Air India express aims for second place with 50 Boeing 737 max planes

24 Aug 2023 CW Team

Tata-owned Air India Express is embarking on an ambitious expansion strategy, intending to deploy 50 Boeing 737 Max planes by the end of 2024. This move comes as the airline seeks to secure a strong second position in India's fiercely competitive domestic aviation market, positioning itself behind market leader IndiGo. Currently operating 25 aircraft, Air India Express is in the process of merging with AirAsia India, which operates 28 Airbus A320neo planes. This consolidation will create the second largest low-cost carrier in India, significantly enhancing its market presence.

The expansion plan will be executed in two phases. The first phase involves adding 25 planes by June next year, with the initial aircraft joining the fleet in October. The subsequent phase will take place from August to December 2024. Notably, the airline's expedited growth is due in part to acquiring 737 Max planes originally designated for Chinese airlines amid the US-China tensions, enabling faster deliveries.

Air India Express's strategic focus is on strengthening existing domestic and international routes before expanding to new destinations. The airline has already received regulatory approval to operate under the common brand of Air India Express along with a codeshare agreement with Air India, enabling seamless connectivity.

Air India Express stands as the sole profitable airline within the Tata Group's aviation portfolio, having reported a profit of Rs 1.16 billion in fiscal year 2023. This profitability positions the airline strongly in the Tata Group's efforts to merge its aviation entities into two distinct carriers – a low-cost airline and a full-service carrier.

Infrastructure Transport

06 Feb 2026

Lucknow Metro East-West Corridor Consultancy Contract Awarded

The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation has awarded the first construction-related consultancy contract for the Lucknow Metro East West Corridor to a joint venture of AYESA Ingenieria Arquitectura SAU and AYESA India Pvt Ltd. The firm was declared the lowest bidder for the Detailed Design Consultant contract for Lucknow Metro Line-2 under Phase 1B and the contract was recommended following the financial bid. The contract is valued at Rs 159.0 million (mn), covering design services for the corridor. Lucknow Metro Line-2 envisages the construction of an 11.165 kilometre corridor connecting Cha..

Div Com Kashmir Urges Fast Tracking Of Jhelum Water Transport Project

The Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir has called for the fast-tracking of the Jhelum water transport project, urging district administrations and relevant agencies to accelerate planning and clearances. In a meeting convened at the divisional headquarters, the commissioner instructed officials from irrigation, public health engineering and municipal departments to prioritise the project and coordinate survey and design work. The directive emphasised removal of administrative bottlenecks and close monitoring to ensure timely mobilisation of resources and contractors. Officials were told to in..

Interarch Reports Strong Q3 And Nine Month Results

Interarch Building Solutions Limited reported unaudited results for the third quarter and nine months ended 31 December 2025, recording strong revenue growth driven by execution and a robust order book. Net revenue for the third quarter rose by 43.7 per cent to Rs 5.225 billion (bn), compared with Rs 3.636 bn a year earlier, reflecting heightened demand in pre-engineered building projects. The company’s total order book as at 31 January 2026 stood at Rs 16.85 bn, supporting near-term visibility. EBITDA excluding other income for the quarter increased by 43.2 per cent to Rs 503 million (mn),..