‍DALLAS — Air India Express (IX), a low-cost, wholly owned subsidiary of Air India (AI), was introduced in 2005.

With a fleet of 115 aircraft, including 40 Airbus A320s and 75 Boeing 737s, the airline connects 38 domestic and 17 international airports in India, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia with approximately 500 daily flights.

In 2025, 16 airlines joined the IATA community, among them are Saudi Arabia's flydeal (F3), Greece's Sky Express (G3), and Dallas, Texas-based Southwest Airlines (WN).

Joining IATA provides airlines with enhanced global recognition, operational efficiency, access to influential industry networks, advocacy support, safety standardization, cost savings, and exclusive discounts on industry-related services and products.

Global Recognition, Advocacy

IATA membership boosts an airline’s credibility and provides a unified voice to advocate for the interests of the airline industry with governments and regulatory bodies.

In addition to this international visibility, airlines can connect with key industry stakeholders through conferences, committees, and working groups, thereby influencing major industry initiatives and policy directions.

Operational Efficiency, Safety

Mandatory participation in the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) program ensures high safety standards, reduces redundant audits, and lowers accident rates for member airlines.

Furthermore, access to IATA’s financial settlement systems, like the Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP) and Clearing House (ICH), streamlines payments, reduces costs, and maximizes efficiency for international transactions.

Cost Savings, Discounts

IATA collaborates with airlines to minimize or mitigate costs associated with airport charges, air navigation fees, fuel fees, and taxes.

Additionally, IATA member airlines benefit from significant discounts (up to 50%) on products, training, audits, publications, and event fees exclusive to IATA members.

Innovation, Industry Initiatives

Members help shape new frameworks in areas like airline retailing, digital transformation, sustainability, data solutions, and interlining technology.

Participation in programs for fuel efficiency, sustainable aviation fuels, and end-to-end passenger biometrics further strengthens operations and environmental stewardship.

Membership Exclusives

Finally, perks include complimentary or discounted airline coding and participation in core interline agreements, which can save substantial sums on administrative costs.

Exclusive eligibility for advisory councils, which guide IATA’s policy and work plan for industry-wide impact, is also feasible for member airlines.

Air India Express is the fourth Indian airline to join IATA.