The end of an era: Vistara merges with Air India

By Khushi Rastogi 3 Min Read
Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner© Air India

Vistara, an Indian airline carrier formed by a joint venture between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines, terminated operations on November 11, 2024. 

Vistara and Air India’s merger will form India’s largest full-service carrier and create a world-class airline with an Indian heart. This merger will seek to make every journey memorable and every flight a tribute to quality, giving passengers the best of both worlds.  

© Md Shaifuzzaman Ayon

November 12 – The New Era

Vistara’s final flight under its brand took place on November 11, 2024, before fully integrating with Air India. From November 12, 2024, Vistara flights will continue under the new code AI 2XXX.

Campbell Wilson, the managing director and CEO of Air India said:

Our teams across the four airlines have worked closely together and with other stakeholders to ensure that the transition of people, assets, operations and, most importantly, customers, was as seamless as possible.

While the in-flight experience on Vistara’s fleet will remain unaltered, passengers will benefit from a single Air India experience provided by a merged workforce.

The government has approved Singapore Airlines’ investment, allowing the two airlines to merge into a single full-service carrier. This strategic merger brings together Tata Group’s Air India and Vistara within Singapore Airlines, the only international airline with a direct stake in an Indian carrier. The merger of Vistara and Air India will give Singapore Airlines a 25.1% stake in the combined airline.

Air India A350-900 before takeoff © Air India

Enhanced Network and Benefits 

The combination provides a larger network, improved benefits, and limitless opportunities for Indian travellers. Although Vistara no longer exists as a separate brand as of November 12, its aircraft, routes, and personnel will continue to operate until at least March 2025. The merger brings the two carriers together under a single banner, increasing fleet and network while improving the overall travel experience. Now, as a full-service entity, it will operate over 5,600 weekly flights and connect more than 90 domestic and international destinations with a fleet of 208 aircraft. 

In a further sign of integration, existing members of Vistara’s loyalty program transferred to the Maharaja Club, Air India’s Flying Returns programme. 

How excited are you about the merger? Tell us in the comment section below!

 

 

 

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Aviation Reporter—Originally from India, Khushi is currently pursuing her Masters in Sydney, Australia. She has a passion for discovering new cultures and loves exploring different corners of the world. With a background in travel journalism and a passion for storytelling, she brings a unique, global perspective to her writing, connecting them to the excitement of travel and the unique experiences it brings.
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