Air India's Journey: From Turbulent Past to a Hopeful Future

Air India, once owned by the government, is making strides in safety improvements and operations after a historical journey marked by safety concerns and recent tragedies.

Air India, the flagship carrier of India, has been on a mission to elevate its safety and operational standards after grappling with a series of concerning incidents that haunted its past around 15 years ago. The airline's previous fatal accident occurred in August 2020 when an Air India Express flight from Dubai tragically overshot the runway in Kozhikode, resulting in the death of both pilots and 19 passengers.

Founded in 1932, Air India was under government ownership from 1953 until its acquisition in 2022 by the Tata Group, a prominent Indian business conglomerate that previously held ownership of the airline. Following the tragic event, Tata’s chairman, N. Chandrasekaran, extended heartfelt condolences to those affected, as the airline's website expressed mourning through a somber gray hue.

Amidst its efforts, Air India has incorporated other smaller carriers to expand its brand while attempting to modernize its operations. Alongside its competitor, IndiGo, the airline now dominates the Indian domestic aviation market, carrying 91% of its passenger traffic. However, amidst its ambitions for growth, Air India faces challenges in procuring sufficient aircraft and hiring enough pilots, which are crucial for scaling services.

The financial impact of the recent crash was palpable in the stock market, with shares in Tata companies, including Tata Motors and Tata Consultancy Services, slipping by about 3% following the incident. Notably, IndiGo's stocks also took a hit, reflecting the broader concerns regarding safety within the industry.

Before the Kozhikode incident, Air India experienced a decade without any fatal occurrences. The airline’s safety record raises ongoing concerns, recalling previous incidents where negligence led to serious near-misses and operational missteps, including an airplane flying without pilot control during a dispute onboard.

In a statement released post-incident, Air India pledged its full cooperation to the investigating authorities, reaffirming its commitment to addressing safety and operational challenges head-on. As the airline seeks to navigate this turbulent patch, it remains a pivotal player in reshaping India’s aviation landscape.