Air India Express Completes Merger with AIX Connect, Marking Another Milestone in Air India Group’s Ongoing Transformation
• Merger involved harmonization of operational manuals across two low-cost carriers, transfer of aircraft, besides operational, safety, and maintenance approvals.
• Air India Group is in the process of merging four airlines into two as part of its 5-year Vihaan.AI transformation program.
GURUGRAM, 01 October 2024: The Air India Group has successfully finalized the operational integration and legal merger of Air India Express Ltd and AIX Connect Pvt Ltd (previously AirAsia India), resulting in a more robust low-cost carrier. This significant development aligns with the group’s strategy to consolidate four airlines into two, paving the way for a world-class global airline through the ongoing integration of Vistara into Air India.
The merger was completed in under a year after the unveiling of Air India Express’s refreshed brand. A critical aspect of this merger involved the harmonization of operational manuals, which facilitated the integration process and ensured a seamless transfer of Air Operator Certificates (AOCs). Given the intricacies of merging two airlines, collaboration with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) was essential, as they provided continuous support and oversight throughout the process. Key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) and the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), also played crucial roles in facilitating the merger.
On Tuesday, Vikram Dev Dutt, Director General of DGCA, presented the updated AOC to Aloke Singh, Managing Director of Air India Express, in a ceremony attended by Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer of Air India and Chairman of Air India Express, at the DGCA headquarters in New Delhi.
Vikram Dev Dutt remarked, “The successful integration and merger of AIX Connect with Air India Express is commendable and serves as a benchmark for airline mergers. India’s rapid evolution into the world’s third-largest aviation market calls for a robust regulatory regime. Accomplishing this milestone, given the complexities involved, is a testament to the efforts put in by teams from both the DGCA and the operator.”
A live tracker developed by the Flight Standards Directorate of DGCA, featuring a dedicated team for continuous monitoring of the harmonization process, proved instrumental in achieving this challenging task within a tight timeframe.
Aloke Singh expressed his thoughts on the merger, stating, “About a year ago, we initiated the integration of AIX Connect and Air India Express, uniting the two organizations under a common brand. In tandem, we tackled the complex integration challenges culminating today in the operational and legal merger of the two organizations. The close collaboration among all stakeholders has been vital in reaching this significant milestone.”
As the Air India Group continues to evolve, this merger represents a pivotal step in enhancing its operational capabilities and solidifying its position in the competitive aviation market. The ongoing transformation, encapsulated in the Vihaan.AI program, aims to create a unified and efficient airline system that meets the growing demands of travelers while maintaining high safety and operational standards.