AI Express-AIXC merger complete
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has granted regulatory approval for the merger of AIX Connect (AIXC), formerly Air Asia, into Air India Express (AIX), both owned by the Tata Group. The integration of AIXC’s aircraft into the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) of AIX was completed smoothly, ensuring no disruption to ongoing flight operations. DGCA Chief Vikram Dev Dutt stated that the merger involved the integration of multiple systems, including aircraft, pilots, cabin crew, engineers, operational control systems, and maintenance procedures. Contracts, vendors, and backend systems were also streamlined to ensure a seamless transition. Normally, such a merger would require grounding the fleet during the transfer of aircraft between AOCs, causing passenger inconvenience and financial losses. However, DGCA proactively worked with stakeholders to avoid disruptions to flight services.