Following the unveiling of Air India’s new branding which included a fresh livery design and logo, there is speculation that the subsidiary airline, Air India Express, will also undergo a new look too.
According to the website Mint, which has been in contact with sources aware of the development, Air India Express will take on a bold new look from October 2023.
“The font of Air India Express on the livery will be similar to that of the new ‘Air India Sans’ font. The tail pattern will have a variety of designs like the current Air India Express fleet. The first plane with the new branding will be launched in October, when the airline gets its first new Boeing 737 Max aircraft,” the publication was told by an airline official.
The airline, which is owned by Tata Group, is said to be debating whether the new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft will be the first to wear the new livery or alternatively the honor will be bestowed on an Airbus A320neo.
“The paint job for our initial Boeing 737 Max will be executed in India. Consequently, a decision will be made closer to the launch date regarding the inaugural aircraft,” another official told Mint.
In November 2022, Tata signed agreements to acquire a 100% stake in AirAsia India and merge the airline with Air India Express to form a single Indian low-cost carrier.
Under the agreement AirAsia’s fleet of aircraft will fall under the control of Air India Express.
In July 2023, it was confirmed that AirAsia India can operate its flights under the Air India Express brand.
On August 11, 2023, Air India revealed its new identity which includes a new logo symbol, called ‘the Vista’. Inspired by the gold window frame, ‘the Vista’ is a symbol of limitless possibilities, progress, and the airline’s bold new future.
The carrier’s aircraft will also wear a new livery, featuring “a palette of deep red, aubergine, and gold highlights, as well as a chakra-inspired pattern”.