Air India’s losses narrow in H1 by ₹2,000 crore

Based on Singapore Airlines’ 25.1% stake in Air India, the Tata Group-owned airline’s total losses fell to an estimated ₹10,837 crore from ₹12,850 crore a year earlier. | Photo Credit: The Hindu Singapore Airlines’ share of losses from Air India declined to S$361.7 million (approximately ₹2,720 crore) in the first half of FY2026-27, down from S$429.5 million (₹3,229 crore) in the corresponding period last year, marking a reduction of S$67.8 million (about ₹510 crore).Based on Singapore Airlines’ 25.1% stake in Air India, the figures imply that the Tata Group-owned airline’s total losses fell to an estimated S$1.44 billion (₹10,837 crore), from S$1.71 billion (₹12,850 crore) a year earlier.The moderation in losses offers some relief to Air India’s financial backers, even as Singapore Airlines reported a 43.9% decline in its own first-half net profit to S$134 million (approximately ₹1,008 crore), amid a sharp increase in jet fuel costs.Air India, along with its subsidiary Air India Express, reported a consolidated net loss of ₹22,238 crore in FY2025-26, more than double the ₹10,859 crore loss recorded in the previous financial year, underscoring the financial challenges confronting the airline’s turnaround.Singapore Airlines said in a press statement that it and Tata Sons recognise “that a transformation of this scale will take time. Both partners continue to work closely to support Air India’s journey towards profitable growth, including strengthening structural cost efficiencies, unlocking greater synergies between Air India and Air India Express, sharpening its commercial strategy to navigate current external challenges elevating its customer proposition.”Cost rationalisation and operational efficiency have emerged as key priorities under Air India’s new Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Tewolde Gebremariam, who took charge on October 1.Speaking at the Aviation India and South Asia Summit on November 3, Mr. Gebremariam said the airline was examining unit costs across every aspect of its business. It has also set up a multi-functional cost-savings team to scrutinise expenditure and identify opportunities for savings.In an internal communication to employees in October, the CEO called for a culture of “frugality, accountability, and thoughtful decision-making.”The airline is also looking to deepen operational synergies between Air India and Air India Express through the integration of select corporate functions, as it seeks to streamline its cost structure and improve financial performance. Published - November 11, 2026 06:58 pm IST