GURUGRAM- Following the allocation of a significant portion of its aircraft resources to West Asian routes, Air India Express (IX), owned by the Tata Group, is poised to broaden its international operations to encompass Southeast Asia and other regional destinations such as Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Nepal.
This expansion gains importance as the airline has commenced the receipt of new aircraft with the range and endurance necessary to reach these destinations.
Air India Express New Flights
In a brief period since the introduction of its new brand, the airline has introduced four Boeing 737-8 aircraft, elevating the total fleet size to 57.
The passenger carrier will be adding 50 new narrow-body aircraft to its fleet over the next 15 months, with the goal of reaching a total of 170 narrow-body aircraft within the next 5 years. This expansion will support both domestic and international route growth.
The airline is nearing the completion of its merger with AIX Connect (formerly known as AirAsia India), creating a dominant low-cost carrier.
Sources told FE that the company is assessing launching new flight operations in South and Southeast Asia, potentially including Nepal, Bangladesh, and other countries in the region.
The airline currently operates between India and Singapore, alongside 13 destinations in West Asia, and is exploring potential expansion to destinations like Sri Lanka.
To optimize its international and domestic network synergy, the airline plans to develop its regional hubs further. This strategy leverages the observed trend of passengers utilizing one-stop itineraries within India, where they take a short domestic flight to a regional hub before connecting to an international flight for a more economical option compared to direct flights.
Vista VIP Service
With the resurgence of air travel post-pandemic, Indian airlines are swiftly embracing the trend of premiumization.
The latest entrant is Air India Express (IX), a subsidiary of Tata-owned Air India (AI). It recently unveiled the introduction of Vista VIP fares for routes served by the Boeing 737-8 aircraft, the airline’s newest addition to its fleet.
This development closely follows Air India’s initiative to introduce ‘Premium Economy’ cabins on select international routes, such as Bengaluru – San Francisco, Mumbai – San Francisco, and Mumbai – New York.
The Vista VIP class, positioned as a premium offering, boasts additional amenities, including broader seats and increased legroom, an enhanced baggage allowance of 40 Kg on international flights and 25 Kg on domestic flights, gourmet hot meals, and the convenience of Xpress Ahead priority services.
The airline announced, “Vista VIP fares are now available for booking on Air India Express’s app and website, as well as other major booking channels. Additionally, guests booked on other fares have the flexibility to upgrade to Vista VIP seats through the call center, at the airport, or once on board with an upgrade fee,” according to a press statement.
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