Air India Express and AirAsia India Start Interline Bookings on 100 Routes

In a move aimed at enhancing passenger convenience and streamlining travel experiences, Air India Express and AirAsia India (known as AIX Connect) have jointly announced the commencement of interline bookings.

This strategic collaboration marks a significant milestone in the ongoing integration efforts of these two leading airlines.

Simplifying Travel with Interline Bookings

With the introduction of interline bookings, travellers can now seamlessly book a single itinerary that spans both Air India Express and AirAsia India. This integration allows passengers to book connecting flights under a single Passenger Name Record (PNR), making the booking process smoother and more convenient.

The interline bookings feature is available not only on the airlines’ official websites but also on various online travel platforms.

For instance, passengers can book an itinerary from Jaipur to Delhi to Dubai under a single PNR. They will receive their boarding passes for both the Jaipur to Delhi and Delhi to Dubai legs of their journey right at the outset in Jaipur.

Extensive Network and Services

The collaboration between Air India Express and AirAsia India leverages their combined fleet of 54 aircraft to connect 44 destinations. With over 250 routes operating across India, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, these airlines provide travellers with a diverse range of options.

Furthermore, both airlines have integrated ancillary add-on services and sub-brands, including Gourmair in-flight dining, Xpress Prime seating, and Xpress Ahead priority services, to enhance the overall travel experience.

The interline booking facility is a significant step towards the merger of Air India Express and AirAsia India, which is expected to be completed in the coming months. The two airlines have already integrated ancillary add-on services and sub-brands, such as;

• Gourmair in-flight dining
• Xpress Prime seating, and
• Xpress Ahead priority services.

A New Brand Identity on the Horizon

Following the recent launch of Air India’s new logo and livery, the Tata group is set to introduce a fresh brand identity for Air India Express by October, according to earlier reports by Mint.

Background on the Merger

As part of the government’s strategic divestment program, the Tata Group acquired full ownership of both Air India and its subsidiary, Air India Express, in January 2022.

The merger of AirAsia India and Air India Express was announced in November 2022. As a part of this transaction, AirAsia Bhd divested its 16.67% stake in the airline, allowing Tatas to buy it for ₹155.65 crore.

Extensive Route Network

AirAsia India currently operates over 50 direct and more than 100 connecting routes across 19 destinations in India, including major cities such as Bengaluru, Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and many more.

Air India Express, on the other hand, serves 14 international destinations, including Abu Dhabi, Dammam, Dubai, Singapore, Riyadh, and others, from various Indian cities.