In the past decade India’s aviation industry has witnessed a rapid growth that has encouraged global airlines to start their service. Currently, dozens of airlines including world’s leading carrier offer flight services to and from major cities of India. Besides major Indian cities, namely Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata, international airlines operate flights from other cities like Bangalore, Cochin and Mangalore. Each year these international airlines serve to leisure as well as business travellers visiting India from different parts of the world. Along with a comfortable travel, the international airlines in India provide access to first class in-flight amenities and services. Some of the popular international airlines operational to and from India are as follows:
Aeroflot – Officially called ‘Aeroflot – Russian Airlines’, Aeroflot is the national flag carrier of Russia. Established on February 9, 1923, Aeroflot commenced its operation on July 15, 1923. Aeroflot offers its services to 97 cities in 48 countries across the world from its main hub at Sheremetyevo International Airport in Moscow. Currently Aeroflot has a fleet of 91 aircraft from Airbus, Boeing and Ilyushin families.
British Airways – British Airways is the national airline of the United Kingdom (UK) and ranked as the largest airline of the UK on fleet size and other components. With its primary hub at London Heathrow Airport, British Airways offers its flights for over 370 destinations worldwide. British Airways was founded on March 31, 1974 after the merger of BOAC and BEA. The vast fleet of British Airways has 239 aircraft belonging to two families, namely Airbus and Boeing.
Air France – Air France or Air France, S.A is the flag carrier of France having its headquarters in Tremblay-en-France, France. One of the biggest and oldest airlines of the world, Air France serves to 32 domestic destinations and more than 100 destinations worldwide. Air France has its principal hub at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport and currently operates a fleet of 248 aircraft from Airbus and Boeing families.
Cathay Pacific Airways – Cathay Pacific Airways is a Hong Kong based airlines founded by American Roy C Farrell and Australian Sydney H De Kantzow in 1946. The airline has its main hub at Hong Kong International Airport and offers scheduled passenger and cargo services to 114 destinations in 36 countries across the world. Cathay Pacific Airways has a fleet of 126 wide-body aircraft from Airbus and Boeing families.
Etihad Airways - The national carrier of Abu Dhabi (UAE), Etihad Airways or simply called as Etihar is a major airline of Asia. Etihad was founded in the year 2003 and currently operates around 147 daily flights to 64 destinations in 42 countries worldwide. The main hub of Etihad is Abu Dhabi International Airport and its head office is in Khalifa City A, Abu Dhabi. Etihad has a fleet of 55 aircraft including 5 cargo flights. In India Etihad Airways operates flights to Delhi, Mumbai, Trivandrum, Bangalore and Chennai.
Lufthansa - Founded in January, 1926, Lufthansa is one of the important airlines of the world. It is a German Airline having its headquarters in Cologne. Lufthansa is the founding member of Star Alliance and currently offers its services to around 410 destinations worldwide. The fleet of Lufthansa has 274 aircraft that include Airbus, Boeing and Bombardier aircrafts. Lufthansa flies to Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad.
Singapore Airlines – Singapore Airlines Limited (SIA) or Singapore Airlines is the flag carrier of Singapore. The primary hub of the airline is Singapore Changi Airport and it has a strong presence in the South Asia, East Asia, Southeast Asia and many other destinations worldwide. Singapore Airlines has a fleet of 106 aircraft and it offers services for 61 destinations including Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Bangalore. Originated in 1947, it was earlier known as Malayan Airways. It is one of the six airlines of the world to receive a 5-star rating by Skytrax.
Virgin Atlantic Airways – A private airlines run by Richard Branson's Virgin Group, Virgin Atlantic Airways has its main base at London Heathrow Airport. It was the first airline to offer individual TVs to their business class passengers. Virgin Atlantic has one of the youngest fleets in the world and currently boasts of 37 aircraft. Virgin Atlantic flies to Indian cities, namely Delhi and Mumbai.
Thai Airways International - Thai Airways International, the national airline of Thailand came into being in 1960 as a result of the joint venture between Thailand's domestic airline Thai Airways Company and Scandinavian Airlines System. It operates domestic, regional and international flights to many destinations of the world. Thai Airways International has its main hub at Bangkok International Airport. The airline has a fleet of around 99 aircrafts and offers its services for 71 destinations including Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and Bangalore.
Sri Lankan Airlines – SriLankan Airlines Limited, earlier known as Air Lanka is the flag carrier of Sri Lanka. With its main base at Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport, Sri Lankan Airlines offers its flight services to 49 destinations in Asia and Europe. Currently the fleet of SriLankan Airlines has 13 aircraft from Airbus family. The airline flies to many cities in India such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kochi, Hyderabad and Goa.
Air Canada – Air Canada is the flag carrier and the biggest airline of Canada. Founded in 1936, Air Canada offers scheduled and chartered services to 178 destinations around the world. Air Canada has a vast fleet of 202 aircraft including aircrafts from Airbus, Boeing and Embraer families. Air Canada is a founding member of Star Alliance and provides its service to Indian capital city New Delhi.
Other popular international airlines to India are: American Airlines, Finnair, Kuwait Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Druk Air, US Airways and United Airlines.
