Air India History

Air India began with J.R.D. Tata's airmail flight in 1932, became India's flag carrier, and returned to the Tata Group in 2022, with the Maharajah along for the ride. Here's a short history of Air India, plus the Air India collection that celebrates them.

Tata's airmail (1932-1946)

On October 15, 1932, J.R.D. Tata flew a de Havilland Puss Moth carrying airmail from Karachi to Bombay. Nevill Vintcent flew the aircraft on to Madras. The airline was renamed Tata Air Services in 1938 and later Tata Air Lines. On July 29, 1946, it became a public company named Air India. That same year it introduced the Maharajah, its famous mascot.

Flying the world (1948-1962)

On June 8, 1948, the Lockheed Constellation "Malabar Princess" left Bombay for London, Air India's first international flight. In 1953 the government took a majority stake and renamed the carrier Air India International. On February 21, 1960, Air India received its first Boeing 707, "Gauri Shankar," the first jet for an Asian airline. In June 1962 the name was shortened to Air India, and it became the world's first all-jet airline.

Jumbos and mergers (1971-2021)

The first Boeing 747-200B, "Emperor Ashoka," was delivered in 1971. In 2007 Air India merged with the domestic carrier Indian Airlines. On July 11, 2014, Air India joined Star Alliance as its 27th member.

Back to Tata (2022-today)

On January 27, 2022, the airline was handed back to the Tata Group. In February 2023 it ordered 470 Airbus and Boeing aircraft. The merger with Vistara was completed on November 12, 2024. The Maharajah got a refreshed look in 2024, with a jewelled turban and a kurta in the airline's new colours, and now appears at premium touchpoints such as First Class and lounges.

A few things collectors love

• The Maharajah was sketched in 1946 by commercial director Bobby Kooka and drawn by Umesh Rao of the J. Walter Thompson agency in Bombay.
• Air India's travel posters, such as K.K. Save's 1959 Rome poster, which won first prize at that year's ASTA International Poster Contest.
• Air India commissioned Salvador Dali to design an ashtray, and he asked for a baby elephant as payment.

Shop Air India

Browse Air India logo T-shirts, coffee mugs, coasters, tote bags and vintage designs in the Air India collection. Add an airline bag tag or key tag for your next trip.

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