New Delhi: Air India and Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) Monday announced an agreement to develop Bengaluru as a premier aviation hub for south India, with an aim to boost air travel connectivity to and from India over the next few years, Air India said in a statement.
As part of the agreement, Air India, along with other Tata Group airlines — Air India Express and Vistara — and BIAL will collaborate to enhance international connectivity, operational efficiency, and passenger experience over the next five years.
“This includes strengthening the group’s presence at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (KIAB or BLR airport) through an enhanced network and establishing a dedicated domestic lounge for premium and frequent travellers of Tata Group airlines Air India and Vistara,” the statement said.
Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India, said, “Airline-airport synergy is key to elevated customer experience and efficient operations, while Bengaluru is highly attractive as an origin and destination market as well as a connecting hub. We are therefore delighted to be strengthening our relationship with BIAL with a view to developing a greater presence at the airport, expanding air connectivity as well as building a major MRO center.”
Air India has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Karnataka to establish comprehensive Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities at the BLR airport. “This underscores Air India’s commitment to strengthening its presence in Bengaluru and, over time, expand its global footprint to meet the growing demand for direct long-haul routes originating from Southern India,” the airline said.
According to Air India, this partnership will stimulate the MRO ecosystem and is projected to generate over 1,200 new job opportunities for highly-skilled individuals in the state.
Hari Marar, Managing Director and CEO, Bangalore International Airport Limited, said, “As the busiest airport in South India, BLR Airport is dedicated to strengthening its position as the primary international gateway in southern and central India.”
Adding that over half of the international outbound travellers from Bengaluru head to Europe, North America, Australia, and the Far East, Marar said they aimed to capture a significant share of long-haul routes from BLR Airport over the next five years.
(Edited by Tikli Basu)
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