On October 28, 2024, Air India announced that it had received approval from India's civil aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), to internally modify the interiors of its aircraft.
This significant achievement, which makes the airline the first in India to receive Design Organisation Approval (DOA) under CAR 21 regulations, is seen as a step towards improving the fleet and increasing customer satisfaction.
A turning point for the Indian aviation industry
The approval for internal modification of aircraft interiors is a crucial milestone for Air India, especially in a rapidly evolving aviation sector. According to Campbell Wilson, CEO and Managing Director of Air India, this approval not only demonstrates the airline's capabilities to maintain its fleet but also its commitment to optimizing the customer experience through improved interior design.
"India's aviation sector is on a growth trajectory and Air India is playing a leading role in that," Wilson said. This approval allows the airline to make design changes independently, increasing the efficiency and agility of its operations.
Strategic Partnerships for Innovation
Air India had previously announced a partnership with Tata Technologies, a global engineering and product development company, to enhance the interiors of its aircraft in line with CAR 21 regulations. Warren Harris, CEO of Tata Technologies, described the collaboration as an important step towards reimagining the air travel experience through innovation and strategic engineering. This collaboration will enable Air India to tailor its interior design to meet the needs of customers, incorporating the latest technologies and designs.
Developing and implementing new designs will not only help improve the flying experience but also streamline the airline's operations. The ability to make modifications in-house could also significantly reduce the time to implement new designs, which is critical to the airline's competitive advantage.
Future outlook and investments in our own infrastructure
With the receipt of the DOA, Air India plans to set up its own engineering, maintenance and training centers. This is seen as a crucial step towards greater independence and is expected to increase the airline's operational efficiency. By creating internal capabilities, Air India will be able to respond more quickly to changes in the market and continuously improve service quality.
In a rapidly changing global aviation market, it is imperative that airlines like Air India remain competitive not only in terms of their fleet but also in terms of their operational capabilities. The planned investments in its own infrastructure are a clear commitment to the company's long-term strategy, which is intended to both strengthen its market position and increase passenger satisfaction.