BRISBANE- Air India (AI), under TATA group ownership, is intensifying its focus on the Australian market, says CEO & MD Campbell Wilson. The airline aims to capitalize on the expanding Indian-Australian diaspora as part of its strategic rebuild.
Over the past two years, Air India has significantly boosted its Australian presence. The airline has increased weekly flights by 113%, expanded seat capacity by 50%, and witnessed a 10% rise in passenger numbers in the last year alone.
Photo: The QuintAir India Australia Strategy
Wilson while speaking at the CAPA Aviation Leader Summit in Brisbane that Air India’s non-stop services will increasingly cater to the diverse needs of residents, businesspeople, students, and tourists within the Indian-Australian community. This strategy aligns with the growing demand for direct connections between the two countries.
The airline is actively exploring opportunities to offer more non-stop flights, aiming to enhance frequency and expand its network. This expansion plan is supported by ongoing fleet augmentation with new aircraft.
The carrier aims to broaden its customer base and reclaim its status as a premier airline following privatization in 2022.
Wilson revealed plans to retrofit the existing widebody fleet from 2025, enhancing onboard experiences. Despite supply chain constraints slowing expansion and fleet refurbishment, Air India remains committed to its growth trajectory, Travel Weekly reported.
Photo: Haozhe PengTata Takeover and Makeover
The airline has implemented new back-end systems, placed substantial aircraft orders, and is cultivating a fresh organizational culture.
Wilson emphasized India is an underserved airline market, citing its position as the world’s third-largest domestic market with 10% annual growth and the fifth-largest international market growing at 8%.
Air India’s strategy capitalizes on India’s expanding role in global supply chains and its 31-million-strong diaspora, including nearly one million in Australia. Wilson noted the opportunity for Air India to fill the void left by foreign carriers with non-stop flights and Indian hospitality.
The airline’s record-breaking order of 470 aircraft, with one new plane arriving every six days, underscores its ambitious plans. Six new Airbus A350s have already joined the fleet.
Air India is investing $200 million in IT system upgrades, including cloud migration for improved reliability and scalability. The airline has also launched the industry’s first generative AI chatbot, AI.g, demonstrating its commitment to technological innovation.
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Photo: avgeekwithlens/ Harsh TekriwalDedicated LCC and FSC
The airline consolidates 63 offices into one headquarters in Gurugram. Supply chain issues pose significant challenges, with faster repair cycles crucial for strengthening the supply chain. Pilot training facilities become necessary due to the airline’s rapid growth.
Air India focuses on reducing flight prices to the lowest possible level. The carrier aims to serve both low-cost and full-service market segments effectively.
A large, emerging population experiences air travel for the first time, competing with train and bus services. Air India strives to offer competitive pricing to attract these new consumers.
The airline redefines its target audience, focusing on corporate giants and discerning travelers. Business travel forms a higher proportion of full-service flights in the expanded operations.
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