Tata Group plans to merge AirAsia India into AI Express

With plans to merge AirAsia India into Air India Express - a low-cost carrier operating on the short haul routes international routes - the Tata Group may soon be operating in the low-cost space in international and domestic skies.

"The plan on the table is to operate the existing AirAsia India fleet in the domestic skies and also provide domestic connections to the current Air India Express' international network," a person aware of the group's plans told ET. "The plan also is to keep both Airbus and Boeing fleet running."

While AI Express operates a fleet of Boeing 737s, AirAsia India operates a fleet of Airbus 320s.


AI Express is likely to shift to AirAsia India's reservation system, which is used by a lot of low-cost carriers, said the person who requested not to be identified.

"Plan is also to offer similar branding, food menu and other services," he said.