~Tata Steel Foundation enables first-ever flying experience for 150 children ~

Jamshedpur, December 23, 2025: A special joy flight experience was organized by Air India Express, in collaboration with Tata Steel Foundation, for children from Masti Ki Pathshala, today. This aimed to bring alive the wonder, joy, and magic of the current festive season. Curated as a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many, the initiative also marks the beginning of a partnership between AIX and Tata Steel Foundation to create meaningful opportunities for children and communities.

Around 150 children, accompanied by teachers and facilitators from the Foundation, were hosted for a carefully curated aviation experience in Ranchi. The day began early in the morning, with children being picked up from the campuses of Masti Ki Pathshala in Jamshedpur and transported by bus to Birsa Munda Airport, Ranchi.

Upon arrival, the children had a pre-flight interaction with nominated pilots and cabin crew members of Air India Express. The session offered the children a rare opportunity to interact with aviation professionals, ask questions, and dream bigger about the future. At 12:30 p.m., the children embarked on a 45-minute joy flight, the first-ever flight for most, offering them a safe, inspiring and unforgettable introduction to the world of aviation. The experience was complemented with an in-flight meal, adding to the excitement and sense of celebration. Tata Steel Foundation supported the initiative by providing the venue and food arrangements at ITI Tamar.

Commenting on the Joy Flight, Aloke Singh, Managing Director, Air India Express, said, “We are pleased to collaborate with the Tata Steel Foundation in offering a first-flight experience to children from Masti Ki Pathshala. Seeing the excitement and sense of wonder in their eyes is a powerful reminder of the impact such moments can have. Experiences like these reinforce that aviation is not only about connecting places, but also about the wonders and excitement of travel”

Speaking on the occasion, Sourav Roy, CEO, Tata Steel Foundation, said: “At Tata Steel Foundation, our commitment to education and supporting children is guided by our efforts to strengthen institutions like Masti Ki Pathshala that nurture learning and aspiration at the grassroots. We were delighted to see children experience the aviation sector for the first time, opening new horizons and aspirations. This collaboration with Air India Express marks the beginning of a partnership to work together in creating learning opportunities and positive outcomes for children and communities.”

This initiative underscores a shared commitment towards creating meaningful, children-centric experiences and sets the Foundation for continued collaboration between Air India Express in the years ahead—working together to inspire, uplift, and empower young lives.

About Tata Steel Foundation:

In order to recognise the shifts that will govern the next decade in the development space and to take forward our ambition of emerging as a thought leader, the Tata Steel Foundation – a section 8 Company – was established in 2016. With over 1,500 members spread over ten units and six states of Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Punjab, the Foundation is a community development implementing organisation focused upon co-creating solutions with tribal and excluded communities in order to address their development challenges. In FY25, the Foundation reached 6.3 million lives through its consolidated programme portfolio effectively positioned under Impact Pathways on Public Health, Education, Livelihoods, Gender and Community Enterprise, Infrastructure and Tribal Identity, at a commitment of 582.27 crores. It is committed towards playing a larger role in India’s sustainable development as roadmap to achieving its vision to create ‘an enlightened and equitable society where every individual realizes her potential with dignity’.

For more information, pls connect with

Shuvra R, Communications, Tata Steel Foundation
E-mail : r.shuvra@tatasteelfoundation.org

Disclaimer

Statements in this press release describing the Company’s performance may be “forward looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws and regulations. Actual results may differ materially from those directly or indirectly expressed, inferred or implied. Important factors that could make a difference to the Company’s operations include, among others, adverse communitarian situation in the geographies which the company operates in, changes in or due to the environment, Government regulations, laws, statutes, judicial pronouncements and/ or other incidental factors.

About Air India Express

Air India Express is a Tata enterprise, operating over 500 daily flights that connect 45 domestic and 16 international destinations. The airline has a fleet of 115 modern aircraft, comprising 75 Boeing 737s and 40 Airbus A320s. As India’s most vibrant and inclusive airline, Air India Express embodies the spirit and confidence of India - warm, expressive, and proudly authentic. Encouraging travellers to ‘Xplore More, Xpress More’, the airline transforms flying into an experience that is personal and memorable.

With thoughtfully curated touches - from ‘Gourmair’ hot meals, comfortable seats, and refreshed interiors to exclusive loyalty benefits and seamless digital journeys - Air India Express blends smart technology with heartfelt Indian hospitality, helping guests travel their way and feel at home wherever they go.

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