When the Tata Group reclaimed Air India and its low-cost subsidiary Air India Express in January 2022, the latter was a modest operation with a fleet of just 26 Boeing 737-800NG aircraft, primarily serving routes to the Gulf. Fast forward three years and Air India Express has undergone a remarkable transformation, emerging as one of the fastest-growing airlines globally. Under the stewardship of the Tatas, the airline has quadrupled its fleet to over 100 aircraft, a milestone that places it among an elite group in India—only IndiGo and its parent Air India boast triple-digit fleets. This rapid expansion reflects the Tata Group’s ambitious vision to reshape its aviation portfolio, positioning Air India Express as a formidable player in the low-cost carrier segment.
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The fleet growth is a testament to strategic planning and resource integration within the Tata ecosystem. Initially an all-Boeing operator, Air India Express now operates a mixed fleet that includes Airbus aircraft, a shift facilitated by the merger with AIX Connect (formerly AirAsia India) and the transfer of 11 all-economy Airbus A320neo planes from Air India. This diversification enhances operational flexibility and aligns with the airline’s goal of scaling capacity. Beyond these integrations, Air India Express has aggressively inducted new aircraft, adding 26 Boeing 737-8 planes in the ten months before mid-2024 and eyeing further growth with 15 Boeing 737 MAX planes from its order book. Despite delays from Boeing’s production challenges, including a machinists’ strike, the airline remains on track to bolster its fleet with fuel-efficient, modern aircraft—a critical move to compete with rivals like IndiGo, which dominates India’s low-cost market with a 71% share of airline seats.
The expansion extends beyond aircraft numbers. Air India Express has dramatically widened its network, growing from 74 routes to 171, spanning India, the Gulf, and Southeast Asia. This growth has fueled a passenger surge, with numbers rising over 400% since the Tata takeover, reflecting both increased capacity and market demand for affordable travel. The airline’s rebranding in October 2023 under a unified “Air India Express” identity, following the merger with AIX Connect, has streamlined operations and strengthened its market presence. By mid-2025, the fleet is set to expand further with 17 Airbus A320 Neo planes from Air India and 10 from Vistara post-merger, reinforcing its position as the Tata Group’s low-cost champion.
This transformation aligns with broader industry trends in India, where low-cost carriers dominate, catering to a price-sensitive yet growing travel market. Air India Express’s next steps involve standardizing its fleet to a single-class configuration and phasing out older planes, moves aimed at boosting efficiency and sustainability. From a niche Gulf-focused carrier to a jumbo airline with a triple-digit fleet, Air India Express under the Tatas exemplifies rapid growth, strategic consolidation, and a clear intent to challenge the status quo in Indian aviation.