Vikram Dayal becomes new head of Air India’s operations as the airline makes a major leadership change. Dayal is now the Head of the Integrated Operations Control Centre (IOCC), replacing Choorah Singh. Singh took charge in October 2023 but stepped down to explore new opportunities in Ireland. His exit followed a DGCA notice earlier this year over issues in crew scheduling and rostering.
This leadership change is crucial for Air India. The IOCC manages daily flight operations, crew deployment, and scheduling. Strong leadership is vital to ensure punctual flights and safe operations. Air India, owned by the Tata Group, has not issued an official statement yet. However, aviation experts believe Dayal will bring new strategies and improve operations.
Meanwhile, Air India Express is boosting regional connectivity. A new direct flight will link Agartala and Bagdogra from October 26, 2023. The service will make travel easier to places like Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Mirik, and Sikkim. A 180-seater Boeing aircraft will operate this route. The flight leaves Bagdogra at 4:30 PM and reaches Agartala at 5:40 PM. It departs Agartala at 6:10 PM and returns to Bagdogra by 7:20 PM. Ticket bookings are open, with affordable fares to attract more travelers.
Air India is also expanding its international network. From October 26, 2023, it will add a fourth daily flight between Delhi and London Heathrow. This will increase weekly flights from 24 to 28. It also adds 1,196 seats each week. The airline will use modern Airbus A350-900 and Boeing 787-9 aircraft, improving passenger comfort and efficiency.
At present, Air India runs 61 flights every week between India and the UK. It offers nearly 1.7 million seats per year. The airline connects five Indian cities: Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, and Amritsar, with three UK destinations: London Heathrow, London Gatwick, and Birmingham. These flights are essential for business travelers, students, and families. They especially benefit people from Punjab who travel frequently to the UK.
Moreover, experts say these steps show Air India’s focus on better connectivity and customer experience. The airline wants to compete with global carriers. It aims to grow its international presence and stay a top choice for travelers.
In conclusion, Vikram Dayal becomes new head of Air India’s operations, marking a new chapter for the airline. However, with leadership changes, new routes, and more international flights, Air India is working to offer smoother operations, stronger connectivity, and improved service worldwide.
