Sunday, November 10, 2024 Air India Express is set on expanding its network by connecting smaller cities and towns with major metro hubs and launching flights to new international destinations. Following the merger with AIX Connect, the airline now has a fleet of nearly 90 aircraft, projected to grow to over 110 by the end of this fiscal year. With a goal of reaching 55 destinations by March 2025, the airline is optimizing routes as part of the broader Air India Group strategy.
Emphasizing regional connectivity, the Tata Group-owned carrier plans to add more domestic and international routes, including flights to Thailand’s Bangkok and Phuket. The primary focus will be on Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, seen as key drivers of market growth. Short-haul international routes will cater to travelers from these cities to destinations in the Gulf, Middle East, and Southeast Asia, with potential expansions into South Asia and the Far East in coming years.
The airline’s strategy aligns with the Tata Group’s vision of consolidating its airline assets, which includes the completed integration of AIX Connect with Air India Express and the upcoming merger of Vistara with Air India. Potential new flights include services to Bangkok from select Tier 2 cities, while Phuket may be serviced from metro hubs. Beyond Thailand, Air India Express is also exploring expansion into Malaysia, Hong Kong, and select CIS countries, while maintaining a focus on Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets from metro locatio.
