NEW DELHI: Air India Express, a subsidiary of Air India, has taken delivery of its first two new Boeing 737 MAX-8 aircraft at the Boeing facility in Washington, USA. This marks the beginning of aircraft deliveries from Boeing, stemming from the landmark order placed by the Air India Group. The fuel-efficient and technologically advanced aircraft are recognized for their exceptional performance and comfort, which will undoubtedly elevate the travel experience for guests. The new fleet will enable Air India Express to expand its domestic and international network.
The 737 MAX-8 aircraft marks a critical step forward towards more sustainable operations. With its advanced technology winglets and efficient engines, it achieves a 20% reduction in fuel use and emissions while also significantly decreasing noise pollution by 50% compared to older models. This also offers up to 14 percent lower airframe maintenance costs.
Earlier this month, Air India Express unveiled the vision for the organization that would be formed with the merger and integration with AIX Connect currently operating as AirAsia India. Both airlines also commenced an interline arrangement covering over 100 routes on their combined network. With a collective fleet of 56 aircraft, these two airlines seamlessly link 44 destinations while serving over 250 routes spanning India, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Prior to the eventual merger and integration, through strategic alignment, the airlines have integrated an array of ancillary services and products into their offerings. These include the Gourmair in-flight dining menu, the premium comfort of Xpress Prime seating, and the convenience of Xpress Ahead priority services, all designed to enhance the overall travel experience. Air India Express and AirAsia India also operate a unified website, airindiaexpress.com, enabling users to book, manage services, and check in to flights across domestic and international routes with an integrated backend passenger service system.
Air India Express and AIX Connect, together operating over 300 flights daily across 30 domestic and 14 international airports, offer comfortable seats, Gourmair hot meals, and Xpress Ahead priority services, with the promise of fast bookings, fab deals, and fantastic value on its award-winning website, airindiaexpress.com. Established in 2005, Air India Express is the market leader on routes between India and the GCC, with a network spreading over 34 destinations, including India, the Middle East, and Singapore. In January 2022, Air India Express, together with Air India, was successfully privatized, with ownership returning to the Tata group that had initially founded Air India. AIX Connect Private Limited (currently operating as AirAsia India), was launched in 2014, operating as a joint venture between Tata Sons and AirAsia Aviation Group. The airline flies over 50 direct and 100 connecting routes across 19 destinations in India, offering pioneering in-flight entertainment AirFlix, and a host of exclusive loyalty benefits for members of the Tata NeuPass rewards program. In November 2022, AIX Connect became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Air India.
The delivery of the first two Boeing 737 MAX-8 aircraft to Air India Express marks the beginning of a massive fleet expansion, which will enable the airline to expand its domestic and international network. The fuel-efficient and technologically advanced aircraft will enhance the travel experience for guests while also contributing to more sustainable operations. The merger and integration with AIX Connect currently operating as AirAsia India will further strengthen the airline’s position in the market, offering a seamless travel experience across a vast network of destinations.
