Air India Express boasts an exceptionally distinctive livery that stands out remarkably within the global airline industry, making it one of the most unique examples of branding in air travel. Every Boeing 737 within their fleet is adorned with a tail design that is not only different from one another but also showcases a rich and varied aspect of Indian culture and heritage on each side of the tail fin. This artistic portrayal emphasizes the rich diversity and vibrancy of India, enabling passengers to recognize the deep-rooted artistic expressions that define the nation’s identity.
Herein lies a selection of some of the most renowned and historically significant liveries that have been gracefully embellished upon various stunning aircraft throughout the years.
VT-AXA “Elephant/Camel”
The Asian elephant and the camel. The two creatures are depicted with extravagant headpieces. The elephant hails from the lush green state of Kerala in south-west India, whereas the camel is from the scorching deserts of Rajasthan in north-west India.
VT-AXB “Rangoli/Kites”
Rangoli and kite art are displayed in VT-AXB. rangoli is among the most well-liked artistic mediums. In India, this type of sand painting decoration is frequently done outside houses utilizing finely ground colored and white powders. The terms (colored creepers) “aavalli” and “rang” (color) are the roots of the word “rangoli.” India is a nation that loves kite flying; millions of people celebrate Makar Sankranti, a day dedicated to kite flying nationwide.
VT-AXC “Sitar/Tabla”
VT-AXC has two highly well-liked musical instruments. The sitar and the tabla. Two-hand drums are called tablas. In Indian music, this widely utilized percussion instrument is employed in religious, popular, and classical styles. The sitar is a plucked stringed instrument from the Indian subcontinent that is utilized in Hindustani classical music. Ravi Shankar’s works, which began in the late 1950s and early 1960s, made the sitar popular throughout the Indian subcontinent and around the world.
VT-AXD “Samai/Diya”
VT-AXD includes two lamps, one popular in the north and the other in the south. Diya and Samai. The diya is often a little clay lamp filled with vegetable oil or clarified butter. It is typically two to four inches wide and is commonly used in northern India. The samai normally has numerous levels, with multiple wicks per level, is constructed of brass, and can range in height from one foot to over twenty feet. Samai lamps are essential for any southern Indian celebratory occasion.
VT-AXE “Bharatanatyam Dance/Kathakali Dance”
VT-AXE showcases two classical dance forms from South India. Bharatnatyam from Tamil Nadu, with its exotic, expressive, energetic, and sculpture-like style; and Kathakali from Kerala, with its lavish costumes and make-up.
VT-AXF “Konark Sun Temple/Taj Mahal”
VT-AXF displays the Taj Mahal, the world’s most prominent monument of love, which is located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. It also includes the well-known Konark Sun Temple in the district of Puri on India’s east coast, in the state of Orissa. The two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, commonly known as the “Seven Wonders of India,” represent India’s harmonious coexistence of differences. The Mughal emperor Shah Jahan created the Taj Mahal in white marble in the 17th century, and it is considered to be a masterpiece of Muslim art in India. The Konark Sun Temple is a 13th-century Hindu temple built in black granite by King Narasimhadeva I and it is one of the most respected temples in India.
VT-AXG “Saree/Exotic Jewelry”
VT-AXG features bridal apparel and unique jewelry. In India, divorce is uncommon, and marriage is considered an auspicious occasion. A bride is dressed in the finest silks intertwined with gold thread, with exquisite jewelry decorating her from head to toe. Most brides will wear red or pink dresses. In some states, brides wear a white wedding dress with abundant gold embroidery and a crimson or green border. Glass and gold bracelets will embellish her wrists a third of the way to her elbow.
VT-AXH “India Gate/Gateway of India”
VT-AXH includes two monuments from the British “Raj” of India. The Gateway of India in Mumbai, and the India Gate in New Delhi. The Gateway of India was built to honor King George V and Queen Mary’s visit to Bombay in December 1911. The India Gate is India’s national landmark, and it contains the Amar Jawan Jyoti, the flame that burns constantly at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
On August 7, 2020, at 19:41 local time, an Air India Express Boeing 737-800 registered VT-AXH overran the runway while landing in adverse weather at Kozhikode Calicut Airport in Karipur, India. The aircraft was flying flight IX 1344 from Dubai with 174 passengers, 10 infants, two pilots, and four cabin personnel on board. The airplane skidded down an embankment and split apart, killing several passengers and crew members.
VT-AXV “Victoria Memorial / Konark Sun Temple”
VT-AXV displays the Sun Temple at Konark and the Victoria Memorial in Kolkata.
On May 22, 2010, Air India Express Flight 812, a Boeing 737-800 passenger plane, crashed while landing at Mangalore International Airport in India. The airplane overshot the runway, plummeted down a slope, and burst into flames, killing 158 of the 166 passengers and crew aboard.
These are some of the old liveries adorned during its time, what do you think about the new livery unveiled by the now rebranded air India express? Share your thoughts and comments.