History of Air India in Timeline

Air India is India's flag carrier, headquartered in Gurugram, Haryana, with its primary hub at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport. Owned by Air India Limited (Tata Group 74.9%, Singapore Airlines 25.1%), it serves 87 domestic and international destinations using Airbus and Boeing aircraft. Air India ranks as the second-largest airline in India by passenger volume, after IndiGo. It became the 27th member of Star Alliance on July 11, 2014.

April 1932: Tata Sons Wins Contract to Carry Mail

In April 1932, Tata won a contract to carry mail for Imperial Airways, and the aviation department of Tata Sons was formed with two single-engine de Havilland Puss Moths.

October 1932: First Air Mail Flight

On 15 October 1932, Tata flew a Puss Moth carrying air mail from Karachi to Bombay (Mumbai), and Nevill Vintcent piloted the aircraft to Madras (Chennai).

1932: Tata Airlines Founded

In 1932, Tata Airlines was founded by J. R. D. Tata, who also flew its first single-engine de Havilland Puss Moth carrying air mail from Karachi to Bombay's Juhu aerodrome and Madras.

1938: Airline Renamed and Expands Destinations

In 1938, Tata Air Services was re-christened as Tata Airlines, and Delhi and Colombo were added to the airline's destinations.

July 1946: Tata Airlines Becomes Air India

On 29 July 1946, Tata Airlines became a public limited company under the name Air India.

1947: Indian Independence

Following the Indian independence in 1947, 49% of the airline was acquired by the Government of India in 1948.

June 1948: First International Flight

On 8 June 1948, a Lockheed Constellation L-749A, named Malabar Princess, took off from Bombay bound for London Heathrow, marking Air India's first international flight.

1950: Introduction of Services to Africa and Europe

From 1948 to 1950, Air India introduced services to Nairobi in Africa, and to major European destinations such as Rome, Paris, and Düsseldorf.

1953: Nationalization and Renaming

In 1953, Tata Airlines was nationalized by the Government of India and renamed Air India.

1953: Government Acquires Majority Stake

In 1953, the Government of India passed the Air Corporations Act and purchased a majority stake in Air India from Tata Sons; the company was renamed Air India International Limited.

February 1960: First Boeing 707 Inducted

On 21 February 1960, Air India International inducted its first Boeing 707–420, named Gauri Shankar, becoming the first Asian airline to induct a jet aircraft in its fleet.

February 1960: First Jet Aircraft

On 21 February 1960, Air India took delivery of its first Boeing 707, named Gauri Shankar, becoming the first Asian airline to induct a jet aircraft into its fleet.

May 1960: Inauguration of Services to New York

On 14 May 1960, Air India inaugurated services to New York.

June 1962: Name Officially Shortened

On 8 June 1962, the airline's name was officially truncated to Air India, and on 11 June 1962, Air India became the world's first all-jet airline.

1971: Delivery of First Boeing 747

In 1971, Air India took delivery of its first Boeing 747-200B, named Emperor Ashoka, and introduced a new Palace in the Sky livery and branding.

1977: J.R.D. Tata leaves as chairman

In 1977, J. R. D. Tata left his position as chairman of Air India.

1986: Delivery of First Airbus A310

In 1986, Air India took delivery of its first Airbus A310-300.

1988: Delivery of Boeing 747-300M

In 1988, Air India took delivery of Boeing 747-300M.

October 1990: Air India Enters Guinness Book of World Records for Evacuation Efforts

From 13 August to 11 October 1990, lasting 59 days, Air India evacuated over 111,000 people from Amman to Mumbai during the Persian Gulf War, operating 488 flights. This effort earned the airline a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. The event was later featured in the film Airlift.

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1993: Delivery of Boeing 747-400 and First Non-Stop Flight

In 1993, Air India took delivery of a Boeing 747-400, named Konark, and operated the first non-stop flight between New York and Delhi.

2000: Air India Introduces Services to Shanghai

In 2000, Air India introduced services to Shanghai, China.

2000: Privatisation Attempt

In 2000, attempts were made to privatise Air India.

January 2001: Air India's Ground Services Acquire ISO 9002 Certification

On 31 January 2001, Air India's ground services became the first ground service provider to acquire ISO 9002 certification.

May 2001: Corruption Charges and Suspension of Managing Director

On 23 May 2001, the Ministry of Civil Aviation charged Michael Mascarenhas, the then-managing director of Air India, with corruption, leading to his suspension.

2001: Privatisation Attempt

In 2001, attempts were made to privatise Air India.

May 2004: Launch of Air-India Express

In May 2004, Air India launched a wholly owned low-cost subsidiary called Air-India Express, connecting cities in India with the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

January 2006: Air India Announces Order for 68 Jets

On 11 January 2006, Air India announced an order for 68 jets, including Boeing 777-200LR, Boeing 777-300ER, Boeing 737-800, and Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners. The 18 Boeing 737s ordered were later transferred to Air India Express.

2006: Financial Crisis Signs

Around 2006, both Air India and Indian Airlines showed signs of financial crisis as combined losses were ₹7.7 billion.

2006: Financial Losses After Merger

From 2006 onwards, Air India suffered losses following its merger with Indian Airlines.

2007: Merger and Increased Losses

After the merger of Indian Airlines with Air India in 2007, the losses went up to ₹72 billion by March 2009.

2007: Merger and Invitation to Star Alliance

In 2007, Air India and Indian Airlines were merged under Air India Limited, the airline took delivery of its first Boeing 777 aircraft, and was invited to be a part of the Star Alliance.

March 2009: Sale of Aircraft to Finance Debt

In March 2009, Air India sold three Airbus A300 and one Boeing 747-300M for $18.75 million to finance the debt.

March 2009: Frankfurt Airport as International Hub

On 1 March 2009, Air India made Frankfurt Airport its international hub for onward connections to the United States from India.

July 2009: Appointment of State Bank of India

In July 2009, State Bank of India was appointed to prepare a road map for the recovery of Air India.

October 2010: Closure of Frankfurt Hub

On 30 October 2010, Air India shut down the Frankfurt hub because of high operating costs.

March 2011: Accumulated Debt and Request for Government Aid

By March 2011, Air India had accumulated a debt of ₹426 billion and an operating loss of ₹220 billion, and was seeking ₹429 billion from the government.

March 2011: Air India Evacuates Nationals During Libyan Civil War

In February–March 2011, Air India evacuated more than 15,000 Indian nationals during the Libyan civil war.

August 2011: Suspension from Star Alliance

In August 2011, Air India's invitation to join Star Alliance was suspended as a result of its failure to meet the minimum standards for the membership.

August 2011: Data breach start date

The data breach on Air India involved all information which was registered in the SITA data processor between 26 August 2011 and 20 February 2021

2011: Revenue, operating loss and net loss

For FY 2011-12, Air India had revenue of ₹147 billion, an operating loss of ₹5.138 billion and a net loss of ₹7.55 billion

March 2012: Government Infusion

In March 2012, the government pumped ₹32 billion into Air India.

May 2012: Fine by US Transportation Department

In May 2012, Air India was fined $80,000 by the US Transportation Department for failing to post customer service and tarmac delay contingency plans on its website and adequately inform passengers about its optional fees.

January 2013: Sale and Leaseback of Boeing 787 Dreamliners

In January 2013, Air India cleared a part of its pending dues through funds raised by selling and leasing back the newly acquired Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

March 2013: Positive EBITDA and Operating Revenue Growth

In March 2013, Air India posted its first positive EBITDA after almost six years and 20% growth in its operating revenue since the previous financial year.

December 2013: Appointment of Head of Operations and Criticism

In December 2013, Air India appointed veteran pilot SPS Puri as its head of operations, which was criticized by the Air India pilots union.

December 2013: Air India Sells Aircraft to Etihad Airways

In December 2013, Air India sold five of its eight Boeing 777-200LR aircraft to Etihad Airways as part of a financial restructuring plan.

April 2014: Air India Decides to Sell Remaining Boeing 777-200LRs and Lease Airbus A320 Aircraft

In April 2014, Air India decided to sell its remaining three Boeing 777-200LRs due to higher operating costs. On 24 April 2014, Air India issued a tender for leasing 14 Airbus A320 aircraft for up to six years to strengthen its domestic network.

July 2014: Air India Joins Star Alliance

On 11 July 2014, Air India became the 27th member of Star Alliance.

April 2015: Air India Involved in Operation Raahat During Yemeni Civil War

In March–April 2015, Air India was involved in Operation Raahat during the Yemeni civil war.

August 2015: Agreement to Raise External Commercial Borrowing

In August 2015, Air India signed an agreement with Citibank and State Bank of India to raise $300 million in external commercial borrowing to meet working capital requirements.

February 2016: Market Share

As of February 2016, Air India was the third largest carrier in India, after IndiGo and Jet Airways with a market share of 15.4%.

June 2017: Government Approves Privatisation

On 28 June 2017, the Government of India approved the privatisation of Air India and set up a committee to decide the details.

2017: Privatisation Attempt Launched

In 2017, another privatization attempt was launched for Air India.

March 2018: Expression of Interest Issued

In March 2018, the Government issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) to sell a 76% stake in Air India, along with Air India Express and a 50% stake in AISATS.

January 2020: Fresh EOIs Invited for Complete Exit

On 27 January 2020, the Government decided to completely exit Air India and invited fresh EOIs.

December 2020: Seven Parties Submit EOIs

By December 2020, the Government received EOIs from seven parties.

February 2021: SITA Reports Data Breach to Air India

Around February 2021, Air India's data processor, SITA, reported a data breach to Air India.

May 2021: Cyberattack on Air India

On 21 May 2021, it was reported that Air India was subjected to a cyberattack where the personal details of about 4.5 million customers were compromised.

August 2021: Air India Evacuates People from Afghanistan Under Operation Devi Shakti

In August 2021, Air India evacuated 669 people under Operation Devi Shakti from war-torn Afghanistan during the 2021 Taliban offensive.

September 2021: Financial Bids Invited

In September 2021, the Government invited financial bids for Air India from two qualified parties.

February 2022: Air India Evacuates Citizens from Russia and Ukraine as Part of Operation Ganga

In February 2022, Air India evacuated Indian citizens from Russia and Ukraine as a part of Operation Ganga during the Russo-Ukrainian War.

2022: Return to Tata Group

In 2022, the ownership of Air India and associated properties returned to the Tata Group after 69 years.

February 2023: Air India Announces Order for 470 Aircraft

On 14 February 2023, Air India announced an order for 470 aircraft with Airbus and Boeing, including A320neo family, A350, 737 MAX, 787-9, and 777-9 aircraft for US$70 billion, with deliveries beginning late 2023.

October 2023: Air India Evacuates People from Israel During Gaza War

In October 2023, Air India evacuated people from Israel during the Gaza war as a part of Operation Ajay.

2023: New Logo Inspired by Jharokha Window Pattern

In 2023, Air India replaced its logo, which formerly consisted of a flying swan with the wheel of Konark inside it, with a new logo inspired by the airline's Jharokha window pattern.

April 2024: Air India Sells Boeing 747-400 Jumbo Jets

On 11 April 2024, Air India sold four of its last remaining Boeing 747-400 jumbo jets to the US company AerSale.

November 2024: Merger Between Air India and Vistara Completed

In November 2024, the merger between Air India and Vistara was completed, and former Vistara aircraft started operating under Air India, including 787-9 Dreamliners configured in a three-class layout.

December 2024: Air India Confirms Additional Order of 100 Aircraft with Airbus

On 10 December 2024, Air India confirmed an additional order of 100 aircraft with Airbus, consisting of 90 A320neo family aircraft and 10 A350 aircraft.

January 2025: Air India Rolls Out Free Onboard WiFi

On 1 January 2025, Air India announced that it rolled out free onboard WiFi on all flights operated by the carrier's A350, Boeing 787-9 and select A321neo aircraft, becoming the first airline in the nation to offer such complimentary service within India.

November 2025: Air India's Fatal Crashes and Ground Fatalities

As of November 2025, Air India has been involved in eleven fatal crashes and twenty ground fatalities, two of which were caused by acts of terrorism.

November 2025: Air India's Destinations and Fleet

As of November 2025, Air India serves 87 domestic and international destinations, operates Airbus and Boeing aircraft, and is the second-largest airline in India by passenger volume.

January 2026: Air India Takes Delivery of First Factory-Fit 787-9 Dreamliner

In January 2026, Air India took delivery of its first factory-fit 787-9 Dreamliner, which is configured in a three-class layout.

April 2026: Air India Selects Hughes Network Systems for In-Flight Connectivity

In April 2026, Air India selected Hughes Network Systems to transform its in-flight connectivity and also become the global launch customer for a common connectivity platform that will be deployed across its widebody fleet.