Indian Airlines was primarily a state owned domestic airline under the Federal Union Ministry of Civil Aviation. The airline started its operations on 1st August 1953 under the Air Corporations Act, 1953. In February 2007, Indian Airlines got merged with Air India to compete with the growing domestic competition. Indian Airline operates from New Delhi. Along with its subsidiary, Alliance Air, Indian Airlines cover various domestic and international destinations.
Economical Air Services
Being a state owned airline, Indian Airlines offer economical air services to its passengers. The airline also ensures to provide them with many on ground and in flight facilities. The Indian Airlines booking system gives you various options of booking, canceling, or confirming tickets through its toll free numbers. One can also book and cancel tickets through Indian Airlines online booking system. The airline offers some special services like medical assistance for expectant mothers and wheelchair access to handicap or elderly passengers. Indian Airlines gives you an option of tele check in, city check in, or return check in services. One can buy Indian Airlines tickets at reasonable prices for various destinations.
Destinations Covered
Indian Airlines has a wide network that stretches across 64 domestic and 16 international destinations. Along with the Indian domestic airlines, Alliance Air, Indian Airlines connects various Indian cities all over India. Some of the prominent destinations covered by this airline include Delhi, Jaipur, Bangalore, Patna, Mumbai, Goa, Bhuj, Hyderabad, Amritsar, Agra, Madurai, Lucknow, Kolkata, and Bhopal. Indian Airlines international flights also fly to international cities like Bangkok, Dubai, Singapore, Muscat, Colombo, Kuwait, Lahore, and Bahrain.
Indian Airlines Fleet
The average fleet age of Indian Airlines was 15.8 years as recorded in 2006. The airline fleet comprises of 6 Airbus A319, 2 Airbus A321, 2 Airbus A321, 48 Airbus A320-200, 6 Airbus A319-100, and 2 Dornier 228-200. Indian Airlines have also ordered Airbus A319, Airbus A320, and Airbus A321 to be delivered in near future. The fleet has undergone various accidents and incidents from time to time. One such incident includes the hijacking of Indian Airlines flight 814 by five terrorists. The hijacking took place on 24th December 1999.
In order to provide more security in its flights, the governing department of Indian Airlines has been taking numerous steps to provide a secure and safe journey to its passengers. Indian Airlines and Air India, the oldest and biggest airliners in the country are still leading way ahead of its domestic competition.