January 28, 2016 TnH Global

Air India – The Brand That Connects

An airline that connects not only cities but hearts and brings cultures together – that’s Air India to you. Air India has one of the largest networks in the world spread over 66 domestic and 39 international destinations in 24 countries apart from India.

From Ladakh to Thiruvananthapuram and from the Rann of Kutch and the deserts of Rajasthan to the far-flung areas of the North-East, from mainland India to the off-shore destinations of Andaman & Nicobar in Bay of Bengal and Agatti in the Arabian Sea, all these places are brought into the economic and social mainstream thanks to the lifeline offered by Air India flights. The air traveller is the direct beneficiary; the economy is the indirect one. No wonder, one of the main reasons for consumers choosing Air India is its excellent connectivity. Air India’s overseas reach covers 39 destinations across USA, Europe, Australia, the Far-East, South-East Asia and the Middle-East.

Recently Air India has connected Delhi to San Francisco on the west coast of the US with a nonstop flight – a first by any Indian carrier. This is the fourth ultra long haul non-stop flight by Air India to the US. The airline already operates non-stop flights from India to New York, Newark and Chicago. Air India has also introduced a direct flight between Ahmedabad and London via Mumbai. The airline now operates five frequencies from India to London from Delhi, Mumbai and Ahmedabad apart from daily Delhi-Birmingham flights.

Air India needs no introduction. Generations of air travelers in India and overseas have made Air India their airline of choice. The endearing Maharajah, the airline’s mascot, is symbolic of a service brand that has endured and grown. When Air India came into being in 1932, it pioneered civil aviation in India and carved for itself a special place in India’s civil aviation history. Over the years, the airline has kept pace with trends and technology; changing consumer needs and preferences and, has evolved to successfully meet the challenges of the times. It is not just an airline that transports people and cargo. It is an institution in itself. The airline has assiduously built infrastructure like engineering and maintenance facilities, well-equipped training schools and simulators for pilot training and extensive ground handling facilities, all of which help to keep men and material in top gear.

Air India’s 130 plus-strong fleet, a mix of B787 Dreamliners, B777s, B737s, A320 family, apart from CRJs and ATR aircraft, is one of the youngest in the world. A key boost to the brand comes from the comfort that these aircraft offer. Many of Air India’s long haul flights are non-stop yet passengers have marvelled at the comfortable flying experience.Undoubtedly, the result of technologically advanced aircraft like the Dreamliner, which have made long flights truly dreamlike. Air India has 21 of these birds in its fleet.

Air India has always delivered keeping consumer needs in mind. Be it connectivity, frequency of flights, on board service, competitive pricing, aircraft comfort or cuisine, Air India has responded to passenger feedback with improvements. Proof of this is its frequent flyer loyalty programme Flying Returns, with its huge base of more than 15 lakh members.

Air India became the 27th member of Star Alliance – an elite global alliance ofleading international carriers, in 2014. The national carrier is the first airline from India to have been inducted into this prestigious group – thereby scripting a new chapter in the annals of India’s domestic aviation.

From standing by the nation during any crisis, reflecting the tradition and culture of the country, or showcasing the strength of emerging India – Air India has always been identified with India. Air India was part of the evacuation of Indians and other nationals from the war torn country of Yemen. Air India positioned two of its A321 aircraft in Djibouti for the operation and evacuated 3614 people from Sana’a of which 682 were foreign nationals. While the Yemen evacuation was still fresh in the minds of people the national carrier was again called upon to bring back stranded people in the quake devastated country of Nepal.

Air India has also received awards and accolades for its service and commitment to the industry. Recently, Air India received the National Environment Health and Safety Award for its outstanding contribution to the reduction in carbon emissions, for 2015, instituted by the World Quality Congress & World Sustainability Forum. Air India has been awarded the ‘National Energy Conservation Awards’ in 2009, 2011 and 2013 for its achievement in Energy Conservation by Ministry of Power. Recently, Air India became the first airline in India to get the IATA Environmental Assessment Certificate (IEnvA).

This year, Air India has once again topped the list in the Economic Times Brand Equity survey, among airlines in India. This is a reiteration of the trust for Brand Air India.