Air India to Reduce Select US Flight Frequency Due to Crew Shortage

Air India, a full-service carrier owned by the Tata Group, is set to temporarily reduce its flight frequency on certain US routes due to crew shortage. The company’s CEO, Campbell Wilson, announced that the airline is planning to add 100 pilots for its Boeing 777 planes within the next three months to address the issue.

Currently, around 1,400 cabin crew are undergoing training, while a voluntary retirement offer has been made for non-flying employees who have completed at least five years of continuous service with the airline.

Air India’s $400 Million Refurbishment Plan and Future Fleet Purchase
Following Tata Group’s acquisition of Air India, Air India Express, and a 50% stake in AIATSL in January 2022, the airline has committed $400 million to refurbish the interiors of its entire wide-body fleet.

Additionally, Air India has announced its plan to purchase 470 planes from Airbus and Boeing, including 70 wide-body planes, with the option to purchase an additional 370 planes from the two manufacturers.

Merger of AirAsia India with Air India Express and Vistara with Air India Initiated
Air India has initiated the merger of AirAsia India, now rebranded as AIX Connect, with Air India Express, as well as the merger of Vistara with Air India. Under Vihaan, Air India has established a five-year transformation roadmap and is implementing various measures to improve its operations and services.

The merger is expected to strengthen Air India’s market position in India’s aviation industry.