Who is Aloke Singh? Air India Express MD to step down in March after 5-year tenure
Aloke Singh, chief executive of Air India’s low-cost arm Air India Express, will step down from his post on March 19, 2026, after completing five years at the helm, according to an internal memo reviewed by Reuters on Monday.
In his note, Aloke Singh stated that the domestic carrier has grown to become the country’s third largest narrow body operator with more than 100 aircraft and approximately 8,300 employees.
Although he did not name his successor, he said Captain Hamish Maxwell would take over as the airline’s chief executive. Maxwell, who previously advised the MD, will take on the role of regulator responsible for overseeing security compliance and ensuring the carrier meets all operational standards.
From previous job roles to education – All about Aloke Singh
Singh joined Air India Express in 2020, at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic was disrupting global aviation. He later led the low-cost carrier’s integration with the former AirAsia India business following the Tata Group’s takeover of Air India.
Singh, an MBA graduate from Birla Institute of Technology Mesra, also completed a fellowship at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).
He has held senior leadership roles in aviation organizations and airlines over the years. Before joining Air India Express, he served as MD of AirAsia India and also contributed extensive industry experience by working with Aviation Center and Oman Air.
According to his Linkedin profile, Singh has three decades of experience in travel and air transportation.
In the note, he talked about the company’s growth during the year and credited it to employees. “Together, we have taken the airline through a period that has defined transformation – a complex merger, a complex integration, creating a new brand, quadrupling the fleet – moving the airline from a sub-scale, niche player to India’s 3rd largest narrowbody operator…” Singh told employees.
Air India Express will increase its capacity
The budget airline is expected to report an operating profit in the second half of the current financial year, for the first time since its acquisition by the Tata Group in 2022. The expected return comes amid a steady increase in capacity and a higher market share, according to the news agency.
Air India Express, which operates more than 100 Boeing and Airbus narrow-body jets, is reportedly aiming to double its capacity in the next four to five years, with plans to expand a fleet of more than 200 aircraft.
Meanwhile, Air India, jointly owned by Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, is struggling to rebuild its global reputation and rebuild its international network. The airline is also trying to replace its aging fleet, although supply chain delays have slowed its fleet upgrade.
