The state-owned Indian Airlines is going in for a makeover with a new name 'Indian' and a logo inspired by Konark sun temple in Orissa, ahead of new aircraft joining its fleet.
NEW DELHI: The state-owned Indian Airlines is going in for a makeover with a new name 'Indian' and a logo inspired by Konark sun temple in Orissa, ahead of new aircraft joining its fleet.
Announcing the change here Wednesday, Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel said the makeover will begin with the three leased Airbus A319s joining the fleet this month.
The first of the A319 arrived here Wednesday bearing a vibrant logo of a flaming orange sun with a dash of blue inspired by the Konark sun temple.
"This is the first new aircraft to join the fleet after 11 years," Patel said.
To begin with, the new design is being implemented only on the Airbus A319s, but gradually the changes will be made in the entire fleet as and when they are refurbished or painted.
The airline has already invited some designers to suggest new uniforms for the staff for a trendy look.
Two other leased aircrafts are to be inducted later this month and another two by April, taking the fleet strength to 70 aircraft.
These are apart from the 43 Airbus - A319s and A320s - the airline is in the final stages of negotiations. They will join the fleet from August next year.
"We hope to induct one aircraft every month," the minister said.
On the modernisation plans for airports, Patel said the bids would be finalised by Dec 31 as per the recommendations of the Group of Ministers.
Set up in 1953, Indian Airlines currently has an annual turnover of around Rs.60 billion ($1.2 billion). Together with its subsidiary, Alliance Air, the airline carries over 7.5 million passengers annually.
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