Air India Express to strengthen domestic network

Air India Express, the low cost subsidiary of Air India, will strengthen its presence in the domestic market to grow its market share, with this segment expected to grow faster than the international network, the airline’s MD & CEO Aloke Singh said.

“About two years ago, as much as 60% of the network was short-haul international and the remaining 40% domestic. Today, it is about 50-50. We have been growing international short-haul, as well. But, we have been growing faster in the domestic Indian market and this trend would continue,” Mr. Singh said while unveiling a refurbished aircraft with new cabin interiors at the Mumbai airport on Tuesday. 

As many as 50 such aircraft will be refurbished with new seats by mid-2026. The airline, owned by the Tata Group, also announced the introduction of fresh onboard menu for its customers. It has to be pre-booked and paid for.

“So, the domestic network will be growing faster than the short-haul international network. On the domestic network, the strategy broadly is depth before spread,” he said.

He said the airline would induct 20 new aircraft in its fleet in 2026. The airline currently has a fleet of 110 planes comprising Airbus 320/ 321, Boeing 737-800 and 737 Max.