Kohima, Nov 18: Air India Express is set to celebrate Nagaland’s Hornbill Festival with a special Tsüngkotepsü-themed livery on one of its Boeing 737-8 aircraft. The airline has become the official travel partner for the Hornbill Festival 2025, scheduled to take place from December 1 to 10.

The aircraft, VT-BWD, will feature a design inspired by the Tsüngkotepsü, a traditional warrior shawl of the Ao tribe in Nagaland. The Tsüngkotepsü is a powerful symbol of identity and heritage, worn as a mark of great honour.

“This livery is a tribute to Nagaland’s rich artistic legacy and marks the first aircraft in our fleet to feature our newly retrofitted cabin,” said Aloke Singh, Managing Director of Air India Express.

The Tsüngkotepsü-themed aircraft will be received by Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio at Dimapur airport on November 22. This move is part of Air India Express’s initiative to showcase India’s diverse cultural heritage. The airline’s fleet already features designs inspired by various Northeast Indian art forms, including Akyobi, Moirang Phee, and Saphee Lanphee from Manipur, Gamosa and Jaapi from Assam, Idu Mishmi from Arunachal Pradesh, Khneng from Meghalaya, and Puanchei from Mizoram.

To facilitate travel for festival-goers, Air India Express is offering a 15% discount on direct and one-stop flights to Dimapur. The offer is valid for bookings made between November 20 and 30 for travel from November 20 to December 15.

Air India Express operates a fleet of 115 modern aircraft, including 75 Boeing 737s and 40 Airbus A320s, connecting 44 domestic and 16 international destinations.