Air India and AIX Connect Merger Completed, Fleet to Cross 100 Planes by March

In a significant move for the Indian aviation sector, the Air India Group successfully merged low-cost carrier AIX Connect with Air India Express. The combined entity, now operating under the Air India Express name, aims to expand its fleet to over 100 aircraft by March 2024.

In a notable consolidation in the Indian aviation industry, the Air India Group has completed the merger of low-cost carrier AIX Connect with Air India Express, creating a single entity that will operate under the name Air India Express. The merger was finalized in less than a year and is seen as a crucial step in Air India's transformation journey, guided by Chief Executive Officer Campbell Wilson.

The merged entity, which currently has a fleet of 88 planes, is expected to surpass 100 aircraft by the end of March 2024. According to Air India Group, the number of routes operated has increased significantly from 74 to 171, and passenger carriage has surged by over 400 percent since Tata Group's takeover of Air India in early 2022.

Aviation regulator DGCA has set new benchmarks for airline consolidation with this merger, ensuring a smooth transition of all AIX Connect aircraft to Air India Express's Air Operator Certificate (AOC). The DGCA will monitor post-merger operations to maintain regulatory compliance and safeguard consumer interests. These insights are expected to facilitate the forthcoming merger of Air India with Vistara.

(With inputs from agencies.)