In a significant shift for India’s aviation sector, Vistara, the premium full-service airline beloved for its exceptional service, will operate its final flights today before merging with Air India. Led by the Tata Group, this consolidates two of the largest airlines in India, making Air India India’s only full-service airline.
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Vistara Bids Farewell as It Merges with Air India, Marking a New Era in Indian Aviation
Vistara, a joint venture of the Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, will be merged with Air India. The merged entity will remain 25.1% owned by Singapore Airlines. “Thank you #team Vistara – TATA SIA Airlines Ltd. Past and present. Thank you to our ~75 million passengers for your support, patronage, and touching testimonials. Humbled and honored to have been part of this team. Onwards and upwards towards our new chapter. The new feeling has a new home,” stated Vinod Kannan, CEO of Vistara, in a LinkedIn post.
For Vistara’s frequent flyers, this is just a change of name as the quality of service they enjoyed will remain intact now under the Air India banner. Air India will now carry over 115,000 passengers who held Vistara tickets for flights beyond today. Service and in-flight experience should remain consistent, despite the rebranding.
Vistara has also established a help desk at the airports to aid passengers during this transition and Air India will have new signages at international airports directing passengers to their respective check-in zones. Vistara customer service line will also be routed to Air India officials.
Vistara flight numbers will be updated to Air India codes, beginning with ‘AI.’ For example, UK 955 will now be AI 2955. Vistara’s loyalty program members will continue to earn miles with Vistara and their miles will be seamlessly transferred into Air India’s network and benefits.
Launched in 2015, Vistara became India’s only full-service airline in the past decade, setting a high service standard for both domestic and international travel. It was part of the Tata Group’s vision to offer a premium flying experience in the Indian market.
FAQs
When will Vistara’s merger with Air India take effect?
Vistara’s final flights are today, and the merger with Air India is now official.
Will Vistara’s passengers experience any changes?
Passengers will still enjoy the same service, but the branding will switch to Air India.
