Vistara, one of India’s leading airlines, is set to merge with Air India, marking the beginning of a new era for both airlines. As part of this transition, Vistara will cease operations on November 11, 2024, after which all its flights and services will be integrated under the Air India banner.
Starting September 3, 2024, customers will progressively no longer be able to book flights with Vistara for travel on or after November 12, 2024. Following this date, all Vistara aircraft will be operated by Air India, and bookings for these routes will be available exclusively through Air India’s website.
Throughout this transition, Vistara and Air India said they have committed to ensuring seamless and consistent support for their customers. The airline further advised passengers are encouraged to review the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Vistara’s website for guidance on any necessary actions related to their travel plans during the transition.
Vinod Kannan, Chief Executive Officer of Vistara, expressed gratitude towards the airline’s customers, stating, “We are immensely grateful to all our customers for their support and patronage over the last 10 years. This merger is about offering them more choice with a larger fleet and a wider network while elevating the overall travel experience. Vistara and Air India are committed to ensuring that this transition is smooth and hassle-free. We are excited about this new phase in our journey and look forward to welcoming our customers again soon – as Air India.”
The Vistara-Air India merger gained momentum with Singapore Airlines obtaining final FDI approval. SIA will invest INR 2,059 crore for a 25.1 per cent stake, while Tata Group retains 74.9 per cent. Scheduled for post-Diwali around November 1, the merger seeks to avoid peak travel disruptions, ensuring smoother integration.
Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of Air India, emphasised the collaborative efforts behind the merger, noting, “Cross-functional teams from Air India and Vistara have been working together for many months to make the transition of aircraft, flying crew, ground-based colleagues and, most importantly, our valued customers, into the new Air India as seamless as possible. The joint team looks forward to offering our guests an expanded network, additional flight options, an enhanced frequent flyer program, and the best of both antecedent airlines. We are grateful for the support of our loyal customers through this next phase of building a world-class, world-scale, global airline with an Indian heart.”As the merger progresses, regular updates will be provided through the websites and social media channels of Vistara and Air India, as well as via email. These updates will include information on web check-in, lounge access, ancillary services, and other touchpoints to ensure a smooth transition for all passengers.
On Friday, the Union Cabinet has approved the foreign direct investment by Singapore Airlines in Air India paving the way for clearance to the merger process of Vistara and Air India. Under the transformation of Air India Group post disinvestment by the governemnt and subsequent acuquisition by the Tata Group, the company had announced its plans to merge four airlines it operates – Air India, Vistara, Air India Express and Air Asia India to consolidate its operations to operate one domestic and short-haul international carrier and another full-service international carrier.
