Air India has set ambitious goals to double its international connecting traffic in the next three years, with a particular focus on boosting premium class offerings. The airline’s strategy revolves around expanding its network, realigning operations at the Air India group level, and fine-tuning flight schedules to enhance connectivity. These efforts are starting to show positive results, according to Nipun Aggarwal, Air India’s chief commercial officer.
One of the most promising areas for growth is international-to-international (I-to-I) transit traffic. This refers to passengers who travel from one foreign country to another by connecting through Indian airports. Air India has identified this segment as a significant opportunity to increase its international traffic and is actively working to attract more transit passengers. The airline is enhancing its network and connections to offer more seamless travel experiences, thereby making it an attractive option for travelers connecting between international destinations.
Nipun Aggarwal recently shared that almost 10 percent of the traffic on Air India’s long-haul, wide-body aircraft now comprises I-to-I traffic. This is a substantial shift for the airline, as the share of such traffic was almost negligible before the Tata group’s acquisition of Air India in January 2022. The airline had very little meaningful data to track I-to-I traffic at that time, but since then, the strategic efforts to boost this segment have been taking shape.
Aggarwal also highlighted the importance of domestic-to-international (D-to-I) traffic, which now accounts for almost 40 percent of Air India’s overall international traffic. Meanwhile, the remaining 50 percent is made up of point-to-point traffic, which refers to direct flights between two destinations. The airline’s goal is to continue growing all three categories of traffic, with a particular emphasis on increasing the share of I-to-I traffic. Aggarwal aims to see this segment grow to 20 percent over the next three years, a significant leap from its current 10 percent share.
The airline’s focus on premium classes plays a critical role in its strategy to attract more international-to-international traffic. Air India has been working to enhance its premium offerings, targeting business and first-class travelers who are more likely to choose connecting flights through major international hubs. Aggarwal emphasized that by improving the passenger experience in premium cabins and offering better connectivity, Air India can become a preferred choice for transit passengers traveling between international destinations.
Air India’s efforts to optimize its flight schedules are central to its plan to increase international connecting traffic. The airline is adjusting departure and arrival times to create better connections between various international routes, facilitating smoother transitions for passengers transferring between flights. By strategically realigning its network, Air India aims to reduce layover times and offer more convenient connections, making it easier for travelers to choose Air India for their journey.
The airline’s growth in international traffic is part of a broader strategy to position Air India as a leading global carrier. As the airline continues to improve its network and premium services, it also plans to expand its fleet with new aircraft to meet growing demand. The expansion of its international footprint is expected to strengthen Air India’s position in the global aviation market, especially as international travel continues to recover and grow after the pandemic.
Air India’s strategy also extends to its efforts in strengthening its partnership with global airlines. By entering into more codeshare agreements and improving collaboration with international carriers, Air India aims to enhance its ability to offer seamless connections for international-to-international travelers. This will not only expand the reach of Air India’s network but also provide passengers with more options when connecting between flights, ultimately improving the airline’s competitiveness in the global market.
As the airline continues to focus on increasing its I-to-I traffic, it is also leveraging advanced technologies and data analytics to predict travel patterns and optimize flight schedules. Air India’s investment in technology will allow it to better understand passenger preferences and identify routes with the most potential for connecting traffic. This data-driven approach will enable the airline to further tailor its services and expand its market share among transit passengers.
Another important factor in Air India’s strategy to boost international connections is the modernizing of its fleet. The airline has been updating its long-haul aircraft, offering more comfort and better amenities in both economy and premium classes. The newer aircraft are equipped with improved in-flight entertainment systems, better seat configurations, and enhanced overall comfort, making long-haul flights more attractive to both leisure and business travelers. These improvements are expected to further fuel the airline’s ambitions of expanding its international transit traffic.
In addition to network expansion and fleet upgrades, Air India has also been making strides in enhancing its customer service. The airline has focused on improving both its ground and in-flight services, recognizing that the overall passenger experience is critical in attracting and retaining loyal travelers. Premium passengers, in particular, expect a higher level of service, and Air India is working to ensure that it meets and exceeds those expectations. The airline’s commitment to delivering an exceptional experience across all touchpoints positions it well in the highly competitive international aviation market.
With an ambitious goal of doubling its international connecting traffic within three years, Air India is laying the foundation for significant growth in the coming years. Through its focus on improving flight connectivity, enhancing premium class offerings, expanding its network, and investing in fleet modernization, the airline is positioning itself as a strong contender in the global aviation industry. If these efforts continue to yield results, Air India could very well emerge as a leading player in the global travel market, particularly for international-to-international transit passengers.