Tata Group-backed Air India is gearing up for an extensive expansion of its international flight network this winter, with plans to introduce exciting destinations and enhance existing routes.
According to some media reports, the airline is set to broaden its global reach by adding four new international destinations including Phuket, Ho Chi Minh City, Boston, and Los Angeles.
This expansion will bring the airline’s international network to approximately 40 destinations, with additional flight frequencies to Australia and Europe also on the horizon.
New Destinations on the Horizon
Air India is poised to launch services to Phuket and Ho Chi Minh City in December, with flights to Boston and Los Angeles expected to take off in early 2024.
The initiation of these services is contingent upon the arrival of new and leased aircraft, as sources reveal that more than half a dozen prospective international destinations are in the pipeline.
Also Read: Air India and Alaska Airlines Expand Partnership to 32 Destinations in the US, Mexico, and Canada
Aircraft and Operations
Phuket and Ho Chi Minh City routes will be operated on narrow-body aircraft, while Boston and Los Angeles flights are scheduled to be served by the leased Boeing 777 and Airbus A350.
In anticipation of the expansion, Air India aims to incorporate over 30 wide-body and narrow-body aircraft into its fleet by March 2024, including A350s, B777s, and A320neos.
Fleet Expansion Details
Sources indicate that the airline is set to receive five Boeing 777s, six Airbus A350s, and 20 A320 aircraft. With a strategic focus on increasing connectivity, Air India plans to boost flight frequencies to Australia, particularly on the Delhi-Sydney and Mumbai-Melbourne routes.
Recent Initiatives and Winter Schedule
In recent developments, Air India inaugurated flights on four new routes, connecting;
- Bengaluru-Singapore
- Kochi-Doha
- Kolkata-Bangkok, and
- Mumbai-Melbourne.
As part of its winter schedule for 2023, the airline aims to operate over 200 weekly flights, with more than 80 additional weekly flights already in operation.
The winter schedule kick-started with a significant increase in frequency— 25x weekly flights (each way) on eight international routes spanning Southeast Asia, the United States, and Europe.
Future Growth Projections
Air India has ambitious plans to add more than 400 weekly flights to its domestic and international network until March 2024. The carrier’s expansion strategy aligns with its commitment to providing enhanced connectivity and world-class services to passengers across the globe.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Air India’s proactive approach to broadening its horizons and increasing flight frequencies reflects its commitment to becoming a key player in the global aviation landscape.
The addition of new destinations and the expansion of its fleet underscore the airline’s dedication to meeting the evolving travel needs of its customers.
(Source and Inputs from Financial Express)
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