By Sangeeta Saxena
New Delhi. 30 August 2024. Vistara, India’s premier full-service airline, is poised for a significant transformation as it prepares to merge with Air India, marking the beginning of a new era in Indian aviation. Starting 12 November 2024, all Vistara operations will be fully integrated into Air India, unifying the strengths of both airlines to offer an enhanced flying experience to passengers. This merger aims to create a world-class airline with an expansive network, advanced fleet, and improved customer service, embodying the vision of a global airline with an Indian heart. The transition is set to begin on 3 September 2024, with both airlines working diligently to ensure a smooth changeover for all customers.
Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of Air India, commented, “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. The joint team looks forward to offering our guests an expanded network, additional flight options, an enhanced frequent flyer program and the best of both antecedent airlines and are grateful for the support of our loyal customers through this next phase of building a world class, world scale, global airline with an Indian heart.”
Vistara is preparing to enter this new phase , aiming to create a world-class airline with expansive possibilities. From 3 September 2024, customers will progressively be unable to make bookings with Vistara for travel on or after 12 November 2024. After this date, all Vistara aircraft will be operated by Air India, and bookings for these flights will be redirected to Air India’s website. Vistara will continue to accept bookings and operate flights as usual until 11 November 2024.
During this transition, both Vistara and Air India will ensure full support, consistent communication, and convenience for all customers. Customers are encouraged to review the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the Vistara website for any actions they may need to take concerning their travel.
Vinod Kannan, Chief Executive Officer of Vistara, stated, “We are immensely grateful to all our customers for their support and patronage over the last 10 years. As we progress further in our growth journey, we want to emphasize that this merger is about offering them more choice with a larger fleet and a wider network, while elevating the overall travel experience. Vistara and Air India are committed to ensuring that this transition is smooth and hassle-free. We are excited about this new phase in our journey and look forward to welcoming our customers again soon – as Air India.”
As the merger process progresses, customers will receive regular updates on the websites and social media channels of both Vistara and Air India, as well as via email. This will include information on web check-in, lounge access, ancillary services, and all other relevant touchpoints. The teams across both airlines are committed to making the transition as seamless as possible.
As Vistara embarks on its journey to merge with Air India, the two airlines are committed to maintaining clear communication and support for their customers throughout the transition. This merger represents a significant step forward in the Indian aviation industry, combining the strengths of both airlines to provide a broader network, increased flight options, and enhanced services. Vistara and Air India are excited about this new chapter and are dedicated to creating a seamless travel experience for all passengers, ensuring the combined airline becomes a symbol of excellence and a leading global carrier.
