Other Early Aircraft

Air-India International was formed in 1948 as a result of a collaboration between The Government of India and Air-India Ltd., an airline promoted by the Tata group. Air-India Ltd., itself was founded in 1932 as the Airline Division of Tata Sons Ltd., and was later operating as Tata Airlines Ltd., before renaming itself as Air-India Ltd. in 1946. Let us look at some of the early airplanes they used, and some other early airplanes of Air-India International as well.
Above: An advertisement in the Illustrated London News shows images of various planes these airlines used between 1932 and 1960.
Above: Air-India celebrated its 40th Anniversary in 1972 (considering 1932 as the founding year). A fold-out brochure was brought out with images of all the aircraft they used over these years. This was also around the time they procured the Boeing 747 Jumbo Jet, which was a big bold step forward by the airline.

Right: the cover image of this brochure which shows the founder, J.R.D. Tata in front of the De Havilland DH.80A Puss Moth which he flew from Karachi to Bombay on the inaugural flight of the airline on 15 October 1932.
Above: Publicity photograph taken at Bombay airport on 15 October 1962 shows J.R.D. Tata, Chairman of the Tata group and of Air-India, who piloted this flight and the original 1932 flight as well, standing with S. K. 'Bobby' Kooka of Air-India. Behind him is the De Havilland DH85 Fox Moth, VT-AKH in which he recreated the flight. This aircraft was similar to the De Havilland DH80A Puss Moth, VT-ACZ in which he did the original 1932 flight. Also in the background is Air-India's Boeing 707, acquired by Air-India in 1960.
Above: A group photograph of the 1946 route survey flight taken at Karachi Aerodrome. This is under the wings of the Air India Ltd., Dakota DC-3 (VT-ADF) aircraft.


Right: A note from M. Sundareshan, one of the passengers, written more than 45 years after the flight, recording his memories in accurate detail. Incidentally, October 12, 1992 would be just about approaching the 60th Anniversary of the airline.


Below Left & Right: A Douglas DC-3 airplane VT-CGP, c/n 12928 (ex-42-108908) at London Airport in Air-India International livery, Silver, white, red, black. Picture taken on 24 March 1956. This needs more research since there is no record of this aircraft in popular lists of Air-India International aircraft, including the airline's official web-site.








Right: Air-India International ordered the De Havilland Comet 3 aircraft as early as in 1953, and envisioned joining the Jet Aircraft era in just a couple of years. The advertisement on the right was the announcement of the deal by De Havilland the same year.

Alas, this was not to be. A series of accidents involving this aircraft with other airlines forced Air-India International to re-evaluate their decision and eventually cancel the order. The airline had to then wait until 1960, when using the Boeing 707, they finally had Jet Airplanes in their fleet.
Air-India International Press release on purchase of two series 3 Comets for delivery in 1957.
Ken Sequeira Art
Ken has had a long stint in Air-India from 1983-1997. He has worked there in various capacities, both in the air, and on the ground, having spent an equal amount of time in Jet Engine and Aircraft Maintenance and Cabin Crew. Ken is also an artist and his favourite subject is aircraft. Using decorative pattern making several small ink dots technique; he has created wonderful art for Air-India. 

Some of his Air-India art is shown here.