News for 'Air India and Indian Airlines'

Air India will have single AI code

Air India will have single AI code

Rediff.com24 Feb 2011

Airline has also advised passengers to contact its toll free number 18001801407 to check their revised flight number.

Air India suspends flights to Israel amid Iran strike

Air India suspends flights to Israel amid Iran strike

Rediff.com14 Apr 2024

With the Middle East tensions flaring up, Air India has temporarily suspended its Tel Aviv flights and airlines have charted alternative flight paths to avoid the Iranian airspace.

Air India unveils new brand identity, aircraft livery

Air India unveils new brand identity, aircraft livery

Rediff.com10 Aug 2023

Air India on Thursday unveiled a new brand identity and aircraft livery as the airline moves ahead with its transformation plan since being taken over by Tata Group more than one-and-a-half years ago. The new look re-imagines the iconic Indian window shape, historically used by Air India, into a gold window frame that becomes central to the new brand design system. It symbolises a 'Window of Possibilities', according to a release.

Air India crisis: Supreme Court raps government

Air India crisis: Supreme Court raps government

Rediff.com12 Oct 2014

The bench, which wanted the Civil Aviation Ministry to think over the various issues plaguing the national carrier, also said other area of concern was the priority given to private airlines with Air India aircraft being asked to hover around during the peak landing hours causing huge loss of money on fuel.

Noida International Airport takes flight, IndiGo makes inaugural landing

Noida International Airport takes flight, IndiGo makes inaugural landing

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Noida International Airport has officially commenced flight operations with an IndiGo flight from Lucknow making the inaugural landing, followed by a takeoff to Lucknow, carrying 172 villagers whose land was acquired for the project.

Indian airlines: The big winners and losers in 2013

Indian airlines: The big winners and losers in 2013

Rediff.com7 Jul 2014

High airport charges and steep operating cost hurt profitability of Indian airlines in 2013.

6 Indians dead, 1 missing in Gulf incidents; 3 lakh passengers return: MEA

6 Indians dead, 1 missing in Gulf incidents; 3 lakh passengers return: MEA

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Travel situation from the Gulf region is gradually improving, with a significant number of passengers already returning to India.

Air India seeks help for selling securities of its PF trusts

Air India seeks help for selling securities of its PF trusts

Rediff.com6 Oct 2021

Divestment-bound Air India is looking to sell securities of its two provident trusts AIEPF and IAEPF, and has sought applications for transaction advisors to help with the proposed sale of the securities. The Air India Employees Provident Fund (AIEPF) trust and Indian Airlines Employees Provident Fund (IAEPF) trust are governed by the Provident Fund Trust Act, 1925. The two trusts' investments together amounted to Rs 4,500 crore as of August 31, 2021, according to the tender document, seeking RFPs for the appointment of the transaction advisors.

Air India exits lobby group

Air India exits lobby group

Rediff.com4 Nov 2014

However, Federation of Indian Airlines will continue to function and its other members are not pulling the plug yet, industry sources said.

Air India plans MROs in Delhi, Nagpur

Air India plans MROs in Delhi, Nagpur

Rediff.com27 Aug 2007

National carrier Air India will have two maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities for its aircraft, one in Nagpur and the other in Delhi.

'Bonded labour': Air India pilot unions extend support to Vistara

'Bonded labour': Air India pilot unions extend support to Vistara

Rediff.com5 Apr 2024

Describing their situation akin to "bonded labour", two Air India pilot unions extended their support to Vistara pilots on Thursday, who have raised grievances regarding the duty roster and the revised salary structure. Amid the slew of flight cancellations and delays, Vistara chief executive officer Vinod Kannan acknowledged on Wednesday that pilot utilisation in the airline was high, and announced plans to scale back its flight schedule and overhaul the rostering system to provide pilots with more rest time.

4 foreign airlines show interest in Air India stake sale

4 foreign airlines show interest in Air India stake sale

Rediff.com13 Apr 2018

British Airways, Lufthansa, Etihad and Singapore Airlines are scouting for an Indian partner that meets the net worth criterion

Air India changes aircraft order with Airbus, cites 'business requirements'

Air India changes aircraft order with Airbus, cites 'business requirements'

Rediff.com7 Dec 2023

Air India significantly altered the composition of the aircraft order it placed earlier this year with Airbus, the European plane manufacturer has said. In February, Air India had placed the world's second-largest single-tranche aircraft order for 470 planes: 250 with Airbus and 220 with Boeing. In July, Airbus disclosed an order comprising 70 A321neo, 140 A320neo, 34 A350-1000, and six A350-900 aircraft for Air India.

Big relief for flyers, govt says no selection fees on 60% seats

Big relief for flyers, govt says no selection fees on 60% seats

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Indian airlines are now required to offer 60% of seats for free and ensure families sit together, as the government strengthens passenger rights and addresses concerns about high seat selection fees.

Indian Airlines, Punjab Sind Bank in semis

Indian Airlines, Punjab Sind Bank in semis

Rediff.com4 Mar 2006

The former beat South Central Railway while the bankmen accounted for Pakistan International Airlines.

Indian legal system a hurdle for aircraft lessors: Air India to govt

Indian legal system a hurdle for aircraft lessors: Air India to govt

Rediff.com12 Dec 2022

Tata Group-owned Air India has informed the Centre that aircraft lessors wish to set up their special purpose vehicles (SPVs) outside India since they aren't enthused about the Indian 'legal structure' and are loath to take risks. Indian airlines have a combined fleet of about 700 planes; over 85 per cent are on lease. A majority of lessors are based in Ireland due to its attractive tax policy, light-touch regulations, and swift legal system.

Air India, Sabre ink fare, seat access deal

Air India, Sabre ink fare, seat access deal

Rediff.com27 Apr 2023

Full service carrier Air India on Thursday announced a new multi-year global distribution services partnership with US-based Sabre Corporation. The collaboration enables travel agents and corporations around the world to access Air India fares and seats through Sabre's extensive global travel marketplace, Air India said in a statement. In addition to the distribution services, Air India said it is utilising Sabre's consultancy expertise to help determine optimal routes for its existing and new fleet.

Air India places order for 840 aircraft; includes option to buy 370 planes: Official

Air India places order for 840 aircraft; includes option to buy 370 planes: Official

Rediff.com16 Feb 2023

Tata Group-owned Air India has placed an order for 840 planes with Airbus and Boeing, including the option to acquire 370 aircraft, with a senior airline official on Thursday saying the order is a "landmark moment" in the Indian aviation history. The announcement by Air India's Chief Commercial and Transformation Officer Nipun Aggarwal comes a day after the airline said it has placed a firm order for 470 aircraft -- 250 from Airbus and 220 from Boeing. In a LinkedIn post, Aggarwal said the airline is humbled by the excitement generated across the world by the airline's aircraft order.

Air India: Will JRD Tata's Legend Return?

Air India: Will JRD Tata's Legend Return?

Rediff.com14 Oct 2021

J R D Tata and Air India... Mrigank Warrier explores one of India's eternal love stories.

Pahalgam attack: India shuts airspace for Pakistani airlines

Pahalgam attack: India shuts airspace for Pakistani airlines

Rediff.com1 May 2025

India has closed its airspace to flights operated by Pakistani airlines in a retaliatory move following the Pahalgam terror attack. The ban will be in effect until May 23 and applies to all aircraft registered in Pakistan, as well as planes operated, owned or leased by Pakistani airlines and operators. This comes a week after Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian carriers. The move is part of various measures taken by the Indian government against Pakistan in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people.

Air India opposes changes to ownership norms

Air India opposes changes to ownership norms

Rediff.com17 Mar 2017

Existing norms mandate 2/3rd of members of an airline's board must comprise Indian nationals

Indian airlines revamp their in-flight menus amid intense competition

Indian airlines revamp their in-flight menus amid intense competition

Rediff.com11 Oct 2022

From croissants to Galouti kebabs and Medu vada, Indian carriers, both low-cost and full-service, are revising their in-flight menus to offer passengers a differentiated fare as competition is heating up amid the boom in air travel with the waning of Covid-19. On Monday, Air India, which was taken over by the Tata Group on January 27, unveiled its new domestic in-flight menu comprising gourmet meals, new appetizers, desserts, and local dishes. Air India's economy class passengers would now be served dishes such as Mushroom cheese omelette, Dry jeera aloo wedges, and Garlic tossed spinach and corn for breakfast, and Vegetable biryani, Malabar chicken curry, and mixed vegetable poriyal for lunch.

Air India banks on artificial intelligence to cut call centre costs

Air India banks on artificial intelligence to cut call centre costs

Rediff.com20 Jun 2024

Air India's use of artificial intelligence (AI) has had a huge impact on the airline major's call centre volumes and the technology integration has reduced costs by 100 times, a senior company executive said on Wednesday. The airline launched its own chatbot AI.g, earlier known as Maharaja, in May 2023. The chatbot has answered approximately two million queries since its launch, handling 93 per cent of customer inquiries without needing to pass them on to call centre agents, said Sathya Ramaswamy, Chief Digital and Technology Officer, Air India.

Do you like Air India's new uniforms for cabin, cockpit crew?

Do you like Air India's new uniforms for cabin, cockpit crew?

Rediff.com12 Dec 2023

Private carrier Air India on Tuesday unveiled its new collection of uniforms, designed by Manish Malhotra, for its cabin and cockpit crew. The new uniforms will be introduced in a phased manner over the next few months, starting with the entry of service of Air India's first Airbus A350 aircraft, the company said in a statement. "Air India's crew uniforms are amongst the world's most storied in aviation history, and we firmly believe that Manish Malhotra's innovative ensemble will script an exciting new chapter for Air India's future narrative," said Campbell Wilson, chief executive officer and managing director at Air India.

Passport Ready? 4 Cheapest Destinations From India

Passport Ready? 4 Cheapest Destinations From India

Rediff.com10 Dec 2025

Passport Ready? 4 Cheapest Destinations From Bengaluru, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai & Mumbai

Top airlines: Air India bags second position in India

Top airlines: Air India bags second position in India

Rediff.com18 Nov 2014

Domestic air traffic grew by over 18 per cent last month compared to October last year as Air India's passenger load factor overshot that of IndiGo which had the largest number of flight cancellations, official data showed on Monday.

Ilker Ayci is first foreign-national to head Air India

Ilker Ayci is first foreign-national to head Air India

Rediff.com14 Feb 2022

The Air India board met on Monday afternoon to consider the candidature of Ilker Ayci and after due deliberations approved the appointment of Ayci as the CEO & MD of Air India, Tata Sons said in a statement.

Ilker Ayci is first foreign-national to head Air India

Ilker Ayci is first foreign-national to head Air India

Rediff.com14 Feb 2022

The Air India board met on Monday afternoon to consider the candidature of Ilker Ayci and after due deliberations approved the appointment of Ayci as the CEO & MD of Air India, Tata Sons said in a statement.

Wage parity: Air India brass meets union leaders

Wage parity: Air India brass meets union leaders

Rediff.com8 Apr 2010

Air India top brass on Thursday met leaders of two pilots' unions and assured them that their problems would be looked into, especially those relating to the wage structure.

Tatas, US-based fund among Air India bidders

Tatas, US-based fund among Air India bidders

Rediff.com14 Dec 2020

Salt-to-software conglomerate Tata group was among "multiple" entities who on Monday put in preliminary bids for buying the government's stake in loss-making carrier Air India.

Curbing air access is like shooting yourself in foot: Emirates president

Curbing air access is like shooting yourself in foot: Emirates president

Rediff.com9 Jun 2025

Restricting air access to foreign carriers by not granting them more bilateral rights is akin to shooting yourself in the foot, as air transport is a wealth multiplier for India's economy, Emirates President Tim Clark said during a press conference held on the sidelines of the annual general meeting of the International Air Transport Association.

'IndiGo Must Be Broken Up Into 3 Or 4 Airlines'

'IndiGo Must Be Broken Up Into 3 Or 4 Airlines'

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

'IndiGo is fooling the country and the government has succumbed to it.'

Air India showing signs of revival

Air India showing signs of revival

Rediff.com13 Jan 2013

With the gradual shrinking of Mallya-owned Kingfisher Airlines and rise in fares by 30-40 per cent in 2012-13 as compared to last year, the carrier improved its market share from 16 per cent to 20 per cent in the last seven to eight months.

Air India's website crashes after Rs 100 fare offer

Air India's website crashes after Rs 100 fare offer

Rediff.com27 Aug 2014

Tickets will be sold only through Air India website from August 27-31 and for travel during August 27-September 30.

Air India joins global grouping Star Alliance

Air India joins global grouping Star Alliance

Rediff.com24 Jun 2014

Ending a seven-year-long wait, the Star Alliance Chief Executive Board, at its meeting in London on Monday, gave an endorsement vote to induct Air India into the fold.

Air India sale: Deal process to conclude by Sep

Air India sale: Deal process to conclude by Sep

Rediff.com13 Apr 2021

The government has initiated the process for inviting financial bids for the sale of national carrier Air India and the deal is likely to conclude by September, sources said. Salt-to-software conglomerate Tata Group was among the "multiple" entities that had put in preliminary bids for buying loss-making Air India in December last year. The sources said that after analysing the preliminary bids, eligible bidders were given access to the Virtual Data Room (VDR) of Air India, following which investors' queries were answered.

Chronology: How Tatas are back in Air India's cockpit

Chronology: How Tatas are back in Air India's cockpit

Rediff.com8 Oct 2021

After more than two decades and three attempts, the government has finally sold its flagship national carrier Air India, and it is deja vu for Maharaja as it returned home to its founding father the Tata group. Jehangir Ratanji Dadabhoy (JRD) Tata founded the airline in 1932 and named it Tata Airlines. In 1946, the aviation division of Tata Sons was listed as Air India, and in 1948, the Air India International was launched with flights to Europe. The international service was among the first public-private partnerships in India, with the government holding 49 per cent, the Tatas keeping 25 per cent and the public owning the rest. In 1953, Air India was nationalised and for the next over four decades it remained the prized possession for India controlling the majority of the domestic airspace.

Tatas to offer ESOPs to Air India staff

Tatas to offer ESOPs to Air India staff

Rediff.com29 Apr 2022

In a bid to incentivise its staff and improve their performance, Air India may soon offer them employee stock options (ESOPs). The erstwhile national carrier, which was acquired by the salt-to-steel conglomerate Tata Group last year, will be the second company in the Group to have an ESOP policy. Tata Motors is the other Group company with an ESOP policy, which was implemented in 2018.

'Biggest Meltdown In Indian Aviation History'

'Biggest Meltdown In Indian Aviation History'

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

'It has got to be the biggest error in aviation. If it is the biggest error, then all those individuals in positions of power should be removed because they have caused the biggest meltdown in Indian aviation history.'