.svg)
1,326
edits
Air India: Difference between revisions
no edit summary
No edit summary |
|||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{short description|Flag-carrier airline of India}} | {{short description|Flag-carrier airline of India}} | ||
{{pp|small=yes}} | |||
{{good article}} | {{good article}} | ||
{{EngvarB|date=September 2017}} | {{EngvarB|date=September 2017}} | ||
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2019}} | {{Use dmy dates|date=September 2019}} | ||
{{Infobox airline | {{Infobox airline | ||
|airline | | airline = Air India | ||
|image | | image = | ||
|IATA | | logo = Air India Logo.svg | ||
|ICAO | | logo_size = | ||
|callsign | | founded = {{Start date and age|df=yes|1932|10|15}} (as Tata Airlines) | ||
|aoc | | commenced = {{Start date and age|df=yes|1946|07|29}}<ref name="Britannica"/> | ||
|hubs | | IATA = AI<ref name="chavprofile">{{cite web | url=http://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/airline/AI | title=Air India | work=ch-aviation | access-date=30 January 2017 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170117052754/http://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/airline/AI | archive-date=17 January 2017 | df=dmy-all }}</ref> | ||
|secondary_hubs = [[Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport]] | | ICAO = AIC<ref name="chavprofile" /> | ||
|focus_cities | | callsign = AIR INDIA<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Order/7340_2F_Bsc_w_Chgs_1-3_Contractions.pdf | title=7340.2F with Change 1 and Change 2 and Change 3 | work=[[Federal Aviation Administration]] | date=15 September 2016 | access-date=30 January 2017 | pages=3–1–11 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170203160048/https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Order/7340_2F_Bsc_w_Chgs_1-3_Contractions.pdf | archive-date=3 February 2017 | df=dmy-all }}</ref> | ||
| aoc = | |||
| hubs = [[Indira Gandhi International Airport|Delhi]] | |||
| secondary_hubs = [[Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport|Mumbai]] | |||
| focus_cities = {{Plainlist| | |||
*[[Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport|Ahmedabad]] | *[[Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport|Ahmedabad]] | ||
*[[Kempegowda International Airport| | *[[Kempegowda International Airport|Bangalore]] | ||
*[[Chennai International Airport|Chennai]] | *[[Chennai International Airport|Chennai]] | ||
*[[Rajiv Gandhi International Airport|Hyderabad]] | *[[Rajiv Gandhi International Airport|Hyderabad]] | ||
*[[Cochin International Airport|Kochi]] | *[[Cochin International Airport|Kochi]] | ||
*[[Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport|Kolkata]] | *[[Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport|Kolkata]] | ||
*[[ | *[[Thiruvananthapuram International Airport|Thiruvananthapuram]] | ||
|frequent_flyer | }} | ||
|alliance | | frequent_flyer = Flying Returns | ||
|fleet_size | | alliance = [[Star Alliance]] | ||
|destinations | | fleet_size = [[Air India fleet|127]] (excl. subsidiaries) | ||
|parent | | destinations = [[List of Air India destinations|102]] | ||
| parent = [[Air India Limited]] ([[Tata Group]])<ref>{{Cite web|date=2022-01-28|title=Explained: What happens after the Tata Group gets control of Air India today?|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/air-india-tata-group-handover-explained-7743920/|access-date=2022-01-28|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref> | |||
| | | key_people = {{plainlist| | ||
| | * [[Natarajan Chandrasekaran|N. Chandrasekaran]] ([[Chairman]]) | ||
| | * [[Campbell Wilson]] ([[Chief Executive Officer|CEO]] & [[Managing Director|MD]]) | ||
}} | |||
|key_people | | founder = [[J. R. D. Tata]] | ||
| headquarters = Airlines House, [[New Delhi]], India<ref name="Air India building" /> | |||
[[J. R. D. Tata]] | | subsidiaries = [[Air India Express]] | ||
|headquarters | | revenue = {{Increase}}{{INRConvert|26430.59|c}} (2019)<ref name="Air India 2019">[http://www.airindia.in/images/pdf/Statement_of_Profit_and_Loss_for_the_year_ended_31March_2019.pdf "Statement of Profit & Loss on 31.03.2019"].</ref> | ||
|subsidiaries | | operating_income = {{decrease}}{{INRConvert|-3763.50|c}} (2019)<ref name="Air India 2019"/> | ||
| revenue | | profit = {{decrease}}{{INRConvert|-8556.36|c}} (2019)<ref name="Air India 2019"/> | ||
| operating_income | | assets = {{increase}}{{INRConvert|52352.18|c}} (2019)<ref name="Air India 2019 BS">[http://www.airindia.in/images/pdf/Balance_Sheet_as_at_31March_2019.pdf "Balance Sheet 31.03.2019"].</ref> | ||
| profit | | equity = {{decrease}}{{INRConvert|-29466.36|c}} (2019)<ref name="Air India 2019 BS"/> | ||
| assets | | website = {{url|https://www.airindia.in/}} | ||
| equity | |||
|website | |||
}} | }} | ||
'''Air India''' is the [[flag carrier]] airline of [[India]], headquartered at [[New Delhi]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.economist.com/node/21559372|title=Flying low; India's flag carrier is in big trouble|date=21 July 2012| | '''Air India''' is the [[flag carrier]] airline of [[India]], headquartered at [[New Delhi]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.economist.com/node/21559372|title=Flying low; India's flag carrier is in big trouble|date=21 July 2012|newspaper=[[The Economist]]|access-date=15 October 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160623215420/http://www.economist.com/node/21559372|archive-date=23 June 2016}}</ref> It is owned by Talace Private Limited, a fully owned subsidiary of [[Tata Sons]], after [[Air India Limited]]'s former owner, the [[Government of India]], completed the sale.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-01-27 |title=Tata Group regains Air India’s ownership after seven decades |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/tata-group-finalises-deal-to-regain-air-india-s-ownership-after-seven-decades-101643283895717.html |access-date=2023-02-18 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite twitter |user=PTI_News |number=1486645569233702912 |title=Air India has been handed over to Tata Sons: DIPAM Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey |access-date=2022-01-27 |website=Twitter |language=en}}</ref> Air India operates a fleet of [[Airbus]] and [[Boeing]] aircraft serving 102 domestic and international destinations.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kundu |first1=Rhik |title=Govt issues letter of intent to Tata group for Air India sale |url=https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/air-india-sale-government-issues-loi-to-tata-group-11633964488596.html |access-date=1 November 2021 |work=mint |date=11 October 2021 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Air India privatisation HIGHLIGHTS: Tata wins bid to buy Air India for Rs 18,000 crore |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/industry/air-india-sale-disinvestment-privatisation-live-bid-winner-winning-bidder-announcement-ratan-tata-ajay-singh/2346403/ |access-date=1 November 2021 |work=The Financial Express |date=8 October 2021}}</ref> The airline has its hub at [[Indira Gandhi International Airport|Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi]], alongside several focus cities across India. Air India is the largest international carrier out of India with an 18.6% market share.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.financialexpress.com/industry/air-traffic-soars-15-in-april-indigo-stays-on-top-air-india-marketshare-flat-at-12-9/675661/ |title=Air traffic soars 15% in April; Indigo stays on top; Air India marketshare flat at 12.9% |publisher=The Financial Express |date=19 May 2017 |access-date=24 October 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806023854/http://www.financialexpress.com/industry/air-traffic-soars-15-in-april-indigo-stays-on-top-air-india-marketshare-flat-at-12-9/675661/ |archive-date=6 August 2017 }}</ref> Over 60 international destinations are served by Air India across five continents. The airline became the 27th member of [[Star Alliance]] on 11 July 2014. | ||
The airline was founded by [[J. R. D. Tata]] as Tata Airlines in 1932; Tata himself flew its first single-engine [[de Havilland Puss Moth]], carrying [[air mail]] from [[Karachi]]'s [[Jinnah International Airport|Drigh Road Aerodrome]] to Bombay's [[Juhu aerodrome]] and later continuing to [[Chennai airport|Madras]] (currently [[Chennai]]). After World War II, it became a [[public limited company]] and was renamed as ''Air India''. On 21 February 1960, it took delivery of its first [[Boeing 707]] named ''Gauri Shankar'' and became the first Asian airline to induct a jet aircraft in its fleet.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.airwhiners.net/whine_cheez/20040726.htm|title=Air India : The History of The Aircraft Fleet|publisher=airwhiners.net|access-date=15 July 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160724221328/http://www.airwhiners.net/whine_cheez/20040726.htm|archive-date=24 July 2016}}</ref> In | The airline was founded by [[J. R. D. Tata]] as Tata Airlines in 1932; Tata himself flew its first single-engine [[de Havilland Puss Moth]], carrying [[air mail]] from [[Karachi]]'s [[Jinnah International Airport|Drigh Road Aerodrome]] to Bombay's [[Juhu aerodrome]] and later continuing to [[Chennai airport|Madras]] (currently [[Chennai]]). After World War II, it became a [[public limited company]] and was renamed as ''Air India''. On 21 February 1960, it took delivery of its first [[Boeing 707]] named ''Gauri Shankar'' and became the first Asian airline to induct a jet aircraft in its fleet.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.airwhiners.net/whine_cheez/20040726.htm|title=Air India : The History of The Aircraft Fleet|publisher=airwhiners.net|access-date=15 July 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160724221328/http://www.airwhiners.net/whine_cheez/20040726.htm|archive-date=24 July 2016}}</ref> In 2000 and 2001, attempts were made to privatise Air India and from 2006 onwards, it suffered losses after its merger with [[Indian Airlines]]. Another privatisation attempt was launched in 2017, which concluded with ownership of the airline and associated properties reverting to Tata in 2022. | ||
Air India also operates flights to domestic and Asian destinations through its | Air India also operates flights to domestic and Asian destinations through its subsidiary [[Air India Express]]. Air India's mascot is ''the [[Maharajah]]'' (Emperor) and the logo consists of a flying swan with the [[Konark Sun Temple|wheel of Konark]] inside it. | ||
==History== | ==History== | ||
| Line 57: | Line 59: | ||
[[File:Tata Sons' Airline Timetable Image, Summer 1935 (interior).jpg|thumb|Tata Sons' Airline Timetable Image, summer 1935]] | [[File:Tata Sons' Airline Timetable Image, Summer 1935 (interior).jpg|thumb|Tata Sons' Airline Timetable Image, summer 1935]] | ||
Air India had its origin as '''Tata Air Services''' later renamed to '''Tata Airlines'''<ref>{{cite news |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/from-tata-airlines-to-air-india-jrd-tata-is-the-maharajah-set-for-a-home-flight-ratan-tata-4716254/ |title=Tata Airlines to Air India: Is the Maharajah set for a home flight? |newspaper=The Indian Express |date=22 June 2017 |access-date=24 October 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728165353/http://indianexpress.com/article/india/from-tata-airlines-to-air-india-jrd-tata-is-the-maharajah-set-for-a-home-flight-ratan-tata-4716254/ |archive-date=28 July 2017 | Air India had its origin as '''Tata Air Services''' later renamed to '''Tata Airlines'''<ref>{{cite news |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/from-tata-airlines-to-air-india-jrd-tata-is-the-maharajah-set-for-a-home-flight-ratan-tata-4716254/ |title=Tata Airlines to Air India: Is the Maharajah set for a home flight? |newspaper=The Indian Express |date=22 June 2017 |access-date=24 October 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728165353/http://indianexpress.com/article/india/from-tata-airlines-to-air-india-jrd-tata-is-the-maharajah-set-for-a-home-flight-ratan-tata-4716254/ |archive-date=28 July 2017 }}</ref> founded by [[J. R. D. Tata]] of [[Tata Group|Tata Sons]], an Indian aviator and business tycoon.<ref>{{cite web|title=Airline Companies of the World|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1939/1939%20-%201264.html|work=[[Flight International]]|date=27 April 1939|access-date=17 September 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029194956/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1939/1939%20-%201264.html|archive-date=29 October 2013}}</ref> In April 1932, Tata won a contract to carry mail for [[Imperial Airways]] and the aviation department of Tata Sons was formed with two single-engine [[de Havilland Puss Moth]]s. On 15 October 1932, Tata flew a Puss Moth carrying [[air mail]] from [[Karachi]] to [[Juhu aerodrome|Bombay]] (currently [[Mumbai]]) and the aircraft continued to [[Chennai airport|Madras]] (currently [[Chennai]]) piloted by [[Nevill Vintcent]], a former [[Royal Air Force]] pilot and friend of Tata.<ref name="history">{{cite web|url=http://www.tata.in/aboutus/articlesinside/How-the-Maharaja-got-his-wings|title=How Maharaja got his wings|publisher=Tata Sons|access-date=7 March 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604131141/http://www.tata.in/aboutus/articlesinside/How-the-Maharaja-got-his-wings|archive-date=4 June 2016}}</ref> The airline fleet consisted of a Puss Moth aircraft and a [[de Havilland Leopard Moth]].<ref>{{cite book|last1=Seth|first1=Pran Nath|last2=Bhat|first2=Sushma Seth|title=An introduction to travel and tourism|publisher=Sterling Publishers|year=2005|isbn=978-81-207-2482-2}}</ref><ref name="isbn8120813227">{{cite book|last1=Behari|first1=Bapu|title=Astrological Biographies: Seventeen Examples of Predictive Insights|publisher=Motilal Banarsidass|year=1996|isbn=978-81-208-1322-9}}</ref> Initial service included weekly airmail service between Karachi and Madras via [[Ahmedabad]] and Bombay. In its first year of operation, the airline flew {{convert|160000|mile}}, carrying 155 passengers and {{convert|9.72|tonne}} of mail and made a profit of {{INRconvert|60|k}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.airindia.ch/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=19&Itemid=45|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120811132127/http://www.airindia.ch/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=19&Itemid=45|archive-date=11 August 2012|title=Switzerland Schweiz Suisse Svizzera |publisher=Air India|access-date=13 September 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://india.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/10/15/when-air-india-was-efficient-profitable-and-growing-fast/|title=When Air India Was Efficient, Profitable and Growing Fast|last1=Subramanian|first1=Samanth|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=15 October 2012|access-date=24 March 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130403045633/http://india.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/10/15/when-air-india-was-efficient-profitable-and-growing-fast/|archive-date=3 April 2013}}</ref> | ||
==== As Tata Airlines==== | ==== As Tata Airlines==== | ||
| Line 68: | Line 70: | ||
[[File:Boeing 707-437, Air-India AN2227437.jpg|thumb|Air India became the first Asian carrier to induct a jet aircraft, with the [[Boeing 707|Boeing 707-420]] ''Gauri Shankar''.]] | [[File:Boeing 707-437, Air-India AN2227437.jpg|thumb|Air India became the first Asian carrier to induct a jet aircraft, with the [[Boeing 707|Boeing 707-420]] ''Gauri Shankar''.]] | ||
After World War II, regular commercial service was restored in India and Tata Airlines became a [[public limited company]] on 29 July 1946 under the name ''Air India''.<ref name="Britannica">{{cite encyclopedia|url= | After World War II, regular commercial service was restored in India and Tata Airlines became a [[public limited company]] on 29 July 1946, under the name ''Air India''.<ref name="Britannica">{{cite encyclopedia|url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Air-India|title=Air India, Indian airline|encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica|access-date=6 March 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312100015/https://www.britannica.com/topic/Air-India|archive-date=12 March 2016}}</ref> After [[independence of India|Indian independence]] in 1947, 49% of the airline was acquired by the [[Government of India]] in 1948.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qXxAAAAAIAAJ|title=Report of the Air Transport Inquiry Committee, 1950|author=Air Transport Inquiry Committee|publisher=University of California|page=28|year=1950}}</ref> On 8 June 1948, a [[Lockheed Constellation|Lockheed Constellation L-749A]] named ''Malabar Princess'' (registered ''VT-CQP'') took off from [[Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport|Bombay]] bound for [[London Heathrow]] marking the airline's first international flight.<ref name="history"/> | ||
====Nationalisation==== | ====Nationalisation==== | ||
In 1953, the Government of India passed the Air Corporations Act and purchased a majority stake in the carrier from [[Tata Sons]] though its founder [[J. R. D. Tata]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/slideshows/people/jrd-to-ratan-tata-an-aviation-dream-that-was-never-grounded/tatas-history-with-air-india/slideshow/59254598.cms |title=Tatas history |access-date=28 July 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729003954/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/slideshows/people/jrd-to-ratan-tata-an-aviation-dream-that-was-never-grounded/tatas-history-with-air-india/slideshow/59254598.cms |archive-date=29 July 2017 | In 1953, the Government of India passed the Air Corporations Act and purchased a majority stake in the carrier from [[Tata Sons]] though its founder [[J. R. D. Tata]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/slideshows/people/jrd-to-ratan-tata-an-aviation-dream-that-was-never-grounded/tatas-history-with-air-india/slideshow/59254598.cms |title=Tatas history |access-date=28 July 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729003954/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/slideshows/people/jrd-to-ratan-tata-an-aviation-dream-that-was-never-grounded/tatas-history-with-air-india/slideshow/59254598.cms |archive-date=29 July 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/air-india-was-at-its-peak-during-the-jrd-tata-times-jitendra-bhargava-former-ed-air-india/articleshow/59252990.cms |title=Air India: Air India was at its peak during the JRD Tata times: Jitendra Bhargava, Former ED, Air India |publisher=Economictimes.indiatimes.com |date=21 June 2017 |access-date=24 October 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729005531/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/air-india-was-at-its-peak-during-the-jrd-tata-times-jitendra-bhargava-former-ed-air-india/articleshow/59252990.cms |archive-date=29 July 2017 }}</ref> would continue as Chairman until 1977. The company was renamed as Air India International Limited and the domestic services were transferred to [[Indian Airlines]] as a part of a restructuring.<ref>{{cite web|title=Air Corporations Act, 1953|work=Government of India|publisher=DGCA|url=http://dgca.nic.in/nat_conv/NatConv_Chap1.pdf|access-date=6 March 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180101203532/http://dgca.nic.in/nat_conv/NatConv_Chap1.pdf|archive-date=1 January 2018}}</ref> From 1948 to 1950, the airline introduced services to Nairobi in Kenya and to major European destinations Rome, Paris and [[Düsseldorf]].<ref name="Timeline"/> The airline took delivery of its first [[Lockheed L-1049 Super Constellation|Lockheed Constellation L-1049]] and inaugurated services to Bangkok, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Singapore.<ref name="Timeline"/> | ||
==== All-jet fleet==== | ==== All-jet fleet==== | ||
| Line 84: | Line 86: | ||
==== Indian Airlines merger==== | ==== Indian Airlines merger==== | ||
In 2007, Air India and Indian Airlines were merged under [[Air India Limited]]<ref>{{cite web |title=National Aviation Company of India Limited |url=http://mmd.airindia.co.in/aimmd/tender/Integrity_Pact_brief.pdf |archive-url=https:// | In 2007, Air India and Indian Airlines were merged under [[Air India Limited]]<ref>{{cite web |title=National Aviation Company of India Limited |url=http://mmd.airindia.co.in/aimmd/tender/Integrity_Pact_brief.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140809110902/http://mmd.airindia.co.in/aimmd/tender/Integrity_Pact_brief.pdf |archive-date=9 August 2014 |publisher=Air India |access-date=18 February 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and the airline took delivery of its first [[Boeing 777]] aircraft.<ref name="Timeline"/> The airline was invited to be a part of the Star Alliance in 2007.<ref>{{cite news|title=Star Alliance invites Air India to join|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2007-12-13/news/27673381_1_air-india-formal-invitation-thulasidas|access-date=23 March 2014|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|date=13 December 2007}}</ref> | ||
The combined losses for Air India and Indian Airlines in 2006–07 were {{INRConvert|7.7|b}} and after the merger, it went up to {{INRConvert|72|b}} by March 2009.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/What-sent-Air-India-crashing/articleshow/4782707.cms|title=What sent Air India crashing?|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|date=16 July 2009|access-date=30 August 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090719101732/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/What-sent-Air-India-crashing/articleshow/4782707.cms|archive-date=19 July 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2009/07/09/stories/2009070960801200.htm|title=Air India restructuring plans being readied|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=9 July 2009|access-date=30 August 2010|location=Chennai, India|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100428071220/http://www.hindu.com/2009/07/09/stories/2009070960801200.htm|archive-date=28 April 2010}}</ref> In July 2009, [[SBI Capital Markets|State Bank of India]] was appointed to prepare a road map for the recovery of the airline.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/money/report_sbi-caps-prepares-roadmap-for-air-india-restructuring_1276407|title=SBI Caps prepares roadmap for Air India restructuring|newspaper=DNA India|date=22 July 2009|access-date=30 August 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100223004217/http://www.dnaindia.com/money/report_sbi-caps-prepares-roadmap-for-air-india-restructuring_1276407|archive-date=23 February 2010}}</ref> The carrier sold three [[Airbus A300]] and one [[Boeing 747|Boeing 747-300]]M in March 2009 for $18.75 million to finance the debt.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.financialexpress.com/news/AI-sells-4-aircraft-in-Mar-to-tackle-financial-crunch/495189/|title=AI sells 4 aircraft in Mar to tackle financial crunch|work=[[The Financial Express (India)|The Financial Express]]|date=29 July 2009|access-date=30 August 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090816213108/http://www.financialexpress.com/news/AI-sells-4-aircraft-in-Mar-to-tackle-financial-crunch/495189|archive-date=16 August 2009}}</ref> By March 2011, Air India had accumulated a debt of {{INRConvert|426|b}} and an operating loss of {{INRConvert|220|b}}, and was seeking {{INRConvert|429|b}} from the government.<ref name="ref1">{{cite news|url=http://www.livemint.com/2011/08/09002707/Air-India8217s-recurring-de.html |title=Air India's recurring default 'credit negative' for its banks|work=Mint-Wall Street Journal|date= 9 August 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.moodys.com/credit-ratings/State-Bank-of-India-credit-rating-718330|title=State Bank of India Credit Rating|publisher=Moodys.com|access-date=1 October 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120620043848/http://www.moodys.com/credit-ratings/State-Bank-of-India-credit-rating-718330|archive-date=20 June 2012}}</ref> A report by the [[Comptroller and Auditor General of India|Comptroller and Auditor General]] blamed the decision to buy 111 new aircraft and the ill-timed merger with Indian Airlines for the poor financial situation.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.freepressjournal.in/air-india-aircraft-acquisition-was-necessary-patel/|title=Air India aircraft acquisition was necessary|newspaper=[[Malayala Manorama]]|date=8 September 2011|access-date=6 March 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308115436/http://www.freepressjournal.in/air-india-aircraft-acquisition-was-necessary-patel|archive-date=8 March 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424053111904836104576558101182208210|work=[[The Wall Street Journal]]|first=Santanu|last=Choudhury|title=Auditor Slams Air India Plane Orders|date=8 September 2011|access-date=6 March 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160317091551/http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424053111904836104576558101182208210|archive-date=17 March 2016}}</ref> In August 2011, the invitation to join Star Alliance was suspended as a result of its failure to meet the minimum standards for the membership.<ref name="on hold">{{Cite press release|title=Star Alliance and Air India put Air India's Alliance Membership Application on hold|publisher=Star Alliance|date=31 August 2011|url=http://www.staralliance.com/assets/doc/en/press/press-releases/pdf/2011/SCP_PR_AIR_INDIA_31JULUPDATE_FINAL_WEB.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120328215015/http://www.staralliance.com/assets/doc/en/press/press-releases/pdf/2011/SCP_PR_AIR_INDIA_31JULUPDATE_FINAL_WEB.pdf|archive-date=28 March 2012|access-date=31 August 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/sectorsaviation/Air-India-Star-Alliance-resume-talks/Article1-756987.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111216205424/http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/SectorsAviation/Air-India-Star-Alliance-resume-talks/Article1-756987.aspx|archive-date=16 December 2011|title=Air India, Star Alliance resume talks|date=13 October 2011|access-date=15 October 2011|url-status=dead|newspaper=[[Hindustan Times]]}}</ref> The government pumped {{INRConvert|32|b}} into Air India in March 2012.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-03-13/air-india-aid-dwarfing-hospital-budget-adds-to-kingfisher-pain.html|title=Air India Aid Dwarfing Hospital Budget Adds to Kingfisher Pain|date=14 March 2012|work=[[Bloomberg L.P.|Bloomberg]]|first1=Karthikeyan|last1=Sundaram|first2=Adi|last2=Narayan|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202143905/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-03-13/air-india-aid-dwarfing-hospital-budget-adds-to-kingfisher-pain.html|archive-date=2 February 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-18082903|title=Air India: Problems run deep in India's national airline|publisher=BBC|date=16 May 2012|access-date=6 March 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160131023718/http://www.bbc.com/news/business-18082903|archive-date=31 January 2016}}</ref> | The combined losses for Air India and Indian Airlines in 2006–07 were {{INRConvert|7.7|b}} and after the merger, it went up to {{INRConvert|72|b}} by March 2009.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/What-sent-Air-India-crashing/articleshow/4782707.cms|title=What sent Air India crashing?|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|date=16 July 2009|access-date=30 August 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090719101732/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/What-sent-Air-India-crashing/articleshow/4782707.cms|archive-date=19 July 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2009/07/09/stories/2009070960801200.htm|title=Air India restructuring plans being readied|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=9 July 2009|access-date=30 August 2010|location=Chennai, India|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100428071220/http://www.hindu.com/2009/07/09/stories/2009070960801200.htm|archive-date=28 April 2010}}</ref> In July 2009, [[SBI Capital Markets|State Bank of India]] was appointed to prepare a road map for the recovery of the airline.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/money/report_sbi-caps-prepares-roadmap-for-air-india-restructuring_1276407|title=SBI Caps prepares roadmap for Air India restructuring|newspaper=DNA India|date=22 July 2009|access-date=30 August 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100223004217/http://www.dnaindia.com/money/report_sbi-caps-prepares-roadmap-for-air-india-restructuring_1276407|archive-date=23 February 2010}}</ref> The carrier sold three [[Airbus A300]] and one [[Boeing 747|Boeing 747-300]]M in March 2009 for $18.75 million to finance the debt.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.financialexpress.com/news/AI-sells-4-aircraft-in-Mar-to-tackle-financial-crunch/495189/|title=AI sells 4 aircraft in Mar to tackle financial crunch|work=[[The Financial Express (India)|The Financial Express]]|date=29 July 2009|access-date=30 August 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090816213108/http://www.financialexpress.com/news/AI-sells-4-aircraft-in-Mar-to-tackle-financial-crunch/495189|archive-date=16 August 2009}}</ref> By March 2011, Air India had accumulated a debt of {{INRConvert|426|b}} and an operating loss of {{INRConvert|220|b}}, and was seeking {{INRConvert|429|b}} from the government.<ref name="ref1">{{cite news|url=http://www.livemint.com/2011/08/09002707/Air-India8217s-recurring-de.html |title=Air India's recurring default 'credit negative' for its banks|work=Mint-Wall Street Journal|date= 9 August 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.moodys.com/credit-ratings/State-Bank-of-India-credit-rating-718330|title=State Bank of India Credit Rating|publisher=Moodys.com|access-date=1 October 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120620043848/http://www.moodys.com/credit-ratings/State-Bank-of-India-credit-rating-718330|archive-date=20 June 2012}}</ref> A report by the [[Comptroller and Auditor General of India|Comptroller and Auditor General]] blamed the decision to buy 111 new aircraft and the ill-timed merger with Indian Airlines for the poor financial situation.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.freepressjournal.in/air-india-aircraft-acquisition-was-necessary-patel/|title=Air India aircraft acquisition was necessary|newspaper=[[Malayala Manorama]]|date=8 September 2011|access-date=6 March 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308115436/http://www.freepressjournal.in/air-india-aircraft-acquisition-was-necessary-patel|archive-date=8 March 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424053111904836104576558101182208210|work=[[The Wall Street Journal]]|first=Santanu|last=Choudhury|title=Auditor Slams Air India Plane Orders|date=8 September 2011|access-date=6 March 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160317091551/http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424053111904836104576558101182208210|archive-date=17 March 2016}}</ref> In August 2011, the invitation to join Star Alliance was suspended as a result of its failure to meet the minimum standards for the membership.<ref name="on hold">{{Cite press release|title=Star Alliance and Air India put Air India's Alliance Membership Application on hold|publisher=Star Alliance|date=31 August 2011|url=http://www.staralliance.com/assets/doc/en/press/press-releases/pdf/2011/SCP_PR_AIR_INDIA_31JULUPDATE_FINAL_WEB.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120328215015/http://www.staralliance.com/assets/doc/en/press/press-releases/pdf/2011/SCP_PR_AIR_INDIA_31JULUPDATE_FINAL_WEB.pdf|archive-date=28 March 2012|access-date=31 August 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/sectorsaviation/Air-India-Star-Alliance-resume-talks/Article1-756987.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111216205424/http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/SectorsAviation/Air-India-Star-Alliance-resume-talks/Article1-756987.aspx|archive-date=16 December 2011|title=Air India, Star Alliance resume talks|date=13 October 2011|access-date=15 October 2011|url-status=dead|newspaper=[[Hindustan Times]]}}</ref> The government pumped {{INRConvert|32|b}} into Air India in March 2012.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-03-13/air-india-aid-dwarfing-hospital-budget-adds-to-kingfisher-pain.html|title=Air India Aid Dwarfing Hospital Budget Adds to Kingfisher Pain|date=14 March 2012|work=[[Bloomberg L.P.|Bloomberg]]|first1=Karthikeyan|last1=Sundaram|first2=Adi|last2=Narayan|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202143905/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-03-13/air-india-aid-dwarfing-hospital-budget-adds-to-kingfisher-pain.html|archive-date=2 February 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-18082903|title=Air India: Problems run deep in India's national airline|publisher=BBC|date=16 May 2012|access-date=6 March 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160131023718/http://www.bbc.com/news/business-18082903|archive-date=31 January 2016}}</ref> | ||
On 1 March 2009, Air India made [[Frankfurt Airport]] its international hub for onward connections to the United States from India. However, the airline shut down the Frankfurt hub on 30 October 2010 because of high operating costs.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://beta.profit.ndtv.com/news/show/air-india-to-use-terminal-3-as-hub-of-operations-82429|title=Air India to use Terminal-3 as hub of operations|publisher=[[NDTV]]|date=14 July 2010 |access-date=12 August 2010|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100718072036/http://beta.profit.ndtv.com/news/show/air-india-to-use-terminal-3-as-hub-of-operations-82429|archive-date= 18 July 2010}}</ref> In 2010, financially less lucrative routes were terminated and the airline planned to open a new hub for its international flights at [[Dubai International Airport|Dubai]].<ref name="businessworld1">{{cite news|url=http://www.thenational.ae/business/industry-insights/aviation/dubai-in-talks-over-india-hub-at-dwc-says-emirates-airline-president|title=Dubai in talks over hub|work=The National|location=Abu Dhabi|access-date=5 November 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151124001804/http://www.thenational.ae/business/industry-insights/aviation/dubai-in-talks-over-india-hub-at-dwc-says-emirates-airline-president|archive-date=24 November 2015}}</ref> In 2012, a study commissioned by the Corporate Affairs Ministry recommended that Air India should be partly privatised.<ref>{{cite news|title=Air India should be partly privatised, says study|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-09-30/news/34177422_1_air-india-minister-ajit-singh-civil-aviation-sector|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|date=30 September 2012|access-date=6 March 2016}}</ref> In May 2012, the carrier invited offers from banks to raise up $800 million via [[external commercial borrowing]] and [[bridge financing]].<ref>{{cite news| | On 1 March 2009, Air India made [[Frankfurt Airport]] its international hub for onward connections to the United States from India. However, the airline shut down the Frankfurt hub on 30 October 2010 because of high operating costs.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://beta.profit.ndtv.com/news/show/air-india-to-use-terminal-3-as-hub-of-operations-82429|title=Air India to use Terminal-3 as hub of operations|publisher=[[NDTV]]|date=14 July 2010 |access-date=12 August 2010|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100718072036/http://beta.profit.ndtv.com/news/show/air-india-to-use-terminal-3-as-hub-of-operations-82429|archive-date= 18 July 2010}}</ref> In 2010, financially less lucrative routes were terminated and the airline planned to open a new hub for its international flights at [[Dubai International Airport|Dubai]].<ref name="businessworld1">{{cite news|url=http://www.thenational.ae/business/industry-insights/aviation/dubai-in-talks-over-india-hub-at-dwc-says-emirates-airline-president|title=Dubai in talks over hub|work=The National|location=Abu Dhabi|access-date=5 November 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151124001804/http://www.thenational.ae/business/industry-insights/aviation/dubai-in-talks-over-india-hub-at-dwc-says-emirates-airline-president|archive-date=24 November 2015}}</ref> In 2012, a study commissioned by the Corporate Affairs Ministry recommended that Air India should be partly privatised.<ref>{{cite news|title=Air India should be partly privatised, says study|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-09-30/news/34177422_1_air-india-minister-ajit-singh-civil-aviation-sector|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|date=30 September 2012|access-date=6 March 2016}}</ref> In May 2012, the carrier invited offers from banks to raise up $800 million via [[external commercial borrowing]] and [[bridge financing]].<ref>{{cite news|agency=Reuters|title=Air India seeks proposals to raise up to $800 million in debt|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/airindia-fundsraising-idUKL4E8G86OP20120508|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|date=8 May 2012|access-date=6 March 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304124742/http://uk.reuters.com/article/airindia-fundsraising-idUKL4E8G86OP20120508|archive-date=4 March 2016}}</ref> In May 2012, the airline was fined $80,000 by the US Transportation Department for failing to post customer service and tarmac delay contingency plans on its website and adequately inform passengers about its optional fees.<ref>{{cite news|title=$80,000 Fine Slapped on Air India by US|url=http://news.outlookindia.com/items.aspx?artid=761554|date=4 May 2012|work=[[Outlook (Indian magazine)|Outlook]]|access-date=6 March 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202134815/http://news.outlookindia.com/items.aspx?artid=761554|archive-date=2 February 2014}}</ref> | ||
In 2013, the then-Civil Aviation Minister [[Ajit Singh (politician)|Ajit Singh]] stated privatisation was the key to the airline's survival.<ref>{{cite news|title=Air India must perform or perish: Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/air-india-must-perform-or-perish-civil-aviation-minister-ajit-singh-428576|publisher=[[NDTV]]|date=6 October 2013|access-date=6 March 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407090651/http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/air-india-must-perform-or-perish-civil-aviation-minister-ajit-singh-428576|archive-date=7 April 2014}}</ref> However, the opposition led by the [[BJP]] and the [[Communist Party of India (Marxist)|CPI(M)]] slammed the government.<ref>{{cite news|title=Opposition slams Ajit Singh for AI plan|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/opposition-slams-ajit-singh-for-ai-plan/article5206918.ece|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=7 October 2013|location=Chennai, India|first=Sujay|last=Mehdudia|access-date=6 March 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140213090205/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/opposition-slams-ajit-singh-for-ai-plan/article5206918.ece|archive-date=13 February 2014}}</ref> In 2013, the Indian government planned to delay equity infusion of {{INRConvert|300|b}} that was slated to be infused into the airline slowly over a period of eight years.<ref>{{cite news|title=Debt laden Air India unlikely to get government bailout of Rs 30,000 crore by 2020–21|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/debt-laden-air-india-unlikely-to-get-government-bailout-of-rs-30000-crore-by-2020-21/articleshow/18438960.cms|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|access-date=11 February 2013|date=11 February 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170823141701/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/debt-laden-air-india-unlikely-to-get-government-bailout-of-rs-30000-crore-by-2020-21/articleshow/18438960.cms|archive-date=23 August 2017}}</ref> In January 2013, Air India cleared a part of its pending dues through funds raised by selling and leasing back the newly acquired [[Boeing 787 Dreamliner]]s.<ref>{{cite news|title=GMR Infra gets Rs 415 cr in outstanding dues from Air India|url=http://businesstoday.intoday.in/story/gmr-infra-gets-outstanding-dues-from-air-india/1/192173.html|newspaper=[[Business Today (business magazine)|Business Today]]|date=7 February 2013|access-date=8 February 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130212194050/http://businesstoday.intoday.in/story/gmr-infra-gets-outstanding-dues-from-air-india/1/192173.html|archive-date=12 February 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Air India puts Dreamliner planes for sale, leaseback|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/air-india-puts-dreamliner-planes-for-sale-leaseback/articleshow/18224001.cms|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|access-date=28 January 2013|date=28 January 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170823134648/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/air-india-puts-dreamliner-planes-for-sale-leaseback/articleshow/18224001.cms|archive-date=23 August 2017}}</ref> In March 2013, the airline posted its first positive [[Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation|EBITDA]] after almost six years and 20% growth in its operating revenue since the previous financial year.<ref>{{cite news|title=Air India likely to end fiscal with Rs 65 crore positive EBITDA|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2013-03-10/news/37598268_1_air-india-seat-factor-passenger-revenue|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|date=10 March 2013|access-date=6 March 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Significant improvements in Air India's performance parameters|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2014-04-01/news/48767414_1_air-india-express-operating-revenue-load-factor|access-date=4 April 2014|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|date=1 April 2014}}</ref> Air India Limited split its engineering and cargo businesses into two separate subsidiaries, Air India Engineering Services Limited (AIESL) and Air India Transport Services Limited (AITSL) in 2013.<ref>{{cite news|title=Air India engineers threaten to drag management to court|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/150920/nation-current-affairs/article/air-india-engineers-threaten-drag-management-court|newspaper=[[Deccan Chronicle]]|access-date=6 December 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160130160404/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/150920/nation-current-affairs/article/air-india-engineers-threaten-drag-management-court|archive-date=30 January 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Companies – Air India|url=http://www.livemint.com/Companies/Lo2EQBTMgtHG0ApxmNbuDM/Air-India-hives-off-engineering-ground-handling-subsidiarie.html|newspaper=Live Mint|access-date=7 December 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151211092331/http://www.livemint.com/Companies/Lo2EQBTMgtHG0ApxmNbuDM/Air-India-hives-off-engineering-ground-handling-subsidiarie.html|archive-date=11 December 2015}}</ref> In December 2013, the airline appointed veteran pilot SPS Puri as its head of operations. The appointment was criticised by the Air India pilots union as Puri allegedly has multiple violations to his name.<ref>{{cite news|last=Singh|first=Bipin Kumar|title=Air India appoints 'biggest violator' as its operational head, pilots furious|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Air-India-appoints-biggest-violator-as-its-operational-head-pilots-furious/articleshow/27684109.cms|access-date=21 April 2014|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=20 December 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131220205443/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Air-India-appoints-biggest-violator-as-its-operational-head-pilots-furious/articleshow/27684109.cms|archive-date=20 December 2013}}</ref> | In 2013, the then-Civil Aviation Minister [[Ajit Singh (politician)|Ajit Singh]] stated privatisation was the key to the airline's survival.<ref>{{cite news|title=Air India must perform or perish: Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/air-india-must-perform-or-perish-civil-aviation-minister-ajit-singh-428576|publisher=[[NDTV]]|date=6 October 2013|access-date=6 March 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407090651/http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/air-india-must-perform-or-perish-civil-aviation-minister-ajit-singh-428576|archive-date=7 April 2014}}</ref> However, the opposition led by the [[BJP]] and the [[Communist Party of India (Marxist)|CPI(M)]] slammed the government.<ref>{{cite news|title=Opposition slams Ajit Singh for AI plan|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/opposition-slams-ajit-singh-for-ai-plan/article5206918.ece|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=7 October 2013|location=Chennai, India|first=Sujay|last=Mehdudia|access-date=6 March 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140213090205/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/opposition-slams-ajit-singh-for-ai-plan/article5206918.ece|archive-date=13 February 2014}}</ref> In 2013, the Indian government planned to delay equity infusion of {{INRConvert|300|b}} that was slated to be infused into the airline slowly over a period of eight years.<ref>{{cite news|title=Debt laden Air India unlikely to get government bailout of Rs 30,000 crore by 2020–21|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/debt-laden-air-india-unlikely-to-get-government-bailout-of-rs-30000-crore-by-2020-21/articleshow/18438960.cms|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|access-date=11 February 2013|date=11 February 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170823141701/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/debt-laden-air-india-unlikely-to-get-government-bailout-of-rs-30000-crore-by-2020-21/articleshow/18438960.cms|archive-date=23 August 2017}}</ref> In January 2013, Air India cleared a part of its pending dues through funds raised by selling and leasing back the newly acquired [[Boeing 787 Dreamliner]]s.<ref>{{cite news|title=GMR Infra gets Rs 415 cr in outstanding dues from Air India|url=http://businesstoday.intoday.in/story/gmr-infra-gets-outstanding-dues-from-air-india/1/192173.html|newspaper=[[Business Today (business magazine)|Business Today]]|date=7 February 2013|access-date=8 February 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130212194050/http://businesstoday.intoday.in/story/gmr-infra-gets-outstanding-dues-from-air-india/1/192173.html|archive-date=12 February 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Air India puts Dreamliner planes for sale, leaseback|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/air-india-puts-dreamliner-planes-for-sale-leaseback/articleshow/18224001.cms|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|access-date=28 January 2013|date=28 January 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170823134648/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/air-india-puts-dreamliner-planes-for-sale-leaseback/articleshow/18224001.cms|archive-date=23 August 2017}}</ref> In March 2013, the airline posted its first positive [[Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation|EBITDA]] after almost six years and 20% growth in its operating revenue since the previous financial year.<ref>{{cite news|title=Air India likely to end fiscal with Rs 65 crore positive EBITDA|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2013-03-10/news/37598268_1_air-india-seat-factor-passenger-revenue|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|date=10 March 2013|access-date=6 March 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Significant improvements in Air India's performance parameters|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2014-04-01/news/48767414_1_air-india-express-operating-revenue-load-factor|access-date=4 April 2014|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|date=1 April 2014}}</ref> Air India Limited split its engineering and cargo businesses into two separate subsidiaries, Air India Engineering Services Limited (AIESL) and Air India Transport Services Limited (AITSL) in 2013.<ref>{{cite news|title=Air India engineers threaten to drag management to court|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/150920/nation-current-affairs/article/air-india-engineers-threaten-drag-management-court|newspaper=[[Deccan Chronicle]]|access-date=6 December 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160130160404/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/150920/nation-current-affairs/article/air-india-engineers-threaten-drag-management-court|archive-date=30 January 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Companies – Air India|url=http://www.livemint.com/Companies/Lo2EQBTMgtHG0ApxmNbuDM/Air-India-hives-off-engineering-ground-handling-subsidiarie.html|newspaper=Live Mint|access-date=7 December 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151211092331/http://www.livemint.com/Companies/Lo2EQBTMgtHG0ApxmNbuDM/Air-India-hives-off-engineering-ground-handling-subsidiarie.html|archive-date=11 December 2015}}</ref> In December 2013, the airline appointed veteran pilot SPS Puri as its head of operations. The appointment was criticised by the Air India pilots union as Puri allegedly has multiple violations to his name.<ref>{{cite news|last=Singh|first=Bipin Kumar|title=Air India appoints 'biggest violator' as its operational head, pilots furious|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Air-India-appoints-biggest-violator-as-its-operational-head-pilots-furious/articleshow/27684109.cms|access-date=21 April 2014|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=20 December 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131220205443/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Air-India-appoints-biggest-violator-as-its-operational-head-pilots-furious/articleshow/27684109.cms|archive-date=20 December 2013}}</ref> | ||
====Star Alliance membership==== | ====Star Alliance membership==== | ||
Air India became the 27th member of Star Alliance on 11 July 2014.<ref name="Star Alliance" /><ref name=":0"/> In August 2015, it signed an agreement with [[Citibank]] and [[State Bank of India]] to raise $300 million in external commercial borrowing to meet working capital requirements.<ref name=":1">{{cite web|title=Can Ashwani Lohani turn Air India around?|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/can-ashwani-lohani-turn-air-india-around-115091401152_1.html|work=[[Business Standard]]|date=14 September 2015|access-date=6 December 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151204083353/http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/can-ashwani-lohani-turn-air-india-around-115091401152_1.html|archive-date=4 December 2015}}</ref> For [[Financial year|FY]] 2014–15, its revenue, operating loss and net loss were {{INRConvert|198|b}}, {{INRConvert|2.171|b}} and {{INRConvert|5.41|b}} compared FY 2011–12, which were {{INRConvert|147|b}}, {{INRConvert|5.138|b}} and {{INRConvert|7.55|b}}.<ref name="business">{{cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/air-india-likely-to-suffer-rs-2-636-crore-net-loss-in-2015-16-minister-116042801508_1.html|title=Air India likely to suffer 2636 crore net loss in 2015–16|date=28 April 2016|access-date=16 October 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018222044/http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/air-india-likely-to-suffer-rs-2-636-crore-net-loss-in-2015-16-minister-116042801508_1.html|archive-date=18 October 2016}}</ref><ref name="ndtv.com">{{cite news|title=Significant improvements in Air India's performance parameters|url=http://profit.ndtv.com/news/aviation/article-air-india-cuts-losses-to-rs-5-547-crore-1201055|publisher=[[NDTV]]|date=27 July 2015|access-date=6 March 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304050409/http://profit.ndtv.com/news/aviation/article-air-india-cuts-losses-to-rs-5-547-crore-1201055|archive-date=4 March 2016}}</ref> As of May 2017, Air India is the third largest carrier in India (after [[IndiGo]] and [[Jet Airways]]), with a market share of 13% | Air India became the 27th member of the [[Star Alliance]] on 11 July 2014.<ref name="Star Alliance" /><ref name=":0"/> In August 2015, it signed an agreement with [[Citibank]] and [[State Bank of India]] to raise $300 million in external commercial borrowing to meet working capital requirements.<ref name=":1">{{cite web|title=Can Ashwani Lohani turn Air India around?|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/can-ashwani-lohani-turn-air-india-around-115091401152_1.html|work=[[Business Standard]]|date=14 September 2015|access-date=6 December 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151204083353/http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/can-ashwani-lohani-turn-air-india-around-115091401152_1.html|archive-date=4 December 2015}}</ref> For [[Financial year|FY]] 2014–15, its revenue, operating loss and net loss were {{INRConvert|198|b}}, {{INRConvert|2.171|b}}, and {{INRConvert|5.41|b}} compared FY 2011–12, which were {{INRConvert|147|b}}, {{INRConvert|5.138|b}}, and {{INRConvert|7.55|b}}.<ref name="business">{{cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/air-india-likely-to-suffer-rs-2-636-crore-net-loss-in-2015-16-minister-116042801508_1.html|title=Air India likely to suffer 2636 crore net loss in 2015–16|date=28 April 2016|access-date=16 October 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018222044/http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/air-india-likely-to-suffer-rs-2-636-crore-net-loss-in-2015-16-minister-116042801508_1.html|archive-date=18 October 2016}}</ref><ref name="ndtv.com">{{cite news|title=Significant improvements in Air India's performance parameters|url=http://profit.ndtv.com/news/aviation/article-air-india-cuts-losses-to-rs-5-547-crore-1201055|publisher=[[NDTV]]|date=27 July 2015|access-date=6 March 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304050409/http://profit.ndtv.com/news/aviation/article-air-india-cuts-losses-to-rs-5-547-crore-1201055|archive-date=4 March 2016}}</ref> As of May 2017, Air India is the third largest carrier in India (after [[IndiGo]] and [[Jet Airways]]), with a market share of 13%,<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/india-s-domestic-passenger-demand-up-25-percent-iata-116040700595_1.html|title=India's domestic passenger demand up 25 percent: IATA|newspaper=[[Business Standard]]|date=6 April 2014|access-date=14 April 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160423143800/http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/india-s-domestic-passenger-demand-up-25-percent-iata-116040700595_1.html|archive-date=23 April 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-06-24/news/29699126_1_air-india-market-share-aviation-market|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305105231/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-06-24/news/29699126_1_air-india-market-share-aviation-market|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 March 2016|title=Air India market share slips to fifth slot|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|location=New Delhi|date=24 June 2011|access-date=1 October 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Nirbhay|last=Kumar|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2007-11-16/news/27687285_1_market-share-full-service-carriers-budget-carriers |title=Spice, IndiGo close in on Jet, Air India market share|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120616064130/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2007-11-16/news/27687285_1_market-share-full-service-carriers-budget-carriers|archive-date=2012-06-16 |newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|location=New Delhi|date=16 November 2007|access-date=1 October 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=IndiGo market share shrinks for 2nd month in a row in December|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2014-01-22/news/46462741_1_market-share-second-consecutive-month-star-alliance|access-date=4 April 2014|date=21 January 2014|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> but with the largest international network. | ||
==== AirAsia India acquisition ==== | |||
In November 2022, Air India announced the acquisition of 100% shareholding in [[AirAsia India]], turning it into a subsidiary of Air India.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-11-05 |title=Air India Acquires AirAsia India - Travel Radar |url=https://travelradar.aero/air-india-acquires-airasia-india/ |access-date=2022-11-05 |website=travelradar.aero |language=en-GB}}</ref> | |||
==Privatisation== | ==Privatisation== | ||
On 28 June 2017, the [[Government of India]] approved the privatisation of Air India. A committee has been set up to start the process.<ref>{{cite | On 28 June 2017, the [[Government of India]] approved the [[private company|privatisation]] of Air India. A committee has been set up to start the process.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-40435922 |title=Air India cleared for privatisation by Delhi|work=BBC News |date=28 June 2017 |access-date=24 October 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170823133530/http://www.bbc.com/news/business-40435922 |archive-date=23 August 2017 }}</ref> | ||
In March 2018, the Government issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) to sell 76% stake of Air India, along with [[low-cost airline]] [[Air India Express]], and a 50% stake of AISATS, a ground handling joint venture with Singapore Airport Terminal Services (SATS). According to the EOI, the new owner would have to take on a debt of {{INRConvert|33392|c}} and a bid would have to be submitted by mid-May as the Government wanted to complete the selling process by the end of 2018,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mishra |first1=Mihir |title=Government invites bids to sell 76 per cent stake in Air India |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/government-calls-out-bids-to-sale-76-per-cent-stake-in-air-india/articleshow/63517638.cms?from=mdr |access-date=26 January 2020 |work=The Economic Times |date=29 March 2018}}</ref> but no private firms showed any interest in buying the debt-laden airline.<ref>{{cite news |title=With no buyers for Air India, Modi government may be open to listing airline on stock market |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/business/with-no-buyers-for-air-india-modi-government-considers-listing-it-on-stock-market-5216046/ |access-date=26 January 2020 |work=The Indian Express |agency=Reuters |date=13 June 2018}}</ref> | In March 2018, the Government issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) to sell 76% stake of Air India, along with [[low-cost airline]] [[Air India Express]], and a 50% stake of AISATS, a ground handling joint venture with Singapore Airport Terminal Services (SATS). According to the EOI, the new owner would have to take on a debt of {{INRConvert|33392|c}} and a bid would have to be submitted by mid-May as the Government wanted to complete the selling process by the end of 2018,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mishra |first1=Mihir |title=Government invites bids to sell 76 per cent stake in Air India |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/government-calls-out-bids-to-sale-76-per-cent-stake-in-air-india/articleshow/63517638.cms?from=mdr |access-date=26 January 2020 |work=The Economic Times |date=29 March 2018}}</ref> but no private firms showed any interest in buying the debt-laden airline.<ref>{{cite news |title=With no buyers for Air India, Modi government may be open to listing airline on stock market |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/business/with-no-buyers-for-air-india-modi-government-considers-listing-it-on-stock-market-5216046/ |access-date=26 January 2020 |work=The Indian Express |agency=Reuters |date=13 June 2018}}</ref> | ||
Having failed on previous occasions to sell the airline, the Government decided to sell 100% share of the airline and started its preparation in late-2019. On 27 January 2020, Government released the Expression of Interest (EOI) to invite bidders. This time | Having failed on previous occasions to sell the airline, the Government decided to sell 100% share of the airline and started its preparation in late-2019. On 27 January 2020, Government released the Expression of Interest (EOI) to invite bidders. This time the Government decided to sell 100% shares of both Air India and its budget carrier [[Air India Express]] as well as 50% shares of AISATS and to attract more bidders this time, the government has already decreased nearly {{INRConvert|30000|c}} of debts and liabilities in a [[Special Purpose Vehicle]] (SPV).<ref>{{cite news |title=Air India sale: EoI out, govt to completely exit airline |url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/companies/air-india-eoi-out-govt-to-completely-exit-airline-4860691.html |access-date=27 January 2020 |work=Moneycontrol}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Noronha |first1=Peter |title=For 100% Sale Of Air India, March 17 Deadline For Bids: 10 Points |url=https://www.ndtv.com/business/government-invites-bids-for-100-per-cent-stake-sale-in-air-india-2170124 |access-date=27 January 2020 |work=NDTV.com |agency=Reuters}}</ref> | ||
In September 2021, government issued fresh tenders for selling the airlines, where [[Spice Jet]]'s [[Ajay Singh (entrepreneur)|Ajay Singh]]-led consortium and [[Tata Sons]] shown interest in the bid.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Phadnis |first1=Aneesh |title=Tatas, SpiceJet's Ajay Singh submit financial bids to acquire Air India |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/tatas-spicejet-s-ajay-singh-submit-financial-bids-to-acquire-air-india-121091501391_1.html |access-date=8 October 2021 |work=Business Standard India |date=15 September 2021}}</ref> Finally, on 8 October 2021, Air India, along with its low cost carrier [[Air India Express]] and fifty percent of AISATS, a ground handling company, were sold for {{INRConvert|18000|c}} to Talace Private Limited, a [[Tata Sons]]' SPV.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2021-10-08|title=Air India: Struggling national carrier sold to Tata Sons|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-58778274|access-date=2021-10-08}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Air India acquisition: What Tatas will get |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/air-india-acquisition-what-tatas-will-get/articleshow/86871669.cms |access-date=8 October 2021 |work=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref> On 27 January 2022, the airline was officially handed over to [[Tata Group]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Saha |first1=Poulomi |title=Air India handed over to Tata Group {{!}} Top points |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/business/story/air-india-handed-over-to-tata-group-1905228-2022-01-27 |access-date=27 January 2022 |work=India Today |language=en}}</ref> | |||
On 14 February 2022, after its re-privatization, the airline appointed [[İlker Aycı]], former Chairman of [[Turkish Airlines]] from 2015 to 2022 as its new CEO and managing director. He was supposed to take the charge on or before 1 April 2022,<ref>{{cite news |title=TATA Group appoints İlker Aycı as the new MD & CEO of Air India - ET TravelWorld |url=https://travel.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/aviation/domestic/tata-group-appoints-ilker-ayc-as-the-new-md-ceo-of-air-india/89566629 |access-date=14 February 2022 |work=Economic Times |language=en}}</ref> but declined the offer in the backdrop of [[Swadeshi Jagaran Manch]] demanding Tata Sons to rethink its decision and the government to show sensitivity since the matter involved national security issues. The company declined immediate comment on the issue.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Chandra |first=Jagriti |date=2022-03-01 |title=Ilker Ayci declines Air India CEO's post |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ilker-ayci-declines-air-india-ceo-offer/article65143729.ece |access-date=2022-03-02 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=March 1, 2022 |first=Saurabh |last=Sinha |title=Ilker Ayci: Ilker Ayci declines Tata Group's offer to be CEO & MD of Air India: Sources |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/turkeys-ayci-declines-air-india-ceo-role-tata-spokesperson/articleshow/89918672.cms |access-date=2022-03-02 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref> Later, in March 2022, [[Natarajan Chandrasekaran]], the chairman of [[Tata Sons]] was appointed as the chairman of the airline.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Vijayaraghavan |first1=Kala |title=Tata Sons chief N Chandrasekaran appointed as chairman of Air India |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/tata-sons-chief-n-chandrasekaran-appointed-as-chairman-of-air-india/articleshow/90202494.cms |access-date=12 April 2022 |work=The Economic Times}}</ref> Later in May 2022, Tata Sons appointed [[Campbell Wilson]] as Air India's [[Chief Executive Officer|CEO]] and [[Managing Director|MD]].<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Freed |first1=Jamie |last2=Monnappa |first2=Chandini |date=2022-05-12 |title=Scoot CEO Wilson appointed head of Air India |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/scoot-ceo-campbell-wilson-appointed-new-head-air-india-2022-05-12/ |access-date=2022-05-13}}</ref> | |||
==Corporate affairs and identity== | ==Corporate affairs and identity== | ||
| Line 106: | Line 115: | ||
{{Multiple image|direction = vertical|image1=Air-India-building.jpg|caption1=[[Air India Building]] in Mumbai served as Air India's headquarters until 2013.|image2 = Air india maharajah.jpg|caption2=The Maharajah, Air India's mascot|image3=|caption3=Air India logo from 1940–2007|image4=Air India Logo.svg|caption4=Current logo (from 2007)}} | {{Multiple image|direction = vertical|image1=Air-India-building.jpg|caption1=[[Air India Building]] in Mumbai served as Air India's headquarters until 2013.|image2 = Air india maharajah.jpg|caption2=The Maharajah, Air India's mascot|image3=|caption3=Air India logo from 1940–2007|image4=Air India Logo.svg|caption4=Current logo (from 2007)}} | ||
Air India Limited is headquartered at the Indian Airlines House, New Delhi.<ref name="Air India building">{{cite news|title=Air India vacates Nariman Point; moves headquarters to Delhi|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2013-02-15/news/37100980_1_air-india-nariman-point-moves-headquarters|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|access-date=16 February 2013|first=Anindya|last=Upadhyay|date=15 February 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.airindia.in/board-of-directors.htm|title=Air India, Board of directors|publisher=Air India|access-date=4 November 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151030054518/http://www.airindia.in/board-of-directors.htm|archive-date=30 October 2015}}</ref> Air India moved its headquarters from [[Air India Building]], [[Mumbai]] to Delhi in 2013. The former headquarters is a 23-storey tower on [[Marine Drive, Mumbai|Marine Drive]] and was one of the targets of the [[1993 Bombay bombings]].<ref name="Air India building" /><ref name="bbc-19930312">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/march/12/newsid_4272000/4272943.stm|title=Bombay hit by devastating bombs|publisher=BBC|date=12 March 1993|access-date=3 September 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081211202614/http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/march/12/newsid_4272000/4272943.stm|archive-date=11 December 2008}}</ref> | Air India Limited is headquartered at the Indian Airlines House, New Delhi.<ref name="Air India building">{{cite news|title=Air India vacates Nariman Point; moves headquarters to Delhi|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2013-02-15/news/37100980_1_air-india-nariman-point-moves-headquarters|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|access-date=16 February 2013|first=Anindya|last=Upadhyay|date=15 February 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.airindia.in/board-of-directors.htm|title=Air India, Board of directors|publisher=Air India|access-date=4 November 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151030054518/http://www.airindia.in/board-of-directors.htm|archive-date=30 October 2015}}</ref> Air India moved its headquarters from [[Air India Building]], [[Mumbai]] to Delhi in 2013. The former headquarters is a 23-storey tower on [[Marine Drive, Mumbai|Marine Drive]] and was one of the targets of the [[1993 Bombay bombings]].<ref name="Air India building" /><ref name="bbc-19930312">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/march/12/newsid_4272000/4272943.stm|title=Bombay hit by devastating bombs|publisher=BBC|date=12 March 1993|access-date=3 September 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081211202614/http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/march/12/newsid_4272000/4272943.stm|archive-date=11 December 2008}}</ref> Air India also maintains a corporate office on [[Lexington Avenue]] in [[Manhattan]] as well as numerous cargo offices worldwide.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.airindia.in/offices-worldwide.htm |title= Offices Worldwide - Air India|website=www.airindia.in |access-date=6 June 2022}}{{SemiBareRefNeedsTitle|date=July 2022}}</ref> | ||
===Subsidiaries=== | ===Subsidiaries=== | ||
| Line 123: | Line 132: | ||
===Mascot=== | ===Mascot=== | ||
<!--"Air India Maharaja" redirects here--> | <!--"Air India Maharaja" redirects here--> | ||
Air India's mascot is ''the [[Maharaja]]h'' (''[[high king]]'').<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/red-hot/The-Wonderful-Journey-Of-Air-Indias-Maharajah/quickstirshow/41855576.cms|title=The Wonderful Journey of Air India's Maharajah|date=6 September 2014|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=6 March 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160130160404/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/red-hot/The-Wonderful-Journey-Of-Air-Indias-Maharajah/quickstirshow/41855576.cms|archive-date=30 January 2016}}</ref><ref name="Maharaja">{{cite web|url=http://www.airindia.in/the-air-india-brand.htm|title=Air India Brand|publisher=Air India|access-date=4 November 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151104025811/http://www.airindia.in/the-air-india-brand.htm|archive-date=4 November 2015}}</ref> It was created by Bobby Kooka, the then-commercial director of Air India, and Umesh Rao, an artist with J. Walter Thompson Limited in 1946.<ref>{{cite news|title=Maharajah, gets a makeover|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Air-Indias-Maharajah-gets-a-makeover/articleshow/45926691.cms|last1=Sinha|first1=Saurabh|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=18 January 2015|access-date=6 December 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151210020922/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Air-Indias-Maharajah-gets-a-makeover/articleshow/45926691.cms|archive-date=10 December 2015}}</ref> Kooka stated that, "We call him a Maharajah for want of a better description. But his blood isn't blue. He may look like royalty, but he isn't royal".<ref>{{cite news|title=PM Modi reportedly wants Air India's mascot, The Maharajah, replaced by a plebeian one|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/edit-page/PM-Modi-reportedly-wants-Air-Indias-mascot-The-Maharajah-replaced-by-a-plebeian-one/articleshow/37097790.cms|date=24 June 2014|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=6 December 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150123231633/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/edit-page/PM-Modi-reportedly-wants-Air-Indias-mascot-The-Maharajah-replaced-by-a-plebeian-one/articleshow/37097790.cms|archive-date=23 January 2015}}</ref> Air India adopted the Maharajah as its mascot in 1946. It was used in promoting it although initially designed only for the airline's memo-pads.<ref>{{cite news|title=When did the Maharaja become Air-India's mascot|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/sunday-times/When-did-the-Maharaja-become-Air-Indias-mascot/articleshow/1110592.cms|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=15 May 2005|last1= | Air India's mascot is ''the [[Maharaja]]h'' (''[[high king]]'').<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/red-hot/The-Wonderful-Journey-Of-Air-Indias-Maharajah/quickstirshow/41855576.cms|title=The Wonderful Journey of Air India's Maharajah|date=6 September 2014|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=6 March 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160130160404/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/red-hot/The-Wonderful-Journey-Of-Air-Indias-Maharajah/quickstirshow/41855576.cms|archive-date=30 January 2016}}</ref><ref name="Maharaja">{{cite web|url=http://www.airindia.in/the-air-india-brand.htm|title=Air India Brand|publisher=Air India|access-date=4 November 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151104025811/http://www.airindia.in/the-air-india-brand.htm|archive-date=4 November 2015}}</ref> It was created by Bobby Kooka, the then-commercial director of Air India, and Umesh Rao, an artist with J. Walter Thompson Limited in 1946.<ref>{{cite news|title=Maharajah, gets a makeover|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Air-Indias-Maharajah-gets-a-makeover/articleshow/45926691.cms|last1=Sinha|first1=Saurabh|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=18 January 2015|access-date=6 December 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151210020922/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Air-Indias-Maharajah-gets-a-makeover/articleshow/45926691.cms|archive-date=10 December 2015}}</ref> Kooka stated that, "We call him a Maharajah for want of a better description. But his blood isn't blue. He may look like royalty, but he isn't royal".<ref>{{cite news|title=PM Modi reportedly wants Air India's mascot, The Maharajah, replaced by a plebeian one|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/edit-page/PM-Modi-reportedly-wants-Air-Indias-mascot-The-Maharajah-replaced-by-a-plebeian-one/articleshow/37097790.cms|date=24 June 2014|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=6 December 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150123231633/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/edit-page/PM-Modi-reportedly-wants-Air-Indias-mascot-The-Maharajah-replaced-by-a-plebeian-one/articleshow/37097790.cms|archive-date=23 January 2015}}</ref> Air India adopted the Maharajah as its mascot in 1946. It was used in promoting it although initially designed only for the airline's memo-pads.<ref>{{cite news|title=When did the Maharaja become Air-India's mascot|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/sunday-times/When-did-the-Maharaja-become-Air-Indias-mascot/articleshow/1110592.cms|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=15 May 2005|last1=Rao|first1=Sunil|access-date=6 December 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180303130933/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/sunday-times/When-did-the-Maharaja-become-Air-Indias-mascot/articleshow/1110592.cms|archive-date=3 March 2018}}</ref> The Maharajah was given a makeover in 2015 and the brand is represented by a younger version.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Air-Indias-Maharajah-gets-a-makeover/articleshow/45926691.cms|title=Maharajah gets a makeover|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=18 January 2015|access-date=6 March 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151210020922/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Air-Indias-Maharajah-gets-a-makeover/articleshow/45926691.cms|archive-date=10 December 2015}}</ref> | ||
===Logo and livery=== | ===Logo and livery=== | ||
| Line 129: | Line 138: | ||
The name is written in Hindi on the port side fuselage and in English on the port side tail. On the starboard side fuselage, the name is written in English, and in Hindi on the starboard tail.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.airwhiners.net/whine_cheez/20040726.htm|title=Air India:History|publisher=airwhiners.net|access-date=5 November 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923115706/http://www.airwhiners.net/whine_cheez/20040726.htm|archive-date=23 September 2015}}</ref> The window scheme was designed in line with the slogan ''Your Palace in the Sky''.<ref name="Timeline"/> The aircraft were earlier named after Indian kings and landmarks. In 1989, to supplement its ''Flying Palace'' livery, Air India introduced a new livery that included a metallic gold spinning wheel on a deep red-coloured tail and a Boeing 747, ''Rajendra Chola'', was the first aircraft to be painted in the new colours.<ref name="Timeline"/> | The name is written in Hindi on the port side fuselage and in English on the port side tail. On the starboard side fuselage, the name is written in English, and in Hindi on the starboard tail.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.airwhiners.net/whine_cheez/20040726.htm|title=Air India:History|publisher=airwhiners.net|access-date=5 November 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923115706/http://www.airwhiners.net/whine_cheez/20040726.htm|archive-date=23 September 2015}}</ref> The window scheme was designed in line with the slogan ''Your Palace in the Sky''.<ref name="Timeline"/> The aircraft were earlier named after Indian kings and landmarks. In 1989, to supplement its ''Flying Palace'' livery, Air India introduced a new livery that included a metallic gold spinning wheel on a deep red-coloured tail and a Boeing 747, ''Rajendra Chola'', was the first aircraft to be painted in the new colours.<ref name="Timeline"/> | ||
The first logo of Air India was a [[centaur]], a stylised version of [[Sagittarius (constellation)|Sagittarius]] shooting an arrow in a circle representing the [[Konark temple|wheel of Konark]]. The logo chosen by founder J. R. D. Tata was introduced in 1948 and represented the airline until 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.spellbrand.com/airlines-logos-with-flying-colors|title=Airlines logos with colors|publisher=spellbrand.com|access-date=5 November 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151124002453/http://www.spellbrand.com/airlines-logos-with-flying-colors|archive-date=24 November 2015}}</ref> On 22 May 2007, Air India and Indian Airlines unveiled their new livery consisting of a Flying Swan with the wheel of Konark placed inside it. The flying swan was morphed from the centaur logo and the chakra was derived from Indian's erstwhile logo.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pictures-air-india-to-get-new-livery-following-indian-airlines-merger-214180/|date=23 May 2007|title=Air India to get a new logo|publisher=Flightglobal|access-date=4 November 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151123190026/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pictures-air-india-to-get-new-livery-following-indian-airlines-merger-214180/|archive-date=23 November 2015}}</ref> On 15 May 2007, Air India refreshed its livery, making the Rajasthani arches along the windows slightly smaller, extending a stylised line from the tail of the aircraft to the nose and painting the underbelly red. The new logo features on the tail and the engine covers with red and orange lines running parallel to each other from the front door to the rear door.<ref name="Maharaja"/> | The first logo of Air India was a [[centaur]], a stylised version of [[Sagittarius (constellation)|Sagittarius]] shooting an arrow in a circle representing the [[Konark temple|wheel of Konark]]. The logo chosen by founder J. R. D. Tata was introduced in 1948 and represented the airline until 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.spellbrand.com/airlines-logos-with-flying-colors|title=Airlines logos with colors|date=13 July 2010 |publisher=spellbrand.com|access-date=5 November 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151124002453/http://www.spellbrand.com/airlines-logos-with-flying-colors|archive-date=24 November 2015}}</ref> On 22 May 2007, Air India and Indian Airlines unveiled their new livery consisting of a Flying Swan with the wheel of Konark placed inside it. The flying swan was morphed from the centaur logo and the chakra was derived from Indian's erstwhile logo.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pictures-air-india-to-get-new-livery-following-indian-airlines-merger-214180/|date=23 May 2007|title=Air India to get a new logo|publisher=Flightglobal|access-date=4 November 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151123190026/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pictures-air-india-to-get-new-livery-following-indian-airlines-merger-214180/|archive-date=23 November 2015}}</ref> On 15 May 2007, Air India refreshed its livery, making the Rajasthani arches along the windows slightly smaller, extending a stylised line from the tail of the aircraft to the nose and painting the underbelly red. The new logo features on the tail and the engine covers with red and orange lines running parallel to each other from the front door to the rear door.<ref name="Maharaja"/> | ||
=== Art collection === | === Art collection === | ||
Air India built a collection of Indian art from 1956 to the mid 2000s.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|last=Thomas|first=Maria|title=The fascinating story behind Air India's priceless collection of art|url=https://qz.com/india/1325611/the-fascinating-story-behind-air-indias-priceless-collection-of-art/|access-date=2020-08-02|website=Quartz India|language=en}}</ref> The collection comprises works of important Indian artists and photographers of the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, sculptures, wood carvings, glass paintings, a large collection of rare textiles, and more.<ref name=":2" /> Among the works are paintings by [[ | Air India built a collection of Indian art from 1956 to the mid-2000s.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|last=Thomas|first=Maria|title=The fascinating story behind Air India's priceless collection of art|url=https://qz.com/india/1325611/the-fascinating-story-behind-air-indias-priceless-collection-of-art/|access-date=2020-08-02|website=Quartz India|date=13 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref> The collection comprises works of important Indian artists and photographers of the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, sculptures, wood carvings, glass paintings, a large collection of rare textiles, and more.<ref name=":2" /> Among the works are paintings by [[M. F. Husain]] and [[V. S. Gaitonde]] and sketches by Goan cartoonist [[Mario Miranda]].<ref name=":2" /> Some of the company's first purchases helped launch the career of notable painter [[B. Prabha]].<ref name=":2" /> The artwork was often sent to be hung in Air India [[city ticket office|booking office]]s around the world and used in menus and advertising material.<ref name=":2" /> Sometimes artists would be sent to paint murals in foreign offices or be given airplane tickets in exchange for art.<ref name=":2" /> In 1967, the company commissioned ashtrays from [[Salvador Dalí]] and gifted a few hundred of them to its first-class passengers.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3">{{Cite web|date=2016-04-22|title=In pics: When Air India presented Surrealist Salvador Dali an elephant|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/in-pics-when-air-india-presented-surrealist-salvador-dali-an-elephant/story-qiMd1WrlxFZ4kxziE5tH6N.html|access-date=2020-08-02|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref> As payment, Dali asked for a baby elephant, which Air India flew from [[Bengaluru]] to [[Geneva]], along with a [[mahout]].<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" /> In the late 2010s, a plan to form a museum from the collection was stalled by privatization plans. The artworks reside in a building in [[Nariman Point]], [[Mumbai]].<ref name=":2" /> | ||
==Destinations== | ==Destinations== | ||
{{Main|List of Air India destinations}} | {{Main|List of Air India destinations}} | ||
As of December 2019, Air India | As of December 2019, Air India was flying to a total of 102 destinations including 57 domestic destinations and 45 international destinations in 31 countries across five continents around the world.<ref name="Schedule">{{cite web|url=http://www.airindia.in/time-table.htm|title=Time table, Air India|publisher=Air India|access-date=6 March 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305051702/http://www.airindia.in/time-table.htm|archive-date=5 March 2016}}</ref> Its primary hub is located at [[Indira Gandhi International Airport|Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi]], and it has a secondary hub at [[Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport|Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Kumar|first=Akshay|date=1 October 2015|title=Air India to develop Mumbai as its secondary hub|url=http://www.financialexpress.com/article/industry/companies/air-india-to-develop-mumbai-as-its-secondary-hub/144349/|work=[[The Financial Express (India)|The Financial Express]]|access-date=3 June 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151025022207/http://www.financialexpress.com/article/industry/companies/air-india-to-develop-mumbai-as-its-secondary-hub/144349/|archive-date=25 October 2015}}</ref> | ||
[[File:Air India Destinations Map.png|thumb|{{legend|#c5012d|Current destinations}}{{legend|#ffafc0|Previously served countries}}{{legend|#f19817|India}}]] | [[File:Air India Destinations Map.png|thumb|{{legend|#c5012d|Current destinations}}{{legend|#ffafc0|Previously served countries}}{{legend|#f19817|India}}]] | ||
| Line 142: | Line 151: | ||
===Alliance=== | ===Alliance=== | ||
Air India became the 27th member of [[Star Alliance]] on 11 July 2014.<ref name="Star Alliance">{{cite news|last=Young|first=Kathryn M.|url=http://atwonline.com/finance-data/air-india-join-star-alliance-july-11|title=Air India to join Star Alliance July 11 | Finance & Data content from|work=ATWOnline|date=25 June 2014|access-date=6 August 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715072220/http://atwonline.com/finance-data/air-india-join-star-alliance-july-11|archive-date=15 July 2014}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{cite news|title=Air India to join Star Alliance in 2014|url=http://www.staralliance.com/en/press/ceb1-prp/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216081629/http://www.staralliance.com/en/press/ceb1-prp/|archive-date=16 December 2013|publisher=Star Alliance|access-date=23 March 2014}}</ref> | Air India became the 27th member of [[Star Alliance]] on 11 July 2014.<ref name="Star Alliance">{{cite news|last=Young|first=Kathryn M.|url=http://atwonline.com/finance-data/air-india-join-star-alliance-july-11|title=Air India to join Star Alliance July 11 | Finance & Data content from|work=ATWOnline|date=25 June 2014|access-date=6 August 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715072220/http://atwonline.com/finance-data/air-india-join-star-alliance-july-11|archive-date=15 July 2014}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{cite news|title=Air India to join Star Alliance in 2014|url=http://www.staralliance.com/en/press/ceb1-prp/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216081629/http://www.staralliance.com/en/press/ceb1-prp/|archive-date=16 December 2013|publisher=Star Alliance|access-date=23 March 2014}}</ref> | ||
In February 2022, two weeks after its privatization, the airline signed an ''interline pact'' with [[AirAsia India]], a low-cost airline owned by [[Tata Group]], for domestic flights.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mukul |first1=Pranav |title=Air India, AirAsia ink interline pact for domestic passengers |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/business/aviation/air-india-airasia-ink-interline-pact-for-domestic-passengers-7768507/ |access-date=14 February 2022 |work=Indian Express}}</ref> | |||
===Codeshare agreements=== | ===Codeshare agreements=== | ||
| Line 166: | Line 177: | ||
* [[Swiss International Air Lines]] | * [[Swiss International Air Lines]] | ||
* [[TAP Air Portugal]] | * [[TAP Air Portugal]] | ||
* [[Thai Airways International]] | |||
* [[Turkish Airlines]] | * [[Turkish Airlines]] | ||
{{div col end}} | {{div col end}} | ||
| Line 174: | Line 186: | ||
===Fleet information=== | ===Fleet information=== | ||
[[File:Air India 001.jpg|thumb|An Air India [[Boeing 747-400 | [[File:Air India 001.jpg|thumb|An Air India [[Boeing 747-400]]]] | ||
In 1932, Air India started operations with a [[de Havilland Puss Moth]]. It inducted its first Boeing 707-420 named ''Gauri Shankar'' (registered ''VT-DJJ''), thereby becoming the first Asian airline to induct a jet aircraft in its fleet and on 4 August 1993, Air India took the delivery of its first Boeing 747-400 named ''Konark'' (registered ''VT-ESM'').<ref>{{cite web|title=VT-ESM Air India Boeing 747-437|url=http://www.planespotters.net/Production_List/Boeing/747/27078,VT-ESM-Air-India.php|publisher=PlaneSpotters|access-date=11 February 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130527014914/http://www.planespotters.net/Production_List/Boeing/747/27078,VT-ESM-Air-India.php|archive-date=27 May 2013}}</ref> | In 1932, Air India started operations with a [[de Havilland Puss Moth]]. It inducted its first Boeing 707-420 named ''Gauri Shankar'' (registered ''VT-DJJ''), thereby becoming the first Asian airline to induct a jet aircraft in its fleet and on 4 August 1993, Air India took the delivery of its first Boeing 747-400 named ''Konark'' (registered ''VT-ESM'').<ref>{{cite web|title=VT-ESM Air India Boeing 747-437|url=http://www.planespotters.net/Production_List/Boeing/747/27078,VT-ESM-Air-India.php|publisher=PlaneSpotters|access-date=11 February 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130527014914/http://www.planespotters.net/Production_List/Boeing/747/27078,VT-ESM-Air-India.php|archive-date=27 May 2013}}</ref> | ||
Apart from the Boeing aircraft, Air India also operates a wide range of Airbus aircraft. In 1989, Indian Airlines introduced the Airbus A320-200 aircraft, which Air India now uses to operate both domestic and international short haul flights.<ref name="Timeline"/> In 2005, Indian Airlines introduced smaller A319s, which are now used mainly on domestic and regional routes.<ref name="Timeline"/> After the merger in 2007, Air India inducted the biggest member of the A320 family, the A321, to operate mainly on international short haul and medium haul routes. At the same time, Air India leased Airbus A330s to operate on medium-long haul international routes. Currently Air India has many narrow body aircraft for domestic destinations like A320, A321 and A320 neo. Air India has also many wide body aircraft like Boeing 777-200LR, Boeing 777-300ER, Boeing 747-400 and Boeing 787-8 mainly for international destinations. Air India Express, a subsidiary of Air India has a fleet of 25 Boeing 737-800. | Apart from the Boeing aircraft, Air India also operates a wide range of Airbus aircraft. In 1989, Indian Airlines introduced the Airbus A320-200 aircraft, which Air India now uses to operate both domestic and international short haul flights.<ref name="Timeline"/> In 2005, Indian Airlines introduced smaller A319s, which are now used mainly on domestic and regional routes.<ref name="Timeline"/> After the merger in 2007, Air India inducted the biggest member of the A320 family, the A321, to operate mainly on international short haul and medium haul routes. At the same time, Air India leased Airbus A330s to operate on medium-long haul international routes. Currently Air India has many narrow body aircraft for domestic destinations like A320, A321 and A320 neo. Air India has also many wide body aircraft like Boeing 777-200LR, Boeing 777-300ER, Boeing 747-400 and Boeing 787-8 mainly for international destinations. Air India Express, a subsidiary of Air India has a fleet of 25 Boeing 737-800. On 17 June 2019, Air India grounded its last [[Airbus A320 family|Airbus A320 classic]] fleet, which flown its last flight from Delhi to Mumbai.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/air-india-bids-adieu-to-a320-classic/article28022580.ece|title=Air India bids adieu to A320 Classic|work=The Hindu|date=19 June 2019|author=Aditya Anand}}</ref> | ||
===Fleet restructuring=== | ===Fleet restructuring=== | ||
As a part of the financial restructuring, Air India sold five of its eight [[Boeing 777-200LR]] aircraft to [[Etihad Airways]] in December 2013. According to the airline, plans for introducing ultra-long flights with service to [[Seattle–Tacoma International Airport|Seattle]], [[San Francisco International Airport|San Francisco]] and [[Los Angeles International Airport|Los Angeles]] were cancelled due to factors like high fuel prices and weak demand. Air India flights to | As a part of the financial restructuring, Air India sold five of its eight [[Boeing 777-200LR]] aircraft to [[Etihad Airways]] in December 2013. According to the airline, plans for introducing ultra-long flights with service to [[Seattle–Tacoma International Airport|Seattle]], [[San Francisco International Airport|San Francisco]], and [[Los Angeles International Airport|Los Angeles]] were cancelled due to factors like high fuel prices and weak demand. Air India flights to San Francisco have been resumed with more new international destinations.<ref>{{cite news|title=Air India firms up deal to sell five Boeing 777 to Etihad|url=http://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/air-india-firms-up-deal-to-sell-five-boeing-777-to-etihad/article5433602.ece|access-date=25 April 2014|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=7 December 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213235958/http://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/air-india-firms-up-deal-to-sell-five-boeing-777-to-etihad/article5433602.ece|archive-date=13 December 2013}}</ref> On 24 April 2014, Air India issued a tender for leasing 14 [[Airbus A320]] aircraft for up to six years, to strengthen its domestic network.<ref>{{cite news|title=Air India seeks to lease 14 Airbus A320 aircraft|url=http://in.reuters.com/article/uk-airindia-tender-idINKBN0DA0QX20140424|access-date=25 April 2014|work=[[Reuters]]|date=24 April 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140426215200/http://in.reuters.com/article/2014/04/24/uk-airindia-tender-idINKBN0DA0QX20140424|archive-date=26 April 2014}}</ref> | ||
Air India has purchased many Boeing 787-8 dreamliners to strengthen international operations. | Air India has purchased many Boeing 787-8 dreamliners to strengthen international operations. | ||
On 14th February 2023, Air India announced an order for 470 aircraft with [[Airbus]] and [[Boeing]]. The order consists of 210 [[Airbus A320neo family|A320neo family aircraft]], 40 [[Airbus A350|A350]], 190 [[Boeing 737 MAX| 737 MAX]], 20 [[Boeing 787|787-9]] and 10 [[Boeing 777X|777-9]] aircraft with deliveries beginning late 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |title= Air India Announces Order for 470 Aircraft |url=https://mobile.twitter.com/airindiain/status/1625519050817417219/photo/1 |access-date=2023-02-14}}</ref> | |||
==Services== | ==Services== | ||
| Line 188: | Line 200: | ||
===Cabin=== | ===Cabin=== | ||
The [[Boeing 777|Boeing 777-200LR/777-300ER | The [[Boeing 777|Boeing 777-200LR/777-300ER]] aircraft operated on long haul flights are in a three-class configuration.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/Air_India/Air_India_Boeing_777-300ER.php|title=Seat Map, Air India Boeing 777-300 ER|publisher=seatguru.com|access-date=4 November 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151031220928/http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/Air_India/Air_India_Boeing_777-300ER.php|archive-date=31 October 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/Air_India/Air_India_Boeing_747-400.php|title=Seat Map, Air India Boeing 747-400|publisher=seatguru.com|access-date=4 November 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151026175946/http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/Air_India/Air_India_Boeing_747-400.php|archive-date=26 October 2015}}</ref> [[Boeing 787 Dreamliner]] and [[Airbus A321]] aircraft have a two-class configuration.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/Air_India/Air_India_Boeing_787-8.php|title=Seat Map, Air India Boeing 787|publisher=seatguru.com|access-date=4 November 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151026011352/http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/Air_India/Air_India_Boeing_787-8.php|archive-date=26 October 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/Air_India/Air_India_Airbus_A321_V1.php|title=Seat Map, Air India Airbus A321|publisher=seatguru.com|access-date=4 November 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151103073011/http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/Air_India/Air_India_Airbus_A321_V1.php|archive-date=3 November 2015}}</ref> [[Airbus A320]] aircraft operated on domestic- and short haul international flights are in either an all-economy configuration or a two-class configuration.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/Air_India/Air_India_Airbus_A320_V1.php|title=Seat Map, Air India Airbus A320 V1|publisher=seatguru.com|access-date=4 November 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118080640/http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/Air_India/Air_India_Airbus_A320_V1.php|archive-date=18 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/Air_India/Air_India_Airbus_A320_V2.php|title=Seat Map, Air India Airbus A320 V2|publisher=seatguru.com|access-date=4 November 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151107160753/http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/Air_India/Air_India_Airbus_A320_V2.php|archive-date=7 November 2015}}</ref> [[Airbus A319]] aircraft have a full economy configuration.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/Air_India/Air_India_Airbus_A319.php|title=Seat Map, Air India Airbus A319|publisher=seatguru.com|access-date=4 November 2015}}</ref> Air India serves meals on all international flights and on domestic flights with a flight duration of over 90 minutes.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/air-india-nonveg-food-never-served-on-short-duration-flights/article8031857.ece|title=Air India says non-veg food was never served on short duration flights|last1=Jha|first1=Somesh|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=26 December 2015|access-date=6 March 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200307014335/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/air-india-nonveg-food-never-served-on-short-duration-flights/article8031857.ece|archive-date=7 March 2020}}</ref> | ||
===In-flight entertainment=== | ===In-flight entertainment=== | ||
| Line 214: | Line 226: | ||
==Missions== | ==Missions== | ||
===Gulf War evacuation=== | ===Gulf War evacuation=== | ||
The airline entered the [[Guinness Book of World Records]] for the most people evacuated by civil airliner.<ref name=Guinness/> Over 111,000 people were evacuated from Amman to Mumbai, a distance of {{convert|4117|km}}, by operating 488 flights from 13 August to 11 October 1990 – lasting 59 days. The operation was carried out during [[Gulf War|Persian Gulf War]] to evacuate [[Non-resident Indian and person of Indian origin|Indian expatriates]] from [[Kuwait]] and [[Iraq]].<ref name=Guinness>{{cite web |url=http://www.thisismyindia.com/air-line/airindia.html |title=Air India, History of Air India, Air India Flight Services, Air India International, Passenger Operations, Awards in Air India |publisher=Thisismyindia.com |access-date=10 June 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091231062841/http://thisismyindia.com/air-line/airindia.html |archive-date=31 December 2009 | The airline entered the [[Guinness Book of World Records]] for the most people evacuated by civil airliner.<ref name=Guinness/> Over 111,000 people were evacuated from Amman to Mumbai, a distance of {{convert|4117|km}}, by operating 488 flights from 13 August to 11 October 1990 – lasting 59 days. The operation was carried out during [[Gulf War|Persian Gulf War]] to evacuate [[Non-resident Indian and person of Indian origin|Indian expatriates]] from [[Kuwait]] and [[Iraq]].<ref name=Guinness>{{cite web |url=http://www.thisismyindia.com/air-line/airindia.html |title=Air India, History of Air India, Air India Flight Services, Air India International, Passenger Operations, Awards in Air India |publisher=Thisismyindia.com |access-date=10 June 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091231062841/http://thisismyindia.com/air-line/airindia.html |archive-date=31 December 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Venkataramakrishnan|first1=Rohan|title=The Berlin airlift was remarkable, but the largest civilian evacuation in history is by India|website=Scroll.in|url=http://scroll.in/article/668866/the-berlin-airlift-during-ww-ii-was-remarkable-but-the-largest-civilian-airlift-was-by-india|access-date=11 April 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150416192358/http://scroll.in/article/668866/the-berlin-airlift-during-ww-ii-was-remarkable-but-the-largest-civilian-airlift-was-by-india|archive-date=16 April 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thebetterindia.com/15179/heres-need-know-largest-air-evacuation-history-india/|title=Did You Know That The Largest Air Evacuation in History Was Done By India?|date=18 February 2015 |publisher=The Better India|access-date=6 March 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305062841/http://www.thebetterindia.com/15179/heres-need-know-largest-air-evacuation-history-india/|archive-date=5 March 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Airlift-Akshay-Kumars-next-a-thriller-of-the-biggest-human-evacuation/articleshow/40364005.cms|title=Airlift: Akshay Kumar's next a thriller of the biggest human evacuation|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=19 December 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160111163459/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Airlift-Akshay-Kumars-next-a-thriller-of-the-biggest-human-evacuation/articleshow/40364005.cms|archive-date=11 January 2016}}</ref> [[1990 airlift of Indians from Kuwait|The event]] was later featured in the film ''[[Airlift (film)|Airlift]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/mathunny-mathews-the-real-life-hero-of-airlift-dies-in-kuwait-1407625.html|title=Mathunny Mathews, the Real-life Hero of 'Airlift', Dies in Kuwait|date=21 May 2017|publisher=News 18}}</ref> | ||
==Accidents and incidents== | ==Accidents and incidents== | ||
{{See also|Air_India_Express#Accidents_and_incidents|label 1=Air India Express | {{See also|Air_India_Express#Accidents_and_incidents|label 1=Air India Express – Accidents and incidents}} | ||
* On 27 December 1947, a Douglas C-48C (registered VT-AUG) carrying nineteen passengers and four crew en route from Karachi to Bombay, [[1947 Korangi Creek crash|crashed]] at [[Korangi Creek Cantonment|Korangi Creek]] due to loss of control following instrument failure, killing all on board. This was the airline's first fatal accident. The aircraft had been notorious for electrical problems and had an unusual number of instrument replacements.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19471227-0 |title=ASN Aircraft accident Douglas C-48C-DO (DC-3) VT-AUG |publisher=Aviation-safety.net |access-date=12 September 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151123235316/http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19471227-0 |archive-date=23 November 2015}}</ref> | * On 27 December 1947, a Douglas C-48C (registered VT-AUG) carrying nineteen passengers and four crew en route from Karachi to Bombay, [[1947 Korangi Creek crash|crashed]] at [[Korangi Creek Cantonment|Korangi Creek]] due to loss of control following instrument failure, killing all on board. This was the airline's first fatal accident. The aircraft had been notorious for electrical problems and had an unusual number of instrument replacements.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19471227-0 |title=ASN Aircraft accident Douglas C-48C-DO (DC-3) VT-AUG |publisher=Aviation-safety.net |access-date=12 September 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151123235316/http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19471227-0 |archive-date=23 November 2015}}</ref> | ||
* On 3 November 1950, [[Air India Flight 245]], a [[Lockheed Constellation|Lockheed L-749 Constellation]] (registered VT-CQP, ''Malabar Princess'') carrying forty passengers and eight crew on a flight from Bombay to London via Cairo and Geneva, crashed on [[Mont Blanc]] in France, killing all on board.<ref>{{cite web|url =http://ghmorel.free.fr/malpag/synus.html|title =Malabar Princess|access-date =17 June 2009|url-status =live|archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20110720221455/http://ghmorel.free.fr/malpag/synus.html|archive-date =20 July 2011|df =dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url =http://www.montblanc.to/uk/glacier/texte4.html|title =The 'Malabar Princess' Catastrophe|access-date =17 June 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090620064252/http://www.montblanc.to/uk/glacier/texte4.html| archive-date= 20 June 2009}}</ref> In 1966, Flight 101 crashed in nearly the exact same spot. | * On 3 November 1950, [[Air India Flight 245]], a [[Lockheed Constellation|Lockheed L-749 Constellation]] (registered VT-CQP, ''Malabar Princess'') carrying forty passengers and eight crew on a flight from Bombay to London via Cairo and Geneva, crashed on [[Mont Blanc]] in France, killing all on board.<ref>{{cite web|url =http://ghmorel.free.fr/malpag/synus.html|title =Malabar Princess|access-date =17 June 2009|url-status =live|archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20110720221455/http://ghmorel.free.fr/malpag/synus.html|archive-date =20 July 2011|df =dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url =http://www.montblanc.to/uk/glacier/texte4.html|title =The 'Malabar Princess' Catastrophe|access-date =17 June 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090620064252/http://www.montblanc.to/uk/glacier/texte4.html| archive-date= 20 June 2009}}</ref> In 1966, Flight 101 crashed in nearly the exact same spot. | ||
* On 13 December 1950, a Douglas C-47B (registered VT-CFK) carrying 17 passengers and four crew from Bombay to [[Coimbatore]], crashed into high ground near [[Kotagiri]] due to a navigational error, killing all on board.<ref>{{ASN accident|title=VT-CFK|id=19501213-1|access-date=13 September 2015}}</ref> | * On 13 December 1950, a Douglas C-47B (registered VT-CFK) carrying 17 passengers and four crew from Bombay to [[Coimbatore]], crashed into high ground near [[Kotagiri]] due to a navigational error, killing all on board.<ref>{{ASN accident|title=VT-CFK|id=19501213-1|access-date=13 September 2015}}</ref> | ||
* On 15 September 1951, Douglas C-47A Dakota III VT-CCA lost control and crashed on takeoff from [[HAL Bangalore Airport]] with the autopilot turned on, killing a crew member; all 23 passengers survived.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19510915-0 |title=ASN Aircraft accident Douglas C-47A-30-DK Dakota III VT-CCA Bangalore-Hindustan Airport (BLR) |publisher=Aviation-safety.net |access-date=13 September 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151123213614/http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19510915-0 |archive-date=23 November 2015 | * On 15 September 1951, Douglas C-47A Dakota III VT-CCA lost control and crashed on takeoff from [[HAL Bangalore Airport]] with the autopilot turned on, killing a crew member; all 23 passengers survived.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19510915-0 |title=ASN Aircraft accident Douglas C-47A-30-DK Dakota III VT-CCA Bangalore-Hindustan Airport (BLR) |publisher=Aviation-safety.net |access-date=13 September 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151123213614/http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19510915-0 |archive-date=23 November 2015 }}</ref> | ||
* On 9 May 1953, Douglas C-47A VT-AUD crashed shortly after takeoff from [[Palam Airport]] following a loss of control due to pilot error, killing all thirteen passengers and five crew on board.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19530509-1|title=ASN Aircraft accident VT-AUD|publisher=Aviation-safety.net|access-date=28 October 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151019112210/http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19530509-1|archive-date=19 October 2015}}</ref> | * On 9 May 1953, Douglas C-47A VT-AUD crashed shortly after takeoff from [[Palam Airport]] following a loss of control due to pilot error, killing all thirteen passengers and five crew on board.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19530509-1|title=ASN Aircraft accident VT-AUD|publisher=Aviation-safety.net|access-date=28 October 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151019112210/http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19530509-1|archive-date=19 October 2015}}</ref> | ||
* On 11 April 1955, a bomb exploded in the right main landing gear bay of [[Lockheed Constellation|Lockheed L-749A Constellation]] VT-DEP ''[[Kashmir Princess]]'', carrying eleven passengers and eight crew from Hong Kong to Jakarta. The right wing caught fire and the crew were forced to attempt a [[water landing]]. The wingtip dug into the water and the aircraft crashed, killing sixteen of the occupants.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19550411-1|title=ASN Aircraft accident Lockheed L-749A Constellation VT-DEP Great Natuna Islands|publisher=aviation-safety.net|access-date=10 June 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090825205700/http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19550411-1|archive-date=25 August 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Déjà vu from 30,000 ft|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/sunday-times/deep-focus/Dj-vu-from-30000-ft/articleshow/45747222.cms|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=4 January 2015|access-date=6 March 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160607212935/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/sunday-times/deep-focus/Dj-vu-from-30000-ft/articleshow/45747222.cms|archive-date=7 June 2016}}</ref> | * On 11 April 1955, a bomb exploded in the right main landing gear bay of [[Lockheed Constellation|Lockheed L-749A Constellation]] VT-DEP ''[[Kashmir Princess]]'', carrying eleven passengers and eight crew from Hong Kong to Jakarta. The right wing caught fire and the crew were forced to attempt a [[water landing]]. The wingtip dug into the water and the aircraft crashed, killing sixteen of the occupants.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19550411-1|title=ASN Aircraft accident Lockheed L-749A Constellation VT-DEP Great Natuna Islands|publisher=aviation-safety.net|access-date=10 June 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090825205700/http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19550411-1|archive-date=25 August 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Déjà vu from 30,000 ft|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/sunday-times/deep-focus/Dj-vu-from-30000-ft/articleshow/45747222.cms|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=4 January 2015|access-date=6 March 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160607212935/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/sunday-times/deep-focus/Dj-vu-from-30000-ft/articleshow/45747222.cms|archive-date=7 June 2016}}</ref> | ||
* On 19 July 1959 ''Rani of Aera'', a [[Lockheed Constellation|Lockheed L-1049G Super Constellation]] (registered VT-DIN) carrying 46 people (39 passengers and seven crew) crashed on approach to [[Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport|Santacruz Airport]] in conditions of poor visibility due to rain. The aircraft suffered damage beyond repair and was written off. There were no fatalities.<ref name=Mendis/> | * On 19 July 1959 ''Rani of Aera'', a [[Lockheed Constellation|Lockheed L-1049G Super Constellation]] (registered VT-DIN) carrying 46 people (39 passengers and seven crew) crashed on approach to [[Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport|Santacruz Airport]] in conditions of poor visibility due to rain. The aircraft suffered damage beyond repair and was written off. There were no fatalities.<ref name=Mendis/> | ||
[[File:Air India Memorial.jpg|thumb|upright|The Air India Memorial in Toronto, Ontario, Canada dedicated to the victims of [[Air India Flight 182]]]] | [[File:Air India Memorial.jpg|thumb|upright|The Air India Memorial in Toronto, Ontario, Canada dedicated to the victims of [[Air India Flight 182]]]] | ||
* On 24 January 1966, [[Air India Flight 101]] ''Kanchenjunga'', a Boeing 707-420 (registered VT-DMN) carrying 117 people (106 passengers and 11 crew) crashed on [[Mont Blanc]], France killing all on board including the noted Indian scientist | * On 24 January 1966, [[Air India Flight 101]] ''Kanchenjunga'', a Boeing 707-420 (registered VT-DMN) carrying 117 people (106 passengers and 11 crew) crashed on [[Mont Blanc]], France killing all on board including the noted Indian scientist [[Homi J. Bhabha]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/india/9509958/Diplomatic-post-bag-from-1966-Indian-plane-crash-found-on-Mont-Blanc.html|title=Diplomatic post bag from 1966 Indian plane crash found on Mont Blanc|newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|date=22 August 2012|access-date=28 November 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203232542/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/india/9509958/Diplomatic-post-bag-from-1966-Indian-plane-crash-found-on-Mont-Blanc.html|archive-date=3 December 2013}}</ref> | ||
* On 1 January 1978, [[Air India Flight 855]] ''Emperor Ashoka,'' a [[Boeing 747|Boeing 747-200B]] (registered VT-EBD) crashed into the [[Arabian Sea]] after takeoff from [[Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport|Mumbai]] after the pilot became disorientated due to instrument failure, killing all 190 passengers and 23 crew on board.<ref name="nytimes.com"/> | * On 1 January 1978, [[Air India Flight 855]] ''Emperor Ashoka,'' a [[Boeing 747|Boeing 747-200B]] (registered VT-EBD) crashed into the [[Arabian Sea]] after takeoff from [[Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport|Mumbai]] after the pilot became disorientated due to instrument failure, killing all 190 passengers and 23 crew on board.<ref name="nytimes.com"/> | ||
* On 21 June 1982, [[Air India Flight 403]] ''Gouri Shankar'', a Boeing 707-420 (registered VT-DJJ) carrying 99 passengers and 12 crew from [[Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport|Kuala Lumpur]] to Bombay via Madras crashed while landing at [[Sahar International Airport]] during a rainstorm. The fuselage broke apart and seventeen people including two crew members were killed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.airdisaster.com/cgi-bin/view_details.cgi?date=06221982®=VT-DJJ&airline=Air+India |title=Accident Database: Accident Synopsis 06221982 |publisher=Airdisaster.com |access-date=30 August 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100811193649/http://www.airdisaster.com/cgi-bin/view_details.cgi?date=06221982®=VT-DJJ&airline=Air+India| archive-date= 11 August 2010 | url-status= usurped}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.airsafe.com/events/airlines/ain.htm |title=Fatal Events Since 1970 for Air India |publisher=Airsafe.com |access-date=30 August 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100223015026/http://www.airsafe.com/events/airlines/ain.htm |archive-date=23 February 2010 | * On 21 June 1982, [[Air India Flight 403]] ''Gouri Shankar'', a Boeing 707-420 (registered VT-DJJ) carrying 99 passengers and 12 crew from [[Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport|Kuala Lumpur]] to Bombay via Madras crashed while landing at [[Sahar International Airport]] during a rainstorm. The fuselage broke apart and seventeen people including two crew members were killed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.airdisaster.com/cgi-bin/view_details.cgi?date=06221982®=VT-DJJ&airline=Air+India |title=Accident Database: Accident Synopsis 06221982 |publisher=Airdisaster.com |access-date=30 August 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100811193649/http://www.airdisaster.com/cgi-bin/view_details.cgi?date=06221982®=VT-DJJ&airline=Air+India| archive-date= 11 August 2010 | url-status= usurped}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.airsafe.com/events/airlines/ain.htm |title=Fatal Events Since 1970 for Air India |publisher=Airsafe.com |access-date=30 August 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100223015026/http://www.airsafe.com/events/airlines/ain.htm |archive-date=23 February 2010 }}</ref> | ||
* On 23 June 1985, [[Air India Flight 182]] ''Emperor Kanishka'', a Boeing 747-200B (registered VT-EFO), was blown up in mid-air by a suitcase-bomb planted by [[Babbar Khalsa|Babbar Khalsa terrorists]] allegedly as revenge for the Indian Government's [[Operation Blue Star|operation]] on the [[Harmandir Sahib|Golden Temple]] in June 1984. The flight was on the first leg on its Montreal-London-Delhi-Bombay flight when it exploded off the coast of [[County Cork|Cork]], Ireland in the Atlantic Ocean. All 307 passengers and 22 crew on board died.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/airindia/|title=Indepth: Air India|publisher=CBC News|access-date=8 May 2007|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070506221356/http://www.cbc.ca/news/airindia/| archive-date= 6 May 2007}}</ref> | * On 23 June 1985, [[Air India Flight 182]] ''Emperor Kanishka'', a Boeing 747-200B (registered VT-EFO), was blown up in mid-air by a suitcase-bomb planted by [[Babbar Khalsa|Babbar Khalsa terrorists]] allegedly as revenge for the Indian Government's [[Operation Blue Star|operation]] on the [[Harmandir Sahib|Golden Temple]] in June 1984. The flight was on the first leg on its Montreal-London-Delhi-Bombay flight when it exploded off the coast of [[County Cork|Cork]], Ireland in the Atlantic Ocean. All 307 passengers and 22 crew on board died.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/airindia/|title=Indepth: Air India|publisher=CBC News|access-date=8 May 2007|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070506221356/http://www.cbc.ca/news/airindia/| archive-date= 6 May 2007}}</ref> | ||
* On 7 May 1990, Air India Flight 132 ''Emperor Vikramaditya'', a Boeing 747-200B (registered VT-EBO) flying on the London-Delhi-Bombay route carrying 215 people (195 passengers and 20 crew) caught fire on touch down at [[Indira Gandhi International Airport|Delhi airport]] due to a failure of an engine pylon-to-wing attachment. There were no fatalities but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair and written off.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19900507-0 |title=ASN Aircraft accident Boeing 747-237B VT-EBO Delhi-Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) |publisher=Aviation-safety.net |access-date=10 June 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090822230832/http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19900507-0 |archive-date=22 August 2009 }}</ref> | * On 7 May 1990, Air India Flight 132 ''Emperor Vikramaditya'', a Boeing 747-200B (registered VT-EBO) flying on the London-Delhi-Bombay route carrying 215 people (195 passengers and 20 crew) caught fire on touch down at [[Indira Gandhi International Airport|Delhi airport]] due to a failure of an engine pylon-to-wing attachment. There were no fatalities but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair and written off.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19900507-0 |title=ASN Aircraft accident Boeing 747-237B VT-EBO Delhi-Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) |publisher=Aviation-safety.net |access-date=10 June 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090822230832/http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19900507-0 |archive-date=22 August 2009 }}</ref> | ||
* On 26 November 2022, Shankar Mishra, then an Indian vice-president for [[Wells Fargo]], allegedly urinated on a female passenger and her seat in a business class of a [[Indians in the New York metropolitan area|New York]] [[JFK International Airport|JFK]]-Delhi Air India flight. Mishra was then accused of exposing his [[genitalia]] until other passengers asked him to move. The female passenger was provided with clothes but had to continue to sit on the seat soaked with urine and was refused one of the empty seats in first class as a reparation. It was not until after the female passenger and her family filed a complaint that the airline took the issue to Indian law authorities.<ref>{{cite news |title=Drunk man pees on female passenger in business class of Air India US-India flight: Report |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/drunk-man-pees-on-female-co-passenger-in-air-india-us-india-business-class-flight-report-101672803333070.html |access-date=5 January 2023 |agency=HIndustan Times |date=4 January 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Man who urinated on female passenger on AI flight is from Mumbai, to face arrest soon: Reports |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/man-who-urinated-on-female-passenger-on-ai-flight-is-from-mumbai-to-face-arrest-soon-101672899176432.html |access-date=5 January 2023 |agency=Hindustan Times |date=5 January 2023}}</ref> After the incident happened, Mishra fled to his hometown of [[Bengaluru]] to avoid the ultimate arrest, while he was barred from flying for 30 days with Air India.<ref>{{cite news |title=Who is Shankar Mishra, Air India passenger who urinated on woman {{!}} 5 things about him |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/who-is-shankar-mishra-air-india-passenger-who-urinated-on-woman-5-things-about-him-101672924957953.html |access-date=5 January 2023 |agency=Hindustan Times |date=5 January 2023}}</ref> Mr. Mishra in January 2022 denied the allegation against him and instead alleged that the passenger had lost [[urinary incontinence|urinary continence]] and had urinated upon herself. The incident has been dubbed ''Pee-gate'' by the Indian media.<ref>{{cite news|url= https://m.timesofindia.com/india/bid-to-harass-further-woman-reacts-to-peed-on-herself-claim/articleshow/96995411.cms|title= Bid to harass further': Woman reacts to 'peed on herself' claim|newspaper=Times of India|date=15 January 2023|access-date=15 January 2023}}</ref> | |||
* On 6 December 2022, just a few days after the NYC-Delhi flight on which then-vice president of Wells Fargo Shankar Mishra allegedly urinated on a female passenger's seat, another Indian man, named Sukant Kumar, urinated on a female passenger’s blanket on a Paris-Delhi flight. The male passenger was apprehended by the Central Industrial Security Force, but was later released as the two passengers reached a "compromise".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mallick |first1=Pritha |title=Another Mid-air 'Peeing' Incident on AI Flight As Drunk Man 'Urinates' on Woman's Blanket |publisher=News18 |date=5 January 2023}}</ref> | |||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
{{Portal|India|Companies|Aviation}} | {{Portal|India|New York City|Companies|Aviation}} | ||
* [[Indians in the New York City metropolitan area]] | |||
* [[List of airlines of India]] | * [[List of airlines of India]] | ||
* [[List of airports in India]] | * [[List of airports in India]] | ||
* [[Transport in India]] | * [[Transport in India]] | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
| Line 258: | Line 263: | ||
{{Air India}} | {{Air India}} | ||
{{Tata Group}} | |||
{{Star Alliance}} | {{Star Alliance}} | ||
{{Airlines of India}} | {{Airlines of India}} | ||
{{IATA members|asia}} | |||
{{authority control}} | {{authority control}} | ||
| Line 268: | Line 273: | ||
[[Category:Airlines of India]] | [[Category:Airlines of India]] | ||
[[Category:Indian brands]] | [[Category:Indian brands]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Tata Sons subsidiaries]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Indian companies established in 1932]] | ||
[[Category:Airlines established in 1932]] | [[Category:Airlines established in 1932]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Formerly government-owned companies of India]] | ||
[[Category:Companies nationalised by the Government of India]] | |||
[[Category:Companies based in New Delhi]] | [[Category:Companies based in New Delhi]] | ||
[[Category:Star Alliance]] | [[Category:Star Alliance]] | ||
[[Category:Indian companies established in | [[Category:Indian companies established in 1946]] | ||