Air India announced on Wednesday that flights operated by Vistara aircraft will adopt flight numbers with the prefix 'AI2' following the merger of the two airlines next month. Despite the integration, Vistara's planes, crew, and services will remain unchanged. The full-service carrier, owned by Tata Group, reassured passengers that the Vistara experience would continue after the merger.
The consolidation, set for November 12, will mark a significant restructuring in India's aviation industry, following the recent integration of AIX Connect with Air India Express.
The merger involves Vistara, a joint venture between Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, and Air India. There have been concerns about whether Vistara passengers will continue to receive the same level of service, as Air India, currently undergoing a transformation, has faced service-related challenges in recent times.
Addressing these concerns, an Air India spokesperson said that teams from both airlines have been working for over a year to ensure a smooth transition for customers and staff. "Though the legal entities and Air Operator Certificates will become one on November 12, the Vistara experience will remain," the spokesperson stated. "Vistara aircraft, crew, and service will continue to operate as before, but with AI2XXX flight numbers bookable via airindia.com."
Air India currently uses the airline code 'AI', while Vistara uses 'UK', which will be retired after the merger. In addition, Vistara's renowned catering services will be extended to Air India flights.
The merger, initially announced in November 2022, also includes Singapore Airlines acquiring a 25.1 per cent stake in the combined entity. Air India is also in the process of upgrading its narrow-body fleet, with new aircraft deliveries and refurbishments of legacy planes to feature new interiors.
Meanwhile, Indian aviation regulator DGCA has said the merger of AIX Connect with Air India Express has been completed that sets a new benchmark for future airline consolidation in the country. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has granted the requisite regulatory approval for the merger.
"Effective October 1, 2024, all aircraft of AIX Connect have been transferred seamlessly onto the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) of AIX, ensuring that airline operations of the combined entity continue without disruption to ensure a safe and smooth passenger experience," DGCA said. The airlines are part of the Tata Group.