Air India’s CEO, Campbell Wilson, has unveiled plans for a significant expansion of the airline’s domestic and international network as part of a bold turnaround strategy. With the goal of transforming Air India into a top global carrier, the focus is on increasing market share and serving more destinations to meet the growing demand for air travel in India and beyond.

In an exclusive interview with CNBC-TV18’s Managing Editor Shereen Bhan on May 31, Wilson highlighted the airline’s determination to expand its global footprint. “We are aiming for a 30% market share, and we are currently at 27%,” he said. This growth trajectory is supported by a massive fleet expansion plan, including an order for 470 aircraft, signaling Air India’s intention to significantly increase operations.

The airline is looking to expand the number of destinations it serves and improve frequency and quality of flights on existing routes. Wilson pointed to the use of upgraded aircraft, such as the Airbus A350, on high-profile long-haul routes like London Heathrow and New York, as an example of how Air India is elevating its product and service standards to compete on a global scale. These routes are essential as they connect India to major economic and cultural hubs and cater to a large volume of business and leisure travelers.

Wilson also mentioned the focus on domestic metro routes, where Air India and its subsidiaries have captured around 50% of the market share. This dominance in key Indian metro corridors provides a solid foundation for further network expansion. The airline’s growth is also supported by significant investments in upgrading physical infrastructure, IT systems, and operational capabilities to accommodate a larger and more efficient airline.

Attracting a new generation of flyers in India is a crucial part of Air India’s expansion strategy. Despite being the third-largest domestic air travel market globally, India’s air travel penetration remains low, around one-fifth of China’s. This gap indicates a massive potential for growth as the country’s middle class expands, and more people have access to affordable air travel.

Wilson emphasized that the airline’s ambitious growth plans are a reflection of this potential: “India is a rapidly growing aviation market, with an annual growth rate of 8 to 10%. As more people reach the economic stage of being able to fly, we will see a significant increase in air traffic.

The airline’s transformation from a struggling legacy carrier to a modern full-service airline is closely tied to this vision. Wilson noted that over the past three years, Air India has merged multiple airlines under one banner, upgraded its IT infrastructure, hired thousands of new staff, and improved operational metrics such as on-time performance and customer satisfaction scores.

With a solid foundation in place, Air India’s focus is now on seizing emerging opportunities by expanding its destination network and deploying newer, more efficient aircraft. Wilson emphasized that this is a long-term mission, in line with the airline’s goal of becoming a world-class carrier that promotes India’s culture globally.