The airline has a fleet of around 90 aircraft and the count is expected to cross 110 by the end of this fiscal.
Air India Express is expanding its network and leveraging synergies within the Air India Group to enhance connectivity between smaller cities and towns and major metros, as well as to launch new international routes, according to senior airline officials. Following the recent merger of AIX Connect with Air India Express, the airline now operates a fleet of around 90 aircraft, with plans to increase that number to over 110 by the end of this fiscal year.
Air India Express aims to expand its reach to 55 destinations by March 2025, as part of its strategy to strengthen both its domestic and international networks. As part of this, the airline will focus on adding new overseas destinations, including Bangkok and Phuket in Thailand.
AI Express to focus on Tier 2 and 3 cities
Air India Express Managing Director Aloke Singh emphasised that the airline’s primary focus will be on connecting Tier 2 and 3 cities with larger metros, as these areas represent significant growth opportunities.
“On the regional short haul international network, it will be primarily from Tier 2, 3 cities to points in the Gulf, Middle East, South East Asia and going forward, South Asia. Perhaps, Far East in a couple of years,” Singh said at a select media interaction on Friday.
He noted that Air India Express will primarily target regional, short-haul international routes from smaller cities to destinations in the Gulf, Middle East, South East Asia, and potentially South Asia, with plans to expand to the Far East in the coming years.
Singh also highlighted that the airline’s network strategy is aligned with the broader Air India Group’s goals. With the merger of AIX Connect and the upcoming integration of Vistara with Air India, Tata Group is consolidating its airline operations to create a unified network.
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AI Express plans more international flights
Ankur Garg, Chief Commercial Officer of Air India Express, added that Bangkok and Phuket are being considered as new destinations for the airline, with services to Bangkok expected to operate from Tier 2 cities, while flights to Phuket may depart from a metro. In the future, the airline is also exploring the possibility of flying to Malaysia, Hong Kong, and countries in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
Garg reiterated that Air India Express plans to focus on connecting Tier 2 and 3 markets with metro cities, rather than expanding too quickly into new markets. “We want to ensure strong connectivity between our full-service, long-haul flights and the growing demand from Tier 2 and 3 cities,” he said.
In terms of cabin offerings, Singh confirmed that there are no plans to introduce premium economy class seats on Air India Express flights, which currently offer economy class and business class seats on select aircraft.
