History of Air India
Air India is a Government of India Enterprise (Air India Limited), the prime Air Carrier of the country.
As far as carrying passengers are concerned, it is the third-largest airline in India after IndiGo and Jet Airways.
Let us learn more about the amazing and rich history of Air India:
Start-Up
There was no introduction of the Airlines, Irrespective of the fact that this Airline is a Government Of India Initiative.
Yes, TATA Airlines was the real of Air India. Also, J.R.D Tata was the founder of Air India in 1932.
In fact, Tata himself flew the company’s first Single Engine DH.80A Puss Moth Aircraft, carrying air mail en-route Karachi-Bombay (Now Mumbai)-Madras (Now Chennai).
Early Days
In the era between 1932 and 1945, the company was under the regime of Tata Sons.
The Company was initially working as a Mail Carrier, from Karachi to Madras, via Ahmadabad & Bombay. Later, in its first year of operation, the airline flew nearly 150,000 + miles, carrying more than 150 passengers, making a net profit of 60,000.
However, After World War II, there were commercial services in India again. Also, Tata Airlines became a Public Limited Company in July 1946, under the name Air India.
The Silent Fall Down
Air India was doing at par, until 1953, when the Government Of India introduced the Air Corporations Act, and a majority stake was renamed to Air India International Limited, while the domestic load was transferred to Indian Airlines.
Air India International mainly operated on International Long Routes, while Indian airlines operated on Domestic Short Routes.
In May 2001, The Ministry Of Civil Aviation Charged Mr. Michael Mascarenhas, former Managing Director, Air India International Limited, had a charge of corruption, due to which the company had to suffer a wholesome loss of 570 Million.
In order to save the company, Air India International and Indian Airlines merged together in 2007. Moreover, Air India Limited was the name of the company. Also, they became a member of the Star Alliance.
However, the loss toll never paused. The combined losses for AI International & Indian Airlines were 7.7 Billion, and after the merger, it raised to 72 Billion.
The carrier sold its 3 major Airbus A300 Aircraft to finance the debt. But in March 2011, the company had accumulated a total debt of 400 Billion.
As a result, in August 2011, there was a suspension against the Star Alliance Invitation. Because of its failure to fulfill the minimum requirements for membership.
The Ray of Sunshine
Constant pressure from the Aviation Ministry and the Government Of India directed the carrier to a new front.
In 2013, the company showed its first profit and a 20% Growth in its revenue.
The Airline became a member of Star Alliance in 2014
Head-Quarters
The headquarters of Air India Limited is situated at Indian Airlines House, New Delhi.
Air India moved its headquarters from Air India Building, in Mumbai to Delhi in 2013.
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