New Delhi, Jan 17: Air India Express has successfully launched its first international commercial flight using the newly inducted Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft, with the inaugural overseas service flying from New Delhi to Muscat.
Crew members onboard highlighted several advanced features of the new aircraft, including enhanced passenger comfort, a fast-charging power outlet at each seat, and larger overhead bins for cabin baggage. One crew member aboard the first international flight shared, “We are operating the flight to Muscat. Now we are entering the Muscat airspace.”
An Air India Express air hostess also praised the aircraft, stating, “The aircraft is very spacious. We have a new kind of oven. The most important thing for the crew is that we have sockets for phone charging. All the seats and everything are customised by Air India Express.”
Earlier in December, Air India Express welcomed its 51st Boeing 737-8, which is its first line-fit aircraft, at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. This aircraft, flown directly from Boeing's Seattle facility, is a significant milestone in the airline’s fleet modernization program and is set to enter service in January.
Configured to Air India Express' specifications, the Boeing 737-8 features a cabin designed to enhance comfort, space, and convenience for passengers. The aircraft is equipped with ergonomically designed seats, generous legroom, onboard ovens for 'Gourmair' meals, and Boeing's Sky Interior, which includes soothing mood lighting for a more comfortable and modern flying experience.
This new aircraft is part of Air India Express' ongoing fleet expansion, which strengthens its position as the largest Boeing operator in the country. The airline now operates a fleet of over 100 aircraft, with plans to continue growing its fleet in 2025, including the addition of four A321neos, four A320neos, and three A320ceos.
In addition to fleet upgrades, Air India Express has launched a program to retrofit new seats on its existing Boeing 737-8 aircraft. This initiative will standardize 50 of its Boeing 737-8s to a 189-seat configuration, with two aircraft already completing the retrofit.
The airline also recently unveiled its new brand campaign, "Xplore More, Xpress More," which reflects the transformative power of travel and the connections it fosters. The airline continues to celebrate India’s cultural diversity through its "Tales of India" initiative, featuring unique indigenous art forms on the tails of its aircraft, inspired by regional crafts such as Zardozi, Banarasi embroidery, and Ikat motifs.
Air India Express, now operating over 500 daily flights, connects 45 domestic and 16 international destinations. The airline, a Tata Enterprise, boasts a fleet of over 100 Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 aircraft, striving to offer a personal and memorable flying experience under its new campaign, "Xplore More, Xpress More."
