Air India Express to remove business class seats next year
Air India Express, a subsidiary of the Tata Group, is preparing to eliminate business class seats from its aircraft in 2025. This decision comes as the airline finalizes its merger with AIX Connect next month. The current fleet comprises 85 aircraft, that includes 25 A320s and 60 Boeing 737s. By the end of this year, the total count is projected to reach approximately 100.
Fleet expansion and reconfiguration plans
The airline's fleet includes 34 white tail Boeing 737-8 aircraft, of which 29 feature business class seats. These planes are set to increase to 50 by year-end. An airline official revealed to PTI that the aircraft equipped with business class seats will be phased out through reconfiguration next year, as they do not align with the Air India Express model.
Air India Express's current fleet and service offerings
Currently, Air India Express's fleet consists of 20 A320s, five A320 neos, 26 B737-NGs, and 34 B737-8 planes. The airline offers both economy and business class seats to its passengers. However, this is set to change with the planned removal of business class seats next year. Despite supply chain issues impacting the global aviation industry, the airline still operates over 380 daily flights connecting 32 domestic and 14 international destinations.
Tata Group's extensive aircraft orders and airline portfolio
In February 2023, Air India, also owned by the Tata Group, placed orders for a staggering 470 planes. This order included 250 from Airbus and 220 from Boeing, with the majority being narrow body aircraft. The Tata Group currently owns four airlines: Air India, Vistara, Air India Express, and AIX Connect (formerly known as AirAsia India). The merger of AIX Connect with Air India Express is scheduled for completion on October 1.
