Air India vs Indian Airlines: A Detailed Comparison of Fleet, Technology, Operations, Safety, and Economics Introduction For decades, Air India and Indian Airlines were the two most recognisable names in Indian aviation. While both were government-owned carriers and served the nation with distinction, they operated with very different missions, aircraft fleets, route structures, and operational philosophies. Many younger aviation enthusiasts know Air India as India's international flag carrier but may not fully appreciate the role Indian Airlines played in connecting hundreds of cities across the country. Before their merger in 2007, these two airlines complemented each other and formed the backbone of India's civil aviation network. Having observed the growth of Indian aviation over several decades, I have always found the Air India–Indian Airlines story fascinating because it mirrors the evolution of aviation itself in India. Together, these airlines helped transform air tr...
“Defying gravity: How heavy metal flew and changed aviation forever.