Air India, India’s leading global airline, entered into an agreement with Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) to develop Bengaluru into a premier aviation hub for southern India. The collaboration aims to enhance international connectivity, operational efficiency, and passenger experience over the next five years.
Campbell Wilson, Managing Director, and CEO of Air India, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, emphasising the importance of airline-airport synergy in enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency. He highlighted Bengaluru’s strategic significance as both an origin and destination market and a vital connecting hub, underscoring the airline’s commitment to expanding air connectivity and establishing a major MRO center in the region.
Here are the key points
Enhanced Connectivity
Air India, along with Tata Group airlines AIX and Vistara, will bolster their presence at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (KIAB or BLR airport) to expand the network.
Dedicated Lounge
Premium and frequent travelers of Air India and Vistara will benefit from a dedicated domestic lounge at BLR airport.
MRO Facilities
Air India signs an MOU with the Government of Karnataka to establish comprehensive Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities at BLR airport.
Job Creation
The partnership is projected to create over 1,200 new job opportunities, contributing to the growth of the MRO ecosystem in Karnataka.
Hari Marar, Managing Director, and CEO of BIAL echoed Wilson’s sentiments, affirming BLR Airport’s dedication to strengthening its position as the primary international gateway in southern and central India. Marar emphasised the alignment of the collaboration with the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s vision of developing Indian airports as hubs, aiming to enhance the overall passenger experience. With over half of the international outbound travelers from Bengaluru and its catchment area heading to key destinations such as Europe, North America, Australia, and the Far East, the alliance between Air India and BIAL is poised to capture a significant share of long-haul routes from BLR Airport in the coming years.
The collaboration between Air India, Tata Group airlines AIX, and Vistara, along with BIAL, is geared towards strengthening the group’s footprint at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru. By expanding their network and operational capabilities, the partners seek to establish Bengaluru as a key destination for domestic and international travelers alike. The establishment of a dedicated domestic lounge at BLR airport will cater to the needs of premium and frequent travelers, further enhancing the passenger experience.
Air India inks MoU with Karnataka government
In line with this initiative, Air India has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Karnataka to set up comprehensive Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities at BLR airport. This strategic move underscores Air India’s commitment to bolstering its presence in Bengaluru and meeting the escalating demand for direct long-haul routes originating from southern India. The establishment of MRO facilities is expected to generate over 1,200 job opportunities for skilled individuals in the state, contributing significantly to employment and economic growth.
The partnership between Air India and BIAL signifies a strategic step towards elevating Bengaluru’s status as a premier aviation hub in southern India. By leveraging their collective strengths and resources, the partners aim to enhance connectivity, operational efficiency, and passenger experience, contributing to the growth and development of India’s aviation sector.