Who Owns Air India in 2025? Tata Group’s Role in the Airline’s Future
Air India, one of the most iconic airlines of India, is currently owned by the Tata Group. The ownership was officially transferred from the Government of India to Tata Sons on January 27, 2022, marking a major moment in Indian aviation history. As of 2025, Air India continues to operate under the Tata umbrella with ambitious plans for modernization and global expansion.
History of Ownership
Originally founded by J.R.D. Tata in 1932 as Tata Airlines, the airline was nationalized in 1953 and became state-run for nearly 70 years. Due to mounting losses and inefficiencies, the Indian government decided to privatize Air India.
Tata Group’s Takeover
In October 2021, Tata Sons won the bid to acquire Air India for ₹18,000 crore. The acquisition included:
- 100% stake in Air India and Air India Express
- 50% stake in ground handling company AISATS
- Air India’s fleet of 117 aircraft and 24 wide-body jets
Current Leadership
As of 2025, the CEO of Air India is Campbell Wilson, an experienced aviation executive brought in by Tata Sons to transform the airline. Under his leadership, Air India is undergoing digital transformation, safety upgrades, and fleet modernization.
Connection to Recent Events
The tragic Air India AI‑171 crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025 has raised new questions about aircraft safety and operational efficiency. The Tata Group has expressed deep condolences and has pledged full cooperation in the ongoing investigation. The flight was operated by a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, and black box data is now under analysis.
Future Plans
Air India under Tata aims to:
- Merge with Vistara (a joint venture with Singapore Airlines)
- Expand international routes
- Introduce new aircraft and improve service standards
- Compete with global carriers in terms of quality and punctuality
Conclusion
The Tata Group’s ownership has revived confidence in Air India’s future. Despite the recent tragedy, experts believe the airline is still on a strong path toward modernization. The key challenge ahead lies in maintaining safety, efficiency, and customer trust.
