Air India Express is rewriting the rules of low-cost flying in India. The airline has unveiled its first retrofitted Boeing 737-8 aircraft at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, showcasing a cabin that blends style, comfort, and technology. This milestone is part of a larger transformation journey that began with its refreshed brand identity in October 2023 and now extends to an ambitious Winter 2025 schedule.
A Cabin That Feels Premium
Step inside the new Boeing 737-8, and you’ll notice the difference immediately. The interiors feature ergonomically designed synthetic leather seats with superior padding, thicker armrests, and improved legroom. These seats, crafted by Collins Aerospace, offer a pitch ranging from 29 to 38 inches and a recline of 3 inches, ensuring comfort even on longer flights.
Adding to the ambience is Boeing’s Sky Interior mood lighting, which creates a soothing environment throughout the journey. The cabin also boasts brand-new carpets and a refreshed colour palette, making the space feel modern and inviting.
Tech and Taste Onboard
Every seat comes equipped with USB-C charging ports, catering to today’s digital lifestyles. But Air India Express hasn’t stopped at connectivity, it has also elevated the culinary experience. The airline’s ‘Gourmair’ hot meals menu now includes dishes like Awadhi Chicken Biryani, Paneer Makhani with Jeera Aloo, and even Hakka Noodles with Veg Manchurian. Guests can pre-book ‘Moments by AIX’ Celebration Cakes to mark special occasions onboard, adding a personal touch to travel.
The Boeing 737-8 Advantage
The Boeing 737-8 is part of the MAX family, known for its fuel efficiency and quieter engines. Powered by CFM LEAP-1B engines, it delivers up to 14% lower fuel consumption compared to older models, reducing both costs and environmental impact. This retrofit ensures passengers enjoy modern comforts without waiting for new aircraft deliveries, a smart move in a fast-paced market.
Winter 2025: Bigger, Bolder, Better
The cabin upgrade coincides with Air India Express’s most ambitious Winter Schedule yet. The airline will operate over 2,700 weekly domestic flights and 780 short-haul international flights, covering 114 domestic and 70 international routes. That’s a 25% network expansion compared to last winter, with 48 new domestic routes and 10 new international routes added.
Key highlights include:
- New Domestic Routes: Delhi–Goa, Bengaluru–Srinagar, Ahmedabad–Goa, Bhubaneswar–Lucknow, and more.
- New International Routes: Bengaluru–Bangkok, Bengaluru–Jeddah, Bengaluru–Kuwait, Bengaluru–Riyadh, and Lucknow–Riyadh.
- Hub Growth: Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru now account for 74% of domestic departures, with Navi Mumbai and Bengaluru emerging as major hubs.
This expansion strengthens connectivity and builds frequency density across key markets, ensuring better schedule convenience for travellers.
A Brand That Speaks to Modern India
Air India Express isn’t just upgrading its fleet, it’s refreshing its identity. The airline recently launched ‘Xplore More, Xpress More’, one of the largest brand campaigns in Indian aviation. Conceptualised with Omnicom Advertising Group and directed by Dibakar Banerjee, the campaign celebrates the transformative power of travel and positions Air India Express as vibrant, inclusive, and authentically Indian.
With a growing fleet of 115 aircraft, including 50 brand-new planes, and a network spanning 60 destinations across South Asia, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, Air India Express is on a mission to make flying affordable, comfortable, and memorable.
Why This Matters
Budget travel in India is evolving. Passengers no longer want just low fares, they expect comfort, connectivity, and a touch of personalisation. Air India Express is meeting these expectations head-on, proving that economy-class flying can feel premium without breaking the bank.
As the airline continues to roll out retrofitted cabins and expand its network, travellers can look forward to journeys that combine affordability with modern amenities, setting a new benchmark for the industry.
