Air India, BIAL Enter Agreement to Develop Bengaluru as a Premier Aviation Hub for Southern India

by Psu Connect
Date: 17-04-24

Plan includes enhanced international connectivity, dedicated lounge in T2 Domestic area for premium customers of Tata Group airlines, and MRO facility

Air India, BIAL Enter Agreement to Develop Bengaluru as a Premier Aviation Hub for Southern India

New Delhi: Air India, India’s leading global airline, and Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) have entered into an agreement intended to develop Bengaluru as a premier aviation hub for southern India, to boost air travel connectivity to and from India over the next few years.

The agreement marks a significant milestone in the Indian aviation industry. Air India (along with other Tata Group airlines – AIX and Vistara) and BIAL will collaborate to enhance international connectivity, operational efficiency, and passenger experience over the next five years.

This includes strengthening the group’s presence at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (KIAB or BLR airport) through an enhanced network and establishing a dedicated domestic lounge for premium and frequent travellers of Tata Group airlines Air India and Vistara.

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.

This underscores Air India's commitment to strengthening its presence in Bengaluru and over time, expand its global footprint to meet the growing demand for direct long-haul routes originating from Southern India. This partnership will stimulate the MRO ecosystem and is projected to generate over 1,200 new job opportunities for highly skilled individuals in the state.