Merger of Vistara and Air India: A Major Transformation in Indian Aviation
Vistara, the Singapore-based airline co-owned by Tata Group and Singapore Airlines (SIA), will not be seen on the runways after November 11. The airline announced on Friday that its merger with Air India will be completed by November 12. Following the merger, all Vistara aircraft will transition to operate under the Air India brand. Passengers can book tickets for travel until November 11 until September 3. The airline has stated that all Vistara flights will be integrated into Air India’s operations.
Transition Period and Customer Support
During the transition period, bookings for routes currently managed by Vistara will be redirected to the Air India website. Vistara will continue to operate flights and accept bookings normally until November 11, 2024. After the merger is finalized on November 12, all passengers previously traveling with Vistara will now fly under Air India.
Government Approval for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
Additionally, the airline assured customers of continued support, clear communication, and facilities during this transitional phase. Earlier, on Friday morning, Singapore Airlines announced that the Indian government has granted approval for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the merger of Vistara and Air India, which is owned by Tata. Notably, Singapore Airlines and Tata hold a 49:51 stake in Vistara. Post-merger, Singapore Airlines will have a 25.1% share in the newly merged Air India, with an investment exceeding ₹2,000 crore.
Regular Updates through Multiple Platforms
Vinod Kannan, CEO of Vistara, expressed gratitude for the support shown by customers over the past decade. As the merger progresses, he emphasized that it would provide larger fleet options and a wider network, enhancing passengers’ experiences. Furthermore, the airline stated that customers would receive regular updates regarding the merger process through Vistara and Air India’s websites, social media channels, and email communications.
Approval Timeline and Steps Forward
Vistara indicated that the update would encompass details about web check-in, lounge access, and other key touchpoints. To ensure a seamless transition, dedicated teams from both airlines will make every effort to facilitate the change. The proposed deal received conditional approval in March from Singapore’s regulator, the CCCS, while the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) granted approval for the merger in June of this year. In September 2023, the deal received approval from the Competition Commission of India (CCI), subject to certain conditions.
Conclusion
The merger between Vistara and Air India represents a significant development in India’s aviation landscape, promising improved travel options and enhanced customer service. With ongoing support and communication during this transition, both airlines aim to ensure a positive experience for all passengers as they navigate this significant change.
