As Air India officially merges with Vistara today (November 12), the airline is rolling out several measures to ensure a seamless transition for its passengers. Vistara operated its last domestic and international flights on Monday (November 11) ahead of its merger. Approximately 115,000 travelers with Vistara bookings will begin flying with Air India after the merger. Despite the change, passengers can still expect the same in-flight experience they enjoyed with Vistara, as the airline maintains its high standards of service.
A joint venture between the Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, Vistara will now fully integrate with Air India, with Singapore Airlines retaining a 25.1% stake in the expanded airline. This merger is part of a larger consolidation in India’s aviation industry, following the earlier integration of AIX Connect with Air India Express in October 2024.
From today onwards, Air India will become the country’s sole full-service carrier, marking the end of an era that saw India’s full-service airline market shrink from five carriers to one over 17 years.
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Air India’s fleet expands significantly post merger
Vistara, with its fleet of 70 aircraft, operated approximately 350 flights daily. Since the merger announcement in November 2022, efforts have been underway to integrate the systems, personnel, and operations of Vistara and Air India. After the merger, Air India will expand to a fleet of 208 planes, servicing 103 domestic and 71 international routes. The airline will cover 49 domestic and 42 international destinations, as confirmed by officials. In the coming months, more aircraft, including wide-body jets, will be added to the fleet.
Passengers can expect no changes to their in-flight experience post-merger. Air India has assured customers that they will continue to enjoy the same world-class service, fleet, and crew, albeit under the new Air India flight codes. The Vistara livery will remain for a while, and the legacy of the iconic “Maharaja” will continue through the frequent flyer program, which will evolve into the “Maharaja Club” after the merger.
Additional investment of Rs 3,194.5 crore
Singapore Airlines will also make an additional investment of Rs 3,194.5 crore into Air India after the merger. Despite the progress made, some issues remain, including concerns about the differing retirement age limits for pilots at Air India (58 years) and Vistara (60 years), as well as the seniority of pilots post-merger.
The merger marks the end of a significant chapter for Vistara, as it bids farewell to the skies as an independent brand and officially becomes part of the Air India family.