The 18th of April is celebrated as “World heritage Day” and this year, I decided to take a look at the heritage on planes and what better way than to take a look at the wonderful heritage which Air India Express carries on its tails and often publishes as “TalesofTails”.
In October 2023, a few weeks after Air India did its brand reveal, the subsidiary Air India Express did its brand reveal. Continuing with the unique tradition, Air India Express decided to feature a variable tailfin design inspired by the rich art and crafts heritage of the country, themed as ‘The patterns of India’”. VT-BXA, the first aircraft to adorn this has Bandhani textile design and the airline had said that it would induct the future aircraft which will feature designs inspired by other traditional patterns including Ajrakh, Patola, Kanjeevaram, Kalamkari, etc., showcasing India’s artistic diversity. The airline unveiled its “Kalamkari” pattern at Wings India in January this year.
Air India Express now has 18 MAX 8 aircraft in its fleet, most of which are operational. Let us look at the tales of tails on these aircraft as we celebrate World Heritage Day today. In addition one A320 has also been transformed to the new livery.
- Pattern: Bandhani
- Details: An age-old textile dyeing method from India. This art, dating to the Indus Valley Civilization, involves tying fabric sections with thread before dyeing, resulting in distinct patterns.
- Origin: Gujarat
- Aircraft: VT-BXA
- Pattern: Phulkari
- Details: Phulkari, which means ‘flower work’, is a traditional embroidery technique known for its vibrant and intricate designs featuring floral motifs, symbolizing prosperity, happiness and tradition.
- Origin: Punjab
- Aircraft: VT-BXB
- Pattern: Paisley
- Details: Paisley or paisley pattern is an ornamental textile design using the boteh or buta, a teardrop-shaped motif with a curved upper end.
- Origin: Jammu & Kashmir
- Aircraft: VT-BXC
- Pattern: Patola
- Details: Patola pattern is a double ikat pattern usually printed on saree and from Patan in Gujarat.
- Origin: Gujarat
- Aircraft: VT-BXD
- Pattern: Kanjeevaram
- Details: This intricate silk weave is adorned with contrasting borders and exquisite motifs such as peacocks, elephants, and delicate floral designs.
- Origin: Tamil Nadu
- Aircraft: VT-BXE
- Pattern: Warli
- Details: This ancient art form captures the essence of nature, community and daily life. With its characteristic geometric motifs traditionally seen against earthy backgrounds, Warli paintings feature human figures engaged in activities like dancing, hunting, farming and celebrating.
- Origin: Maharashtra
- Aircraft: VT-BXF
- Photo Credits: Nitin Nair
- Pattern: Jamdani
- Details:created on a handloom, Jamdani features intricate motifs of flowers, vines, leaves and geometric shapes.
- Origin: West Bengal
- Aircraft: VT-BXG
- Pattern: Kalamkari
- Details:Kalamkari is a type of hand-painted cotton textile produced in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Only natural dyes are used in Kalamkari, which involves twenty-three steps.
- Origin: Andhra Pradesh
- Aircraft: VT-BXH
- Pattern: Gamosa
- Details: A treasured handwoven textile originating from Assam. This textile holds great cultural significance within Assamese society, symbolising hospitality, reverence, and solidarity.
- Origin: Assam
- Aircraft: VT-BXI
- Pattern: Banarasi
- Details: Renowned for its intricate weave and luxurious silk, Banarasi often features shimmering gold and silver threads, with motifs inspired by nature, specially flora and fauna.
- Origin: Uttar Pradesh
- Aircraft: VT-BXJ
- Pattern: IKAT
- Details: A traditional dyeing and weaving technique known for intricate geometric motifs.
- Origin: Odisha
- Aircraft: VT-BXL
- Pattern: Bagh
- Details: Bagh print motifs are typically geometric, paisley, or floral compositions design, dyed with vegetable colours of red and black over a white background, and is a popular textile printing product.
- Origin: Madhya Pradesh
- Aircraft: VT-BXQ
- Pattern: Jamawar
- Details: Jamawar, or gown piece, is a special type of shawl made in Kashmir, India. “Jama” means robe and “war/var” is yard. The best quality of Jamawar is built with Pashmina.
- Origin: Jammu & Kashmir
- Aircraft: VT-BXR
- Pattern: Pichwai
- Details: Pichwais may often depict the eight different adornments associated with each viewing and used as a backdrop for temples
- Origin: Rajasthan
- Aircraft: VT-BXM
- Pattern: Kasuti
- Details: Kasuti work which is very intricate sometimes involves putting up to 5,000 stitches by hand and is traditionally made on dresswear
- Origin: Karnataka
- Aircraft: VT-BXO
- Pattern: Pattu Weave
- Details: Pattus have been an important part of the traditional dressing of the people in the Thar Desert that lies in western part of Rajasthan. Pattus are woollen or cotton blankets woven by Meghwal community of weavers
- Origin: Rajasthan
- Aircraft: VT-BXK
- Pattern: Madhubani
- Details: Madhubani painting is a very old form of folk art that originated in the Madhubani district of Bihar. It is made from rice paste and natural colours.
- Origin: Bihar
- Aircraft: VT-BXP
- Pattern: Aipan
- Details: Aipan is a traditional forms of Rangoli and is a decorative art form used to decorate floors and walls at places of worship and entrances of homes
- Origin: Uttarakhand
- Aircraft: VT-BXN
- Pattern: Ajrakh
- Details:Ajrakh is celebrated for its intricate geometric and floral patterns, adorned with vibrant hues such as deep blue and radiant red.
- Origin: Rajasthan
- Aircraft: VT-ATD
The airline continues to operate the 737-800NG in its fleet which come with different tail art. Over a period of time these aircraft will be phased out in favor of more fuel efficient MAX 8 and possibly even the A320neo family aircraft.
- VT-GHA: Indian Wildlife – Indian Elephant and Camel
- VT-GHB: Indian Festivities – Kites (Makar Sankranti) and Rangoli
- VT-GHC: Indian Musical Instruments – Tabla and Sitar
- VT-GHD: Traditional Indian Lamps – Diya (North India), Samai (South India)
- VT-GHE: Indian Dance Forms – Bharatanatyam and Kathakali
- VT-GHF: Indian Heritage – Taj Mahal and Konark Sun Temple
- VT-AYA: Indian Heritage – Ajanta and Ellora Caves
- VT-AYB: Indian Wildlife – Chital (Spotted Deer) and White Tiger
- VT-AYC: Indian Ethnic Wear – Patola Sari (Gujarat) and Shawl (Nagaland)
- VT-AYD: Northeast India – Folk dance from Manipur and Nagaland
- VT-AXI: Indian Miniature Paintings – Solah Shringar (Rajput) and Ragini Todi (Ragamala)
- VT-AXJ: Indian Heritage – Gwalior Fort and Red Fort
- VT-AXM: Indian Palaces – Mysore Palace and Mehrangarh Fort Palace
- VT-AXN: Indian Contemporary Art – Kochi Muziris Biennale Tail Art
- VT-AXP: Indian Art – Raja Ravi Varma Paintings – Hamsa Damayanti and Lady with the Swarbat
- VT-AXQ: Indian Heritage – Jantar Mantar and Qutub Minar
- VT-AXR: Kerala Culture – Kalaripayattu and Chundan Vallam (Snake Boat Race)
- VT-AXT: Indian Birds – Painted Stork and Peacock
- VT-AXU: Indian Dance Forms – Garba (Gujarat) and Bihu (Assam)
- VT-AXW: Indian Heritage – Charminar and Great Stupa of Sanchi
- VT-AXX: Indian Geography – The Himalayas and Coastal Beaches
- VT-AXZ: Indian Geography – Desert (Rajasthan) and Valley (Jammu and Kashmir)
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Dear Amey,
Thank you so much for this interesting story.
Prageesh ________________________________