Air India Seeks to Strengthen Airport Collaborations for Enhanced Operations

Air India is aiming to improve its operational efficiency by upgrading its systems and leveraging new technologies in collaboration with airports in India and overseas. The airline has outlined a five-year transformation roadmap under Vihaan.AI to achieve this goal. Rajesh Dogra, the Chief Customer Experience Officer & Global Operations – Airport Operations, has been actively seeking collaboration opportunities with airport operators worldwide to explore potential options for enhancing their operational capabilities.

Speaking at the CAPA India aviation summit here, Dogra also emphasised that airlines and airports cannot work in silos.

According to him, data sharing among various stakeholders, including airports, airlines and Online Travel Agents (OTAs), is important.

Rajesh Dogra’s statement highlights the significance of data sharing in the aviation industry. DigiYatra is an initiative of the Indian government that enables passengers to travel paperless, without the need for physical documents like boarding passes and ID cards. The system is based on the use of biometric authentication technology and aims to enhance passenger experience and reduce the waiting time at airports.

Dogra’s emphasis on collaboration and data sharing among airports, airlines, and other stakeholders highlights the need for the aviation industry to work together towards common goals. By sharing data, airlines and airports can gain insights into passenger behavior, preferences, and travel patterns, which can help them improve their services and operations.

The Tata Group’s takeover of Air India in January 2022 has brought a renewed focus on the airline’s operations and expansion plans. The recent order for 470 aircraft from Airbus and Boeing is a significant step towards modernizing Air India’s fleet and improving its operational efficiency. The order includes 70 wide-body planes, which will allow Air India to expand its long-haul routes and provide more comfortable travel experiences to passengers.

The option to purchase an additional 370 aircraft from the two plane makers is a clear indication of Air India’s ambitious growth plans. With the Tata Group’s backing and a renewed focus on innovation and efficiency, Air India is well-positioned to compete in the global aviation market and enhance its reputation as a leading airline.

Besides, the merger of AirAsia India, rebranded as AIX Connect, with Air India Express as well as the merger of Vistara with Air India have been initiated. Source