Air India To Scale Up Cargo Operations By Inducting Freighter Aircraft

Air India is looking to scale up its cargo business and is exploring the possibility of inducting freighters, in a bid to gain market share, according to a report published by Business Standard. The Tata Sons-owned airline, which boasts a 118-plane strong fleet, recently ordered 470 aircraft. Unlike IndiGo and SpiceJet, it doesn't possess any freighters — planes that purely fly cargo. It transports freight in the belly space of its Boeing and Airbus passenger aircraft.

“We are exploring the possibility of inducting freighter capacity into the network, both directly and in collaboration with partners,” Air India said in an emailed response to Business Standard, adding that cargo revenue is “expected to be a significant part of the revenue mix” of the airline. It did not share any revenue figures.

Following the announcement of a record-breaking purchase of 470 aircraft earlier this year, the airline's fleet will significantly grow over the following several years. The deal, which includes Airbus and Boeing planes, aspires to restore the carrier to the top-tier global stature it had in earlier decades. Air India could buy up to 80 freighters over the next 20 years to capitalise on the fast increase in e-commerce demand.

Six months have passed since Air India announced its five-year transformation plan, with progress running smoothly for the Tata-owned carrier. Along with its huge order with Airbus and Boeing, the airline has committed USD 400 million to fleet refurbishments and USD 200 million to IT innovations, which includes the development of artificial intelligence (AI) systems.

Air Freight in India

Air freight capacity out of India is growing, both in terms of belly capacity and freighters – with the latter mostly in the form of conversions. Tata’s fleet push has now set the stage for heightened competition and newer growth strategies among carriers.

Industry sources believe network expansions from Air India’s fleet rebuild will also present significant growth potential for the nation’s air freight industry, already boosted by government policy reforms and growing investment in new airport projects. Air India has a dedicated freight wing, known as Air India Cargo, serving some international locations and 56 domestic destinations, according to available data.

Cargo operations have become a significant revenue contributor for cash-strapped Indian airlines in the past two years, amid heavy passenger traffic declines at the height of Covid-induced lockdowns and disruptions.

Air India Enters Second Phase of Vihaan.AI

'Taxi', the first phase of the transformation plan Vihaan.AI, which focussed on "addressing legacy issues of the airline at scale and laying the foundation for future growth," has concluded, the airline said and added that now the second phase 'Take Off', -- that will focus on developing the platforms, processes, and systems needed to build toward excellence -- has commenced. In this phase, Air India is expected to complete the consolidation of its airline business, develop a world-class institute for training and build on the momentum seen in the first phase. Air India CEO and MD Campbell Wilson said the first six months of the transformation journey had made great strides in tackling many issues that had built up over the years, and the airline has come a long way in establishing foundations for growth. 

The second phase will also witness the consolidation of AirAsia India and Air India Express; the Low-Cost Carrier (LCC) entity has already merged their core reservations platforms, websites, and customer-facing systems. "Vistara will also be merged with Air India following the grant of regulatory approval. The release said that developing a world-class training academy will also take shape as the future direction and configuration of the airline's line and base maintenance," the release said. Apart from launching premium economy seats for the first time on select long-haul flights, Air India has revamped its menus on international and domestic routes. The airline also rolled out over 29 new policies across employees to improve welfare, designed new remuneration programs for legacy staff, and "onboarded more than 3,800+ employees across crew and other functions to support capability and growth," the release said.

(With Inputs from Business Standard)

Saudi Arabian Airlines, the country's official airline, recently experienced damage to one of its planes due to tensions in Sudan. According to reports, the jet was struck by gunfire as it prepared to depart from Khartoum International Airport on April 15, 2023. This event has raised questions about the safety of aviation travel in Sudan as well as the region's greater geopolitical issues.

The Incident: What Happened?

Sudan's army and paramilitaries clashed, and the physicians' union claimed three civilian casualties, including one at Khartoum's airport, City Centre. According to reports, the Saudi Arabian Airlines jet was struck by gunfire while parked at Khartoum International Airport. Images of gunshot holes in the aircraft's fuselage and windows emerged on social media. The airline issued a statement confirming the occurrence and stating that no passengers or staff members were hurt. According to Saudia, formerly known as Saudi Arabian Airlines, the Airbus A330 headed for Saudi Arabia "was subjected to gunfire damage... with passengers and personnel on board" before its planned departure to Riyadh. "It has been established that all members of the aircraft's cabin crew have arrived safely to the Saudi Embassy in Sudan," according to the statement. "Meanwhile, aircraft travelling over Sudan have returned, and all further flights to and from Sudan have been halted to ensure the guests' and crew's safety."

The Situation: Sudanese Tensions

The event occurred during Sudan's continuous political and social upheaval, which was aggravated by a recent military coup that deposed the country's democratically elected government. The world community has denounced the October 2021 coup, which has resulted in significant demonstrations and civil turmoil in Sudan. Sudanese tensions have also been exacerbated by a disagreement between Sudan and Ethiopia over a dam on the Blue Nile River. Ethiopia's Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam has been a cause of contention between the two nations for years, with Sudan and Egypt concerned about its possible influence on their water supplies. The paramilitaries claimed possession of the airport and the presidential palace, which the army denied. The outbreak of violence followed weeks of escalating tensions between military chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his deputy, paramilitary commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, over the planned merger of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) into the regular army.

It was a major component of negotiations to finalize a settlement that would restore the country to civilian control and resolve the crisis created by their 2021 coup, which triggered a worsening economic catastrophe in what was already one of the world's poorest countries. According to the state-run Al-Ekhbariya channel, the Saudi embassy in Sudan "urges all Saudi citizens to remain at home." The Saudi foreign ministry and the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council, both based in Riyadh, have expressed worry at Saturday's violence.

The Implications: What Does This Mean for the Region and the International Community?

The event has prompted worries about the safety of regional aviation travel. Attacks on Khartoum International Airport have occurred in the past, with a 2019 attack on the airport's compound killing five people. Another incident occurred in January 2020 after Iranian troops shot down a Ukrainian passenger jet, killing all 176 people on board. The shooting incident involving the Saudi Arabian Airlines jet is expected to increase worries about the safety of air travel in Sudan as well as the region's larger geopolitical difficulties. It also emphasizes the risk of violence spreading to other regions, such as transportation infrastructure and critical economic sectors. The event is also expected to have worldwide ramifications, particularly in light of the continuing conflict over the Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. The event may exacerbate tensions between Sudan and Ethiopia, putting further pressure on the international community to find a solution to the conflict.

Conclusion

Furthermore, the recent shooting incident involving a Saudi Arabian Airlines jet in Sudan underscores the region's continued tensions and instability. It serves as a vivid warning of the dangers of violence spreading to other regions, such as transportation infrastructure and critical economic sectors. The event also highlights the need for the international community to address the underlying political and socioeconomic concerns that are feeding regional tensions and find a peaceful settlement to the disagreements that are driving the war.

With Inputs from HindustanTimes

According to current predictions, Russian airlines' seat capacity is predicted to increase by 22% throughout 2023. After the COVID-19 epidemic hampered worldwide travel, the country's aviation sector has been steadily recovering, and this predicted increase in capacity will raise the industry's prospects even more.

The Statistics

Cirium data predicts a significant rise in passengers travelling on Russian airlines throughout 2023. Seat capacity is expected to expand by 22% year over year. This forecast is mostly predicated on a rise in foreign routes. These routes across diverse markets include, among others, growing flights to Dubai, Istanbul, Phuket, and Antalya. Even with statistics projecting a 22% rise in seat capacity in 2023, seat capacity levels are still anticipated to be 9% lower than in 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. This information is based on how seat capacity numbers performed during the first quarter of 2023 as well as timetables for the second quarter of 2023, which runs from April to June. This is mostly due to an increase in international flight estimates.

Increasing Demand for Air Travel

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge influence on the aviation sector, resulting in a dramatic drop in air travel demand in 2020. Yet, as the world recovers from the epidemic, demand for air travel is projected to increase. This recovery is predicted to be much stronger in Russia, with the number of aviation passengers likely to approach pre-pandemic levels by 2023.

Causes for Growth

There are various reasons why the Russian aviation sector is predicted to grow seat capacity by 22% by 2023. The domestic market is one of the key drivers. Because of the epidemic, many Russians choose to travel domestically rather than overseas, which has increased demand for domestic flights. Airlines have responded by expanding domestic flights and boosting capacity on existing routes. This has resulted in a 16% rise in domestic capacity in 2021, which is likely to continue through 2023. Another factor driving development is the global aviation industry's resurgence. With the introduction of vaccinations and the relaxation of travel restrictions, there is renewed hope for foreign travel. Russia, as a prominent player in the aviation sector, stands to gain from this resurgence. Seat capacity will rise to satisfy demand as more carriers restart flights to and from Russia.

Post-Epidemic

Russia's travel numbers followed the rest of the globe following the pandemic, with a significant decline in travel due to the virus and global lockdowns. The global travel sector began to rebound in 2021 and continued to grow through 2022. Nevertheless, due to the invasion of Ukraine and the start of the Ukraine war, the Russian tourist business decreased once again in 2022. This was because several nations across the world placed travel and airspace restrictions, preventing Russian airlines from travelling to those countries. As part of economic penalties imposed shortly after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, all Russian airlines were barred from flying over or into the EU, the US, Canada, and a number of other nations. Yet, a few nations that did not impose sanctions on Russia were able to capitalize on the paucity of available planes. Turkish Airlines and Air Serbia were two carriers that were able to continue flying into Russia but faced immediate price increases.

Aeroflot made an attempt to recoup from missing flights at the start of the travel restrictions placed on Russian airlines by governments throughout the world. The airline increased domestic flights throughout Russia. Aeroflot also boosted international flights to nations with no travel restrictions. Turkey, Egypt, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates were among the destinations. The airline is still attempting to get around several of Russia's remaining travel restrictions. In addition to the present prohibitions, the airline is still subject to further restrictions. Turkey recently stated that it will cease repairing Russian-operated Boeing aircrafts. All Turkish airports have been prohibited from providing fuel and services to Boeing planes operated by Russian airlines.

The Effect on Russia's Aviation Industry

The anticipated rise in seat capacity is a positive sign for Russia's aviation sector, which has struggled with decreased demand and greater competition in recent years. Its expansion is likely to provide new employment opportunities in the sector, notably in aircraft manufacture, maintenance, and airline operations. It is also projected to increase income for airports and local economies as more individuals get access to air travel. However, the sector faces several hurdles as a result of its expansion, notably in terms of infrastructure. Russian airports have been struggling to keep up with rising air travel demand, with several running at or near capacity. Significant expenditures in airport infrastructure, including runway expansions, terminal modifications, and upgraded air traffic control systems, will be required to support the predicted increase in seat capacity.

Taking the Next Step

Notwithstanding the obstacles caused by sanctions, the Russian aviation sector is likely to expand in the next few years. Its development is likely to be driven by the government's support for the sector as well as high demand for local and international travel. Furthermore, the sector is attempting to create its own technologies in order to lessen its dependency on Western suppliers. Since the outbreak of the epidemic, the Russian aviation sector has come a long way, and the planned increase in seat capacity until 2023 demonstrates its resilience. The sector has proven its ability to adapt to changing conditions and its potential to be a key participant in the global aviation market. The Russian aviation sector may continue to expand and prosper in the next few years with the correct backing and investment.

Conclusion

Finally, the Russian aviation sector is predicted to have a 22% growth in seat capacity through 2023, driven by robust local demand and the global aviation industry's recovery. Notwithstanding the effect of sanctions, the industry has shown resilience and is prepared for continued expansion in the coming years. The government's backing for the business, as well as its attempts to create its own technologies, will be critical in maintaining the industry's long-term viability.

The Union Ministry of Civil Aviation has approved for the proposed Sabarimala International Greenfield airport in Erumeli, marking a significant step forward in the state government's ambitions to establish an airport for pilgrims to Sabarimala. The state government's report on the techno-economic feasibility assessment was taken into consideration while approving the project. A detailed project report (DPR) for the project would shortly be prepared by the government, according to sources. According to reports, "the government will quickly locate a competent agency to draught the DPR and begin the processes sooner rather than later."

Confirming the development, V Thulasidas, special officer for the Sabarimala Airport, said the project has passed a major hurdle by gaining the approval of the Civil Aviation Ministry. “It was a long-drawn process as the Union Ministry had sought several clarifications based on our report. As the sanction was received after the scrutiny of a steering committee under the Civil Aviation Ministry, which consists of representatives from the director general of civil aviation (DGCA), Airport Authority of India (AAI) and other govt departments connected with the airport project, we have passed a major milestone in the technical side of the project. Now we can step into all further procedures.”

Current Situation of the Project

Presently, the social impact assessment (SIA) study for the project in Erumeli South and Manimala villages, under the aegis of the Centre for Management Development (CMD), is in its final stage. SIA is mandatory for land acquisition as per the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act (LARRA), 2013. The Environment Impact Assessment (EIA), being done by Louis Berger, the company which prepared the techno-economic feasibility report for the project, is also nearing completion. Earlier, soil tests were conducted for the project.

According to him, the proposed airport will have a 3.5-km-long runway with adequate width to enable the operation of aircraft of all sizes. Upon completing the land acquisition, the detailed project report (DPR) will be formulated, followed by the constitution of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to execute and operate the project. “Assuming that all the requisite approvals are received, it will take another three to four years to construct the airport,” he added

As per the latest government order (GO), a total of 1,039.876 hectares (2,570 acres) of land in Erumeli South and Manimala villages in Kanjirappally taluk will be acquired for the construction and development of the airport. The proposed area includes 2,263.18 acres of land in Cheruvally Estate, presently under the possession of Ayana Charitable Trust under K P Yohannan’s Believers’ Church, and an additional extent of 307 acres outside the estate.

HC Grants Permission

In yet another fillip to the Sabarimala airport project, the Kerala High Court has granted consent to the Kerala Government to proceed ahead with the Social Impact Assessment survey of the Cheruvally Estate where the proposed greenfield facility is being planned. The court also dismissed a petition moved by the Ayana Charitable Trust, which currently owns the Cheruvally Estate, seeking to cancel a notice issued by the State Government for the survey under the Kerala Survey and Boundaries Act. (The Trust was previously named Gospel For Asia which is behind the Believers Church.)

Earlier, the State Government had issued an order to take over 1039.876 hectares (2,570 acres) of the Cheruvally Estate spread over Erumeli South and Manimala villages in Kanjirappally Taluk. Subsequently, the Revenue Department posted a notice on the estate building as a preliminary step to carry out a survey.

Location of the upcoming airport

The Union Ministry of Civil Aviation has granted site clearance for the Sabarimala Greenfield Airport project in Kerala. The Ministry gave the clearance based on various inspections carried out at Cheruvally Estate in the Kottayam district and nearby areas. The new airport at Cheruvally is expected to boost development in five districts in Central Kerala and the adjacent hill region. 

The Aviation Ministry’s site clearance is a major development related to the airport project which certifies that the Cheruvally estate and adjacent land are suitable to construct an airport. The clearance follows satisfactory replies given by the state government to queries raised by the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Airports Authority of India (AAI).

The next step after site clearance is land acquisition for which the Kerala Industrial Development Corporation has initiated preliminary measures. Subsequent steps are the preparation of a detailed project report, setting up a company for airport construction and operations and appointment of a consultancy. Tenders would be invited for construction after land acquisition procedures are completed.

The US Department of Transportation (USDOT) has revealed passenger traffic figures for January 2023, which show a significant rise in passenger travel when compared to the same month in 2022, with figures from January 2023 approaching the record 70.8 million passenger movements set in January 2020. The figures show a 28 percent annual growth rate, which is a notable indicator of recovery for the aviation sector, which was heavily damaged by the COVID-19 epidemic. 

Continued Progress

The most recent statement from the EPA, published earlier this week, verified the quick post-pandemic recovery of air travel in the United States, despite weather-related delays and obstacles through December. Without factoring in seasonality, US airlines carried approximately 58 million domestic and 9 million foreign passengers, an increase of nearly 4% from December 2022, for a total of 67.1 million passenger movements. January's results are just 3.7% lower than the industry's all-time high for January, set for 2020, soon before COVID-19 control measures render the skies over the United States silent. By the end of the fiscal year, the DOT stated that domestic air traffic had returned to 92% of pre-pandemic levels, with a total of 750,259,936 passengers scheduled for 2022. International air travel was 76% lower than in 2019, with 186,390,901 people transported, owing primarily to travel restrictions to numerous major tourist destinations.

Overview of the Report

The USDOT's January passenger traffic report is based on the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS). The report includes data on the number of passengers who flew locally and internationally during the month of January. Passenger enplanements, deplanements, and connecting passengers are among the types of data collected. According to the research, the number of passengers who travelled by air in January 2023 was 68.9 million, a 28% rise over the same month in 2022. This is a good indication for the aviation sector, which has been fighting to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic's impact.

Two measurements of passenger enplanements on US airlines

January, seasonally adjusted:

• System-wide enplanements (78.1 million) are up 4.0% from December 2022 (75.1 million).
• Enplanements were down 3.5% in January compared to the all-time high of 80.9 million in January 2020.
• Domestic enplanements (68.5 million) were 3.7% lower than the all-time high of 71.1 million in January 2020.
• International enplanements (9.58 million) were 2.2% lower than the all-time high of 9.79 million in January 2020.

January, unadjusted:

• System-wide enplanements (67.1 million) were 6.5% lower than in December 2022 (71.7 million).
• January system-wide enplanements were down 5.2% from the all-time high of 70.8 million set in 2020.
• Domestic enplanements (58.1 million) were 5.8% lower than the all-time January high (61.6 million) set in 2020.
• International enplanements (9.03 million) were 1.5% lower than the all-time high in January (9.16 million).

Passenger Traffic: Domestic vs. International

According to the data, domestic passenger traffic climbed by 27.5% when compared to the same time in 2022. In January 2023, 62.8 million people travelled inside the United States. This is a huge rise from the 49.3 million domestic passengers who travelled in January 2022. International passenger traffic, on the other hand, grew by 34.2% when compared to the same time in 2022. The number of foreign passengers travelling in January 2023 was 6.1 million. This is a significant increase from the 4.5 million foreign travelers who travelled in January 2022.

Travel Demands

With the termination of the COVID-19 national emergency, which President Joseph Biden signed into law on April 10, travel restrictions to the United States are likely to ease in May, with unvaccinated tourists authorized to enter the country for the first time. Aviation travel demand continues to be high, with Delta Airlines reporting record flight bookings until the end of 2023. According to Cirium statistics, the average rate per mile has risen by roughly 17% to satisfy the high travel demand, but the airline's summer schedule is around 10% lower than in 2019. United Airlines, a competitor, is also seeing a 15% rise in foreign bookings compared to the first quarter of 2022. Although the airline's schedule is similarly noted as being roughly 13% lower than 2019 in March 2023, a range of new routes and overseas destinations set to open throughout the season will most likely enhance operations for the heritage carrier during the season.

Busiest Airports

In addition, the research identifies the busiest airports in terms of passenger volume in January 2023. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Denver International Airport, and Chicago O'Hare International Airport were the top five airports in terms of passenger traffic. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport had the most passengers, with 5.5 million, followed by Los Angeles International Airport, which had 4.3 million. Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport received 3.8 million passengers, Denver International Airport received 3.7 million, and Chicago O'Hare International Airport received 3.5 million.

Personnel Shortage

In response to increased passenger demand, airlines and airports have initiated recruiting sprees to ensure smooth operations during peak seasons and to avoid a repetition of the disruption observed in the summer of 2022. Nevertheless, airport operations in New York and Washington, DC, are projected to be reduced between May 15 and September 15, owing to local shortages of Air Traffic Control (ATC) personnel. Airlines such as JetBlue, American Airlines, and United Airlines have all pulled slots at New York's John F. Kennedy (JFK), LaGuardia (LGA), Newark (EWR), and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) to prevent disruption during the busy summer season as the industry strengthens its staffing levels, working alongside ATC. Peter Carter, Delta's Senior Vice President of External Affairs, detailed the issue to FlightGlobal earlier this week. "We are in continuing negotiations with the FAA about ensuring they have the appropriate staffing." The one thing we have seen from them is that they recognize they have a problem that must be solved. That's a significant recognition that will help us work together to tackle the problem."

Conclusion

The January passenger traffic data from the USDOT shows a significant rise in passenger travel when compared to the same time in 2022. The increase in passenger travel is a good indication for the aviation sector, which has been battling to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic's impact. Domestic and international passenger traffic climbed by 27.5% and 34.2%, respectively, according to the study. In terms of passenger traffic, the top five busiest airports were Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, Denver International Airport, and Chicago O'Hare International Airport.

With Inputs from atlas-network

Air India, India's national airline, is poised to showcase new cabin décor and uniforms for its cabin crew, according to CEO Campbell Wilson in an internal message. The airline has been working on this project for some time, and the new appearance is set to debut soon.

The Statement

The CEO stated that the designs were "progressing nicely" and that arrangements for their "reveals" were being finalized. Mr. Wilson has stated that while the renowned Maharajah may continue to be a part of the airline's mascot, it may also feature a "she." On Monday, the airline will also announce new compensation packages for its cabin crew and pilots, as well as a new rostering system that, according to Mr. Wilson, will increase "transparency, fairness, equity, roster stability, protection of golden offs [five-day offs for birthdays and wedding anniversaries], and reduce fatigue." The airline has previously declared intentions to hire 4,200 cabin crew and 900 pilots in 2023, a shortage of which has resulted in the cancellation of six weekly flights to the United States for three months. There is also concern that this shortage may worsen when the airline begins to receive new planes from its recent purchase of 470 jets from Airbus and Boeing.

Interior Remodeling: A Fresh Look

Air India intends to completely redesign its interiors, from the seats to the carpets and lighting. The airline has been working with a design team to provide its passengers a modern, sleek, and comfy appearance. The renovated interiors will have a modern feel, with an emphasis on comfort and convenience. The installation of new chairs in all classes will be one of the major modifications to the new interiors. With adjustable headrests, leg rests, and lumbar support, the new chairs are meant to give optimum comfort to passengers. The chairs will also include USB charging connections, allowing passengers to charge their gadgets while aboard. The airline also intends to improve its in-flight entertainment system, which will include larger displays and a broader range of movies, TV shows, and music. The new technology will also have Wi-Fi access, allowing passengers to stay connected even while flying.

Fresh Uniforms: A Distinctive Look

Air India also intends to introduce new uniforms for its cabin personnel. A team of famous fashion designers designed the new uniforms, which are meant to be fashionable, comfortable, and useful. The new uniforms will feature a contemporary design with an emphasis on comfort and ease. The cabin staff will have a variety of alternatives, including several types of shirts, skirts, trousers, and jackets. The uniforms will also include specific characteristics such as stain resistance, wrinkle resistance, and stretchability, making them more useful and durable. The new uniforms will also incorporate elements of Indian culture, such as traditional Indian materials and motifs. The new uniforms are anticipated to be introduced soon, and they will be worn by all cabin crew members on Air India aircraft.

The Implications of the Improvements

The airline's move to remodel its décor and uniforms comes at a critical juncture. The Indian government is presently in the process of privatization the airline, and the new appearance of Air India is considered a key step in enticing possible purchasers. The modifications are also intended to improve the airline's financial performance. Air India intends to boost passenger satisfaction and attract more consumers by delivering more contemporary and comfortable cabins. This might result in higher income for the airline.

Prior Issues

While most COVID-19 cutbacks were restored for most employees in September, pilots reported they continued to witness certain cuts, such as the minimum pay equivalent of 70 hours being decreased to 20 hours. Numerous pilots also expressed concern that some were being withdrawn from the air for training purposes in preparation for the addition of newer types of aircraft to the airline's fleet and that they were not being reimbursed for the lost flying hours. There has also been widespread dissatisfaction with growing levels of weariness and frequent rescheduling of rostered responsibilities across all airlines. Another issue that is likely to be addressed is pilot seniority, which is a worry as many airlines, such as Vistara, AirAsia India, and Air India Express, are now integrated into the bigger Air India Group. Several Air India pilots objected to the management's idea to create a master seniority list on a "ratio basis," claiming that younger airlines such as Vistara and Air India Express have seen speedier promotions and that the proposed formula would give their pilots an unfair advantage.

Conclusion

Air India's new décor and uniforms are designed to give customers a contemporary and pleasant flying experience. The airline has worked hard to make its cabins seem sleek and modern, with an emphasis on comfort and convenience. The new uniforms will also be fashionable and utilitarian, with a nod to Indian culture. Air India, one of India's leading airlines, is dedicated to providing its passengers with the best possible experience. With the introduction of its new interiors and uniforms, the airline has taken a significant step towards achieving this aim.

With Inputs from TheHindu