From Tata Airlines To National Carrier
Air India traces its roots to 1932, when JRD Tata founded Tata Airlines, India's first commercial airline. It grew through the 1930s and 40s, operating the country's first international scheduled service, from Mumbai to London, in 1948 under the name Air India International.
In 1953 the Government of India nationalised the airline, merging it with other domestic carriers and renaming it Air India. For nearly seven decades it operated as the country's state-owned flag carrier, flying India's national colours to destinations across the world even as newer private airlines emerged domestically.
Return To The Tata Group
After years of financial strain and several failed disinvestment attempts, the Government of India completed a competitive bidding process that returned Air India to the Tata Group in January 2022 — the same business family that had founded it 90 years earlier.
The new ownership announced a multi-year transformation plan covering fleet renewal, cabin refreshes, service standards and technology, positioning Air India for a second era of growth under private management.
Building A Bigger Airline Group
As part of consolidating its aviation holdings, the Tata Group brought Air India, Air India Express, AirAsia India and Vistara under a single umbrella strategy. In November 2024, Vistara completed its merger into Air India, combining both airlines' fleets, routes and loyalty members into one enlarged full-service carrier.
Air India remains a member of the Star Alliance global airline network and continues to expand its long-haul international network alongside its domestic operations, aiming to be India's leading carrier on the world stage.