Air India Express and AirAsia India Launch Interline Booking Services for Seamless Travel

Air India Express and AirAsia India, both subsidiaries of the Tata Group, have taken a significant step to enhance passenger convenience by launching interline booking services.

Booking Across Two Airlines

This collaboration allows travelers to book a single itinerary that spans both airlines, simplifying the booking process for those planning journeys involving domestic and international flights.

Unified Passenger Name Record (PNR)

When booking through the common website, online travel agencies (OTAs), or travel partners, passengers will receive a unified Passenger Name Record (PNR). This feature streamlines the travel experience and provides passengers with a cohesive itinerary.

Operational Distinctions

While AirAsia India, now known as AIX Connect, primarily focuses on domestic routes, Air India Express specializes in overseas routes. AIX Connect is presently undergoing integration with Air India Express, further enhancing the combined network's strength.

Single Boarding Pass

Passengers traveling domestically on AirAsia India flights and then connecting to international flights via Air India Express will receive a single boarding pass for their entire journey. This integration simplifies boarding procedures.

Customs and Immigration

For passengers with connecting international flights, customs and immigration procedures will be handled at the departure airport, ensuring a smoother transition between flights. Additionally, baggage can be checked through to the final destination.

Network Expansion

Aloke Singh, Managing Director of Air India Express and AirAsia India, expressed optimism about the ongoing merger and integration efforts. He highlighted the extensive network footprint that spans India, the Gulf, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Singh also mentioned plans for a forthcoming fleet expansion.

Extensive Fleet and Routes

The combined fleet of Air India Express and AirAsia India comprises 54 aircraft, serving 44 destinations and operating over 250 routes across these regions. This network expansion aims to benefit travelers seeking diverse travel options.

Seamless Passenger Services

To enhance the interline booking experience, the airlines have synchronized ancillary add-on services and sub-brands. Earlier this year, they launched a joint website that offers a comprehensive platform for booking flights, managing services, and checking in for flights, both domestic and international, all within an integrated passenger service system.

Passenger-Centric Approach

The focus on a seamless passenger experience demonstrates the commitment of Air India Express and AirAsia India to meet the evolving travel needs of their customers.

Benefits of interline booking for passengers

• Single PNR: Passengers will receive a single PNR for their entire journey, even if it involves multiple airlines. This makes it easier to track their booking and receive updates on flight status.

• Single boarding pass: Passengers will receive a single boarding pass at the departure airport for their first flight, even if it is operated by a different airline. This saves them the hassle of having to check in multiple times.

• Baggage check-through: Passengers can check their baggage through to their final destination, even if it involves multiple airlines. This means that they do not have to collect their baggage and re-check it at the connecting airport.

Integration of Air India Express and AirAsia India

• AirAsia India, now named AIX Connect, primarily operates on domestic routes, while Air India Express specialises in overseas routes. AIX Connect is presently in the process of integrating and merging with Air India Express.

• The airlines have already synchronised ancillary add-on services and sub-brands, making the interline arrangement a seamless booking and connecting experience for passengers. Earlier this year, the carriers launched a joint website that allows users to book flights, manage services, and check in for flights across both airlines on domestic and international routes, all within an integrated passenger service system.

Combined fleet and network

• The airline's combined fleet of 54 aircraft connects 44 destinations and operates over 250 routes across India, the Gulf and the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.

• This network footprint will be further strengthened with the airlines' forthcoming fleet expansion.