Azerbaijan Airlines and its low-cost carrier subsidiary Buta Airways will merge under the single brand, AZAL.
The merger is scheduled for October 2023, and according to the carriers, it will bring together the “best qualities of both airlines”.
After the merger, all Buta Airways flights will be operated under AZAL at the “current affordable prices, but with a higher level of service”.
“The merger will further expand the opportunity for our passengers to travel at affordable rates, as well as ensuring that our customers can easily plan their journeys and increase the level of service provided to them,” AZAL said in a statement.
AZAL will offer the new luggage-free ‘Buta Budget’ fare on all its flights to ensure air transportation is accessible for every passenger.
The airline confirmed that hand luggage will be included in all fares, and the baggage allowance will be increased, except for the ‘Buta Budget’.
Passengers will be updated with new details surrounding prices and will be able to book flights on the single AZAL website.
According to ch-aviation.com, Azerbaijan Airlines currently has 26 active aircraft, including seven Embraer ERJ-190s and five Airbus A320-200 jets. Buta Airways has a fleet of six active Embraer ERJ-190s.