Air India is all set to close the historic deal of 495 aircraft right on the eve of its first anniversary as a private airline in India. Exactly one year ago the Tata Group took over Air India from the government and since then have introduced a sea of change in the airlines operations and working policies.
Calling the airline’s growth as nothing short of spectacular, CEO, Campbell Wilson said that Air India is finalising a historic order of new aircraft to power future growth" and has added more than 1,200 professionals across key functions to upgrade capabilities.
"Hundreds of initiatives across 22 broad work streams are underway to transform the airline over three phases: Taxi, Take Off and Climb," the airline said
As Air India 2.0 entered its second year, Wilson admitted that there will be difficulties along the way and emphasised that more than accomplishments. “This is how we respond to our lapses. That will define us, Campbell added.
The airline has put in place a roadmap under Vihaan.AI for transformation over the next five years and has taken various measures, including committing $400 million to refurbish the interiors of its entire widebody fleet.
However, in recent weeks, the carrier has faced certain headwinds related to the unruly behaviour of passengers onboard two international flights and has also been penalised by the aviation regulator.
The entire year has been eventful for the airline with mega merger of Air India Express with Air Asia, or Vistara with Air India or initiating new InfoTech Centre, or an Aviation Academy including fleet expansion.
In the past year, Air India said its total operating aircraft increased 27% to 100, 16 new international routes have been either launched or announced, average daily revenue has doubled, and manpower at its call centre has been more than doubled, among other initiatives. Tata group took control of loss-making Air India from the government on January 27, 2021.
"Taken together, the progress over the last 12 months has been nothing short of stunning, even if so much of what we have been working on has been behind the scenes, building platforms and capabilities so that our future ambitions can take flight. There is, of course, much more that needs to be done, and everyone - internally and externally - is hungry for us to do it," Wilson added.
He started his message by saying, "Happy Friday, folks? and Happy Anniversary, for today marks the first anniversary since Air India returned to Tata!" Wilson extended his deepest gratitude to the employees for the hard work they put in over the past year.