GURUGRAM- Tata Group-owned Air India (AI) has announced significant enhancements to its international network for the Winter 2024 season, which runs from October 27, 2024, to March 29, 2025.
The sole Indian full-service carrier, as Air India will integrate Vistara (UK) this winter and it will have a fleet of 210 aircraft. With this Air India will have a fleet of 67 widebody planes that are capable of serving long-haul and ultra-long-haul routes.
Air India Winter 2024 Int’l Schedule
The airline is significantly boosting its presence in North America while strengthening its European connectivity with increased frequencies and equipment upgrades.
Toronto Route Expansion
- Delhi (DEL)-Toronto (YYZ) service doubles to twice-daily flights (14 weekly)
- Continues operation with Boeing 777-300ER aircraft
Fleet Modernization on US Routes
- Introduction of state-of-the-art Airbus A350 aircraft on:
- Delhi-New York (JFK) route from November 1, 2024.
- Delhi-Newark (EWR) route from January 2, 2025.
- These modern aircraft replacements mark a significant upgrade from the previous Boeing 777-300ER service
Washington Equipment Change
- Delhi-Washington (IAD) service transitions to Boeing 777-300ER
- Represents an upgrade from the previously deployed Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner
Air India earlier reported that 60% of its U.S. flights will now feature new or upgraded cabin interiors. This includes the Airbus A350 deployment for the first time and the replacement of legacy aircraft on U.S. routes with newer models that have better cabins.
European Network Strengthening
Air India has also announced significant improvements to its European services, particularly focusing on United Kingdom routes:
London Operations Enhancement
- Bengaluru (BLR)-London service shifted from Gatwick (LGW) to the more premium Heathrow (LHR) airport.
- Frequency increased to daily services (7X weekly flights)
- Air India has leased SAS slots to operate BLR-LHR flights.
Regional UK Route Expansion
Effective November 25, 2024, several routes will see increased frequencies:
- Ahmedabad (AMD)-London Gatwick: Enhanced to 5 weekly flights
- Goa (GOX)-London Gatwick: Increased to 4 weekly flights
- Amritsar (ATQ)-Birmingham (BHX): Boosted to 4 weekly flights
Asia and Africa Connectivity
Similarly, the airline will make changes to narrowbody-operated International flight routes.
Air India has strengthened its presence in the growing Southeast Asian market:
- Delhi-Ho Chi Minh City (SGC) route upgraded to daily service
- Previous frequency: 6 flights per week
- New frequency: 7 flights per week (daily operations)
The airline has also bolstered its presence in the Indian Ocean region:
- Mumbai-Mauritius route sees significant frequency increase
- Previous schedule: 4 flights per week
- New enhanced schedule: 5 flights per week
As part of its network rationalization strategy, Air India has announced the following change:
- Discontinuation of Kolkata (CCU)-Kathmandu (KTM) service
- But possibly transferred to Air India Express (IX)
Domestic Schedule
Indian aviation sector demonstrates significant expansion in its winter schedule operations, with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) approving an impressive total of 23,732 weekly flights. This marks a substantial 8% year-over-year growth from the previous winter’s 21,941 weekly operations.
Network Expansion
- Total approved weekly domestic flights: 23,732
- Year-over-year growth: 8%
- Airport coverage expansion: From 106 to 118 airports
- The addition of 12 new airports to the network
Air India Group’s Strengthened Presence
The Air India Group showcases remarkable growth across its airlines:
Air India
- Weekly flights: 2,367
- Growth rate: 18.94% year-over-year
- Demonstrates significant network expansion
Group Airlines Performance
- AIX Connect (formerly AirAsia India) and Air India Express:
- Combined weekly operations: 1,940 flights
- Currently undergoing merger integration
- Vistara:
- Weekly flights: 1,902
- Maintains a strong market presence and will operate flights as AI2 from November 12, 2024.
Air India group which includes all four carriers will operate 6,209 weekly flights.
Feature Image by (1) Eurospot (@cliper31) / X
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