AirAsia India has received regulatory permission to operate flights under the brand name Air India Express, indicating a fast-tracking of the integration efforts between the two airlines paving way for merger.
The approval includes harmonizing customer touchpoints, products, and services across both airlines. Now, the two airlines, Air India Express Ltd. and AirAsia India flights can be marketed, distributed, and operated under a common brand name, 'Air India Express, prior to the scheduled legal merger.
The Tata Group has been keen on cross-utilizing the resources of both airlines, such as pilots and cabin crew, and also be allowed to combine route planning, advertise and offer tickets as a single company.
The two airlines have already introduced a unified website providing a comprehensive user interface, enabling users to access the services of both carriers on a single platform, streamlining their travel experience. Aloke Singh, the CEO of Air India Express, has also taken charge of AirAsia India.
Going ahead, Mint reported that AirAsia India has approached the Indian aviation regulator, the DGCA, to fast-track the merger process.
The two airlines are scheduled to merge by March 2024.