Air India is planning to retrofit more than 100 planes, including 40 wide-body planes, and has placed an order for around 25,000 aircraft seats as part of its fleet revamping, according to the airline’s CEO, Campbell Wilson. He emphasized that the airline is focused on integration, growth, optimization, and customer experience.
As part of the Tata Group’s consolidation of its aviation business, AIX Connect (formerly AirAsia India) will be merged with Air India Express, and Vistara will be merged with Air India.
Wilson stated that the group has immense flexibility in offering both full-service and low-cost services, putting them in a good position. Air India will be retrofitting more than 100 aircraft and has also ordered around 25,000 seats for this purpose.
Regarding airline industry costs, Wilson mentioned that airfares have been underperforming in comparison to overall inflation. Air India has initiated a five-year transformation plan, and Wilson expressed that many changes and possible partnerships are underway, creating a new and appealing Air India.
In discussing bilateral rights, the Air India chief expressed the need for a pragmatic approach.