Air India Express, a key player in the Indian aviation sector, has unveiled ambitious plans for fleet expansion and a strategic shift towards the domestic market. The airline, part of the Air India Group, is poised for significant growth in the coming years.

Fleet Expansion Plans

Air India Express is looking to substantially increase its fleet size in the near future. The airline has outlined the following expansion strategy:

It's important to note that these deliveries are subject to supply chain conditions and Boeing's production progress. The 190 aircraft for 2030 represent the total B737 Max order.

Aircraft Retrofitting

Air India Express is also focusing on upgrading its existing fleet:

• 50 white-tail Boeing 737-8 aircraft are scheduled for retrofitting
• The retrofitting process aims to convert these aircraft into a single-economy configuration
• The project is expected to be completed by mid-2025

Shift in Market Focus

The airline is making a strategic pivot in its market approach:

This shift indicates a growing emphasis on the domestic market, with Air India Express now allocating equal resources to both international and domestic operations.

Domestic Market Strategy

Air India Express is adopting a focused approach to its domestic operations:

• Primary focus: Metro-to-tier 2 and tier 3 city routes
• 80% of domestic capacity serves metro-to-non-metro routes
• Target segments: Leisure markets, visiting friends and relatives, and value-conscious travelers

Market Share

The Air India Group, of which Air India Express is a part, holds a significant position in the Indian aviation market:

• Air India Group's total market share: Approximately 30%
• Air India Express's contribution: 11-12% of the group's market share

This strategic expansion and market reorientation demonstrate Air India Express's commitment to strengthening its position in both domestic and international markets. As the airline continues to grow its fleet and optimize its routes, it is poised to play an increasingly important role in India's aviation landscape.

Air India Express, the budget arm of the Air India group, is set to enhance connectivity between central India and the popular coastal state of Goa with the introduction of daily flights between Indore and Goa's Dabolim International Airport. The new service is scheduled to commence on October 26, 2025, offering travelers a convenient link between these two vibrant destinations.

Flight Schedule

The airline has announced a passenger-friendly schedule for the new route:

This timing allows for morning departures and afternoon returns, catering to both leisure and business travelers.

Booking Information

Passengers interested in availing this new service can book their tickets through multiple channels:

• Air India Express website
• Air India Express mobile app
• Various booking platforms

Air India Express Network Expansion

The introduction of this route is part of Air India Express's ongoing efforts to strengthen its domestic network. Currently, the airline operates:

• Over 45 weekly flights
• Serving 36 domestic destinations
• International routes to Sharjah and seven other destinations

Goa as a Hub

Goa's Dabolim International Airport serves as a significant hub for Air India Express, with the carrier offering:

• 40 weekly flights
• Connections to 6 domestic destinations
• Links to 5 international destinations

Air India Group's Growing Presence

As part of the larger Air India group, this expansion contributes to the conglomerate's extensive operations:

• Over 300 aircraft in service
• Coverage of 55 domestic destinations
• Flights to 45 international destinations

The launch of the Indore-Goa route by Air India Express marks another step in improving air connectivity within India, potentially boosting tourism and business ties between Madhya Pradesh and Goa.