Air India Express Achieves 4-Star Skytrax Rating in Inaugural Audit

Air India Express has received a 4-Star World Airline Rating from Skytrax following its inaugural comprehensive evaluation, marking a major milestone in the airline's ongoing enhancement of passenger services and operational excellence.

Skytrax's World Airline Star Rating system stands as the aviation industry's most established global quality benchmark, representing a prestigious recognition of service standards. The evaluation process involves an independent, thorough assessment of airline performance across both onboard and airport operations, employing a standardized global framework. For value carriers, the 4-Star designation represents the highest possible achievement, placing Air India Express within a select group of carriers operating in India and West Asia—just one level below Skytrax's elite 5-Star global airlines.

Nipun Aggarwal, Chairman of Air India Express, described the achievement as validation of the airline's transformation efforts. "Securing a 4-Star Skytrax rating in our first audit demonstrates the dedication of our teams in enhancing guest experience," he stated. "We have expanded our operations while maintaining service discipline, modernized our aircraft, and strengthened our service capabilities. The positive response from passengers regarding our improved offerings reflects a value proposition that aligns with contemporary India's expectations for choice, comfort and dependability. This recognition provides us with a strong platform to continue setting higher industry benchmarks."

According to Skytrax's assessment framework, the 4-Star rating reflects airlines demonstrating solid overall quality performance, backed by robust product standards and reliable staff service delivery. In Air India Express's case, the evaluation noted alignment between the airline's cabin offerings and passenger expectations, coupled with consistent operational processes, efficient airport services, and professional cabin crew management.

The airline's transformation has been anchored in the rapid expansion of a modern, fuel-efficient fleet. This strategic investment has enabled Air India Express to evolve from a smaller operator into India's second-largest carrier for domestic and regional international routes by both network size and airport presence. The airline currently operates more than 100 aircraft, with approximately two-thirds being new additions. These newer planes feature refreshed cabin designs with improved seating comfort, onboard catering capabilities including hot meal service, and enhanced amenity offerings. Complementing the fleet modernization, the airline has invested in structured service training programs and delivery enhancements.

This expansion has occurred at remarkable pace, with Air India Express now operating over 500 daily flights across 42 domestic and 17 international destinations spanning South, Southeast and West Asia. The airline's passenger advocacy metrics have reflected these improvements, with the Net Promoter Score—the internationally recognized measure of customer loyalty—tripling to record levels during the past financial year, indicating substantially increased likelihood of passengers recommending the airline to others.