Air India Group to unveil more virtual interline partnerships at ATM

The Air India Group, encompassing full-service carrier Air India and low-cost regional airline Air India Express, is set to announce new virtual interline partnerships at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) opening today at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

These partnerships with foreign low-cost carriers aim to boost Air India Express’s global connectivity through its ‘AIX Connect’ platform, allowing travellers to book self-connected itineraries across partner airlines. The group currently maintains six such partnerships.

Air India Express, targeting 30 million passengers in 2025-26 (up from 20 million this year), operates over 240 weekly flights from the UAE to India, serving 38 domestic and 17 international destinations. Meanwhile, Air India connects 45 domestic and 43 international destinations. “Our presence at ATM 2025 underscores our commitment to blending tradition with innovation,” the airline group said in a statement.

The Air India and Air India Express pavilion, spanning over 100 square metres, showcases the Tata Group airlines’ transformation under the Vihaan.AI five-year programme. The booth features a digital-first design with a Virtual Reality (VR) zone, allowing visitors to explore Air India’s state-of-the-art A350 aircraft. Displays of the upgraded 787-9 Dreamliner and A321 cabins highlight the airline’s focus on world-class comfort and innovation. Commercial and product specialists will engage with trade partners and travellers throughout the event, sharing updates on new General Sales Agents (GSA) and Representative Agencies (RA) in key markets to enhance regional accessibility.

The Tata Group-owned airline, employing over 30,000 people and operating more than 300 aircraft, serves 55 domestic and 48 international destinations across five continents. As part of Vihaan.AI, Air India has ordered 570 new aircraft, merged sister airlines Air Asia India and Vistara into Air India Express and Air India, respectively, and opened South Asia’s largest aviation training academy in 2024.

“ATM 2025 is a platform to showcase our evolving brand and strengthen global presence,” the statement added. The Air India group’s strategic initiatives, from fleet expansion to innovative partnerships, position it as a key player in the global aviation market, with a focus on seamless connectivity and enhanced passenger experiences.

The announcements at ATM signal Air India’s ambition to redefine travel in the region and beyond, leveraging technology and partnerships to meet growing demand. Visitors to the pavilion can expect an immersive experience that reflects the group’s vision of combining heritage with cutting-edge service.