Air India CEO Outlines Future Plans and Challenges

Air India CEO Campbell Wilson has outlined several key developments for the airline. He noted that Air India still has around 40 legacy aircraft awaiting retrofitting, part of a broader $400 million program to modernize its fleet. Wilson also highlighted the potential for forced capacity migration between Mumbai airports due to operational constraints.

 

Regarding the Vistara merger, Wilson mentioned that while significant progress has been made, tasks like repainting and refurbishing interiors will take another year and a half to complete. Additionally, he emphasized Air India Express as a more suitable operator for new airports like Noida and Navi Mumbai, rather than the mainline Air India brand.

 

As the Indian market evolves, Wilson expects an increase in demand for premium travel, aligning with Air India's expansion of its Premium Economy offerings. The airline has seen a doubling of premium seat sales over the past three years and continues to enhance its services to meet growing demand.

 

Source: Economic Times, Indian Express