The Air India Group, which includes both the full-service airline Air India and the low-cost regional carrier Air India Express, is prepared to unveil new virtual interline collaborations at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) commencing today at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
These collaborations with international low-cost airlines are designed to enhance Air India Express’s global reach via its ‘AIX Connect’ platform, enabling passengers to arrange self-connected travel itineraries with partner carriers. Currently, the group holds six such alliances.
With a goal of accommodating 30 million passengers by 2025-26 (increasing from 20 million this year), Air India Express operates more than 240 weekly flights from the UAE to India, covering 38 domestic and 17 international locations. In addition, Air India links 45 domestic and 43 international destinations. “Our participation in ATM 2025 reflects our dedication to fusing tradition with modernity,” stated the airline group in a release.
The Air India and Air India Express showcase, which covers over 100 square metres, highlights the Tata Group airlines’ evolution under the Vihaan.AI five-year initiative. The exhibit features a digital-first approach with a Virtual Reality (VR) area, allowing attendees to explore Air India’s advanced A350 aircraft. Presentations of the revamped 787-9 Dreamliner and A321 cabins emphasize the airline’s commitment to premier comfort and innovation. Throughout the event, commercial and product experts will engage with trade partners and travelers, providing updates on new General Sales Agents (GSA) and Representative Agencies (RA) in critical markets to improve regional access.
The airline, owned by Tata Group and employing over 30,000 personnel, operates more than 300 aircraft servicing 55 domestic and 48 international destinations across five continents. As part of the Vihaan.AI strategy, Air India has procured 570 new aircraft, integrated its sister airlines Air Asia India and Vistara into Air India Express and Air India, respectively, and established South Asia’s largest aviation training center in 2024.
“ATM 2025 serves as a platform to highlight our emerging brand and enhance our global footprint,” the statement continued. The strategic measures undertaken by the Air India group, from fleet enlargement to innovative collaborations, establish it as a pivotal player in the global aviation sector, focusing on fluid connectivity and improved passenger experiences.
The announcements made at ATM showcase Air India’s aspirations to transform travel in the area and beyond, utilizing technology and partnerships to address increasing demand. Visitors to the showcase can look forward to an engaging experience that embodies the group’s vision of merging heritage with state-of-the-art service.