Managing Director of Air India Express, Aloke Singh, will step down on March 19 upon completion of his tenure at the Tata Group-owned airline.
In a message to employees, Singh said, “After 5 extraordinary years, my tenure at AIX will conclude on March 19th. I could not be prouder of what we built and who we became in building it.” Quoting Sufi poet Rumi, he described the airline’s journey as “without parallel.”
Leadership Across Two Ownership Eras
Singh joined the then government owned Air India Express as Chief Executive Officer on November 9, 2020. He was appointed Managing Director for a three-year term beginning March 19, 2023. His tenure spanned both the government ownership period and the airline’s transition to the Tata Group in January 2022.
Under his leadership, the airline underwent a major transformation. Air India Express completed the merger of AIX Connect (formerly AirAsia India) into the airline, with the integration process concluding on October 1, 2024.
Expansion and Transformation
During Singh’s stewardship, the airline expanded its fleet four-fold to over 100 aircraft, becoming India’s third largest narrow body operator. The carrier now operates across India and 14 international destinations, supported by a workforce of approximately 8,300 employees.
Air India Express is currently the country’s second largest airline in terms of domestic and international routes as well as domestic stations, according to an official.
Reflecting on the transformation, Singh highlighted the airline’s operational integration, rebranding efforts, and scale-up from a niche carrier to a significant regional operator.
Following his departure, Captain Hamish Maxwell, currently Chief Operations Officer, will take over as the new Accountable Manager of the airline.
Singh’s exit marks a significant leadership transition as Air India Express continues its integration and expansion journey under the Tata Group.
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