(Image source from: x.com/airvistara)
Vistara Airlines will stop using its brand name on November 11. The airline's operations will fully merge with Air India starting from November 12, completing a merger process that began almost two years ago. Vistara is a joint venture between Tata Group and Singapore Airlines. However, with Tata Group also owning Air India, the decision to combine the two airlines aims to streamline operations and provide passengers with an enhanced travel experience. As part of this merger, Singapore Airlines will acquire a 25.1% stake in the newly consolidated Air India. The transition, approved by the government, includes allowing foreign direct investment (FDI) by Singapore Airlines in Air India. From September 3, passengers will no longer be able to book flights with Vistara for travel beyond November 11. Instead, all flight operations previously handled by Vistara will be transferred to Air India. Passengers looking to book flights for dates after the merger will be directed to Air India's booking platforms. Vistara will continue to accept bookings and operate flights as usual until November 11, 2024. From the following day, all of Vistara's aircraft and crew will transition to Air India.
The routes operated by these aircraft will be integrated into Air India's broader network. The merger was initially announced in November 2022. Air India's CEO and Managing Director, Campbell Wilson, stated that the focus is on maintaining continuity for passengers and staff. Cross-functional teams from Air India and Vistara have been working together for several months to ensure a smooth transition of aircraft, flight crew, ground staff, and customers into the new Air India. For passengers already booked on Vistara flights after November 12, the transition will be handled automatically. Flight numbers will change to reflect Air India's operations, but schedules, aircraft, and crews will largely remain the same until early 2025. The airlines have also prepared a set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to assist passengers during this period of change.
