New Delhi: Air India will rebalance its airport hubs and network, reduce costs and look for more wide-body aircraft, its CEO and MD Tewolde Gebremariam said on Tuesday as the airline bets big on growth opportunities.
Spelling out the strategy for the loss-making airline, Gebremariam, who officially took charge in October, said Air India wants to regain its overseas market share.
“Air India has been punching below its weight and that will change,” Gebremariam said at a conference in the national capital.
Betting on “huge growth opportunities”, he said Air India would look to increase its order for wide-body aircraft. The airline also plans to rebalance its overseas flight network and consider Bengaluru as its third hub, in addition to Delhi and Mumbai.
Tata Group-owned Air India is currently pursuing an ambitious transformation plan but continues to face multiple headwinds, including the closure of Pakistani airspace, which has affected its overseas operations.
Acknowledging that profitability remains a concern, Gebremariam said the airline is focusing on improving operational efficiency and reducing costs.
He also said he was more impatient than shareholders to see Air India turn profitable.
