On November 11, Vistara Airlines will have it’s last flights. From November 12, the airline’s operations will be fully integrated with Air India, signifying the completion of a merger process that was started almost two years ago.
Vistars was a joint venture between Singapore Airlines and the Tata Group. The decision to merge this two airlines, nevertheless, is intended to improve passenger experience and streamline operations as Tata Group also owns Air India. Singapore Airlines will purchase a 25.1% share, and combine Air India as a part of this transaction. The Centre has approved the transition, which includes Singapore Airlines’ permission to deploy foreign direct investment (FDI) in Air India.
Passengers will not be able to book flights with Vistara after November 11 from September 3. Instead, Air India will take over all of the flight operations that Vistara once managed. Travellers wishing to make reservations for flights on dates after the merger will be forwarded to Air India’s reservation systems.
The airline quoted, “Vistara will continue to take bookings and operate flights as usual until November 11, 2024.” Air India’s CEO and Managing Director, Campbell Wilson quoted, “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.”
All of Vistara’s planes and employees would transfer to Air India starting the next day. Additionally, the routes that these aircraft fly will be included in Air India’s larger network. November 2022 saw the initial announcement of the merger.
After November 12, the transition will be handled automatically for travellers who have previously made reservations on Vistara flights. So until early 2025, schedules, aircraft, and crews will mainly not change, instead, flight numbers will represent Air India’s activities. In order to help travellers during this time of transition, the airlines have also created a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).