In 1932, JRD Tata launched this prestigious airline under the banner of the founder’s name, which is none other than J.R.D Tata himself. The first flights were domestic, and the first cities between which the flights operated were Ahmedabad, Bombay, Madras, Karachi, Pakistan, and Lahore (a reference to undivided India before independence). The immense popularity of the airlines paved the way to expand its itinerary to Trivandrum, Delhi, and Colombo in no time.
Air India – Glorious Past
Air India was India’s first commercial airline, founded by the great JRD Tata, who was eventually the first Indian to receive a commercial pilot’s license. Later, in 1946, Tata Airlines converted the airline into a public entity and renamed it Air India. It was in this year that the Maharajah Mascot made his first appearance. After some years, in 1953, Air India split up into international and domestic carriers. In 2005, a new journey for Air India started when it first launched a low-cost Carrier Air India in April of the same year.
After World War II, the company changed its name to Air India and became a public service entity. The government-owned a 49% stake in the Air India business. The company expanded its grip over many international destinations in the next two years. It started to operate flights to important destinations such as Geneva, Cairo, and London. With the expansion of the itineraries of the company, the name of the company was changed to Air-India International Limited. The change of name reflected the growing steep growth curve of the company. Like most other Tata projects, it was a massive success in monetary growth and enabling people to experience the best flights.
At that time, India was one of the most celebrated countries globally for its steep success in the aviation industry. One of the best parts about the Indian airlines was that – Air India trained and employed only the natives (Indians) as pilots. In contrast, most other nations at that time had to rely upon foreign pilots to run their airlines. So, the company could make greater profits and earn respect as an indigenously operating yet internationally acclaimed aviation brand.
In 1950, for the very first time, Air India faced competition for the routes. During that period, the DC -3s had become affordable due to the war surplus. So, new airlines started to crop up, and in no time, more than 21 airline services came into existence and operation. Out of these 1 airline service was granted access for operation in the Indian airspace. In the 90s, India was striving to boost the variation business because it was a matter of prestige, international standing, and money. At the beginning of the 1900s, Air India accounted for more than 30% of India’s air-flown cargo business. The company opted for more freighters to enhance the capacity beyond 30%. With many other modifications, the cargo revenue in the fiscal year of 1990 shot up to US $195 million, which was 21% of Air India’s revenue.
Air India – Renaissance of the Indian Aviation Industry
Air India’s renaissance is happening under the able leadership of the Tata Group. The Conglomerate regained control of the airlines earlier this year. As we know, Air India was nationalized 70 years back. The company’s most significant landmark is placing orders for 500 jetliners, a cumulative value of over $100 billion (considering the list price). The orders include Airbus, Boeing, and Reuters. Tate group has announced the merging of Air India with Vistara. Vistara is a venture of Singapore Airlines, and it will conjoin itself with the most excellent airline in the country. This merged entity is expected to have 218 planes and fly to 38 international and 52 domestic destinations. Air India’s timeline reflects a story of ups and downs and a massive reputation drop that the Tata group aims to restore with the current takeover.
Air India is India’s biggest flying ambassador and has served Indians with all the legacy and pride since its inauguration. The company inaugurated its first flight on October 15, 1932, and still holds its high position. Talking about the terrains that it covers. Air India covers flights to southern and eastern Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Canada, Australia, Africa, and the United States. The company’s first headquarters was based in Mumbai and started in 1932. The company’s recent valuation is approximately 14 718 crore INR approximately, and the current revenue of the company is 26 340 crores INR.
Air India covers almost every facet of Air travel and operates the best in every sphere. It aims at providing the best and most comfortable airline experience to passengers. Tata group has the most strong goodwill in the country, surpassing almost all other companies. Air India supports all the spheres of the aviation industry: the airline sector, the manufacture of aircraft, research organizations, military aviation, and even more.
Air India – The Future
Like most others, the business received a setback during the COVID-19 pandemic, but fortunately, it is back with its valor now that the pandemic is over.
Ratan Tata is a prolific investor. Tata groups are undoubtedly one country’s most prestigious and celebrated business groups. Every citizen prefers Tata products and services not only because of the quality excellence but because of their vision and values. The current chief of Air India is Campbell Wilson.
In 2017, the Indian Government approved the privatization of the company. Later in 2018, the government decided to sell around 76% stake in Air India. Air India aims to have a 30% share in the domestic and international markets in the next five years.