A new chapter for both airlines will begin with the merger of Vistara, one of the top airlines in India, with Air India. As part of this transition, all of Vistara’s flights and services will be combined under the Air India brand once it shuts down on November 11, 2024.
Vistara to Merge with Air India: 10 Key Points To Know
- Merger Announcement: Vistara will merge with Air India, ceasing its operations on November 11, 2024.
- Transition Timeline: Starting September 3, 2024, Vistara flights for departures on or after November 12, 2024, will no longer be bookable. All bookings for these routes will be made through Air India’s platform.
- Customer Assurance: Both Vistara and Air India are committed to providing seamless and reliable customer service throughout the transition period.
- Vistara’s CEO Statement: Vinod Kannan, Vistara’s CEO, expressed gratitude to customers for their support over the past decade and emphasized the improved travel experience the merger will offer.
- Collaborative Efforts: Air India’s CEO, Campbell Wilson, highlighted the extensive collaborative efforts between Air India and Vistara teams to ensure a smooth transition for customers and staff.
- Enhanced Services: The merger will offer passengers a wider network, more travel choices, and an enhanced frequent flyer program.
- Communication with Customers: Regular updates on the merger will be provided through email, and via Vistara and Air India’s websites and social media channels.
- Government Approval: The Union Cabinet has approved Singapore Airlines’ foreign direct investment in Air India, facilitating the merger.
- Tata Group’s Plan: The merger is part of Tata Group’s strategy to consolidate its four airlines—Air India, Vistara, Air India Express, and AirAsia India—into one full-service international carrier and one domestic and short-haul carrier.
- Impact on Operations: The merger is expected to result in a larger fleet and broader network, enhancing the overall travel experience for passengers.
Customers will gradually lose the ability to book flights with Vistara for departure on or after November 12, 2024, starting on September 3, 2024. Bookings for these routes will only be accepted via Air India’s website after this date when all Vistara aircraft will be operated by Air India.
Vistara and Air India said that they have pledged to provide smooth and reliable customer service during this transition. The airline also said that travelers should check the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section of Vistara’s website for information on what steps they should take in relation to their travel arrangements during the changeover.
We are immensely grateful to all our customers for their support and patronage over the last 10 years. This merege 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.
Vistara’s CEO, Vinod Kannan
“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,” stated Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of Air India, emphasizing the collaborative efforts behind the merger. Offering our passengers a wider network, more travel choices, an improved frequent flyer program, and the best of both legacy airlines is something the combined team is looking forward to doing. We appreciate our devoted customers’ support as we continue with our goal of becoming a top-tier, globally operating airline with a strong Indian connection.
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Regular updates on the merger’s progress will be sent out via email, as well as via Vistara and Air India’s websites and social media accounts. To guarantee a seamless transition for every traveler, these updates will include details on online check-in, lounge access, auxiliary services, and other touchpoints.
The Union Cabinet gave its approval on Friday to Singapore Airlines’ foreign direct investment in Air India, opening the door for Vistara and Air India to unite. Following the government’s disinvestment and the Tata Group’s acquisition of the Air India Group, the airline announced plans to combine its four airlines, Air India, Vistara, Air India Express, and Air Asia India. The goal was to combine its operations into one full-service international carrier and one domestic and short-haul carrier.
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