The highly anticipated merger between Vistara and Air India is expected to be completed on November 12. This follows a key development on Friday when Singapore Airlines (SIA) announced that it had received approval from the Indian government for foreign direct investment (FDI) as part of the merger process.
Starting from September 3, 2024, customers will no longer be able to book Vistara flights for travel on or after November 12, 2024. From that date onward, all Vistara aircraft will be operated under the Air India brand.
Bookings for these routes will be redirected to Air India’s website. However, Vistara will maintain its regular flight operations until November 11, 2024. Both airlines are dedicated to providing seamless communication and support throughout this transition, and FAQs are available on Vistara’s website to assist customers.
Vinod Kannan, CEO of Vistara, emphasized that the merger will provide customers with more options, a larger fleet, and an improved travel experience. “The integration goes beyond just merging fleets; it’s also about combining values and commitments to deliver the best possible service to our customers,” Kannan said.
Meanwhile, Campbell Wilson, CEO of Air India, highlighted the collaborative efforts aimed at ensuring a smooth integration of services, staff, and customer care. “Our teams are working closely to make sure the transition is seamless and that our customers experience no disruption in service,” Wilson said.
The merger, first announced in November 2022, will form one of the largest airline groups globally by bringing together two major aviation players. This strategic move is designed to strengthen Air India’s position in the international market, providing a broader network and improved service options.
With approval from the Indian government, Singapore Airlines will acquire a 25.1 percent stake in the newly expanded Air India, which is owned by Tata Group. Vistara, a joint venture with Tata Group holding 51 percent and Singapore Airlines holding 49 percent, will be merged into Air India, finalizing the merger by the end of this year.
In its regulatory filing on Friday to the Singapore Stock Exchange, Singapore Airlines said, “The FDI approval, together with anti-trust and merger control clearances and approvals, as well as other governmental and regulatory approvals received to date, represent a significant development towards the completion of the proposed merger.”
The merger is poised to reshape the aviation landscape in India, positioning Air India as a formidable player both domestically and internationally.
Passengers of both airlines can expect an expanded array of services, improved connectivity, and a unified loyalty program aimed at enriching their travel experience. Throughout the merger process, updates on travel-related services will be shared via the airlines’ websites, social media, and email, keeping customers well-informed and supported during the transition. The newly merged entity will likely emphasize leveraging synergies to optimize operations, cut costs, and offer competitive pricing, enhancing its attractiveness in a competitive market.