Bengaluru, billed as the IT capital of India, could soon emerge as a premier aviation hub for southern India, with Air India striking an agreement with the Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) for it.
The agreement envisages the two collaborating to enhance international connectivity, operational efficiency, and passenger experience at the city’s international airport over the next five years.
The pact is aimed at boosting air travel connectivity to and from the city India over the next few years.
Under the agreement, Air India, along with other Tata Group airlines, AIX and Vistara, will strengthen their presence at the Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru through an enhanced network.
Besides, the Tata Group also plans to establish dedicated domestic lounges for premium and frequent travellers of its airlines at the airport.
As part of this initiative, Air India has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Government of Karnataka to establish comprehensive Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities at BLR airport.
The plans are part of the efforts to expand the global footprint to meet the growing demand for direct long-haul routes originating from Southern India.
Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India said while Bengaluru is highly attractive as an origin and destination market as well as a connecting hub, airline-airport synergy is key to elevated customer experience and efficient operations at the airport.
“This partnership agreement is also a significant milestone in the ongoing transformation of Air India,” he said.
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.
“Given that over half of the international outbound travellers from Bengaluru and our catchment head to Europe, North America, Australia, and the Far East, our alliance with Air India represents a substantial leap towards this goal,” he said.
“We aim to capture a significant share of long-haul routes from BLR Airport over the next five years,” Marar added.
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