Air India Chief Campbell Wilson announced on Friday that November 12 has been set as the date for the integration of Vistara’s aircraft and crew into Air India, following the receipt of regulatory approvals.
The merger of Vistara, a joint venture between Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, with Air India means Singapore Airlines will hold a 25.1 per cent stake in the Tata Group-owned carrier post-merger. The government has approved the foreign direct investment from Singapore Airlines as part of the deal.
Wilson, in a message to staff, noted that the merger, first announced in November 2022, is entering its final phase. From November 12, Vistara flights will be rebranded with Air India flight numbers, although aircraft, schedules, and crews will remain the same until early 2025.
A Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) guide has been prepared to assist passengers during the transition. Starting September 3, passengers booking flights on or after November 12 through Vistara’s website will be redirected to Air India’s site to complete their bookings.
Wilson assured that all existing Vistara reservations for flights after November 12 will be automatically transferred to Air India flight numbers in phases throughout September, with individual notifications sent to affected customers.
With regulatory approvals now secured, Wilson emphasised the importance of a smooth transition, urging staff to stay focused to ensure a seamless experience for customers and colleagues.