GURUGRAM- Air India Group has completed the operational integration and legal merger of Air India Express (IX) and AIX Connect (I5), formerly AirAsia India, into a larger Low-Cost Carrier.
The newly formed entity will operate under the Air India Express brand and utilize the unified airline code IX.
Air India Express Merger
This merger represents a significant milestone in Air India Group’s transformation journey, which involves consolidating four airlines into two. Simultaneously, the group is working on merging Vistara into Air India to establish a world-class global airline.
The Air India Express merger process was finalized in less than a year following the unveiling of the airline’s refreshed brand. The integration involved harmonizing operational manuals and transferring Air Operator Certificates (AOCs).
Given the complexity of the merger, close collaboration with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) was essential. The DGCA supported and monitored the process throughout its duration. Additional support came from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MOCA), the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), and other key stakeholders.
On Tuesday, Vikram Dev Dutt, Director General of DGCA, officially handed over the updated AOC to Aloke Singh, Managing Director of Air India Express.
The ceremony took place at the DGCA headquarters in New Delhi, with Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer of Air India and Chairman of Air India Express, in attendance.
DGCA Praised Merger
Vikram Dev Dutt, Director General of DGCA, praised the integration as a benchmark for airline mergers, highlighting its significance in India’s rapidly evolving aviation market.
The DGCA implemented a live tracker to monitor the harmonization process, enabling timely completion of the complex merger. Aloke Singh, Managing Director of Air India Express, emphasized the year-long integration effort, which culminated in the operational and legal merger.
Campbell Wilson, CEO of Air India and Chairman of Air India Express, described the merger as a crucial milestone in Air India’s Vihaan.ai transformation journey. He announced the upcoming merger of Vistara into Air India on November 12, expressing anticipation for DGCA’s guidance in completing the process seamlessly.
The newly merged Air India Express now boasts a fleet of 88 aircraft, with plans to exceed 100 by the end of the current financial year.
The airline’s route network has expanded from 74 to 171, covering India, the Gulf, and Southeast Asia. Passenger carriage has increased by over 400% since Tata Group acquired Air India in early 2022.
In October 2023, the airline unveiled its unified brand, with AIX Connect flights marketed under the Air India Express name following regulatory approval. This rebranding effort aligns with the broader strategy to create a cohesive and recognizable low-cost carrier.
The merger aims to cater to India’s growing demand for air travel, particularly among the country’s aspirational youth seeking fresh and appealing value products.
Air India Express is poised to leverage its expanded fleet and network to compete more effectively in the low-cost carrier segment.
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