly route adjustments, Wilson remains confident: “Wherever we place a plane, we fill it.”
Air India’s rise is not just about restoring a legacy brand—it’s about redefining India’s role in international aviation.
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