Tata Sons is still working on how to operate its two low-cost carriers, with a merger of AirAsia India into Air India Express the most likely option, an unnamed source close to the matter told The Economic Times. However, the completion of the handover of Air India and its subsidiaries from state to conglomerate may be delayed. Tata Sons aims to merge AirAsia India - which operates only domestic routes but which is closing in on obtaining international flying rights - into Air India Express, a budget carrier specialising in short-haul international routes. Yet it may retain many of the two carriers' characteristics, including their fleets. “The plan on the table is to operate the existing AirAsia India fleet on its domestic routes and also to provide domestic connections to the current Air India Express international network,” the source explained. “The plan is also to keep both the Airbus and Boeing fleets running.” Nevertheless, Air India Express is likely to shift to AirAsia India’s reservation system model. Like many other LCCs, AirAsia India avoids paying commission to travel agents and does not use or participate in global reservation systems. “The plan is also to offer similar branding, food menus, and other services,” the source added.<br/>
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Asiana Airlines is bringing the Airbus A380 back into service for the forthcoming 2022 summer season: based on data obtained by the Cirium platform and the company’s website, the superjumbo will once again operate the airline’s main routes to Los Angeles and Frankfurt from its hub in Seoul – Incheon with an offer of 6,930 seats at each destination. Story has itinerary details.<br/>