Tag Archives: Campbell Wilson

Australia has seen a surge in leisure, VFR & MICE movement from India

Tourism Australia, Air India ink 3-year MoU to boost arrivals

Tourism Australia and Air India have signed a three-year marketing agreement to sustain and drive the positive trend in Indian visitor arrivals to Australia as the carrier expands its presence in the market.

Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Tourism Australia and Air India will explore opportunities to jointly undertake and implement marketing activities to showcase Australia’s world-class appeal and drive future growth in visitation.

Phillipa Harrison, Managing Director, of Tourism Australia said, “We have seen tremendous growth in the number of arrivals from India to Australia in recent years and we are keen for arrivals to continue to track in that direction. Tourism Australia’s agreement with Air India highlights our commitment to strengthening partnerships and exploring new ways to encourage Indian travellers to plan and book an Australia holiday. We look forward to working closely with Air India to showcase Australia as a holiday destination.”

Andrew Hogg, Executive General Manager of Eastern Markets and Aviation, Tourism Australia, said, “As one of Australia’s valuable tourism markets, India holds immense promise, and we’re excited to collaborate with Air India to further elevate Australia’s appeal for high-yielding Indian leisure and business travellers. We aim to sustain growth in visitor numbers from India to Australia while enhancing travel experiences and connectivity between the two countries.”

Campbell Wilson, CEO & MD, Air India said, “We are excited to partner with Tourism Australia to facilitate travellers’ experiences of the unique offerings this destination has to offer. As we broaden our network across the globe, we aim to deepen our presence in Australia as well.”

Air India currently operates 17 weekly non-stop flights connecting India and Australia. In the year to August 2024, the airline transported over 170,000 Indian travellers, securing an 18.5% market share and remains one of the largest carriers of traffic from India to Australia.

Air India Launches A350 for Delhi- New York

 

Air India has launched its flagship A350-900 aircraft on daily, non-stop flights from Delhi to New York’s JFK Airport, with plans for a five-times weekly service to Newark’s EWR starting January 2, 2025. This introduction features all-new interiors, including private suites in Business Class and a Premium Economy cabin, alongside a cutting-edge Inflight Entertainment system and enhanced catering.

The A350 marks the debut of Air India’s Premium Economy on the Delhi-New York route, offering 24 extra-legroom seats in a dedicated cabin. Additionally, the Business Class includes 28 private suites with full lie-flat beds, direct aisle access, and sliding privacy doors, making Air India the only non-stop airline from India to the USA to offer such luxury.

Upcoming enhancements include onboard Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing passengers to stay connected during their flights. The A350 experience promises upgraded meal menus, new serviceware, and premium amenity kits designed by Ferragamo and TUMI, all complemented by a state-of-the-art entertainment system featuring over 3,000 hours of content.

Campbell Wilson, CEO & Managing Director, Air India, emphasised that the A350 represents a transformative phase for the airline under its Vihaan.AI program. He expressed enthusiasm for expanding this elevated customer experience and plans for comprehensive interior refurbishments of existing aircraft, paving the way for a brighter future for Air India.

Air India gains approval for in-house modifications

 

Air India has achieved a major milestone with its recent Design Organisation Approval (DOA) from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) under CAR 21 approval guidelines. As the first airline in India to attain this level of authorisation, Air India now possesses the in-house capability to implement design modifications to its aircraft interiors, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and self-reliance.

The official approval was presented to Campbell Wilson, CEO, Air India. This achievement marks a significant step in Air India’s journey to bolster its internal engineering and maintenance capacities, aiming for a self-sustaining approach to fleet maintenance and modification. This shift towards internal capability aligns with India’s broader vision of empowering the domestic aviation sector.

In collaboration with Tata Technologies, a leader in engineering and digital services, Air India is focusing on delivering next-generation aircraft interiors that emphasise safety, functionality, and an improved passenger experience. Tata Technologies’ expertise will support Air India in incorporating state-of-the-art digital thread solutions and advanced Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services, thus reducing downtime and ensuring enhanced operational reliability.

With this DOA, Air India is poised to streamline its operational processes significantly, enabling a more responsive and customer-centric approach. This strategic move underscores Air India’s commitment to contributing to the Indian aviation sector’s growth while fostering an enhanced experience for travellers through technological advancements and increased autonomy in fleet maintenance and interior upgrades.

AI Group completes merger of AI Express & AIX Connect into unified LCC

Air India Group has completed the operational integration and legal merger of Air India Express Ltd and AIX Connect Pvt Ltd (erstwhile AirAsia India) into a larger Low-Cost Carrier.

The formation of the merged entity, which will operate under the ‘Air India Express’ name and a unified airline code IX, marks a significant milestone in the transformation journey of Air India Group, which is merging four airlines into two. The group is simultaneously in the process of merging Vistara into Air India to set up a world-class global airline.

The merger process for Air India Express was completed in less than a year since the airline’s refreshed brand was unveiled. It involved the harmonisation of operational manuals, as an enabler for the merger, and the transfer of Air operator certificates (AOCs). Given the complexity of such a merger, it required close working with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), who supported and monitored the process throughout. The merger also received support of Ministry of Civil Aviation (MOCA), Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and other key stakeholders.

Today, Vikram Dev Dutt, Director General, DGCA, handed over the updated AOC to Aloke Singh, Managing Director, Air India Express, in the presence of Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer of Air India and Chairman, Air India Express, at the DGCA headquarter in New Delhi.

Vikram Dev Dutt, Director General, DGCA, said: “The successful integration and merger of AIX Connect with Air India Express is commendable and serves as a benchmark for airline mergers. India’s rapid evolution into the world’s third largest aviation market calls for a robust regulatory regime. Accomplishing this milestone given the complexities involved, is testimony to the efforts put in by teams from both the DGCA and the operator.”

A live tracker created by the Flight Standards Directorate of DGCA with a dedicated team for continuous monitoring of the progress of the harmonisation process has been instrumental in achieving the challenging task in a time-bound manner.

Aloke Singh, Managing Director, Air India Express, sai, “About a year ago, we started the integration of AIX Connect and Air India Express, bringing the two organisations together behind a common brand. Alongside, we worked on the complex integration exercise culminating today in the operational and legal merger of the two organisations. The close collaboration amongst DGCA, BCAS, and MoCA, AIX and group leadership teams and many other colleagues were instrumental in the success of this exercise.”

Campbell Wilson, Managing Director & CEO of Air India and Chairman, Air India Express, said: “The integration of AIX Connect with Air India Express is an important milestone in Air India’s Vihaan.ai transformation journey. The merged entity will cater to the growing demand for air travel around India and in the region, especially amongst the country’s aspirational youth looking for fresh and more appealing value products. This merger will be followed by the merger of Vistara into Air India on 12 November. We look forward to working with the guidance of DGCA to conclude it seamlessly.”

With the merger completed, Air India Express will focus on a future growth and transformation agenda. The airline’s fleet size has already grown to 88 aircraft, with nearly four new aircraft continuing to join each month. The fleet is expected to cross 100 aircraft by the end of the current financial year, with a network footprint spanning across India, Gulf and Southeast Asia.

The number of routes AIX operates has risen from 74 to 171, and passenger carriage has increased by over 400% since the take-over of Air India by Tata group in early 2022.

In October 2023, the airline unveiled the unified brand ‘Air India Express’. Since then, flights operated by AIX Connect have also been marketed under the ‘Air India Express’ brand, with necessary regulatory approval.

Air India implements USD 400mn refit programme for 67 aircraft

Air India has begun its over USD 400 million refit programme for a phased revamp of 67 legacy aircraft in its fleet. This refit will lead to a refresh of the product to the new Air India experience — with modern three-cabin configuration, new seats, new carpets, curtains and upholstery.

The refit programme will start with the 27 narrowbody Airbus A320neo aircraft, followed by the 40 widebody Boeing aircraft.

The first narrowbody aircraft to commence the refit programme is VT-EXN, a single-aisle A320neo that went into the hangar on Monday. After prototyping and necessary regulatory approvals, VT-EXN is expected to re-enter commercial service in December 2024, joining the eight recently-delivered and operational Air India A320neo aircraft that already feature the upgraded cabin interiors and configuration, the airline said.

Following VT-EXN, between three and four aircraft per month will undergo retrofit, with upgradation of the full narrowbody fleet expected by the middle of 2025.

Campbell Wilson, CEO & Managing Director, Air India, said, “The commencement of interior refit of the narrowbody fleet is an important step in our journey of enhancing the flying experience of our customers. Over time, all the legacy widebody aircraft will also be refitted. This comprehensive upgradation of Air India’s physical product is an important component of Air India transforming into a world-class airline.”

The refitted A320neo aircraft will feature 8 luxurious seats in Business, 24 extra legroom seats in Premium Economy and 132 comfortable seats in Economy, offering wider choice to its guests. Subtle cabin lighting, spacious legroom and wider pitch, and modern features, like portable electronic device (PED) holders and USB ports with type A and C options to charge mobile phones, laptops and other gadgets, among others, will contribute significantly to offer guests an inflight experience catering to the needs of today’s discerning flyers. Carpets, curtains, upholstery, cabin panels will be refreshed with new tones and design motifs reinforcing the brand livery, the airline added.

The Business cabins will offer 40-inch ergonomic seats with 7-inch recline, an adjustable armrest, footrest and backrest, a tray table deployed at the push of a button that includes a (personal Electronic Device (PED) holder with multiple charging ports. The Premium Economy cabins provide larger seats with superior upholstery, four-way adjustable headrest, 32-inch pitch with a 4-inch recline, with a PED holder and USB ports. Economy seats are ergonomically designed with comfortable upholstery, 28-29-inch seat pitch, 4-inch recline and legroom with amenities like PED holder and USB ports.

The refit project will be coordinated by Air India’s Engineering team with global OEMs such as Collins, Astronics and Thales among others. The exercise will see the installation of over 15,000 next-generation seats across Premium Economy, Business and Economy Class.
“In parallel to the narrowbody retrofit program, final preparations continue for the full interior upgradation of 40 legacy widebody Boeing 787 and 777 aircraft. Market-leading seats and inflight entertainment systems have been selected, interior designs are complete and the airline is working closely with seat manufacturers to finalise regulatory certification and expedite production. Subject to supply chains, the retrofit of the first widebody aircraft will commence in early 2025,” said Air India.

Air India unveils Business, Premium Economy & Economy cabins for A320neo fleet

Air India has unveiled a three-class configuration on its newly inducted narrowbody aircraft. Air India’s A320neo aircraft will now offer a new Business, an all-new Premium Economy and a new Economy cabin experience on domestic and short-haul international routes.

Air India has refitted two new A320neo aircraft – VT-RTW and VT-RTZ – in a three-class configuration featuring 8 luxurious seats in Business, 24 extra legroom seats in Premium Economy and 132 comfortable seats in Economy, offering wider choice to its guests. With this, Air India introduces Premium Economy cabins for the first time on narrowbody aircraft.

Subtle cabin mood lighting, spacious legroom and wider pitch, and modern features, like portable electronic device (PED) holders and USB ports to charge mobile phones, laptops and other gadgets, among others will contribute significantly to offer guests, in all three cabins, an inflight experience that is tailored to the needs of today’s discerning flyers.

Air India has plans to introduce the three-class configuration to its entire full service narrowbody fleet over the next year. Existing aircraft are now being progressively inducted for refit, while new aircraft joining the fleet will be delivered with the new Air India experience.

Campbell Wilson, CEO & MD, Air India, said, “The introduction of a three-class cabin to Air India’s narrowbody fleet and commencement of interior refits are important steps in the journey of enhancing the flying experience. The upgrade of the narrowbody fleet, which operates on domestic and short-haul international network, complements the upgraded widebody experience now available on our A350 fleet and new B777s, and on all other widebodies as they are refitted over the next two years. This comprehensive upgradation of Air India’s physical product is an important component of transforming into a world-class airline.”

Customised by seat manufacturer Collins Aerospace, the seats in all three cabins combine unique ergonomic contouring and a patented comfort system to offer enhanced passenger comfort. All seats are equipped with literature pockets, charging ports, tray table and coat hooks, prioritising guest comfort.

A distinct feature on Air India’s A320neo aircraft is an innovative mood lighting with planned illumination settings during take-off, landing, meal service, and even to celebrate India’s national days. With Air India’s brand identity at its core, the lighting is designed to enhance the overall in-flight experience, creating a subtle and soothing environment for guests to relax.

The new Business cabins offer feature-rich 40-inch ergonomic seats with deep 7-inch recline, an adjustable armrest, footrest and backrest, a tray table deployed at the push of a button that includes a PED holder and is extendable and multiple charging ports. Industry-best seat upholstery on Business will provide maximum comfort and convenience to customers.

The all-new Premium Economy provides larger seats with superior upholstery, four-way headrest, wider 32-inch seat pitch with a 4-inch recline, and other amenities such as a PED holder and USB charging port. With more meal options, including delectable food and drink selection, served in upgraded crockery and cutlery, Premium Economy promises a superior travel experience.

Economy seats too are ergonomically designed with comfortable upholstery, 28-29-inch seat pitch, 4-inch recline and legroom and come with features such as a PED holder, tray table, USB charging port and a coat hook.