Air India Express Joins Global Airline Body IATA

Air India Express has become a member of IATA, making it the fourth Indian carrier currently a member of the global airlines' collective.

The International Airport Transport Association (IATA) is a trade association of around 350 airlines, representing about 80 per cent of global air traffic. IATA welcomed Air India Express, the low-cost wholly-owned subsidiary of Air India that was introduced in 2005, as a member in a LinkedIn post on Wednesday.

"With a fleet of 115 aircraft-75 Boeing 737s and 40 Airbus A320s, the airline operates around 500 daily flights, connecting 38 domestic and 17 international airports across India, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia," IATA said.

Currently, Air India, which is controlled by the Tata Group, Air India Express, IndiGo, and SpiceJet are the four Indian airlines that are members of the IATA. IATA member Jet Airways ceased operations in April 2019 and is currently going through a liquidation procedure. The International Air Transport Association (IATA), a global industry association for airlines founded in 1945 and headquartered in Montreal, Canada, represents over 300 airlines worldwide (nearly 80% of total air traffic). IATA's primary purpose is to promote safe, reliable and efficient air transport for passengers and cargo.

Also Read:Air India to Launch Aircraft Maintenance Training Hub in Bengaluru

This is achieved through setting international standards for: safety; ticketing; baggage handling; and cargo operations.  IATA also provides training; compliance and regulatory support; and advocacy support for its member airlines. By providing a platform for harmonized airline practices around the world, IATA helps facilitate travel for passengers and the movement of goods by air around the globe, and makes air transport more user-friendly and sustainable.