The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has granted the requisite regulatory approval for the merger of AIX Connect, formerly known as AirAsia, into Air India Express.
Effective October 1, 2024, all aircraft of AIXC have been transferred seamlessly onto the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) of AIX, ensuring that airline operations of the combined entity continue without disruption to ensure a safe and smooth passenger experience, the DGCA said in a statement.
As per a release from Air India, the formation of the merged entity, which will operate under the ‘Air India Express’ name and a unified airline code IX, marks a significant milestone in the transformation journey of Air India Group, which is merging four airlines into two. The group is simultaneously in the process of merging Vistara into Air India to set up a world-class global airline, it said.
Air India Express and AIX Connect currently operate approximately 400 flights per day, with plans for expansion in the coming months. Their fleet consists of 88 aircraft, including 61 Boeing 737 NGs and MAXs, along with 27 A320 ceos and neos.
“The successful merger of AIX Connect and Air India Express sets a new benchmark for future airline consolidation, highlighting the importance of strategic regulatory oversight in the aviation industry. Air India Express Connect and Air India Express have demonstrated that this merger will create a more resilient and innovative airline, capable of competing effectively in the global market,” Vikram Dev Dutt, Director General of Civil Aviation, said.
The authority stated that the merger of AIX Connect and Air India Express was a complex endeavour involving the integration of aircraft, pilots, cabin crew, engineers, operational control systems, aircraft maintenance, certification procedures, and a wide range of contracts, vendors, and backend systems.
“Our rigorous review ensures that this merger serves the public interest by fostering safe air operations while enhancing the overall travel experience for consumers. The insights gained from this experience will prove valuable for the upcoming merger of Air India and Vistara, which is currently in progress,” Dutt added.
The DGCA will closely monitor post-merger operations to ensure ongoing compliance with all regulatory conditions, safeguarding consumer interests and ensuring the continued safety of air operations in India, the authority added.
Commenting on the development, Aloke Singh, Managing Director, Air India Express, said, “About a year ago, we started the integration of AIX Connect and Air India Express, bringing the two organisations together behind a common brand. Alongside, we worked on the complex integration exercise culminating today in the operational and legal merger of the two organisations. The close collaboration amongst DGCA, BCAS, and MoCA, AIX and group leadership teams and many other colleagues were instrumental in the success of this exercise.”
With the merger completed, Air India Express will focus on a future growth and transformation agenda. The airline’s fleet size has already grown to 88 aircraft, with nearly four new aircraft continuing to join each month. The fleet is expected to cross 100 aircraft by the end of the current financial year, with a network footprint spanning across India, Gulf and Southeast Asia.
“The integration of AIX Connect with Air India Express is an important milestone in Air India’s Vihaan.ai transformation journey. The merged entity will cater to the growing demand for air travel around India and in the region, especially amongst the country’s aspirational youth looking for fresh and more appealing value products. This merger will be followed by the merger of Vistara into Air India on November 12, 2024,” Campbell Wilson, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of Air India and Chairman, Air India Express, said.
The number of routes AIX operates has risen from 74 to 171, and passenger carriage has increased by over 400 per cent since the take-over of Air India by Tata group in early 2022.