18 Sep 2025
#3 September 2025: India Aviation Newsletter
Air India and Air Astana Announce Codeshare Partnership
Air India and Air Astana have signed a new codeshare agreement, enhancing connectivity between India and Kazakhstan. Under this partnership, Air India will place its ‘AI’ designator code on Air Astana flights operating between Almaty and Delhi, as well as Almaty and Mumbai.
The agreement builds upon an interline partnership signed earlier in 2025, which already offered Air India customers convenient connections via Almaty to key cities in Central Asia and China, including Astana, Bishkek, Tashkent, Dushanbe, and Urumqi. In return, Air Astana passengers gain access to 18 domestic and 9 international destinations across Air India’s growing network via Delhi and Mumbai.
Campbell Wilson, CEO & MD of Air India, commented:
“Our new codeshare partnership with Air Astana creates stronger air links to Kazakhstan, a fast-growing market with immense potential for tourism. Beyond serving leisure travel demand, our partnership will also support trade and cultural exchanges between our two countries, while bringing a new destination in Central Asia closer to our customers."
Akasa Air Appoints Naarayan T V as Chief Marketing Officer
Akasa Air has announced the appointment of Naarayan T V as Chief Marketing Officer, where he will oversee marketing, customer experience, ESG, eCommerce, partnerships, loyalty, and corporate communications. Naarayan will also join the Executive Committee of the airline.
This leadership appointment comes at a strategic time as Akasa accelerates its brand-building journey and strengthens its global ambitions, targeting a position among the top 30 airlines in the world by the end of the decade.
Vinay Dube, Founder and CEO of Akasa Air, stated:
“At Akasa Air, we are committed to building a world-class airline powered by our value-driven and service-oriented culture. Naarayan brings a global perspective and deep brand transformation expertise. His leadership will be instrumental in shaping Akasa’s next phase of growth.”
IndiGo Adds Purnea, Bihar to Domestic Network
IndiGo has launched direct flights between Kolkata and Purnea, Bihar, marking the airline’s 94th domestic and 137th overall destination. The route, inaugurated on 15 September 2025, will operate three times weekly using ATR72-600 aircraft.
This new service coincides with the opening of Purnea Airport, making IndiGo the first airline to commence operations from the facility. The addition supports the airline’s broader effort to strengthen connectivity to Tier-II and Tier-III markets.
Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales, IndiGo, said:
“We are proud to further strengthen regional connectivity with the addition of Purnea, Bihar to our growing network. As the first airline to operate from this newly launched airport, we reaffirm our commitment to making air travel more affordable and accessible while unlocking new opportunities across eastern India.”
Acumen’s Take
On Air India–Air Astana Partnership
This codeshare agreement reflects Air India’s strategic pivot toward strengthening Central Asian connectivity. Kazakhstan offers a growing tourism and business corridor, and this partnership aligns well with Air India’s focus on expanding its international footprint through efficient, capital-light collaboration.
On Akasa Air’s Executive Appointment
Naarayan T V’s appointment comes at a defining time for Akasa, as the airline consolidates brand value and customer trust amid aggressive growth. His blend of creativity and data-driven insight will be key to positioning Akasa among the world’s most recognised low-cost carriers.
On IndiGo’s Entry into Purnea
By entering Purnea, IndiGo strengthens its hold over the underserved eastern Indian market. The move reflects its broader strategy to tap regional demand through efficient ATR operations while fostering local economies through improved air access.
Acumen Aviation © 19 September 2025 All Rights Reserved.
