Mumbai, (PTI): Tata Group-owned Air India Express on Wednesday unveiled its new brand identity and aircraft livery that mainly features the colours of orange and turquoise.

Air India Express is in the process of merging AIX Connect (formerly AirAsia India) with itself and the entity will be the low cost carrier of the Tata Group.

The unveiling of the new visual identity was done at Mumbai airport, little over two months after Air India unveiled its new brand identity.

"The airline's new visual identity features an energetic and premium colour palette of Express Orange and Express Turquoise with Express Tangerine and Express Ice Blue as secondary colours," Air India Express said in a release.

t Express Orange symbolises the airline's brand values of enthusiasm and agility, while reflecting the positioning of quintessential Indian warmth. The Express Turquoise embodies the brand personality traits of style with a contemporary premium sensibility and a digital-first approach, it added.

According to the airline, the livery of the first new Boeing 737-8 aircraft draws inspiration from the Bandhani textile design.

"The upcoming aircraft being inducted will feature designs inspired by other traditional patterns including Ajrakh, Patola, Kanjeevaram, Kalamkari, etc, showcasing India's artistic diversity.

"The airline's 'Patterns of India' theme encapsulates the spirit of the nation and shares its stories through a visual journey," the release said.

Air India Express Managing Director Aloke Singh said the re-branding marks a new phase in its ambitious growth and transformation journey, starting with induction of the modern fuel-efficient Boeing B737 8 aircraft.

"With 50 aircraft set to be inducted into the fleet over the next 15 months, we double in size in a short span of time.

"Over the course of the next 5 years, we aim to grow to a fleet of about 170 narrow-body aircraft, with a network spanning the domestic India and short-haul international markets," he said in the release.

Air India Chairman and Managing Director Campbell Wilson said that with the merger of Air India Express and AirAsia India now in the final stages, "we are also seeing the transformation of the aviation landscape".

Besides, Air India Express unveiled its new signature sonic identity, a vibrant melody and the musical logo "evokes the Rasas of Karuna, Adbutha, and Veera, a harmonious welcome to the sounds of New India".

On August 10, Air India unveiled a new brand identity 'The Vista' inspired by the peak of the golden window frame that signifies "limitless possibilities" and a new aircraft livery.

Tata Group is in the process of consolidating its airline business. Apart from Air India Express-AIX Connect integration, Air India is merging Vistara with itself. Vistara is a joint venture between Tatas and Singapore Airlines, in which the former holds a 51 per cent stake.

 

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London, Nov 22: A bomb disposal squad deployed as a “precaution” to the South Terminal of Gatwick Airport concluded an investigation into a "security incident" on Friday after making a “suspect package” safe.

The South Terminal of Gatwick Airport, the UK's second busiest airport after Heathrow, which was briefly shut owing to the incident reopened following the incident.

The Gatwick is around 45 km south of London.

Two people detained during the enquiries have since been allowed to continue their journey as the airport was opened.

“Police have concluded their investigation into a report of a suspect package at Gatwick Airport. Officers from the EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) team made the package safe, and the airport has been handed back to its operator,” Sussex Police said in an updated statement.

“Two people detained while enquiries were ongoing have subsequently been allowed to continue their journeys. There will remain an increased police presence in the area to assist with passengers accessing the South Terminal for onward travel,” the statement added.

Earlier on Friday, the incident caused severe disruption at the busy airport’s South Terminal, while the North Terminal of Gatwick Airport remained unaffected.

“Police were called to the South Terminal at Gatwick Airport at 8.20 am on Friday (November 22) following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage,” a Sussex Police statement said.

“To ensure the safety of the public, staff and other airport users, a security cordon has been put in place whilst the matter is dealt with. As a precaution, an EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) team is being deployed to the airport. This is causing significant disruption and some roads around the South Terminal have been closed. We’d advise the public to avoid the area where possible,” it said.

Footage on social media taken outside the airport showed crowds of frustrated travellers being moved away from the terminal building.

Gatwick said it was working hard to resolve the issue.

“A large part of the South Terminal has been evacuated as a precaution while we continue to investigate a security incident," the airport said in a social media post.

“Passengers will not be able to enter the South Terminal while this is ongoing. The safety and security of our passengers and staff remain our top priority. We are working hard to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.”

Train and bus services that serve the airport were also impacted while the police carried out their inquiries.

In an unrelated incident in south London on Friday morning, the US Embassy area in Nine Elms by the River Thames was the scene of a controlled explosion by Scotland Yard dealing with what they believe may have been a “hoax device”.

“We can confirm the 'loud bang' reported in the area a short time ago was a controlled explosion carried out by officers,” the Metropolitan Police said in a post on X.

“Initial indications are that the item was a hoax device. An investigation will now follow. Some cordons will remain in place for the time being but the majority of the police response will now be stood down,” it added.