Vistara’s final flights take off on Monday, November 11, 2024, as the airline merges with Air India, marking a significant moment in Indian aviation. The merger, spearheaded by the Tata Group, will integrate Vistara’s operations under the Air India banner, establishing Air India as the sole full-service airline in India.
Under the terms of the merger, all Vistara flights will adopt Air India’s flight code prefix “2.” This merger solidifies Tata Group’s aviation holdings, as it folds Vistara into Air India. Vistara was originally a joint venture between Tata and Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines will retain 25.1% stake in the new Air India entity, which aims to leverage the strengths of both brands under one unified banner.
The merger brings several changes for Vistara passengers. Moving forward, they will fly under the Air India name and branding, though the company assures that the renowned “Vistara Experience” will be retained in Air India flights. Approximately 1,15,000 passengers holding Vistara tickets will be re-accommodated under Air India, providing them access to a much larger network.
To facilitate a smooth transition, Vistara has established help desks at airports to guide passengers through the new system. These desks will assist with flight details, check-in procedures, and other services as passengers adapt to the change.
New signage has been installed at international airports, directing Vistara’s former customers to Air India check-in areas. Additionally, Vistara’s customer care team has coordinated with Air India’s support team to ensure passengers have access to relevant information and assistance.
Following the merger, Vistara’s flight codes will be updated to reflect Air India’s system. For instance, Vistara’s former flight code “UK 955” will be renamed “AI 2955” under Air India’s designation. Loyalty program members will also transition into Air India’s loyalty program, granting them broader access to benefits across a larger network.
Vistara’s inception in 2015 was in response to policy changes by the Indian government, allowing foreign airlines to hold up to a 49% stake in domestic carriers. This led to Tata Group holding a 51% stake in Vistara, with Singapore Airlines owning the remaining 49%. Over the years, Vistara earned a reputation for excellence, becoming a preferred choice among both domestic and international travelers for its high service standards.
The Indian aviation landscape has seen substantial shifts in recent years, with industry giants like Kingfisher and Air Sahara ceasing operations, and Jet Airways being grounded in 2019 due to financial distress. In this evolving market, Vistara carved out a distinct space but now embarks on its final journey as part of Air India.
