AirAsia India Takes Over Air India Express Sharjah Flights: New Era of Operations Begins”
AirAsia India is set to embark on a new chapter as it takes over the operation of Air India Express flights to Sharjah starting from August 28. This collaboration follows AirAsia India’s recent initiation of codeshare flights on behalf of Air India, signifying a significant expansion in its service offerings.
As per the latest schedules data available on ch-aviation, AirAsia India will deploy its modern A320-200Ns aircraft on a daily rotation between Delhi International and Sharjah via Varanasi. This marks a notable transition as AirAsia India replaces the existing B737-800 service operated by Air India Express. The shift in operations is a precursor to the impending merger of these two budget airlines. Following the recent regulatory approval granted by India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation, the merger is now anticipated to reach its completion by early 2024. This development in operations also signifies AirAsia India’s inaugural venture into international operations, having previously limited its services to domestic routes within India.
Notably, AirAsia India initiated domestic codeshare flights for Air India on August 1, as previously reported in ch-aviation. The collaboration involves the application of Air India’s flight designator on selected routes such as Bangalore International to Bhubaneswar, Mumbai International to Goa Dabolim, Delhi International to Lucknow, and Delhi International to Pune.
This enhanced partnership between AirAsia India and Air India comes in the backdrop of Tata Sons’ strategic efforts to consolidate its presence in the Indian airline industry. Apart from the merger between AirAsia India and Air India Express, Tata Sons aims to amalgamate Vistara with Air India. This strategic consolidation endeavors to create two major entities in the Indian aviation landscape—a comprehensive low-cost carrier and a robust full-service carrier.
The initiative to take over Air India Express Sharjah flights marks a pivotal moment for AirAsia India’s evolution and expansion. With its new role in managing international flights and an ever-expanding range of codeshare services, AirAsia India is poised to shape the future of air travel in the region. The seamless integration of operations between AirAsia India and Air India reflects their shared commitment to delivering enhanced travel experiences and connectivity to passengers.
As AirAsia India continues to broaden its horizons and diversify its portfolio, passengers can look forward to more comprehensive options and seamless connectivity on both domestic and international routes. The collaborative efforts between AirAsia India and Air India are indicative of the evolving landscape of the Indian aviation sector, promising a more integrated, efficient, and customer-centric travel experience for all.