Air India Soars To New Heights With TPConnects Iris Platform, Enhancing Its Global Aviation Connectivity

Published on February 25, 2026

Air India has become the first international airline of India to join the TPConnects Iris platform which enables the airline to extend its international flight operations throughout the world. The strategic partnership enables travel sellers located in India and the UAE and Singapore and Canada and the United Kingdom to access Air India flight routes which serve both domestic and international destinations. The system integration introduces New Distribution Capability (NDC) which is a contemporary industry standard that will improve the travel booking process for both travel agents and their customers.

The collaboration signifies a major step forward for Air India, which continues to bolster its presence in international aviation markets. By leveraging TPConnects’ innovative technology, the airline can now offer its extensive range of services, including premium cabin products, branded fare families, and a variety of ancillary services, all through a single, user-friendly interface.

Expansion of Air India’s Global Network

Air India’s extensive network, which spans across Asia, Europe, North America, and beyond, is now more accessible to global travel sellers. Through the Iris platform, travel agents can seamlessly shop for and sell Air India’s offerings, whether for short-haul domestic flights within India or long-haul international routes. This move is expected to drive higher sales volumes and expand Air India’s footprint globally.

This integration also unlocks NDC-enabled features, enabling the airline to offer branded fare families and comprehensive services such as seat selection, additional baggage, and special meals. Furthermore, Air India’s seamless order management system, including voids, refunds, and frequent flyer support, allows for smoother customer interactions, boosting the overall booking experience for both agents and travellers.

Enhancing Travel Seller Experience with NDC Capabilities

The NDC (New Distribution Capability) standard is designed to revolutionise the way airlines distribute their products by offering a more personalised and flexible booking experience. Through Iris, travel agents will have access to the full suite of Air India’s premium products, including business class and premium economy seats, alongside standard offerings. By allowing agents to search, compare, and book flights more efficiently, the integration streamlines the entire process, improving overall productivity and profitability for travel businesses.

Additionally, the integration supports multiple payment methods and offers instant payment capabilities, enabling quicker and more secure transactions. This modernisation will significantly enhance the booking experience, which is crucial for today’s time-sensitive, tech-savvy consumers who demand speed and flexibility.

What This Means for Air India’s Global Position

This partnership places Air India on a stronger footing in the highly competitive international aviation market. By joining TPConnects’ Iris platform, the airline gains direct access to a vast network of global travel sellers who can now offer its full product range through an integrated, efficient distribution channel.

Stephanos Kykkotis, Director of Product at TPConnects, highlighted the significance of this integration by stating that bringing Air India onto the platform is a crucial step in expanding their network of full-service carriers. He added that this integration provides travel sellers with the opportunity to offer their clients a broader range of Air India’s premium services while benefiting from the advantages of modern NDC distribution. This move is expected to elevate Air India’s brand visibility in international markets and attract a broader clientele.

Furthermore, the ability to offer more flexible fare options and value-added services will allow Air India to cater to the needs of today’s discerning travellers, who are increasingly seeking personalised and hassle-free travel experiences.

Air India’s Growth Strategy and Future Prospects

The partnership with TPConnects is part of Air India’s broader strategy to enhance its global presence, expand its customer base, and improve the overall travel experience. The integration of advanced technologies like NDC will allow Air India to provide greater flexibility in pricing and booking, which is a critical factor in the airline’s future growth.

Abhijit Kedia, Head of Distribution at Air India, expressed the airline’s excitement about the new partnership, noting that it would enable them to extend their global reach and offer a more comprehensive and flexible product range to travel sellers. The integration is set to improve the airline’s service offerings and is expected to create a more efficient distribution system that meets the demands of modern travellers.

With TPConnects Iris acting as the bridge between Air India and travel sellers, the airline is poised to experience growth in global travel markets. The seamless, NDC-enabled platform will not only enhance Air India’s connectivity but also allow the airline to improve its operational efficiency and customer service standards.

A New Era for Air India and Global Aviation

Air India achieved a major development when it joined the TPConnects Iris platform because this step advances the airline’s goal to become a major player in the worldwide aviation sector. With its network growth and NDC capabilities and better distribution systems, Air India can fulfill the changing requirements of travel sellers and travellers. The partnership enables the airline to gain more international market power because it provides customers with additional travel options and flexible solutions and an uninterrupted travel experience.

Image Credit: Air India