GURUGRAM: Air India, India’s leading global carrier, has announced a codeshare agreement with AIX Connect (formerly known as Air Asia India). Under the agreement, Air India will add its ‘AI’ designator code to over 100 flights a day operated by AIX Connect on 21 routes, with more routes to be added progressively.
Bookings for the codeshare flights are being opened across points of sale, for travel starting 27 September 2023. The codeshare implementation enables Air India guests to connect seamlessly on AIX Connect’s route network to and from over 80 points across Air India’s extensive domestic and international network.
The scope of the agreement between the two airlines enables guests to receive their boarding passes at the first point of departure for all the travel sectors on a single ticket and have their baggage checked in through to their final destinations. Guests connecting from international to domestic flights will, however, need to clear customs at the first point of entry in India, in line with government regulations.
AIX Connect will honor the free baggage allowance mentioned on tickets issued by Air India. Air India guests connecting to flights operated by AIX Connect will also be able to enjoy complimentary meals on board.
With the implementation of the codeshare agreement, Air India has expanded its domestic route network to four new destinations in India, namely Bagdogra, Bhubaneswar, Ranchi, and Surat, in addition to the common destinations between the two airlines’ route networks. Customers from these originating cities will be able to connect to Air India’s wide international network over hubs in Delhi and Mumbai.
The codeshare agreement also enables AIX Connect to leverage Air India’s global distribution network, via the airline’s direct channels as well as its global travel agency network.
AIX Connect is a 100% subsidiary of Air India, which is in the process of being integrated with Air India Express (another 100% subsidiary of Air India) to ultimately form a single low-cost carrier within the Tata group’s airline business.
Air India is navigating through a major five-year transformation roadmap under the aegis of Vihaan.AI, with an ambition to become a world-class airline with an Indian heart. The first phase of this transformation, the taxi phase, was recently concluded and focused on fixing the basics. These included bringing back to service many long-grounded aircraft, the addition of talent across flying and ground functions, rapid upgradation of technology, and strengthening of customer care initiatives amongst others.
As a member of Star Alliance, the largest global airline consortium of leading international airlines, Air India offers seamless connectivity and facilities to passengers all over the world.
