Tag: Tata Sons

Travel

Air India Adds 174 Weekly Flights to Domestic and Short-Haul International Network for Winter 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Air India has announced a significant network expansion for the Northern Winter Schedule 2025, introducing 174 additional weekly flights across key domestic and short-haul international routes starting 26 October 2025. The new schedule strengthens connectivity between major Indian cities and Southeast Asian destinations, reflecting the airline’s commitment to offering greater convenience and choice for travelers.

Among the international enhancements, flights from Delhi to Kuala Lumpur and Denpasar (Bali) will each increase from seven to ten weekly services, effective mid-November and early December respectively. Domestically, the expansion focuses on high-demand destinations in Rajasthan, with new routes such as Delhi–Jaipur and Delhi–Jaisalmer, along with increased frequencies on existing routes including Delhi–Udaipur, Mumbai–Jaipur, and Mumbai–Jodhpur. Additional flights are being introduced across Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and other cities including Varanasi, Port Blair, Guwahati, Raipur, and Amritsar.

This growth follows the near completion of Air India’s comprehensive retrofit program for its legacy Airbus A320neo aircraft, launched in September 2024. Of the 27 aircraft, 26 have been completely refurbished with brand-new interiors featuring Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy Class. With this upgrade, Air India now operates more than 100 A320 Family aircraft with enhanced interiors, serving over 80 domestic and short-haul international destinations.

The expansion is part of the airline’s ongoing transformation plan under Vihaan.AI, which aims to rebuild Air India into a world-class global carrier with an Indian heart. The airline, which returned to the Tata Group in 2022 after seven decades of government ownership, continues to evolve under an ambitious five-year roadmap. With more than 300 aircraft in its fleet and an order for 570 new planes underway, Air India is reshaping the future of Indian aviation through network growth, modern infrastructure, and superior customer experience.

As part of the larger Air India Group, which includes the full-service Air India and low-cost Air India Express, the company is leading the next chapter of Indian aviation by expanding reach, enhancing quality, and strengthening India’s position as a global travel hub.

EduConnect

Somerville College, Oxford Honours Natarajan Chandrasekaran with Prestigious Foundation Fellowship

Tanisha Cardozo

Somerville College at the University of Oxford has proudly announced the election of Mr Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, as a Foundation Fellow—one of the highest honours the College bestows for philanthropy. This prestigious recognition was conferred during a ceremony held on 23rd September 2025, attended by distinguished guests including the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford, Professor Irene Tracey, the High Commissioner of India, HE Vikram Doraiswami, and other prominent leaders from the Tata Group and academia.

Chandrasekaran, widely known as Chandra, was elected to this Fellowship by the outgoing Principal, Baroness Jan Royall, along with the Governing Body of Somerville College, in acknowledgment of his instrumental role in enabling the creation of the College’s new flagship teaching and learning hub—the Ratan Tata Building. Named after Mr Ratan Tata, a revered philanthropist and Chandrasekaran’s mentor, this building will serve as the permanent home for the Oxford India Centre for Sustainable Development (OICSD). Since its inception in 2013, the OICSD has been a leading force in researching critical issues related to sustainability and development that impact India and the global community.

A Foundation Fellowship creates a lifelong bond between the recipient and Somerville College and is a testament to the transformative support and enduring partnership between the Tata Group and Oxford. Catherine Royle, Principal of Somerville College, praised Chandrasekaran as “a shining testament to the power of meritocracy and just how much can be achieved through intellect and hard work,” celebrating his ongoing contributions to the shared vision between the College, the OICSD, and the Tata Group.

In his remarks, Natarajan Chandrasekaran highlighted the long-standing commitment of Somerville College to addressing pressing social causes over nearly 150 years, aligning with the core values of the Tata Group and its luminary Ratan Tata. He expressed confidence that the partnership’s fertile interdisciplinary environment would continue to foster collaboration and innovation to tackle some of the world’s most urgent environmental and social challenges.

Chandrasekaran’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Sciences from the Coimbatore Institute of Technology, Tamil Nadu, followed by a Master of Computer Applications from the National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli. Since completing his studies, he has dedicated himself to the Tata Group, ascending through leadership roles to become Chairman of Tata Sons, the holding company of India’s largest business conglomerate.

The conferral of the Foundation Fellowship marks a significant milestone in the enduring relationship between one of India’s most respected business leaders and one of the world’s most prestigious academic institutions, reinforcing a shared commitment to philanthropy, education, and sustainable development.

Social

Tata Sons Establish ‘AI-171 Memorial and Welfare Trust’ with ₹500 Crore Commitment for Victims and Relief Support

Tanisha Cardozo

Mumbai | July 19, 2025: Tata Sons today announced the formal registration of a new public charitable initiative – The AI-171 Memorial and Welfare Trust, in memory of the victims of the tragic Air India Flight AI-171 accident that occurred in Ahmedabad. The trust will provide compassionate relief and long-term support to the bereaved families, injured passengers, and even frontline workers and institutional caregivers impacted by the incident.

In a landmark philanthropic commitment, Tata Sons and Tata Trusts have jointly pledged a total of ₹500 crores — with ₹250 crores each — toward the trust’s objectives.

Key Components of the Trust:

  • ₹1 crore ex-gratia compensation for each deceased individual
  • Full medical treatment and rehabilitation for those who suffered serious injuries
  • Support for rebuilding infrastructure including the B.J. Medical College hostel, which was partially destroyed in the incident
  • Psychosocial support and welfare aid for first responders, healthcare staff, disaster management professionals, and social workers who were involved in post-crisis relief operations.

The trust will be governed by a five-member Board of Trustees, with Mr. S. Padmanabhan (former Tata veteran) and Mr. Sidharth Sharma (General Counsel, Tata Sons) already appointed. Additional trustees will be added in the coming weeks.

Operations will commence after registration with the tax and regulatory authorities is finalized. Tata Group reaffirmed that this trust is more than a monetary pledge — it is a long-term commitment to healing, rebuilding, and honoring lives lost and efforts made in the face of tragedy.

This move reflects the Tata Group’s legacy of responsibility and empathy during national crises, aligning deeply with its values of community care, resilience, and ethical leadership.