Air India Express (IX) operates as an Indian low-cost carrier fully owned by Air India (AI), India’s national airline. Based in Gurgaon, Haryana, the airline runs over 2000 weekly flights connecting 45 destinations throughout India, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. The carrier maintains operational bases across multiple Indian cities, including Kannur (CNN), Cochin (COK), Kozhikode (CCJ), Mangaluru (IXE), Thiruvananthapuram (TRV), and Tiruchirappalli (TRZ). However, its main operating base is Cochin Airport (COK).
Air India Express (IX) operates Boeing 737 aircraft connecting these 45 destinations. Currently, it has 104 aircraft in its service, including 36 Airbus A320 and 68 Boeing 737, as per Planespotters.net.
Candidates considering careers as Cabin Crew at Air India Express (IX) should research the company’s hiring requirements and salary structures to plan their aviation industry trajectory. Although Air India Express (IX) operates as a subsidiary of Air India (AI), the working conditions and compensation structures differ significantly between the two airlines.
The flag carrier Air India (AI) and its low-cost subsidiary Air India Express (IX) operate under distinct business models, resulting in notable differences in service standards, route networks, and workplace environments. While Air India (AI) provides full-service operations primarily between major transportation hubs, Air India Express (IX) functions as a budget carrier, focusing on connecting smaller markets and serving as a feeder network to Air India’s broader route system.
In 2025, flight attendants working for Air India Express (IX) typically earn between ₹3.5 Lakhs and ₹14.2 Lakhs annually. Those just beginning their careers can anticipate monthly wages of approximately ₹53,000 to ₹54,000, based on information from AmbitionBox.
Air India Express Cabin Crew Salary
Various elements influence Air India Express (IX) cabin crew compensation levels. The airline implements its own unique compensation framework and benefits package that may differ from other carriers.
Regarding specific pay ranges, freshers can expect annual earnings between ₹3.5 Lakhs and ₹6 Lakhs, while those with 5-10 years of experience typically receive between ₹4.8 Lakhs and ₹13 Lakhs yearly. The most seasoned professionals with over a decade of service can achieve annual compensation of ₹14.2 Lakhs or higher.
Entry Level/Freshers Cabin Crew Salary
In 2025, entry-level cabin crew at Air India Express (IX) typically receive monthly compensation between ₹50,000 and ₹61,000. This results in yearly earnings ranging approximately from ₹3.1 Lakhs to ₹12 Lakhs, as per data from AmbitionBox.
Air India Express (IX) employs cabin crew through 5-year contractual arrangements, with possible extensions based on operational requirements. Crew members fulfil essential duties including maintaining passenger safety, delivering in-flight services, conducting safety demonstrations, and managing food and beverage service.
Key Responsibilities
- Ensure passenger safety and comfort throughout the flight journey
- Deliver high-quality in-flight service, including meal and refreshment distribution
- Execute safety demonstrations and maintain readiness for emergencies
- Provide exceptional customer service to enhance the passenger experience
Employment Benefits
- Five-year contractual employment with potential for renewal
- Career advancement pathways to senior positions, including lead purser and cabin supervisor
- Professional development through specialised training programs
- Health insurance coverage and possible accommodation support during training periods
- Additional compensation for layovers and deadhead flights
- Comprehensive leave benefits, including annual, casual, and sick leave allocations
Mid-Level Cabin Crew Salary (5-6 years Exp)
Mid-level cabin crew members at Air India Express (IX) earn monthly compensation ranging from ₹59,000 to ₹61,000, which amounts to approximately ₹8.1 Lakhs per year. These positions, including Inflight Managers and Cabin Executives, carry increased responsibilities and require leadership skills.
Key Responsibilities
- Supervise cabin crew operations and ensure adherence to safety protocols
- Maintain passenger comfort and safety throughout flights
- Oversee the delivery of in-flight services and meal distribution
- Implement management directives and enforce company policy compliance
- Coordinate and supervise junior cabin crew members
Compensation and Benefits
- Enhanced salary structure reflecting experience and leadership position
- Support allowances for layovers that may increase with duration or location
- Potential access to flight discounts and employee travel programs
- Career advancement opportunities within the airline’s hierarchy
Professional Development
- Advanced training delivered through the Air India Training Academy
- Development of essential leadership and management capabilities
- Enhancement of emergency response and security protocol management
- Cultivation of effective communication and team coordination skills
Senior Cabin Crew Salary
According to AmbitionBox data, top-performing Senior Cabin Crew members at Air India Express (IX) achieve substantial compensation, with the highest 10% earning over ₹12.0 Lakhs annually and the top 1% exceeding ₹13.0 Lakhs per year. These leadership positions encompass significant responsibilities and come with comprehensive benefits packages.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the cabin crew team while ensuring compliance with safety protocols
- Serve as the primary passenger contact point to address needs and resolve concerns
- Oversee all flight safety aspects, including emergency procedures and passenger briefings
- Coordinate in-flight service delivery, including meal service and passenger amenities
- Complete the required documentation and report incidents or issues that arise during flights
Compensation and Benefits
- Competitive salary structure with annual earnings potential between ₹6 Lakhs and ₹15 Lakhs
- Performance-based bonus opportunities to enhance overall compensation
- Comprehensive health insurance coverage for employees
- Access to retirement savings plans for long-term financial security
- Travel privileges, including reduced or complimentary standby flights for staff and families
- Additional benefits include paid time off, employee assistance programs, and professional development opportunities
Air India Express Company Environment
- Air India Express (IX) demonstrates a commitment to diversity with significant female representation across positions
- Career advancement pathways are available beyond cabin crew roles, including opportunities in flight operations, engineering, and ground services
- As a low-cost carrier, the airline maintains competitive employment packages while balancing operational efficiency
How to apply for Air India Express Cabin Crew in 2025?
To pursue cabin crew opportunities with Air India Express (IX) in 2025, candidates should regularly check the official airline website for vacancy announcements and detailed application procedures. The comprehensive selection process includes multiple assessment stages designed to evaluate various competencies required for the role.
Application Process
- Monitor the Air India Express (IX) careers page regularly for cabin crew position openings
- Submit your online application following the specific guidelines provided
- Prepare essential documentation, including passport, PAN card, Aadhar card, educational certificates, and current resume
- Carefully follow all instructions provided by the recruitment team throughout the process
Preparation Recommendations
- Be ready to discuss relevant experience and qualifications during interviews
- Demonstrate strong communication abilities and teamwork aptitude
- Emphasise your commitment to passenger safety and service excellence
- Ensure you meet all physical requirements, including height, weight, and BMI specifications
- Maintain professional grooming standards and project a positive attitude throughout the selection process
Bottom Line
As we’ve seen, Air India Express (IX) cabin crew members in 2025 can expect competitive compensation packages ranging from ₹50,000 monthly for freshers to potentially over ₹13 Lakhs annually for the crème de la crème of senior crew. While you won’t be buying private jets with these paychecks, they certainly offer enough to keep your shopping cart happy during international layovers!
For those brave souls ready to embrace the sky-high career path, remember that your salary will grow faster than the airline’s meal trolley during turbulence. Between the competitive pay, travel perks, and opportunity to perfect your safety demonstration dance moves, joining Air India Express (IX) cabin crew in 2025 offers a career that’s quite literally on the up and up.
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