As part of Kerala’s grand Onam celebrations, Air India Express (AIE) introduced a brand-new Boeing 737-8 aircraft, featuring tail art inspired by the traditional “kasavu” design, at Kochi airport. The airline, known for embracing Indian culture in its operations, unveiled this special aircraft to highlight the rich heritage of Kerala.
Kasavu: Symbol of Tradition and Prosperity
The kasavu, a handwoven fabric unique to Kerala, is recognized for its cream or off-white colour, bordered with gold. Often adorned with motifs of flowers, peacocks, and elephants, the fabric represents purity, prosperity, and is worn during auspicious occasions like Onam. An Air India Express spokesperson explained that the airline incorporated this traditional fabric into the tail design to celebrate Kerala’s culture during the Onam festival.
Special Welcome at Kochi Airport
To mark the occasion, AIE staff at Kochi airport greeted passengers of the new aircraft, registered as VT-BXM, in traditional kasavu attire, including dhotis and sarees. The boarding counters were decorated with Onam-themed floral arrangements, known as pookkalam, and passengers received a warm welcome with kasavu shawls. The aircraft operated on the Kochi-Bengaluru route, further connecting key domestic destinations.
Air India Express and the ‘Patterns of India’ Theme
At its brand relaunch in October last year, AIE introduced the “Patterns of India” theme, which features unique tail designs on its new aircraft. Since then, the airline has expanded its fleet by adding 34 aircraft, each showcasing a distinctive design inspired by India’s diverse textile heritage. The kasavu-inspired design is the latest addition, celebrating Kerala’s traditional artistry.
Commitment to Kerala and Cultural Heritage
Air India Express operates over 300 weekly departures from Kerala, serving 102 weekly flights from Kochi alone. The airline connects Kochi with key domestic destinations such as Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Kolkata, and international hubs like Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha, and Muscat. The airline also maintains significant operations from Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, and Kannur, ensuring strong connectivity within and outside India.
Fleet and Operations
As a subsidiary of Air India and part of the Tata group, Air India Express continues to grow its presence with over 380 daily flights. Its current fleet consists of 84 aircraft, including Boeing 737s and Airbus A320s, ensuring extensive domestic and international coverage.
Celebrating India’s Textile Traditions
With its modern interpretation of heritage through the “Patterns of India” theme, Air India Express continues to celebrate the nation’s cultural diversity. The airline’s commitment to offering quality service while honouring India’s traditions ensures a rich and meaningful travel experience for passengers.
