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In a significant strategic move aimed at streamlining operations and driving global growth, Air India has integrated the sales teams of Air India and Air India Express. This consolidation is part of the larger transformation under the Tata Group’s stewardship, accompanied by the elevation of Manish Puri as Head of Global Sales. These developments mark a pivotal step towards creating a cohesive and agile sales operation that supports Air India’s expanding network and ambitious fleet growth plan.
Key Highlights From The Integration And Leadership Changes
The sales teams of Air India and its subsidiary, Air India Express, have been merged to foster seamless coordination and unified market outreach.
Manish Puri has been promoted to Head of Global Sales, amplifying his role to lead integrated sales strategies across the Air India Group.
Air India Express recently completed its merger with AIX Connect, further consolidating the low-cost carrier segment within the Air India Group.
The integrated sales team will focus on maximizing business opportunities across segments including corporate, wholesale, and retail markets internationally.
This unification supports Air India’s broader Vihaan.AI transformation initiative aimed at becoming a globally competitive, technology-driven airline.
Strategic Vision Behind Sales Team Integration
By bringing the sales forces of Air India and Air India Express under one umbrella, the airline group aims to eliminate redundancies, enhance customer experience, and leverage cross-functional synergies. The integration facilitates a unified approach to market penetration, allowing streamlined communication and better alignment of sales initiatives, product offerings, and pricing strategies.
This consolidation enables Air India to present a consolidated front to corporate clients, travel agencies, and key account holders. It also strengthens negotiation power with business travel partners and expands opportunities to tap emerging markets both in India and across global destinations served by the group’s expanding fleet.
Manish Puri: The New Leader Steering Global Sales
Manish Puri’s elevation as Head of Global Sales follows his successful tenure as Head of Sales since February 2023. With over two decades of industry experience, including leadership roles at IndiGo, Puri is well-suited to lead this newly integrated sales operation. His expertise extends across corporate sales, key accounts management, and wholesale partnerships.
Puri has emphasized Air India’s fast adoption of Next-Generation Distribution Capability (NDC) technology, which modernizes how airline content is distributed and sold, making the sales process more efficient and customer-centric. Under his leadership, the share of international bookings via NDC is expected to rise significantly, in line with Air India’s growth ambitions.
Deeper Industry Context And Group Synergies
The integration of sales teams is complemented by recent structural changes like the merger of Air India Express with AIX Connect, streamlining the group’s low-cost carrier portfolio. Meanwhile, Tata Sons continues its phased consolidation within Indian aviation by preparing for the Vistara-Air India merger, expected to create a comprehensive airline optimized for long-haul international operations.
The Air India Group fleet is on an expansion trajectory, projected to grow to 400-500 aircraft in the next three years. This growth necessitates a more cohesive and efficient sales engine to fully exploit increased capacity and route expansion, particularly in competitive global markets.
What It Means For Customers And Stakeholders
Customers can expect a more integrated and consistent experience across Air India’s product offerings, whether booking economy or premium travel on full-service or low-cost carriers.
Corporate and travel management companies will benefit from consolidated sales teams providing streamlined service and customized solutions across the airline group.
Investors and industry watchers view this step as reinforcing Air India’s positioning amid global aviation competition, highlighting management’s commitment to operational excellence and growth.
Looking Ahead: Growth And Innovation At The Forefront
Going forward, the integrated sales teams under Manish Puri are poised to:
Drive acceleration in international sales aligned with route and fleet expansion plans.
Leverage technology such as NDC to deliver personalized customer engagements and boost distribution efficiency.
Strengthen collaboration with global partners and travel ecosystems to maximize revenue streams.
Support the Air India Group’s brand promise as a world-class, distinctly Indian airline with a robust commercial strategy.
In sum, the integration of Air India and Air India Express sales teams alongside the elevation of Manish Puri as Head of Global Sales positions the airline group for a new era of cohesive growth and market leadership. These strategic moves underscore Air India’s commitment to innovation, operational integration, and enhanced customer-centricity on its global journey.
Sources: Air India official newsroom, Directorate General of Civil Aviation announcements, LinkedIn profiles of Manish Puri, Economic Times, Travel Trade Journal, industry reports on Air India group integration and sales strategy.
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