Author(s): Sarbjit Singh, Bibuti Bushan Tripathy, Sayan Banerjee
Air India is the largest international carrier from India with an 18.6% market share. Over 60 international destinations are served by Air India across four continents. Additionally, the carrier is the third-largest domestic airline in India in terms of passengers carried (after Indigo and Jet Airways) with a market share (passengers) of 13% in the financial year 2016-17. The airline had become the 27th member of Star Alliance* on 11 July 2014. This case study aims to analyze the present operations of Air India and tries to identify the root cause of its problems. The study also analyzes the various options available to the airlines and the pros and cons of each of those options. The case study analyzes the impact of the merger of Air India with Indian Airlines. It explores the viability of a commercial enterprise run by the Government.