Air India’s CEO Campbell Wilson revealed the airline’s ambitious plans for global expansion and fleet transformation during his speech at the CAPA Airline Leader Summit Australia Pacific, held in Brisbane.
Wilson, addressing aviation leaders at the Star Event Centre at Queen’s Wharf, discussed Air India’s five-year overhaul, promising that the carrier’s fleet and customer experience would soon meet world-class standards.
“When we finish our five-year transformation, the whole fleet will have been upgraded, and customer experience will be up to world-class standards,” Wilson said.
“Thereafter, it’s a matter of execution and scale. India’s growth offers no reason an Indian airline couldn’t be on par with major US or European carriers.”
Queensland too is positioning itself as a key part of Air India’s growth, aiming to introduce direct routes between Brisbane and India.
Queensland’s government is making a strong pitch for the Sunshine State to become Air India’s next Australian destination, which would mark a significant milestone as India – now the world’s most populous nation – currently lacks direct flight routes to Brisbane.
Wilson hinted at the possibility, acknowledging the untapped potential in the region. “We’ve already doubled our frequency to Australia over the last two years,” he said, referring to current routes to Sydney and Melbourne.
The expansion, however, depends on Air India’s aircraft deliveries. Since its privatisation in 2022, Air India has ordered a record-breaking 470 new aircraft, outstripping the entire fleet of Qantas.
In the two years since privatisation, Air India has undergone a comprehensive transformation, including the acquisition of new aircraft, a $200 million investment in IT systems, and plans to retrofit its widebody fleet by 2025.
Queensland Tourism Minister Michael Healy noted that India is currently the state’s eighth-largest international tourism market, and with the country’s growing middle class, the number of Indian travellers is set to increase. Gert-Jan de Graaff, CEO of Brisbane Airport Corporation, echoed these sentiments, citing the rapid growth of Indian travellers to Brisbane.
Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace too confirmed Brisbane’s increasing importance as a hub. With India now accounting for 68 per cent of Australia’s trade with the region, a direct route to Brisbane would significantly strengthen family and business connections.
Wilson also highlighted the airline’s goal to expand its market beyond the Indian diaspora, targeting corporate travellers and those seeking premium services. With a fleet that now includes six new A350s and an industry-first AI chatbot, Air India is redefining itself for the future.
Air India CEO confirmed that while several global markets are vying for these aircraft, Australia is high on the list. “As soon as we get the aircraft, we’d like to put more into Australia. The Indian diaspora ranks Australia as one of the top three destinations to travel to,” he said.
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