Air India, the country’s leading international carrier, has officially launched its new Centre of Digital Innovation (CODi) in Kochi. The centre will focus on developing cutting-edge digital technologies for customer interactions, as well as advancing data and AI capabilities. These innovations play a crucial role in Air India’s journey to becoming a modern, world-class airline.
The inauguration ceremony was presided over by N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of the Tata Group and Air India, alongside key figures such as Campbell Wilson, CEO and MD of Air India, Dr Satya Ramaswamy, Chief Digital & Technology Officer, and P. Balaji, Group Head of Governance, Regulatory & Compliance. The new CODi facility is located in the Caspian Techparks within Infopark Phase II, Kochi. The nine-story office includes a unique mix of workstations, meeting rooms, collaboration spaces, and features a dedicated ‘Bodhi Tree’ design collaboration area. The floors are named after historic Kerala kingdoms, including Travancore, Kochi, and Kozhikode, reflecting the region’s rich heritage.
The team at CODi has already played a significant role in the development of several digital platforms that enhance the customer experience for Air India passengers. These include the airline’s highly-rated mobile app, which holds a 4.8-star rating on both the Apple and Android stores. Additionally, Air India’s website has been recognized globally for its user-friendly design, while its AI-powered chatbot, AI.g, has answered over 8 million customer queries autonomously. Other innovations include a comprehensive notification system, an advanced inflight entertainment system, and AI-driven data analytics used across key departments to improve services.
In his address, N. Chandrasekaran emphasized the vision of a future where data-driven, AI-infused technologies elevate the customer experience at Air India. He called on the team to create digital tools that will not only enhance operational efficiency but also bring greater intelligence and empathy to customer-facing touchpoints.
Campbell Wilson echoed this sentiment, highlighting the role of CODi in strengthening India’s innovation ecosystem and the importance of empowering frontline employees with advanced tech solutions to improve service quality. Dr. Satya Ramaswamy also expressed confidence that CODi would continue to drive transformation within Air India, further enhancing the guest experience through digital innovation.
The Air India Group, which includes the full-service global airline Air India and the low-cost regional carrier Air India Express, is leading a new chapter in Indian aviation. The journey of Air India began in 1932 when JRD Tata piloted the inaugural flight, opening the skies to aviation in India. Today, the Air India Group employs over 30,000 people, operates a fleet of more than 300 aircraft, and serves 55 domestic and 48 international destinations across five continents.
After being returned to Tata Sons in 2022, following 70 years of government ownership, the Air India Group is undergoing a major five-year transformation plan called Vihaan.AI. As part of this transformation, Air India has placed an order for 570 new aircraft. In 2024, Air India successfully merged its sister airlines, Air Asia India and Vistara, into Air India Express and Air India, respectively. The airline also inaugurated South Asia’s largest aviation training academy.
A new flying school is set to open in 2025, and a greenfield maintenance base, scheduled to begin operations in 2026, is currently under construction. Along with receiving new aircraft, all existing planes are undergoing a comprehensive interior refurbishment. With this transformation taking place across all aspects of the business, Air India is poised to become a world-class global airline, all while retaining the warmth and hospitality of India at its core.
