By Staff Correspondent
In a move to enhance passenger service and experience, India’s international low-cost airline, Air India Express, has introduced an exclusive priority service called ‘Xpress Ahead’, available at domestic airports. This service rollout coincides with the impending merger with another low-cost airline, AirAsia India, marking a significant move for the Indian aviation sector.
The ‘Xpress Ahead’ service aims to facilitate a smoother airport experience for passengers, offering priority check-in, baggage handling, boarding, and expedited luggage delivery upon arrival. This service is exclusively accessible for international flights operated by Air India Express at Indian airports, with plans to make it available for pre-booking online.
Interestingly, the service extends to passengers of AirAsia India, a move that signifies growing synergies between the two airlines as they approach a merger. Passengers of the sister airline can pre-book ‘Xpress Ahead’ services via the mobile app, the consolidated airline website, or at domestic airports.
These developments follow the unveiling of a unified in-flight dining menu named ‘Gourmair’ by the two airlines. Originated by AirAsia India in 2021, ‘Gourmair’ offers a diverse range of meal options catering to various dietary preferences.
The Tata Group, which owns both airlines, is leveraging the strong features of each carrier for the merged entity. Tata has petitioned India’s aviation regulator, the DGCA, for an exemption from merger laws, allowing the airlines to pool their resources, combine route planning, and sell tickets under a single entity.
In an operational update, the two airlines have already shifted to a single reservation system. Furthermore, Aloke Singh, the current CEO of Air India Express, has assumed command of AirAsia India.
In separate news, both airlines continue their individual pursuits. Air India Express is assisting the Uttar Pradesh state government in exporting ‘Banarsi Langda’, a local mango variety, to Sharjah. Simultaneously, AirAsia India operated a flight from Pune to Delhi using a blend of locally sourced sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), marking a key step in India’s journey towards sustainable aviation.
