What is the Difference Between Air India and Indian Airlines?

Air India and Indian Airlines were two separate national carriers of India, with distinct focuses and operational strategies. The main differences between them were:

1. Routes: Air India primarily focused on international long-haul routes, while Indian Airlines operated on domestic and international short-haul routes.
2. Ownership: Air India was owned by the Tata Group enterprise, Air India Limited, while Indian Airlines was owned completely by the Government of India.
3. Hubs: Air India had its main hub at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, and a secondary hub at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai. Indian Airlines had secondary hubs at various locations across India.
4. Subsidiaries: Air India had subsidiaries like Air India Cargo, Air India Express, and Indian Airlines (after the merger). Indian Airlines, on the other hand, had a subsidiary called Air India Regional.

In 2007, the Government of India announced the merger of Air India and Indian Airlines under Air India Limited, and the airline took delivery of its first Boeing 777 aircraft. The merger was completed on February 26, 2011, and the airline continues to be headquartered in Mumbai. Since the merger, both carriers have been operated by the Indian Government, and Indian Airlines no longer exists as a separate entity.

Comparative Table: Air India vs Indian Airlines

Air India and Indian Airlines are both Indian-based airlines that operate international and domestic routes. However, there are some differences between the two:

While both airlines operate domestic and international flights, Air India has a more extensive network and offers a frequent flyer program with various tiers and benefits. On the other hand, Indian Airlines focuses on domestic routes and does not have a frequent flyer program. Additionally, Air India's grounds staff is reported to be better trained and attentive compared to Indian Airlines.