Tata to merge Air India Express and AirAsia India

The first phase of the Tata Group acquiring Air India and Air India Express is becoming more clear as the Economic Times of India is reporting that Tata is planning to merge Air India Express and AirAsia India.

AirAsia India is for 83.67% owned by Tata and the Group is planning to buy the remaining shares before the end of this year. Then, in January, when the deal for the Air India shares completes, the Group will begin to merge the two airlines. It's unclear what the surviving brand will be after merging.

Currently, Air India Express has a fleet of 24 B737-800s, while AirAsia India operates a fleet of 27 A320s and five A320neos.

Photo by Anton Homma.