Air India Express and AirAsia India are considering ways to unify their operations to offer improved customer services ahead of their planned merger, PTI has reported citing an unnamed official.
Indian conglomerate Tata Group owns both the carriers, which are expected to be merged by the end of next year.
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Following the completion of the merger, the consolidated entity will be known as Air India Express.
Last month, Air India revealed that an operational review process was being carried out to integrate AirAsia India with Air India Express.
Data from India’s corporate affairs ministry shows that AirAsia India’s name has been changed to AIX Connect.
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According to the official, the name of the budget carrier has been changed in the wake of its integration process.
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By GlobalDataAs part of the process, both the carriers are trying to create common platforms, including using a single website, social media accounts and call centre, to help their customers.
The airlines are also exploring other features, such as common boarding cards and luggage tags, added the official.
However, no specific updates have been provided by the carriers.
AirAsia India was introduced in 2014 and Air India’s budget carrier unit, Air India Express, began its operations in 2015.
In September this year, The Indian Express reported that Tata Group sought to complete the consolidation of its airlines under a single brand, Air India, by 2024.
Under the process, the group’s budget carrier operations will include Air India Express and AIX Connect, while Air India Express CEO Aloke Singh will serve as the head of the low-cost airline business from 1 January 2023.
In an internal communication last week, Air India CEO and managing director Campbell Wilson said: “The two constituent airlines will continue to have the full complement of regulatory post-holders until the merger is complete but, for now, a single CEO will provide the clarity and singular accountability necessary to navigate the process.”
