As Air India embarks on a massive revamp, speculative reports have suggested that the iconic Maharaja mascot may be relieved of his duties. CEO Campbell Wilson, however, made it clear this week that the Maharaja would remain “part of Air India’s future”. The Tata group has announced several changes since its acquisition last year as the company looks to become a significant international aviation player.
The Maharaja, however, will not be a part of these changes.
Maharaja has made his mark in India and abroad and people have given a lot of love to the mascot of Maharaja. Maharaja is one of the many assets of Air India as a result of its 90-year history. It will be part of Air India’s future,” assured Wilson during a media interaction on Monday.
What are the changes already announced by Air India?
The company has already announced plans to triple its current fleet of 113 aircraft within a few years. The airline will buy 220 aircraft from Boeing and 250 from Airbus, financing the $70 billion order through internal cash, equity and sales and leasebacks. It also plans to spend $400 million to refurbish older planes — especially those on long-haul routes.
The company is also hiring crew members to meet its growing demand. Wilson said that about 500 crew members were being hired every month and that a training academy was also in the works.
Wilson said, “I can say with confidence that by the second half of 2024 with new aircraft and aircraft being refurbished, it will be a very different experience when you fly Air India’s wider body.”
The company has also announced mergers in the last few months – with Vistara planning to tie-up with Air India while AIX Connect (earlier known as AirAsia India) was integrated with Air India Express.
(with inputs from agencies)
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