With 137 operational airports, including 24 international, 103 domestic, and 10 customs airports, India’s air traffic ranks among the busiest in the world. In 2022, India recorded over 105 million air passengers, a significant number despite being only half of pre-Covid levels. This achievement can be attributed to the exceptional services provided by India’s top airlines in 2023, which we will explore in detail shortly. Notably, domestic flight ticket prices surged during the summer vacation season of 2023.
Before diving into the specifics of these airlines, let’s share some intriguing facts. India, a land rich in history and culture, is one of the world’s most visited countries. Pre-Covid, the nation welcomed 17.91 million international tourists, capturing a 1.22% share of global tourist arrivals, and earning the 25th spot among the most visited countries globally.
The Indian aviation industry, contributing 1.5% to the nation’s GDP through air transport and foreign tourist arrivals, is the third-largest globally, following China and the USA. This sector has generated 4.2 million jobs, significantly boosting employment. The Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi was the 10th busiest airport worldwide in 2022, with over 57 million passengers that year.
Looking ahead, the Airports Authority of India (AAI), the government entity overseeing civil aviation infrastructure, plans to develop and launch 100 additional airports by 2024. Given the rapid growth of this industry, it’s only fitting that we now focus on the airline companies that have been instrumental in this success.
IndiGo Airlines
- Founded: 2005
- Commenced Operations: 2006
- Parent Company: InterGlobe Aviation Limited
- Headquarters: Gurgaon, Haryana, India
IndiGo Airlines, operated by InterGlobe Aviation Limited, launched its first flight on August 4, 2006, with a single Airbus A320, connecting Delhi, Guwahati, and Imphal. By the end of 2006, the fleet had grown to six aircraft, expanding further to 15 by 2007. IndiGo rapidly climbed the ranks in the Indian aviation industry, surpassing Air India in 2010 to become the third-largest airline, trailing only Kingfisher Airlines and Jet Airways.
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Fleet and Operations: Today, IndiGo boasts a fleet of 308 aircraft, making it the largest airline in India by both fleet size and passenger numbers. By November 2022, IndiGo had transported over 300 million passengers. The airline achieved a significant milestone in December 2019 by operating 1,500 daily flights, which has since grown to 1,600 daily flights by November 2022, serving 101 destinations (75 domestic and 26 international). IndiGo is now the largest low-cost carrier in Asia by fleet size and passengers carried, and the fourth largest airline in Asia overall. As of February 2023, IndiGo holds a dominant 54.6% share of the Indian domestic market.
Key Milestones:
- First International Route: New Delhi to Dubai (September 2011)
- Revenue: US$ 3.3 billion (2022)
- Employee Count: 26,164 (as of February 2023)
In recognition of its operational excellence, IndiGo was ranked the 3rd most punctual airline in the world by the Official Airline Guide (OAG) in 2021, outperforming several global competitors. In February 2023, IndiGo expanded its fleet by introducing a Boeing 777, obtained through a wet lease from Turkish Airlines.
Major Hubs:
- Primary Hub: Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi
- Other Hubs: Kempegowda International Airport (Bengaluru), Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (Mumbai), Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (Kolkata), Chennai International Airport, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (Hyderabad), Cochin International Airport
Additional Information:
- IATA Code: 6E
- ICAO Code: IGO
- In-flight Meals: Optional (Pre-purchase or On-flight purchase)
- Popular Domestic Routes: Delhi to Mumbai, Mumbai to Kolkata, Delhi to Bengaluru, Delhi to Goa
With numerous accolades and a strong market presence, IndiGo Airlines continues to lead the Indian aviation industry in 2023.
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Air India Airlines
Overview:
Air India, India’s oldest operating airline, was founded on October 15, 1932, by J.R.D. Tata, the then-chairman of the Tata Group. The airline’s inaugural flight featured a de Havilland DH.80A Puss Moth monoplane, which transported airmail from Karachi to Bombay and onward to Madras, piloted by former RFA pilot Nevill Vintcent.
Historical Background:
Originally established as Tata Airlines, the airline was rebranded as Air India on July 29, 1946, after World War II when it became a public limited company. Following India’s independence in 1947, the Government of India acquired a 49% stake in the airline, which increased to a majority share in 1953 with the passage of the Air Corporations Act. This led to the creation of Air India International Limited, with domestic routes being assigned to Indian Airlines, a now-defunct division of Air India Limited.
Modern Developments:
In 2022, after years of financial losses, Air India was privatized, with the Tata Group reacquiring the airline. This transition sparked significant restructuring, including the full acquisition and merger of AirAsia India into Air India Express, which was subsequently rebranded as AIX Connect.
Fleet and Operations:
Air India holds the distinction of being the first Asian airline to introduce a jet aircraft, the Boeing 707-420, into its fleet in February 1960, followed by the Airbus A320 in 1989. The airline’s current fleet comprises 117 aircraft, including the A320, A321, and A320neo for domestic flights, and the Boeing 777-200LR, 777-300ER, 747-400, and 787-8 for international routes.
Key Hubs and Market Presence:
Operating primarily from Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, Air India is the largest international carrier out of India, commanding an 18.6% share of the Indian international market. The airline’s network spans 102 destinations, with 57 domestic and 45 international destinations across 31 countries on five continents.
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Service Highlights:
- IATA Code: AI
- ICAO Code: AIC
- In-flight Meals: Complimentary refreshments and meals on all flights.
- Baggage Allowance: In economy class, passengers can carry up to 25kg on domestic routes and 20kg on international routes, with additional allowances depending on the route.
- First International Flight: Launched from Bombay (now Mumbai) to London on June 8, 1948.
- Revenue: $3.3 billion (2019)
- Employee Strength: Approximately 11,000 (as of 2023)
Air India Hubs:
- Primary Hub: Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi
- Other Key Hubs:
- Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai
- Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata
- Chennai International Airport
- Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad
- Cochin International Airport
- Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad
- Thiruvananthapuram International Airport
Despite the fierce competition from budget carriers, Air India remains a top contender in the Indian aviation industry, consistently ranked among the top 10 airlines in the country.
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Vistara Airlines
Vistara Airlines, operated by Tata SIA Airlines Limited, was established in 2013 as a joint venture between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines. Headquartered in Gurugram, India, Vistara commenced its operations with its inaugural flight on January 9, 2015, from Delhi to Mumbai.
With a fleet of 55 aircraft, including Airbus A320, Airbus A321neo, Boeing 787-9, and Boeing 737-800NG, Vistara serves 48 destinations across 12 countries. The airline’s primary hub is the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. Vistara launched its first international flight on August 6, 2019, from Delhi to Singapore, followed by a flight from Mumbai to Singapore on August 7, 2019.
As a full-service airline, Vistara offers three cabin classes: Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy Class. Passengers enjoy in-flight entertainment and onboard catering provided by TajSATS Air Catering.
By June 2016, Vistara had transported two million passengers. The airline operates over 260 daily flights and holds approximately 10% of the domestic market share. Vistara has announced plans to phase out its brand and merge with Air India, aiming to expand its fleet to 70 aircraft by the end of 2023.
Vistara has received multiple accolades, including being ranked 6th for Best Cabin Service, 7th for Best Business Class, and 10th for Best Airline by SmartTravel Asia, solidifying its position as one of India’s top airlines in 2023.
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- Primary Hub: Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi
- Secondary Hub: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai
- First International Flight: Delhi to Singapore on August 6, 2019
- Revenue: US$676.9 million (2020)
- Employee Strength: Approximately 5,103, with 80% in operational roles (2023)
SpiceJet Airlines
Introduction
SpiceJet, a low-cost airline, was established in 2004 after entrepreneur Ajay Singh acquired the defunct air taxi provider ModiLuft. Renamed SpiceJet, the airline commenced operations on May 23, 2005, with its first flight taking off the next day, May 24, 2005, from Delhi to Mumbai.
Fleet and Expansion
SpiceJet launched with two leased Boeing 737-800 aircraft in 2005 and quickly set plans for expansion. The airline’s growth was swift, becoming the third-largest low-cost carrier in India by July 2008, trailing only Air Deccan and IndiGo.
As of November 2019, SpiceJet operated 630 daily flights with a fleet of 91 aircraft, including Boeings and Q-400s. By December 2022, it served 61 destinations, comprising 52 domestic and 7 international routes within Asia. Despite facing challenges, including a dip in domestic market share from 13.6% in March 2019 to 7.3% in 2023 due to pandemic-related losses, SpiceJet remains a significant player in the Indian aviation sector.
Premium Services
Adapting to market demands, SpiceJet introduced premium services:
- SpiceMax: Offers passengers the option to purchase additional benefits such as extra legroom, onboard meals, and priority check-in and boarding.
- SpiceBiz: Provides a premium-class experience with larger seats, priority boarding, lounge access at 11 domestic airports, and a 40kg free baggage allowance for business class travelers.
Cargo and Additional Services
In September 2018, SpiceJet expanded into cargo services with the launch of SpiceXpress, connecting India with Southeast Asia. The airline also introduced Spice Shuttle, a seaplane and shuttle airplane service aimed at providing air connectivity through water bodies such as rivers and inland waterways.
Recognition and Awards
SpiceJet’s innovative approach and consistent service have earned it several accolades, including being named the best low-cost airline in India at the Skytrax World Airline Awards in both 2017 and 2018. Given its achievements, SpiceJet continues to be recognized as one of India’s leading airlines as of 2023.
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Key Information
- Hubs:
- Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi (Primary hub)
- Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai
- Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata
- Chennai International Airport
- Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad
- Bagdogra Airport
- First International Service: Delhi to Kathmandu, October 7, 2010
- Revenue: US$ 760 million (2021)
- Employee Strength: 14,578 (2021)
Go First Airlines
Formerly known as GoAir, Go First is a Mumbai-based low-cost airline that was established on November 4, 2005, by Jeh Wadia of the Wadia Group. The airline’s inaugural flight, an Airbus A320, took off from Mumbai to Ahmedabad on the same day, marking the beginning of its operations.
Initial Strategy and Expansion:
Entering an already competitive aviation market, Go First adopted a cautious approach, initially operating a single aircraft across four destinations, including Goa and Coimbatore. The airline had ambitious plans to add 36 new aircraft and expand its route network by 2008. However, these plans were later adjusted, with Go First opting for a smaller fleet while still successfully expanding its connectivity to the Northeastern and Southern regions of India.
International Expansion:
In 2018, Go First ventured into the international market. The airline’s first international flight departed from Delhi to Phuket on October 11, 2018. This was quickly followed by additional international routes: Mumbai to Phuket on October 12, Mumbai to Malé on October 14, and Delhi to Malé on October 17. These flights were part of a strategic move to capture a larger market share.
Current Fleet and Operations:
As of 2023, Go First operates a modern fleet of 57 Airbus A320 aircraft, conducting over 200 daily flights. The airline connects 41 destinations, comprising 31 domestic and 10 international locations. Over its 17 years of operation, Go First has earned several accolades, including the “Best Domestic Airline for Excellence in Quality and Efficient Service” award by the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association in 2008. In 2011, Airbus recognized Go First as the “Best Performing Airline” among all Airbus A320 operators in Asia and Africa, based on fleet utilization and performance metrics.
Market Position:
Although Go First has not achieved the same level of success as competitors like IndiGo and SpiceJet, it became the fifth-largest airline in India in 2012, largely due to the collapse of Kingfisher Airlines. Currently, Go First holds a 7.8% share of the domestic market, a slight decline from its previous 9.8% share, which was impacted by delays in the delivery of Pratt & Whitney aircraft engines.
Key Information:
- Hubs: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (Mumbai), Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi), Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (Hyderabad), Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (Kolkata), Kannur International Airport, Kempegowda International Airport (Bengaluru).
- First International Service: Delhi to Phuket on October 11, 2018.
- Revenue: USD 506 million (2022).
- Employee Strength: Between 1,001-5,000 employees.
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Air India Express
Overview:
Headquartered in Kochi, Kerala, Air India Express is a prominent low-cost carrier and a subsidiary of Air India, operated by Air India Charters Limited. The airline commenced operations on 29 April 2005, with its inaugural flights departing simultaneously from Cochin International Airport and Kozhikode International Airport.
Mission:
Air India Express was established with the vision of providing affordable, short-haul international flight services to key destinations in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, catering primarily to the large population of Indian expatriates residing in these regions.
Operations and Fleet:
Operating with six strategic hubs across India, Cochin International Airport serves as the primary hub for Air India Express. The airline’s fleet consists of 27 Boeing 737-800 aircraft, serving 34 destinations, including 14 international and 20 domestic routes. With over 600 flights per week, Air India Express transports approximately 4.3 million passengers annually, bridging Tier II Indian cities with international destinations.
Achievements:
Air India Express has garnered recognition for its exceptional service and operational excellence. It was honored as the “Iconic Brand of India 2021” by The Economic Times and was also recognized as “The Best Workplace for Women” in 2021. Additionally, the airline was awarded the title of Best Low-Cost Airline in Central Asia and India at the Skytrax World Airline Awards in 2018.
Key Hubs:
- Cochin International Airport, Kochi (Main Hub)
- Kozhikode International Airport
- Kannur International Airport
- Mangalore International Airport
- Thiruvananthapuram International Airport
- Tiruchirappalli International Airport
Financials and Workforce:
- Revenue: US$ 450 million (FY 2017-18)
- Employee Strength: 1,276 (as of 31 March 2018)
Air India Express continues to play a vital role in connecting India with the world, offering reliable and cost-effective air travel to millions of passengers every year.
Alliance Air
History and Formation:
Founded on April 15, 1996, as Air India Regional, Alliance Air was established as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Indian Airlines. Its inception aimed to maximize the use of a fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft, serving as a low-cost feeder airline to connect smaller cities across India. By 2002, the airline had successfully expanded its network to 44 domestic destinations using 11 Boeing 737-200 aircraft.
International Expansion and Challenges:
On November 11, 2019, Alliance Air marked its foray into international routes with a flight from Chennai International Airport to Jaffna International Airport in Sri Lanka. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the airline’s international operations were abruptly halted.
Recent Developments:
In October 2021, when Air India Limited was sold to Tata Sons, Alliance Air was transferred to Air India Asset Holdings Ltd (AIAHL). It became a wholly-owned subsidiary of AIAHL on April 15, 2022, following Tata Sons’ decision to not retain Alliance Air under the Air India banner.
Current Operations:
As of November 2022, Alliance Air operates a fleet of 21 aircraft, including two ATR 42-600s, 18 ATR 72-600s, and one Dornier 228. The airline serves 75 destinations within India.
Key Hubs:
- Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi
- Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai
- Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata
- Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad
Financials and Workforce:
- Revenue: US$150 million (FY 2019-20)
- Employee Strength: 857 (as of December 31, 2020)