Vistara, the full-service airline that captivated hearts with its first-rate service, will run its final flights today before merging with Air India, signalling the end of an era for India’s skies.
The merger, which was a calculated move by the Tata Group, unites two of the biggest brands in Indian aviation and changes the country’s aviation setting by becoming Air India – only full-service airline.
The merger comes after the Tata Group made a calculated decision to simplify its airline operations. With Singapore Airlines holding a 25.1% stake, Vistara, which started out as a joint venture between the Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, would now be a part of a unified Air India entity.
The ‘Vistara experience’ will be preserved as it transitions to Air India, despite the merger bringing about changes in branding for Vistara’s devoted client base.
More than 115,000 passengers with Vistara flight tickets departing after today will now be flying under the Air India name. While the carrier’s branding will change, the group assures that the overall service and onboard experience will remain largely the same.
Vistara has established help desks at airports to assist passengers throughout this transition. Information regarding flights, check-in processes and other services are available to passengers. New signage will direct passengers to the appropriate Air India check-in facilities at international airports. In order to assist travellers with any questions, the Vistara customer service department will now forward calls to Air India’s representatives.
The change will be obvious to people who are used to Vistara’s flight codes. Via Air India, Vistara flights will now utilise flight codes that begin with ‘2.’ For instance, a Vistara flight that was once assigned the code UK 955 will now use AI 2955.
Members of Vistara’s loyalty programme will seamlessly transfer to Air India, providing them with access to Air India’s wider network and perks.
Vistara’s Great History
After the Indian government, then led by the UPA administration, permitted foreign airlines to acquire up to 49% of the domestic airlines, Vistara was founded in 2015. Emerging businesses like Vistara and AirAsia India were formed as a result of this regulatory shift, as were partnerships like Jet Airways with Etihad.
During the past 10 years, Vistara was the only full-service airline in India to offer both domestic and international passengers a first-rate flying experience. Vistara, which is well-known for providing high-quality service, gained popularity among travellers quickly and established a high bar in both domestic and foreign markets. Singapore Airlines owned 49% of Vistara, while the Tata Group owned 51%.
India’s airline business has had a number of ups and downs since Vistara’s debut. While Jet Airways stopped flights in 2019 after 25 years owing to financial difficulties and is currently facing liquidation, several other airlines, notably Kingfisher and Air Sahara (later renamed as JetLite), discontinued operations.
