Taking the next step forward in the merger of Air India Express and AirAsia India, both the airlines have moved to a unified reservation system. With this system in place, passengers can book tickets for both airlines through an integrated website.
Apart from the booking platform both the airlines have migrated to a common social media and customer support channel.
This migration, which largely involved Air India Express migrating to the systems used by AirAsia India, the airlines said in a statement.
The development comes five months after AirAsia India was fully acquired by Air India, and three months after both AirAsia India and Air India Express were placed under single CEO.
"Passengers are now able to make and manage bookings, and check-in to AirAsia India and Air India Express domestic and international flights, on an all-new integrated website airindiaexpress.com," the release said.
As per the official statement, both the airlines will continue integrating other internal systems and eventually, their air operating permits and regulatory posts in coming months. The integration of Air India Express and Air India will bring revenue, cost and operational benefits through broader adoption of each airline's best practices, systems and routes, and confer greater economies of scale, the release added.
Campbell Wilson, CEO and MD, Air India said: “The integration of the core reservations and passenger-facing systems of Air India Express and AirAsia India marks a significant milestone in the Air India Group's transformation journey. This new Air India Express, operating both domestically and internationally using systems optimised for low-cost airlines, gives the Group a much stronger LCC (Low-Cost Carrier) platform.”
The new Air India Express will focus on leisure-oriented and price-sensitive markets while improving connectivity between key domestic cities and Air India's fast-expanding international network.
AirAsia India flies to 19 domestic destinations while Air India Express operates to 14 international destinations from 19 Indian cities.