Air India Expands China Network with New TAM Partnership

Air India partners with The Aviation Management Limited (TAM Group) as GSA for Mainland China — a strategic move ahead of its relaunch of Delhi–Shanghai flights in Feb 2026. Chinese travel agents, corporates and tour-operators get streamlined access for bookings and long-haul connectivity.

Air India expands China footprint via The Aviation Management Limited (TAM Group)

In a bold strategic push, Air India has named The Aviation Management Limited — a TAM Group company — as its General Sales Agent (GSA) for passenger sales across Mainland China, effective 1 December 2025. 

Under this new arrangement, TAM Group will manage reservations, ticketing, marketing and overall passenger sales support for Air India across Chinese cities. This promises smoother interactions for travel agents, corporates, and trade partners in China seeking access to Air India’s global network. 

This move comes as Air India prepares to reintroduce direct flights between Delhi and Shanghai, signalling renewed confidence in the China–India travel corridor. 

Strategic Drivers Behind the Partnership

📈 Strengthening Distribution in Key Market

China remains one of Asia’s largest and most dynamic travel hubs. By appointing a seasoned local player like TAM Group as GSA, Air India is placing strong emphasis on distribution and market penetration, rather than relying solely on online or ad-hoc sales. This is especially relevant for B2B travel agents, consolidators and corporate buyers who value established, reliable agent networks. 

Prepping for Resumed Direct Connectivity

Air India plans to resume non-stop Delhi–Shanghai (Pudong PVG) flights from 1 February 2026. In addition, a non-stop Mumbai–Shanghai route is anticipated later in 2026, subject to regulatory approval. 

Direct flights combined with a robust sales distribution backbone via TAM Group will make Air India’s India–China connectivity more accessible, reliable, and attractive for business travel, education trips, trade delegations, and leisure travel. 

Catering to Evolving Travel Demand

Post-pandemic travel between India and East Asia has diversified beyond business travel. There is growing demand from sectors such as education, SMEs, travel for leisure, and corporate projects spanning pharmaceuticals, technology, and manufacturing. This evolving demand profile makes it essential for airlines to offer seamless bookings, predictable schedules, and easy agent-level access. The TAM-GSA model directly addresses this need.

What It Means for B2B Travel Agents, Consolidators & Corporate Planners

• Simplified booking flow: With a dedicated GSA network, business you serve (from China) can benefit from local-language ticketing, easier payment and clearer documentation — reducing friction over older, indirect booking processes.

• More reliable connectivity: Direct Delhi–Shanghai and possible Mumbai–Shanghai services offer better options for itineraries, especially for corporate trips, educational exchanges, goods-related travel or trade delegations.

• Better fare visibility & volume potential: As Air India scales capacity, fares and seat inventory are likely to stabilize — offering opportunities for group bookings, corporate blocks, or package deals for customers working with China.

Stronger China–India corporate link: For SMEs or larger businesses with operations across India and China (e.g. pharma, manufacturing, sourcing), the revived air link improves supply-chain mobility, site visits, and business travel planning.

Conclusion & Takeaway for AgentBazar Professionals

For B2B travel agents, corporate travel planners and consolidators — this development by Air India signals a well-timed opportunity. The strategic alliance with TAM Group, combined with the resumption of direct India–China services, will likely lead to improved fare stability, smoother booking flows, and expanded capacity.

If you cater to clients travelling for business, education, trade or leisure between India and China, now is an ideal moment to begin evaluating how to leverage this revived corridor for group sales, package deals, or corporate travel solutions.

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