Tata Group's AirAsia India, aka AIX Connect, will merge with Air India Express in the first week of October. The carriers now operate almost 400 flights, and more will soon be added to their fleet. The fleet includes 27 A320 CEOs (Current Engine Options), NEOs (New Engine Options), 61 Boeing 737 NGs and MAX, and 88 planes. Meanwhile, the group's Air India - Vistara merger is scheduled for November. They already have a common website, distribution system and customer care in place.
AirAsia India, which was a budget carrier of by Tatas and Malaysia's AirAsia Berhad in 2014, was renamed AIX Connect in December 2022 after the exit of the Malaysian carrier from the venture. Air India Express, which was launched in 2005, was earlier steered by the government and is now a subsidiary of Tata Group-owned Air India. After the name change, AIX Connect will embrace Air India Express's tail art. The new Chief Operations Officer of the merged AIX will be Hamish Maxwell.
Will the mergers improve quality?
According to reports, the industry met merger announcements with cynicism. Many wonder whether Air India will be able to offer service that matches Vistara's standards. Observers also doubt whether the merger will benefit customers in any way. On social media platforms, many users commented that Vistara's loyal customers might discontinue their loyalty.
