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{{Short description|Indian low-cost airline}}
{{Use Indian English|date=October 2023}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2025}}
{{Infobox airline
| airline = Air India Express
| logo = Air India Express logo.svg
| logo_size = 250px
| image = [[File:VT-BXY Air India Express.jpg|250px]]
| image_size =
| caption = Air India Express [[Boeing 737 MAX 8]]
| fleet_size = 115
| destinations = [[List of Air India Express destinations|62]]
| IATA = IX
| ICAO = AXB
| callsign = EXPRESS INDIA
| parent = [[Air India Limited]]
| commenced = {{start date and age|2005|04|29|df=yes}}
| headquarters = [[Gurugram]], [[Haryana]], India
| bases =
| hubs = {{ubl |[[Kempegowda International Airport]] ([[Bengaluru]]) |[[Indira Gandhi International Airport]] ([[Delhi]]) |[[Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport]] ([[Mumbai]])}}
| secondary_hubs =
| focus_cities =
| key_people = {{bulleted list|
| Nipun Aggrawal ([[Chairman]])
| Aloke Singh ([[Managing Director|MD]])}}
| frequent_flyer = Tata NeuPass
| revenue = {{increase}} {{INRConvert|160.33|b}} (FY2025)<ref name="FY">{{cite web|url=https://www.tata.com/content/dam/tata/pdf/fy25/Tata-Sons-Annual-Report-FY25.pdf|title=Tata Sons FY25 Annual report |work=Air India|page=6|date=6 September 2024}}</ref>
| net_income = {{decrease}} {{INRConvert|-56.78|b}} (FY2025)<ref name="FY"/>
| assets =
| equity =
| num_employees = 8,000 (as of July 2025)<ref name="TOI"/>
| website = {{URL|airindiaexpress.com}}
}}

'''Air India Express''' is an Indian [[low-cost airline]] owned by the [[Air India Limited|Air India Group]]. It is headquartered in [[Gurugram]], [[Haryana]]. {{As of|January 2026}}, the airline operates more than 500 flights per day to 45 domestic and 17 international destinations, with its primary hubs at [[Kempegowda International Airport|Bengaluru]], [[Indira Gandhi International Airport|Delhi]], and [[Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport|Mumbai]].

==History==
Air India Express was launched as a subsidiary of [[Air India]] on 29 April 2005. The airline was launched as a [[low-cost carrier]] focused on routes from [[South India]] to the [[Middle East]] and [[Southeast Asia]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tataneu.com/pages/travel/flights/how-to-differentiate-air-india-and-air-india-express|title=How to Differentiate Air India and Air India Express|work=[[Tata Group]]|access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref><ref name="NDTV">{{cite web|url=https://www.ndtvprofit.com/business/air-india-express-the-next-big-thing-in-indian-aviation|title=Air India Express: The Next Big Thing In Indian Aviation|work=[[NDTV]]|date=19 October 2023|access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref> As a low-cost carrier, the airline operated point-to-point flights with multiple hubs all over India.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/GE19Df03.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050524205332/http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/GE19Df03.html |url-status=unfit |archive-date=24 May 2005 |title=India's common man flies|work=[[The Asia Times Online]]|access-date=20 September 2016}}</ref> Initially headquartered in [[Delhi]], it was relocated to [[Kochi]] in 2013.<ref>{{cite news|last=Ramavarman|first=T.|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Shifting-of-Air-India-Express-headquarters-to-Kochi-gets-nod/articleshow/17606736.cms|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130615085106/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-12-14/kochi/35819011_1_aie-air-india-express-ansbert-d-souza|url-status=live|archive-date=15 June 2013|title=Shifting of Air India Express headquarters to Kochi gets nod|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=14 December 2012|access-date=5 February 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/air-india-express-route-scheduling-from-city-soon/article4282465.ece|title=Air India Express route scheduling from city soon|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=1 July 2016|date=7 January 2013}}</ref> While its sister entity Air India ran into operational losses in the 2010s, the airline continued to remain profitable.<ref name="NDTV"/><ref>{{cite news |title=Air India Express reports highest ever net profit at Rs 412 crore |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/air-india-express-reports-highest-ever-net-profit-at-rs-412-crore-120102801569_1.html |date=29 October 2020 |work=[[Business Standard]] |access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref> However, the airline operated with a fixed fleet of 24 aircraft for years, with no plans for expansion or modernisation.<ref name="NDTV"/>

On 8 October 2021, [[Tata Sons]] acquired Air India along with Air India Express and fifty percent of AISATS, a ground handling company, in a deal valued at {{INRconvert|180|b|year=2021}}.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Tata Group Onboards Air India |url=https://www.tata.com/newsroom/business/air-india-handover |access-date=1 April 2024 |date=8 October 2021 |work=[[Tata Group]]}}</ref> With the acquisition, the company became a part of [[Air India Limited]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Air India to achieve fiscal targets |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/logistics/air-india-to-achieve-fiscal-targets-two-years-in-advance/article8651036.ece |access-date=1 July 2016}}</ref> In 2023, the Tata Group sought to consolidate its holdings in various airline companies. It resulted in the group acquiring full control of [[AirAsia India]], which was rebranded as AIX Connect, and proposed to be merged with Air India Express post the approval by authorities.<ref>{{cite news |last=Sharma |first=Anu |date=25 July 2023 |title=AirAsia seeks early merger with AI Express |url=https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/airasia-india-seeks-dgca-approval-to-expedite-integration-with-air-india-express-including-rebranding-11690308090734.html |access-date=18 October 2023 |work=[[Live Mint]]}}</ref> In March 2023, the Tata Group announced the integration of both the airlines.<ref>{{cite news|date=28 March 2023 |title=Air India Group completes integration of Air India Express and AirAsia India |url=https://www.cnbctv18.com/aviation/air-india-completes-integration-of-air-india-express-airasia-india-tata-group-16281891.htm |access-date=18 October 2023 |work=[[CNBC TV18]]}}</ref>

[[File:Air India Express VT-AXU.jpg|thumb|Air India Express [[Boeing 737-800]] in the former livery]]

Post the acquisition and merger, the services operated by Air India Express were optimised to focus on low cost routes and complement the Air India network.<ref>{{cite news |title=Air India Express unveils new brand identity & livery alongside network expansion plans |url=https://travel.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/aviation/domestic/air-india-express-unveils-new-brand-identity-livery-alongside-network-expansion-plans/104535738 |access-date=31 October 2023 |work=[[The Economic Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Mishra |first2=Anu |last2=Sharma|first1=Mihir |date=16 August 2023 |title=AI, AI Express integration: Code share, route recast |url=https://www.livemint.com/companies/ai-ai-express-integration-code-share-route-recast-11692126631690.html |access-date=31 October 2023 |work=[[Live Mint]]}}</ref> On 18 October 2023, the airline was rebranded with a new logo and livery.<ref>{{cite news |last=Naik |first=Yogesh |date=18 October 2023 |title=Air India Express unveils new brand identity and aircraft livery |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/business/air-india-express-unveils-new-brand-identity-and-aircraft-livery-101697642225866.html |work=[[The Hindustan Times]] |access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref> In late 2023, the company moved its headquarters to [[Gurgaon]].<ref>{{cite web
|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/air-india-express-moves-to-new-campus-joins-air-india-in-vatika-one-on-one-complex-in-gurugram/articleshow/111089806.cms?from=mdr|title=Air India Express moves to new campus, joins Air India in Vatika One-on-One complex in Gurugram|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|date=18 June 2024|access-date=30 August 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Kaur |first=Lavpreet |title=Merged Air India Express finds new HQ in Gurugram |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/business/companies/merged-air-india-express-finds-new-hq-in-gurugram-2772401 |access-date=1 June 2025 |date=16 November 2023 |work=[[Deccan Herald]] }}</ref> The merger of [[AIX Connect]] and Air India Express was declared complete on 1 October 2024.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/business/aviation/air-india-express-aix-connect-vistara-tata-group-dgca-9597815/ |title=Air India Express-AIX Connect merger complete; to serve as benchmark for upcoming Air India-Vistara merger: DGCA |date=1 October 2024 |access-date=1 October 2024 |work=[[The Indian Express]]}}</ref> At the time, the airline had a fleet of 88 aircraft and planned to increase it to 100 aircraft by the end of the year.<ref name="TOI">{{cite news |date=9 September 2024 |title=Tata LCCs' merger to complete on October 1; mega AI Express to have 100 aircraft by year end |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/ex-airasia-india-to-be-merged-into-ai-express/articleshow/113177707.cms |access-date=10 September 2024 |work=[[The Times of India]] |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> In 2025, the airline unveiled a new cabin interior, and a new uniform for its cabin crew. The new cabin layout would be applied to the entire fleet of [[Boeing 737 MAX|Boeing 737 MAX 8]] aircraft and the [[Airbus A320 family]] aircraft that were transferred from Air India and AIX Connect, with the retrofit expected to be completed by 2027.<ref name="Cabin">{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/inside-air-india-expresss-new-boeing-737-8-airlines-first-retrofitted-aircraft-redefines-comfort-and-style-in-low-cost-flying-with-leather-seats-usb-ports-andskylighting/photostory/124896449.cms|title=Airline’s First Retrofitted Aircraft Redefines Comfort and Style in Low-Cost Flying with Leather Seats, USB Ports And Sky Lighting|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=29 October 2025|access-date=1 December 2025}}</ref>

== Corporate affairs and identity ==
Air India Express is headquartered at the Vatika One-on-One complex in Gurgaon, which also houses the head office of Air India.<ref>{{cite news |last=Krishnan |first=Janaki |date=11 December 2023 |title=Air India leases 6.3 lakh square feet space in Gurgaon |url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/logistics/air-india-leases-63-lakh-square-feet-space-in-gurgaon/article67624780.ece |access-date=8 April 2024 |work=[[Business Line]]}}</ref>

=== Livery ===
[[File:Air India Express Logo.svg|thumb|Logo used until 2023]]

In the earlier branding, the aircraft featured a predominantly white color scheme with the brand name written in red in [[English language|English]] on one side and [[Hindi]] on the other side, and a stylised red wavy design on the aft fuselage. Each aircraft featured a unique tail art, with each side of the tail painted with various designs related to India. The new livery introduced in 2023, consists of the airline's updated logo, and the underbelly and engine casings painted in [[Orange (colour)|orange]]. The tail consists of a mix of [[grey]], orange and [[turquoise]], with the tail art reflecting traditional art patterns found in Indian textiles and indigenous art.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/air-india-express-rebranding-may-be-a-mix-of-old-and-new-11691949073016.html|title=Air India express rebranding might be a mix of old and new|date=13 August 2023|access-date=1 June 2025|work=[[Live Mint]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.airindiaexpress.com/tales-of-India|title=Tales of India|work=Air India Express|access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref>

=== Business trends ===
''* In FY2024, Air India Express Limited (standalone) reported ₹7,537 crore revenue and a ₹163.1 crore net loss, excluding AIX Connect (formerly AirAsia India). Following their merger in October 2023, the combined airline carried 40.7 million passengers with an 85% load factor. Consolidated financials for the merged entity will begin from FY2025.''

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
!Financial year
!Revenue (₹ crore)
!Net Profit (₹ crore)
!Passengers (million)
!Load factor (%)
!Reference
|-
|2015
|2,622
|−61
|2.62
|81.4
| rowspan="2" |<ref>{{cite news |last=Mishra |first=Mihir |date=3 September 2016 |title=Air India Express turns profitable for the first time |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/air-india-express-turns-profitable-for-the-first-time/articleshow/53988077.cms |access-date=9 February 2024 |work=[[The Economic Times]] |issn=0013-0389}}</ref>
|-
|2016
| 2,917
|361
|2.80
|82.1
|-
|2017
|3,335
|296
|3.42
|83.3
|<ref>{{cite news |last=R |first=Venkatesan |date=29 June 2017 |title=Air India Express nets Rs 297 cr profit in FY17 |url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/logistics/air-india-express-clocks-297cr-profit-in-fy17/article9741855.ece |access-date=9 February 2024 |work=[[Business Line]]}}</ref>
|-
|2018
|3,648
|262
|4.30
|85.2
|<ref>{{cite news |date=9 November 2018 |title=Air India Express reports profit in FY18 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/air-india-express-reports-profit-in-fy18/articleshow/66553650.cms |access-date=9 February 2024 |work=[[The Times of India]] |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
|-
|2019
|4,172
|169
|4.36
|84.7
| rowspan="2" |<ref>{{cite news |title=Air India Express reports highest-ever net profit at Rs 412.77 crore |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/air-india-express-reports-highest-ever-net-profit-at-rs-412-77-crore-120102900010_1.html |work=[[Business Standard]] |access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref>
|-
|2020
|5,219
|412
|4.88
|87.7
|-
|2021
|2,039
|98.2
|1.14
|74.6
|<ref>{{cite report |url=https://www.airindia.com/content/dam/air-india/image/company-information/air-india-annual-report-2020-21.pdf |title=Air India Annual Report 20-21 |work=[[Air India]] |access-date=20 November 2023}}</ref>
|-
|2022
|3,522
|−72.3
|2.01
|77.5
|<ref>{{cite news |date=21 September 2022 |title=Air India Express incurs loss first time in seven years due to Covid |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/air-india-express-incurs-loss-first-time-in-seven-years-due-to-covid/articleshow/94356248.cms?from=mdr |access-date=5 February 2024 |work=[[The Economic Times]] |issn=0013-0389}}</ref>
|-
|2023
|5,669
|116
|4.35
|83.4
|<ref>{{cite news |last=Majumder |first=Arindam |date=9 August 2023 |title=Tata Sons-owned airlines post a loss of Rs 15,530 crore in FY 23 |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/tata-sons-owned-airlines-post-a-loss-of-rs-15530-crore-in-fy-23/articleshow/102581464.cms?from=mdr |access-date=5 February 2024 |work=[[The Economic Times]] |issn=0013-0389}}</ref>
|-
|2024*
|7,537
|−163.1
|6.71
|81.3
|<ref>{{cite news |last=Siva |first=Praveen |date=6 September 2024 |title=Air India's low-cost airline Air India Express posts Rs 163 cr loss in FY24 |url=https://www.business-standard.com/companies/results/air-india-s-low-cost-airline-air-india-express-posts-rs-163-cr-loss-in-fy24-124090601098_1.html? |access-date=24 June 2025 |work=[[Business Standard]]}}</ref>
|-
|2025
|16,033
|−5,678.17
|NA
|NA
|<ref name="FY"/>
|}

==Destinations==
{{main|List of Air India Express destinations}}

Air India Express focuses on routes dominated by [[low cost carriers]] and which have a higher component of leisure customers.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/business/airlines-aviation-air-india-express-sets-new-course-shifts-focus-on-price-sensitive-routes-and-leisure-travellers-3283999/|title=Air India Express sets new course! Shifts focus on price-sensitive routes and leisure travellers |work=[[The Financial Express (India)|The Financial Express]]|date=23 October 2023|access-date=26 July 2024}}</ref> {{As of|January 2026}}, the airline flies to 45 domestic destinations and 17 international destinations with primary hubs located in [[Kempegowda International Airport|Bengaluru]], [[Indira Gandhi International Airport|Delhi]], and [[Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport|Mumbai]].<ref name="Info">{{cite web |title=About us |url=https://www.airindiaexpress.com/about-us |access-date=1 January 2026 |work=Air India Express }}</ref><ref name="Hub">{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/incoming/air-india-express-overhauls-network-to-boost-hub-operations/article70307905.ece|title=Air India Express overhauls network to boost hub operations|date=21 November 2025|access-date=1 December 2025|work=[[Business Line]]}}</ref> It flies to international destinations mainly in the [[Middle East]] and [[Southeast Asia]].<ref name="Info"/>

Air India Express has [[codeshare agreement]]s and [[interline agreement]]s with [[Air India]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/270207/air-india-begins-air-india-express-codeshare-partnership-from-dec-2016/?platform=hootsuite|title=Air India begins Air India Express codeshare partnership from Dec 2016|work=Airlineroute|access-date=6 December 2016}}</ref> and [[Scoot]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Will my luggage be through checked in to the final destination?|url=https://help.flyscoot.com/s/article/Which-airline-does-Scoot-have-an-interline-partnership-with?language=en_US|work=[[Scoot]]|date=25 August 2025}}</ref>

==Fleet==
{{As of|2025|12}}, Air India Express operates the following aircraft:<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.flightradar24.com/data/airlines/ix-axb/fleet |title=Air India Express Fleet |access-date=16 December 2024 |work=[[Flightradar24]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.airbus.com/en/products-services/commercial-aircraft/market/orders-and-deliveries|title=Orders and deliveries|access-date=12 November 2025|work=[[Airbus]]}}</ref><ref name="Boeing">{{cite web|url=https://www.boeing.com/commercial#orders-deliveries |title=Orders and Deliveries |access-date=17 July 2025 |work=[[Boeing]]}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable" style="border-collapse:collapse;text-align:center;margin:auto;"
|+ Air India Express fleet
|-
!Aircraft
!In service
!Orders
!Passengers
!Notes
|-
|[[Airbus A320-200]]
|19
|—
|180
|Older aircraft to be phased out<ref name="Phaseout">{{cite web |date=19 February 2025 |title=Under the Tatas, Air India Express has become a jumbo airline |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/under-the-tatas-air-india-express-has-become-a-jumbo-airline/11739957350509.html |access-date=13 March 2025 |work=[[Live Mint]]}}</ref>
|-
|[[Airbus A320neo]]
|12
|—
|186
|4 to be transferred from [[Air India]]<ref>{{cite news |title=Air India Express To Get 20 Airbus A320 Planes From Parent Company |url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/business/air-india-express-to-get-20-airbus-a320-planes-from-parent-company |access-date=8 July 2024 |work=Free Press Journal }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Phadnis |first=Aneesh |date=7 July 2024 |title=Air India to beef up AI Express fleet with 20 Airbus planes |url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/logistics/air-india-to-beef-up-ai-express-fleet-with-20-airbus-planes/article68378334.ece |access-date=8 July 2024 |work=[[Business Line]]}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="2" |[[Airbus A321neo]]
|2
| rowspan="2" |—
|192
| rowspan="2" |
|-
|2
|232
|-
|[[Boeing 737-800]]
|26
|—
|189
|Older aircraft to be phased out<ref name="Phaseout" />
|-
| rowspan="1" |{{nowrap|[[Boeing 737 MAX 8]]}}
| rowspan="1" |51<ref name="B737">{{cite news |date=31 December 2025 |title=Air India Express welcomes 51st B737-8, its first custom designed Boeing plane |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/air-india-express-welcomes-51st-b737-8-its-first-custom-designed-boeing-plane-101767138075272.html |access-date=31 December 2025 |work=[[The Hindustan Times]]}}</ref>
| rowspan="2" |169
|≤189<ref name="B737"/>
| rowspan="2" |Order with 20 options<ref>{{cite news |date=1 January 2024 |title= Air India Express seeks final NCLT nod for AIX merger |first=Saurabh |last=Sinha |work=[[The Times of India]] |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/air-india-express-seeks-final-nclt-nod-for-aix-merger/articleshow/106428764.cms |access-date=1 January 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|url=https://boeing.mediaroom.com/2023-02-14-Air-India-Selects-Up-to-290-Boeing-Jets-to-Serve-Its-Strategy-for-Sustainable-Growth|title=Air India Selects Up to 290 Boeing Jets to Serve Its Strategy for Sustainable Growth|work=[[Boeing]]|date=14 February 2023|access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=29 January 2026 |title=Air India places orders for 30 additional Boeing 737s |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/air-india-places-orders-for-30-additional-boeing-737s/articleshow/127778596.cms |access-date=29 January 2026 |work=[[The Times of India]] |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
|-
|{{nowrap|[[Boeing 737 MAX 10]]}}
|—
|<abbr title="To Be Announced">TBA</abbr>
|-
!Total
!112
!169
! colspan="2" |
|}

=== Fleet information ===
[[File:VT-BWH.jpg|thumb|Air India Express [[Boeing 737 MAX 8]]]]

During the 2023 [[Paris Air Show]], Air India placed an order with [[Boeing]] for 470 aircraft, which included 190 737 MAX aircraft. The order was later transferred to Air India Express with deliveries commencing from October 2023. Subsequently, Air India Express revealed its plan to have a fleet of 170 aircraft within the next five years.<ref>{{cite news |last=Sharma |first=Anu |date=18 October 2023 |title=New Air India Express eyes 170 planes in 5 years |url=https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/new-air-india-express-aims-to-reach-170-aircraft-fleet-in-5-years-11697641679002.html |access-date=31 October 2023 |work=[[Live Mint]]}}</ref> The airline accepted deliveries of MAX 8 aircraft that were originally manufactured for a different airline.<ref>{{ cite news |date=2 April 2025 |title=Air India to Get last of 50 Boeing Jets made for Chinese carriers |url=https://gulfnews.com/business/aviation/a-supply-chain-quirk-helped-air-india-get-50-boeing-jets-made-for-chinese-peers-1.500080197 |access-date=2 April 2025 |work=Gulf News }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=2 April 2025 |title=Air India’s ‘whitetail’ plane windfall from China dries up |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/south-asia/article/3304905/air-indias-whitetail-windfall-china-dries-leaving-indias-skies-flux |access-date=28 December 2025 |work=South China Morning Post }}</ref> Of these, 29 aircraft had [[business class]] seats which are planned to be eventually phased out as such configurations are not part of the airline's standard seating.<ref name="Class">{{cite news|title=Air India Express to phase out business class seats next year; to have around 100 planes by year-end |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/business/companies/air-india-express-to-phase-out-business-class-seats-next-year-to-have-around-100-planes-by-year-end-3184517 |access-date=10 September 2024 |work=[[Deccan Herald]] }}</ref> On 29 December 2025, the airline received its first MAX aircraft fitted specifically for the airline with an all-[[Economy class|economy seating]], and the 51st overall. It was assigned the [[aircraft registration]] VT-RNT in the honour of [[Ratan Tata]].<ref>{{cite news |date=28 December 2025 |title=Air India Express' first line fit B737-8 MAX plane to land in Delhi on Dec 29 |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/air-india-express-first-line-fit-b737-8-max-plane-to-land-in-national-capital-on-dec-29/articleshow/126211883.cms |access-date=28 December 2025 |work=[[The Economic Times]] |issn=0013-0389}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Lalitha |first=S. |date=28 December 2025 |title=Air India Express' Boeing 737-8 Max honours Ratan Tata with unique call sign |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/Dec/28/air-india-express-boeing-737-8-max-honours-ratan-tata-with-unique-call-sign |access-date=28 December 2025 |work=[[The New Indian Express]]}}</ref>

== Services ==
Air India Express operates as a low cost carrier, and features an all economy class seating in most of the aircraft.<ref name="NDTV"/><ref name="B737"/><ref>{{cite web |date=28 January 2024 |title=Air India Express' ancillary revenue goes up to 15%; airline aims to grow it further |url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/logistics/air-india-express-ancillary-revenue-goes-up-to-15-per-cent-airline-aims-to-grow-it-further/article67785871.ece |access-date=1 April 2024 |work=[[Business Line]]}}</ref> In 2025, the airline unveiled a new cabin with all economy class seats in a 3-3 seat configuration. The seats featured a beige colour scheme except for the front and exit row seats, which are orange. The soft leather seats manufactured by [[Collins Aerospace]], were fitted with armrests, tray tables, lighting and charging ports.<ref name="Cabin"/> It offers different fares on the same service, including hand baggage only fares.<ref>{{cite web |date=22 February 2024 |title=New offer from Air India Express: how do 'hand baggage-only' fares work? |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/new-offer-from-air-india-express-how-do-hand-baggage-only-fares-work-9174151/ |access-date=1 April 2024 |work=[[The Indian Express]]}}</ref> The airline does not offer inflight meals as a standard, and offers heated meals on demand.<ref>{{cite web |date=23 June 2023 |title=Air India Express cooks up unique in-flight menu with Gourmair |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/2023/Jun/23/air-india-express-cooks-up-unique-in-flight-menu-with-gourmair-2587631.html |access-date=1 April 2024 |work=[[The New Indian Express]]}}</ref>

== Accidents and incidents ==
* On 22 May 2010, [[Air India Express Flight 812]], a Boeing 737–800 (registered as VT-AXV) flying in from [[Al Maktoum International Airport|Dubai]] overshot the runway on landing at [[Mangalore airport|Mangalore]], killing 152 passengers and six crew members of the 166 people on board.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/05/21/india.plane.crash/index.html?hpt=T1|title=Casualties feared in Air India crash|work=[[CNN]]|access-date=22 May 2010|date=22 May 2010|archive-date=24 May 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100524020135/http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/05/21/india.plane.crash/index.html?hpt=T1|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/10141297.stm|title=India plane crash in Mangalore leaves nearly 160 dead|work=[[BBC News]]|access-date=5 June 2016|date=22 May 2010}}</ref> The aircraft crashed into a wooded valley at the end of the runway and burst into flames. There were only eight survivors.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/qatar/4120-jet-crash-kills-159-in-india-7-survive.html|title=Jet crash kills 158 in India; 8 survive|date=23 May 2010|access-date=23 May 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100524173517/http://thepeninsulaqatar.com/qatar/4120-jet-crash-kills-159-in-india-7-survive.html|archive-date=24 May 2010|url-status=dead|work=Peninsula Qatar}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://bnonews.com/index.php/2010/05/air-india-express-flight-crashes-in-mangalore/|title=Indian official: 158 dead in Air India plane crash in Mangalore |work=BNO News |date=22 May 2010 |access-date=5 June 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna37286182|title=Air India flight from Dubai crashes in India|work=NBC News|date=21 May 2010|access-date=5 June 2016}}</ref>

* On 5 September 2017, Air India Express Flight 452, flying from [[Abu Dhabi International Airport|Abu Dhabi]] to [[Cochin International Airport|Kochi]] with 108 occupants, suffered a [[runway excursion]] after landing at its destination. No casualties were reported and the plane returned to service after repair.<ref>{{cite web |title=Accident Boeing 737-8HG (WL) VT-AYB, Tuesday 5 September 2017 |url=https://asn.flightsafety.org/asndb/319823 |access-date=9 September 2024 |work=[[Aviation Safety Network]]}}</ref>

* On 12 October 2018, [[Air India Express Flight 611]], a Boeing 737-800 (registered VT-AYD), sustained a [[tailstrike]] on takeoff before colliding with the localiser antenna and boundary wall at [[Tiruchirappalli International Airport]], resulting in structural damage to the aircraft. While the flight continued to fly towards Dubai initially, it was rerouted to Mumbai and landed safely. The aircraft was repaired and returned to service.<ref>{{cite web |last=Ranter |first=Harro |title=ASN Aircraft accident Boeing 737-8HG (WL) VT-AYD Tiruchirappalli-Civil Airport (TRZ) |url=https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20181012-0 |access-date=25 September 2021 |work=[[Aviation Safety Network]]}}</ref>

* On 7 August 2020, [[Air India Express Flight 1344]], a Boeing 737–800 (registered as VT-AXH), suffered a runway excursion on landing at [[Calicut International Airport|Kozhikode]].<ref>{{cite web|title= IX1344|url=https://asn.flightsafety.org/asndb/319139|access-date=26 July 2024|work=[[Aviation Safety Network]] }}</ref> The aircraft fell into a valley after overrunning the [[table-top runway]] at the airport, killing 21 people on board including both pilots, and injuring at least 167 passengers and crew.<ref>{{cite news|title=Air India Express flight from Dubai over shoots table top runway|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/latest-daily-news-and-updates-august7/liveblog/77404349.cms|access-date=7 August 2020|date=7 August 2020|work=[[The Economic Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Both Pilots Among 18 Killed In Air India Express Plane Crash In Kerala: Updates|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/air-india-express-plane-crash-updates-both-pilots-among-17-killed-in-kerala-plane-crash-2276134|access-date=10 August 2020|date=7 August 2020|work=[[NDTV]]}}</ref>

* On 11 October 2024, Air India Express Flight 613, a Boeing 737NG flying from Tiruchirappalli to [[Sharjah International Airport|Sharjah]], suffered a hydraulic failure in its landing gear assembly after take off. After engaging in a [[Holding (aeronautics)|holding pattern]] over Tiruchirappalli for over two hours to burn excess fuel, the flight with 114 passengers landed back safely.<ref>{{cite news |date=11 October 2024 |title=Air India Express flight faces snag, lands after circling Trichy airport for two hours |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/air-india-flight-reports-hydraulic-failure-tiruchirappalli-airport-prepares-for-emergency-landing-9615740/lite/ |access-date=12 October 2024 |work=The Indian Express}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=How Air India Express Pilots Handled Mid-Air Scare Over Trichy |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/exclusive-how-air-india-express-pilots-handled-mid-air-scare-over-trichy-6769961 |access-date=12 October 2024 |work=[[NDTV]]}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[Air India Cargo]]
*[[Air Kerala]]
*[[Alliance Air (India)]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*{{commons category-inline}}
*{{official website|https://www.airindiaexpress.in/en }}

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{{Air India}}
{{Airlines of India}}
{{Star Alliance}}
{{Tata Group}}

[[Category:Air India]]
[[Category:Airlines established in 2004]]
[[Category:Low-cost carriers]]
[[Category:Tata Group subsidiaries]]
[[Category:2004 establishments in Kerala]]

Air India Express - Revision history

Victorhcm at 17:16, 22 March 2026