Tata Sia Airlines Limited, operating under the brand name Vistara, declared its merger with Air India on Friday. In an official statement, the company announced that customers will be unable to book Vistara flights for travel starting November 12. "Beginning September 3, 2024, customers will gradually lose the ability to book Vistara flights for travel on or after November 12, 2024," the statement read. However, Vistara will continue to accept bookings and operate flights normally until November 11, 2024. All Vistara aircraft will subsequently be operated by Air India, with bookings for these routes being redirected to Air India's website, according to the company.
During this transition, both Vistara and Air India will provide necessary support, consistent communication, and convenience to all customers. Vinod Kannan, CEO of Vistara, expressed gratitude to customers for their support over the past decade and emphasized that the merger aims to offer more choices with a larger fleet and broader network, enhancing the overall travel experience. Kannan assured that Vistara and Air India are dedicated to ensuring a smooth and hassle-free transition. He also expressed excitement about the new phase and looked forward to welcoming customers back under the Air India banner.
Campbell Wilson, CEO and Managing Director of Air India, highlighted the collaborative efforts of cross-functional teams from both airlines to ensure a seamless transition for aircraft, crew, and customers into the new Air India. Wilson anticipated offering an expanded network, additional flight options, an enhanced frequent flyer program, and the best of both legacy airlines. He also expressed gratitude for the support of loyal customers during this phase of building a world-class, global airline with an Indian heart.
On August 10, both companies received CAR (Civil Aviation Requirement) 145 approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for integrating their aircraft line maintenance operations, as per an official release.
