Air India was founded by Tatas as Tata Airlines on October 15, 1932. Before India gained independence, it commenced operations on July 29, 1946.

After independence, it was taken over by the Indian government as its star airline. It is owned by Air India Ltd, a government-owned enterprise, and operates a fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft serving 102 domestic and international destinations. 

The airline has its hub at Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, Indira alongside several focus cities across India. Though it is the largest international carrier out of India with an 18.6% market share. Over 60 international destinations are served by Air India across four continents. The airline became the 27th member of Star Alliance on 11 July 2014.

Since it failed to meet its establishment cost due to mismanagement and corruption, it turned sick and suffered from loss and its liabilities were huge. As a result, the Government of India led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi decided to privatise it.

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Today, Tata Sons bagged the tender floated worldwide by the Ministry of Civil Aviation. This means Tatas have regained it. 

For Air India and its famous mascot- Maharaja-it is almost like a homecoming. It seems Tata Sons have got a poetic justice.It is like  'homecoming' for Air India.

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