Air India Express eyes profitability as network overhaul gains pace: CEO Singh

Air India Express is positioning itself for a turnaround, with its Managing Director Aloke Singh saying the airline has entered a “growth and investment” phase as it reworks its network and expands operations under the Tata Group’s aviation strategy.

Speaking at the Aviation India and South Asia 2025 conference in the capital on Thursday, Singh said the airline is still in the process of absorbing rapid expansion following its merger with AIX Connect (formerly AirAsia India). He noted that while the airline continues to post losses, its ongoing restructuring and fleet growth are expected to place it on a profitable trajectory.

“We’re still realigning our network, but much of the groundwork is now complete. This is a crucial investment phase and we’re confident that the business will turn profitable,” Singh said, outlining the carrier’s focus on building a sustainable model in the competitive low-cost segment.

Air India Express, which now operates a combined fleet of 110 aircraft, including Boeing 737 and 737 MAX jets, as well as Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, has been streamlining its routes to improve connectivity and strengthen hub operations. The airline began a major network optimisation drive last month to deepen its presence in both domestic and short-haul international markets.

Under its winter schedule, the carrier plans to operate over 2,700 domestic flights each week across 114 routes and around 780 international services on 70 routes. The exercise is part of a larger effort by the Tata Group to consolidate its aviation portfolio and establish a more unified network between Air India and Air India Express.

Singh said the airline’s ongoing transformation will focus on frequency density, efficiency, and customer experience. “It takes time to stabilise growth at this scale, but the direction is clear, Air India Express is now preparing for profitable and sustainable expansion,” he said.