The aviation industry in India is set for a significant transformation as Vistara, the full-service airline, prepares to operate its last independent flight on November 11, 2024.
Following this farewell flight, Vistara will merge its operations seamlessly with Air India, creating a unified force in the skies. Let’s understand the details of this strategic move and its impact on passengers and employment.
The Merger of Vistara with Air India: A Strategic Leap
The merger between Vistara and Air India represents a strategic leap by the Tata Group, which owns Air India.
The goal is to strengthen India’s position in the global aviation market by combining the strengths of two major players. Here’s what travelers and employees need to know:
Booking Transition and Cut-Off Date: Starting September 3, 2024, customers will no longer be able to book Vistara flights for travel on or after November 12, 2024.
Booking Transition: All bookings for routes previously operated by Vistara will be redirected to Air India’s website.
Vistara will continue to accept bookings and operate flights until November 11, 2024. This ensures a smooth transition for passengers during the merger process.
From November 12, 2024, all Vistara aircraft will operate under the Air India brand, effectively ending Vistara’s standalone operations.
Also Watch: The Future of Jobs in BFSI Sector in FY25, Click Here
Vinod Kannan, Chief Executive Officer, Vistara, said, “We are immensely grateful to all our customers for their support and patronage over the last 10 years.”
He added, “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,” Vinod said.
Seamless Transition and Customer Support
Smooth Transition: Both Vistara and Air India are committed to ensuring a seamless transition. Efforts will minimize any impact on flight schedules and services during the rebranding process.
Customer Communication: Comprehensive FAQs will be available on Vistara’s website to guide customers through the changes. Regular updates will be communicated through websites, social media, and emails.
The merger is expected to provide customers with a broader fleet and network and enhanced frequent flyer benefits.
Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India, said, “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.”
Also Watch: 40% Rise in FY24 Sexual Harassment? Handling Retaliation, Click Here
“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,” he added.
Impact on Employment
While the merger promises growth and efficiency, it also impacts employment. Approximately 600 non-flying staff members from both airlines may be affected.
Efforts will be made to provide employment opportunities within both Air India and the Tata groups. For those who cannot be accommodated, a voluntary separation scheme package will be offered.
In a statement Vistara said, “As the merger process moves ahead, regular updates will be shared with customers on the websites and social media channels of Vistara and Air India, and via e-mail.”
“This includes information on web check-in, lounge access, ancillary services, and all other possible touchpoints. All efforts will be made by the dedicated teams across both airlines to ensure a seamless transition,” the company added.
Note: We are also on WhatsApp, LinkedIn, Google News, and YouTube, to get the latest news updates, Subscribe to our Channels. WhatsApp– Click Here, Google News– Click Here, YouTube – Click Here, and LinkedIn– Click Here.
