Air India joins FIA after IndiGo, SpiceJet, Go First; becomes first Indian carrier to join AAPA

After IndiGo, SpiceJet and Go First, now Tata-owned Air India joins the Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA). Apart from this, Air India is now the first Indian airline to join the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA), a trade association for scheduled international airlines based in the Asia Pacific region. Other AAPA members include major carriers from North East, South East, and West Asia. In the domestic arena, the flag carrier has rejoined the FIA which works with regulatory authorities, government departments, and other stakeholders to highlight key areas of concern, including safety, passenger amenities, ground services, and aviation protocols, among others, with an overall objective of fostering safety and growth in the country's aviation sector. 

The primary purpose of AAPA is to articulate views on matters and issues of common interest for the Asia Pacific airline industry. On behalf of Asia Pacific air carriers, AAPA puts forward Asian perspectives when dealing with governments, aircraft manufacturers, airport authorities, and other organizations on industry issues.

Also read: Good news flyers! India may soon start direct flight operations to Cambodia

In addition to joining FIA and AAPA, Air India maintains membership in the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The CEO and MD Campbell Wilson of Air India said that "India is on the cusp of an aviation boom and, as a leading player, it is the responsibility of Air India to play an active role in helping realise this potential." 

"Membership of FIA and AAPA, along with our existing role in IATA, allows us to work together with our domestic and international peers, as well as other stakeholders, to address issues for consumer, industry, national and international benefit." After 69 years as a government-owned enterprise, Air India and Air India Express were welcomed back into the Tata group in January 2022.

(With inputs from IANS)