Air India Express plans expansion and merger synergies

05 Sep 2023 CW Team

Air India Express, now part of the Tata Group and in the process of merging with AirAsia India, is set to introduce a new brand within the next few months. The airline has ambitious plans to expand its fleet and network, with the aim of establishing itself as the second-largest low-cost carrier in the competitive Indian domestic market.

Aloke Singh, CEO & MD of Air India Express and AIX Connect, shared the airline's vision during a town hall with employees. He emphasised the importance of creating meaningful connections, delivering unique experiences, and offering exceptional value to passengers.

As part of its expansion strategy, Air India Express is planning to deploy 50 Boeing 737 Max aircraft by the end of 2024. This aggressive move is aimed at securing a solid second position in the Indian domestic market, just behind the market leader, IndiGo.

Currently, Air India Express operates a fleet of 25 aircraft, while AirAsia India has 28 Airbus A320 Neo planes. With the addition of 50 more aircraft, the combined entity will become the second-largest low-cost airline in India.

The Tata Group is actively pursuing its vision of creating two distinct airlines through mergers: a low-cost carrier formed by merging AirAsia India and Air India Express, and a full-service carrier created by combining Air India and Vistara.

Internally, Air India Express and AirAsia India have already integrated various aspects of their operations, including a single CEO, a common reservations system, website, social media, and customer support channels. They have also received approval from aviation regulators to sell tickets under the common brand of Air India Express.

This strategic move aims to capitalise on the strengths of both airlines and enhance their competitiveness in the Indian aviation market.

Equipment

12 Dec 2025

Schwing Stetter India Unveils New Innovations at Excon 2025

Schwing Stetter India unveiled more than 20 new machines at Excon 2025, marking one of its most significant showcases and introducing several India-first technologies to the construction equipment sector. The company launched the country’s first 56-metre boom pump designed and manufactured in India, the first fully electric truck mixer, the first CNG mixer variant and the first hybrid boom pump. Executives said the launch portfolio was engineered to support India’s move toward faster, greener and more vertically oriented infrastructure through advanced engineering, clean-energy solutions a..

SEPC Resolves Hindustan Copper Dispute, Wins Rs 725 Mn Order

Engineering, procurement and construction firm SEPC Ltd has recently settled a dispute with Hindustan Copper Ltd (HCL) and secured a mining infrastructure order valued at Rs 725 million from the state-owned company. SEPC informed the stock exchanges that it has executed a settlement deed with HCL, bringing closure to all inter-se claims and counterclaims arising from arbitration proceedings. As part of the settlement, SEPC will receive Rs 304.5 million as full and final payment, marking the resolution of all pending disputes between the two entities. The company also stated that Hindustan Co..

20% Ethanol Blending Cuts India’s CO2 Emissions by 73.6 Mn Tonnes

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari recently said that India has reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 73.6 million metric tonnes due to the adoption of 20 per cent ethanol blending in petrol. He made the statement while replying to supplementary questions during the Question Hour in the Lok Sabha. Describing ethanol as a green fuel, the minister said it plays a key role in reducing pollution while also supporting higher incomes for farmers. He underlined that ethanol blending contributes both to environmental sustainability and rural economic growth. Nitin Gadkari also po..