Aerospace

AirAsia India to merge with Air India Express by end of 2023

The bold Low-Cost Carrier strategy from Tata will change the game.

AirAsia flight from Perth to Bali turned around after midair emergency

Merger likely by end-2023; to be branded Air India Express Milestone in transformation agenda to bring in efficiencies and enhanced scale

New Delhi, November 02, 2022: Air India today announced that it has signed agreements to complete the acquisition of 100% shareholding in AirAsia India (AAI) and to subsidiaries it under Air India. An operational review process is underway with a view to ultimately integrating AAI fully with Air India Express (AIXL). Consolidation of these two airlines, both of which operate as low-cost carriers, will be undertaken as part of the restructuring roadmap that is being envisioned for the Tata group’s airline business and is expected to bring customer, revenue, cost, and operational benefits through broader adoption of each airlines’ best practices, systems and routes, and the combined entity’s greater scale.

Air India Express flight skids off runway while landing at Kochi airport(Opens in a new browser tab)

A working group has been formed to evaluate and execute the integration of the AI Group’s low-cost operations, which will be co-led by Sunil Bhaskaran, CEO & MD, of AirAsia India, and Aloke Singh, CEO, of Air India Express. The working group will report to a committee chaired by Air India MD & CEO, Campbell Wilson.

Tata’s 5-year plan to make Air India great again(Opens in a new browser tab)

The assessment and implementation of the full integration process of AAI and AIXL, through a possible scheme of merger or otherwise and subject to necessary corporate approvals, is expected to take approximately 12 months, with network and other synergies to be realized progressively during that period. Commenting on the development, Mr. Campbell Wilson, CEO & MD, of Air India. said, “We are excited to initiate the creation of a single Air India Group low-cost carrier. This is a key step in the rationalization and transformation of the Group, and we will be working closely with the management teams and staff throughout the process. We also look forward to the many new opportunities a stronger AI Group low-cost carrier will bring for customers and staff alike.”

Air India Pilot Refused To Listen To Younger Female Co-Pilot & The Plane Landed In A Drain(Opens in a new browser tab)

Aerospace

When Ratan Tata was denied entry to the airfield at the Aero India show, he waited

During our visit to Aero India 2019, we had the unexpected opportunity to see Ratan Tata at the event, which was a thrilling moment for us. However, there was a surprising hiccup when the security staff didn’t allow him to enter due to a lack of a security pass.

Despite this, he remained calm and patiently waited for about 20 minutes until a member of the Tata team brought him the required pass, after which he calmly proceeded inside. It was a humbling sight, showcasing his composed demeanor even in such situations.

Ratan Tata ji is not only a renowned industrialist but also a trained pilot, holding a pilot’s license. In 2007, he became the first Indian civilian to fly the F-16 Falcon during the Aero India show in Bangalore—a proud moment for the nation.

His passion for aviation extended beyond flying, as he played a key role in shaping India’s aerospace industry. Under his leadership, Tata ventured into manufacturing and maintaining aerospace components while upholding its legacy of quality. Notably, Tata’s collaboration with Airbus to develop and manufacture the C295 aircraft is a testament to its growing influence in the sector.