Airlines

Air India’s Revamped Loyalty Program Takes Off with Exciting Changes

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Air India, one of India’s leading airlines, has unveiled a significant overhaul of its loyalty initiative, now rebranded as the enhanced Flying Returns program.

This comprehensive update aims to provide a more streamlined framework, user-centric functionalities, modernized membership levels, and a vibrant new look, promising enhanced convenience, rewards, and acknowledgment for its participants on a global scale.

Breaking away from its conventional mileage-based model, the revamped Flying Returns program represents a significant shift after over a decade. Under the new structure, members will now accumulate points based on money spent rather than miles traveled, fostering a fairer and more balanced system. This fundamental change reflects Air India’s commitment to adapting to evolving customer needs and preferences.

Key features of the enhanced program include no expiry of points for active members, elimination of blackout dates, consistent tier privileges, and the ability to collect and redeem points across Star Alliance partner airlines worldwide. Moreover, a new customer-friendly digital interface has been introduced to provide a seamless platform for transactions, enhancing the overall user experience.

According to Nipun Aggarwal, Air India’s Chief Commercial & Transformation Officer, the revamp of Flying Returns signifies a pivotal step in the airline’s customer-centric approach. Aggarwal emphasized that the transformation was guided by extensive customer feedback and benchmarking against industry best practices, resulting in a more robust and value-driven loyalty program.

As part of its strategy to enhance travel benefits, Air India plans to introduce co-branded credit cards and forge partnerships with other brands. To further incentivize direct bookings, members will earn an additional 2 Reward Points for every Rs 100 spent through the Air India website or app, applicable across all tiers.

In a bid to streamline operations and align with global standards, Air India has revamped its status tiers, replacing long-form titles with simpler terms: red (base tier), silver, gold, and platinum. This renaming reflects the airline’s commitment to clarity and consistency in its loyalty program offerings.

Airlines

Air India to Launch aircraft maintenance training institute in Bengaluru

Air India, one of India’s leading global airlines, is set to establish a Basic Maintenance Training Organization (BMTO) in Bengaluru.

This institute will offer a comprehensive Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) program certified by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The program will follow an integrated 2+2 year structure, combining classroom learning with practical, hands-on training.

This initiative is part of Air India’s broader goal of creating a robust aviation ecosystem in India. With plans to expand its fleet and strengthen its operations, the airline aims to build a skilled workforce of maintenance engineers, making the organization self-reliant while supporting its ambitious transformation journey.

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To bring this vision to life, air india has partnered with Bengaluru Airport City Limited (BACL), a subsidiary of Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL). Together, they will develop a state-of-the-art facility spanning 86,000 square feet at Bengaluru Airport City.

This purpose-built campus will feature modern classrooms, well-equipped laboratories, and qualified trainers to deliver world-class education and training. The institute is expected to become operational by mid-2026.

The BMTO will be located close to Air India’s new 12-bay Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility, also set to open in Bengaluru by early 2026. The AME program will begin with two years of academic coursework, followed by two years of practical training at the MRO, ensuring students receive hands-on experience adhering to industry standards.

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In the meantime, Air India has introduced a Cadet AME program in collaboration with reputable institutions in Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

This ensures continuity in its commitment to developing skilled aircraft maintenance engineers while the BMTO facility is under construction. The program also allows students to pursue a bachelor’s degree through university partnerships, enhancing their career and academic opportunities.

With this initiative, air india plane aims to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in aircraft maintenance and engineering, air india new planes contributing to the development of India’s aviation sector and creating specialized career paths for aspiring engineers.