FMCS has been in contact with both IAM and Boeing to support their return to the negotiation table and commends the parties on their willingness to meet and work towards a mutually acceptable resolution.

As part of the effort to resolve the current labor dispute and end the work stoppage, which began at 12:01 am PDT this morning, the parties will resume meetings early next week.

FMCS is committed to supporting a fair and equitable outcome for all parties involved, with the ultimate goal of preventing economic disruption and fostering a positive working relationship.

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HYDERABAD: Air India Express curated a captivating opening day for the public at the Wings India 2024 event, orchestrating a mesmerizing live performance by celebrated percussionist and Padma Shri Awardee Sivamani. The tarmac with the airline’s newest Boeing 737-8 aircraft on display, VT-BXH, aka ‘Kalamkari’, transformed into a stage as renowned artist Sivamani delivered a captivating performance culminating in an innovative percussionist accompaniment to the Air India Express brand’s sonic identity. The theme of the performance encapsulated Air India Express’s brand identity and intention to differentiate itself by making meaningful connections across people, cultures, and communities. The performance masterfully showcased the cultural and musical diversity of India, with 45 percussion instruments flown in from different parts of the country, representing the 45 destinations Air India Express connects to in India, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, weaving together a sonic tapestry that transcended cultural boundaries.

Air India Express was the only commercial airline to be a part of the flying display at Wings India 2024, where the airline unveiled its unique Kalamkari-adorned tail art on its newest Boeing 737-8 aircraft, VT-BXH, paying homage to the region of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Sivamani, celebrated globally for his exceptional rhythmic skills, captivated the audience with an extraordinary performance using an array of traditional instruments from across regions, including the Chanda, Dhadd, Dhol, Dholki, Dolleh, Dumru, Folk Drum, Gommat, Idakka, Khol, Mridangam, Nagada, Pambai, Shamel, Tabla, Tambourine, Tasha, Tavil, Tapey, Thamte, Thimila, Thumbak Naari, and the Udukkai from India, the Darbukka and Mirwas from the Middle East, and a Gong from Singapore. 

Speaking at the occasion, Siddhartha Butalia, Chief Marketing Officer of Air India Express, said, “Since the launch of the Air India Express brand identity and positioning in October 2023, we have taken great pride in celebrating the artistic talent and diversity of India and the international regions we fly to, making meaningful connections between people, cultures, and communities with a sense of unique Indian warmth, a contemporary premium sensibility, and a more conscious emphasis on sustainability. We are delighted to have been recognized as ‘Sustainability Champion’ at Wings India 2024, to unveil the 9th of our unique tail art designs in our ‘Patterns of India’ theme, and to bring to life our brand sonic identity in its various renditions, with an energy and vibrancy encapsulated in today’s percussionist performance on the tarmac at the inaugural public viewing day of Wings India 2024.”

During the flying display, the skilled pilots of Air India Express showcased the Boeing 737-8 with a host of captivating maneuvers rarely on display to the public and aviation enthusiasts, including short-field take-offs and landings, touch ‘n’ go, low-level runs, and climbing turns. These maneuvers demonstrated the operational capabilities and versatility of the aircraft and the Air India Express pilots.

The Air India Express tail art designs showcase diverse patterns from across the length and breadth of India on every new aircraft, including Bandhani and Patola from Gujarat, Gamosa from Assam, Jamdani from West Bengal, Jamawar from Kashmir, Phulkari from Punjab, Kanjeevaram from Tamil Nadu, Banarasi from Uttar Pradesh, and Kalamkari from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. These designs pay homage to the diversity and craftsmanship of India’s artistic and textile heritage. As Air India Express grows its domestic and international network, delivering exceptional travel experiences powered by award-winning technological innovations, it carries with it the hopes and aspirations of a new India, celebrating cultural and artistic talent and diversity with every flight.

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In addition, one of the two daily Air India flights between Mumbai and London Heathrow will now also operate on the new Boeing 777 aircraft, offering modern-generation interiors, as well as introducing First Class cabins.

The Boeing 777-200LR aircraft serving San Francisco and New York-JFK comes with 28 Business, 48 Premium Economy, and 212 Economy Class seats, while the Boeing 777-300ER serving Newark-Liberty and London offers 8 First Class, 40 Business, and 280 Economy Class seats.

Campbell Wilson, MD & CEO, of Air India, said, “We are delighted to now offer an elevated experience on all routes from Mumbai to the United States and to upgrade one of our London services. This is part of the ongoing product transformation underway at Air India, with 7 new B777s inducted over the last year to be followed by 4 more, along with 6 new Airbus A350s, over the coming months. All of these aircraft feature much-improved interiors and pave the way for the full interior upgrade of our entire widebody fleet commencing in the middle of 2024.“

Bookings for the flights on the all-new product are available on all channels, including Air India’s website, mobile apps, and through travel agents (including online travel agents).

Air India, founded by the legendary JRD Tata, pioneered India’s aviation sector. After 69 years as a government-owned enterprise, Air India and Air India Express were welcomed back into the Tata group in January 2022. Air India is navigating through a major five-year transformation roadmap under the aegis of Vihaan.AI, with an ambition to become a world-class airline with an Indian heart.

As a member of Star Alliance, the largest global airline consortium of leading international airlines, Air India offers seamless connectivity and facilities to passengers all over the world.

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The 737 MAX-8 aircraft marks a critical step forward towards more sustainable operations. With its advanced technology winglets and efficient engines, it achieves a 20% reduction in fuel use and emissions while also significantly decreasing noise pollution by 50% compared to older models. This also offers up to 14 percent lower airframe maintenance costs.

Earlier this month, Air India Express unveiled the vision for the organization that would be formed with the merger and integration with AIX Connect currently operating as AirAsia India. Both airlines also commenced an interline arrangement covering over 100 routes on their combined network. With a collective fleet of 56 aircraft, these two airlines seamlessly link 44 destinations while serving over 250 routes spanning India, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Prior to the eventual merger and integration, through strategic alignment, the airlines have integrated an array of ancillary services and products into their offerings. These include the Gourmair in-flight dining menu, the premium comfort of Xpress Prime seating, and the convenience of Xpress Ahead priority services, all designed to enhance the overall travel experience. Air India Express and AirAsia India also operate a unified website, airindiaexpress.com, enabling users to book, manage services, and check in to flights across domestic and international routes with an integrated backend passenger service system.

Air India Express and AIX Connect, together operating over 300 flights daily across 30 domestic and 14 international airports, offer comfortable seats, Gourmair hot meals, and Xpress Ahead priority services, with the promise of fast bookings, fab deals, and fantastic value on its award-winning website, airindiaexpress.com. Established in 2005, Air India Express is the market leader on routes between India and the GCC, with a network spreading over 34 destinations, including India, the Middle East, and Singapore. In January 2022, Air India Express, together with Air India, was successfully privatized, with ownership returning to the Tata group that had initially founded Air India. AIX Connect Private Limited (currently operating as AirAsia India), was launched in 2014, operating as a joint venture between Tata Sons and AirAsia Aviation Group. The airline flies over 50 direct and 100 connecting routes across 19 destinations in India, offering pioneering in-flight entertainment AirFlix, and a host of exclusive loyalty benefits for members of the Tata NeuPass rewards program. In November 2022, AIX Connect became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Air India.

The delivery of the first two Boeing 737 MAX-8 aircraft to Air India Express marks the beginning of a massive fleet expansion, which will enable the airline to expand its domestic and international network. The fuel-efficient and technologically advanced aircraft will enhance the travel experience for guests while also contributing to more sustainable operations. The merger and integration with AIX Connect currently operating as AirAsia India will further strengthen the airline’s position in the market, offering a seamless travel experience across a vast network of destinations.

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