As part of its ambitious transformation journey, Air India is gearing up to extend its revamped Maharaja Club loyalty program to passengers of Air India Express, its low-cost subsidiary. A senior company executive revealed this during a recent discussion with reporters, signaling a move that could redefine how budget-conscious travelers engage with loyalty programs.
Air India Express passengers currently participate in the Tata NeuPass program, which consolidates loyalty benefits across all Tata brands into a single platform. However, with the anticipated inclusion in the Maharaja Club, these travelers will soon gain access to an enriched loyalty ecosystem, including Star Alliance privileges, global rewards, and a host of other benefits.
Nippun Aggarwal, Air India’s Chief Commercial Officer and Transformation Officer, highlighted the program’s massive overhaul last April, which introduced a point-based system with enhanced “earn and burn” opportunities. Since the revamp, the program has witnessed exponential growth:
– Membership has surged from 3 million to 10 million.
– Monthly enrollments have increased fivefold.
– The number of active members has risen significantly.
For Air India Express passengers, this transition promises to elevate their travel experience while retaining the affordability they value. Frequent flyers will gain access to perks such as:
– Earning and redeeming points across Air India and 24 other Star Alliance airlines.
– Star Alliance Gold privileges, including lounge access, priority check-in, and extra baggage allowance.
– Flexible redemption options, such as the Cash+Points feature for bookings.
With this integration, Air India Express passengers will be able to enjoy a seamless travel experience backed by the same rewards system that has already driven strong customer loyalty on Air India flights.
The move to extend the Maharaja Club program aligns with Air India’s broader strategy of creating a unified and rewarding customer experience across its full-service and low-cost operations. As the loyalty program continues to expand, it underscores Air India’s commitment to reimagining air travel for all its customers, regardless of their budget.
