Airlines

Air India to Upgrade Fleet with Retrofit of 100 Planes, CEO Says

Air India is poised for a major overhaul as part of its ambitious transformation plan, with plans to retrofit more than 100 aircraft, including 40 wide-body planes, by 2025.

This announcement was made by the airline’s Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Campbell Wilson, on June 5, during the CAPA India Aviation Summit. As part of this extensive revamp, Air India will procure approximately 25,000 new aircraft seats to enhance passenger comfort and experience.

Wilson emphasized the airline’s focus on integration, growth, optimization, and customer experience, stating that “plenty of things” are in motion as part of the transformation. In line with Tata Group’s strategy to consolidate its aviation business, AIX Connect, formerly known as AirAsia India, is set to merge with Air India Express, while Vistara will integrate with Air India.

This consolidation is expected to provide “immense flexibility” for the group in offering both full-service and low-cost options, positioning Air India advantageously in the market. Wilson also highlighted Air India’s plans to deploy new aircraft exclusively on international routes, targeting destinations such as New York, San Francisco, and Dubai.

The airline aims to establish itself as a hub carrier, with key operations centered around hubs in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. Notably, Air India is set to launch a new flight connecting London and Bengaluru in the near future.

Regarding industry costs, Wilson remarked that airfares have been underperforming relative to overall inflation, indicating a challenging pricing environment.

Airlines

Air India Express Aircraft Engine Part Falls Outside Delhi Airport; DGCA Orders Probe

Air India Express flight skids off runway while landing at Kochi airport

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an inquiry following reports that metal fragments were discovered at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport after an Air India Express flight made an emergency landing on Monday evening.

The emergency landing was prompted by a detected engine fault, but fortunately, the landing was executed safely without any injuries to the passengers.

The situation began when crew members of the Air India Express flight reported an engine issue, leading to the emergency landing. The DGCA has confirmed that a thorough investigation is underway and has directed that the aircraft undergo a comprehensive safety inspection.

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The discovery of metal debris outside the airport has raised concerns, prompting the DGCA to probe whether these fragments are linked to the aircraft involved in the emergency landing. Authorities are particularly focused on whether the metal pieces, which were found near the airport, originated from the same Air India Express flight that experienced engine trouble.

While preliminary assessments suggest that the debris could be a broken blade from an aircraft engine, the exact source remains unconfirmed. The airline has yet to verify if the metal fragments are from their aircraft.

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The Delhi Police, working in conjunction with the DGCA, have initiated their own investigation to determine the origin of the metal pieces. A technical team is set to analyze whether the fragments are associated with the aircraft in question. As the investigation continues, a case has been filed with the airport authority to address the matter.