Air India long languished under government ownership while cash-rich Middle Eastern rivals siphoned off travellers. Now the airline is trying to even the score with cheaper fares, fresh cabins and lounges as well as shorter layover times. The multi-year turnaround programme will initially focus on the airline’s 27 Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners that are more than 10 years old in some cases, with Air India seeking to complete a refit in early 2027. A second stage, involving older Boeing 777 wide-bodies, will start late next year, though that step is proving more complex because of issues with seat suppliers, according to CEO Campbell Wilson. “Consistency makes an airline good,” Wilson said in an interview. “There should be a consistency in product quality, crew service, punctuality, and experience at airports and in aircraft. We are working on all of those.” The Indian travel market offers huge untapped potential for local and foreign carriers, with a new middle class on the move and the government upgrading infrastructure including airports. Air India has sought to tap into that boom, placing a massive order two years ago for new aircraft with Airbus and Boeing to upgrade its fleet. The new lounges, faster connection timings and more skilled ground employees are other elements that seek to improve both the airline’s profitability and the passenger experience at its hubs in New Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru and put the carrier back on the global map. A storied airline with close to a century of operation history, Air India has been brought under new ownership led by the Tata Group, which was among the aviation pioneers in the country. Upon taking over, the late Ratan Tata acknowledged in a statement in late 2021 that “admittedly it will take considerable effort to rebuild Air India”, adding there was an opportunity to “regaining the image and reputation enjoyed in earlier years”.<br/>
star
Taiwan’s EVA Air has firmed its commitments for six Airbus A350-1000s and three A321neos, in an orderbook top-up first disclosed in March. The new orders, announced on 7 April by Airbus, will take the Star Alliance operator’s commitments to 24 A350-1000s and 18 A321neos. The new aircraft are expected to replace the carrier’s fleet of Boeing 777-300ERs and A321ceos. No delivery timeline was disclosed for the additional orders. EVA Air also did not announce its engine selection for the additional A321neos. EVA Air president Clay Sun says: “As we move forward with our fleet and network expansion plans, we look forward to leveraging the aircraft’s extended range and efficiency to strengthen our market position.” The order means all of Taiwan’s major carriers are A350 operators: China Airlines and Starlux operate the smaller -900, with the latter also holding orders for the -1000.<br/>
Singapore Airlines has officially retired its world-record longest one-stop route between Singapore Changi Airport and Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Spanning an incredible 10,013 nautical miles (18,544 km) each way, this extraordinary route has set a benchmark in aviation for nearly two decades, marking the end of an era in ultra-long-haul travel. The airline had initially routed the service through Moscow before switching to Manchester in 2016, signaling its agility in adapting to changing geopolitical and economic conditions. With a final round-trip flight on March 30, 2025, this iconic route is now concluded, as Singapore Airlines reimagines its global network to meet evolving travel demands. Story has more.<br/>