Here are 10 key points about Air India Express Finalizes Merger with AIX Connect:
- Merger Completion: Air India Express has successfully merged with AIX Connect (formerly AirAsia India), forming a single low-cost carrier.
- Unified Brand: The combined airline will operate under the “Air India Express” brand, further simplifying the Air India Group’s operations.
- Part of Transformation: This merger is a key part of the Air India Group’s Vihaan.AI transformation program, which aims to consolidate its airlines into two main entities.
- Fleet Expansion: The newly unified airline now has a fleet of 88 aircraft, with plans to grow to over 100 by the end of the financial year.
- Operational Integration: The merger involved harmonizing operational manuals, transferring aircraft, and securing safety, maintenance, and operational approvals.
- Single Airline Code: The merged airline will now operate under the code “IX,” streamlining operations and bookings.
- Growing Budget Travel Demand: This expansion addresses the rising demand for budget travel across India, the Gulf region, and Southeast Asia.
- DGCA Approval: The merger was closely monitored by the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) through a live tracking system, ensuring smooth integration.
- Leadership Collaboration: Key efforts from the DGCA, Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), and Air India leadership played a critical role in completing the merger.
- Future Integration: Following this milestone, the next step in the Vihaan.AI plan is to merge Vistara into Air India, set for November 12.
In a major step for the Indian aviation industry, the Air India Group has completed the merger of Air India Express and AIX Connect (formerly AirAsia India), forming a single low-cost airline under the “Air India Express” brand. This achievement is part of the broader Vihaan.AI transformation program by the Air India Group, which aims to streamline its operations by consolidating four airlines into two, including the upcoming merger of Vistara into Air India.
The merger process required aligning operational manuals, transferring aircraft, and obtaining necessary safety, maintenance, and operational approvals. The newly combined airline will operate under the single code “IX” and has expanded its fleet to 88 aircraft, with plans to exceed 100 by the end of the financial year. This expansion reflects the rising demand for affordable air travel across India, the Gulf region, and Southeast Asia.
Also Read: Dubai’s Global Village Announces Opening Date for 29th Season
At a ceremony held at the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) headquarters in New Delhi, DGCA chief Vikram Dev Dutt presented the updated Air Operator Certificate (AOC) to Aloke Singh, Managing Director of Air India Express. The DGCA closely monitored the merger process using a live tracker created by its Flight Standards Directorate, ensuring a seamless integration within a tight timeframe.
Dutt praised the successful integration, calling it a benchmark for airline mergers, especially considering the complexity of India’s evolving aviation market.
Aloke Singh, Managing Director of Air India Express, credited the teamwork between the DGCA, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), and Air India’s leadership for the successful merger. “We’ve worked on this integration for over a year, and today, the two airlines have officially come together,” he said.
Campbell Wilson, CEO of Air India and Chairman of Air India Express, underscored the significance of the merger in the broader transformation of the Air India Group. “This milestone allows us to offer more attractive products, particularly for India’s younger travelers. Next, we look forward to the successful integration of Vistara with Air India on November 12,” he said.
Since being acquired by the Tata Group in early 2022, Air India Express has seen rapid growth, expanding its route network from 74 to 171 and increasing passenger traffic by over 400%. Moving forward, the airline’s focus will remain on growth and improving the travel experience for its customers.
Also Read: Noida International Airport Set to Open on April 17: Ticket Sales to Begin Soon
Check Latest Stories:
