The much-anticipated merger between Vistara and Air India is expected to be finalised on November 12, following a significant development on Friday when Singapore Airlines (SIA) announced 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, as 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 continue normal flight operations until November 11, 2024.
Both airlines are committed to ensuring smooth communication and support for customers during this transition, with FAQs available on Vistara’s website for guidance.
Vinod Kannan, CEO of Vistara, highlighted that the merger will offer customers more choices, a larger fleet, and an enhanced travel experience.
“The integration is not just about merging fleets but also about merging values and commitments to providing the best service to our customers,” Kannan said.
Meanwhile, Campbell Wilson, CEO of Air India, highlighted the collaborative efforts to ensure a seamless integration of services, staff, and customer care.
He said, “Our teams are working closely to ensure that the transition is smooth and that our customers experience no disruption in service.”
The merger, first announced in November 2022, will create one of the world’s largest airline groups, combining the strengths of two major players in the aviation industry.
The union is seen as a strategic move to bolster Air India’s position in the global aviation market, offering a more extensive network and enhanced service offerings.
With the clearance from the Indian government, Singapore Airlines will acquire a 25.1 percent stake in the newly enlarged Air India, which is owned by Tata Group. Vistara, currently a 51:49 joint venture between Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, will be integrated into Air India, solidifying 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.
Customers of both airlines can look forward to an expanded range of services, enhanced connectivity, and a unified loyalty program, all designed to improve the overall travel experience.
As the merger progresses, updates on travel-related services will be provided through the airlines’ websites, social media, and email, ensuring customers are informed and supported throughout the transition.
The combined entity will likely focus on leveraging synergies to optimise operations, reduce costs, and offer competitive pricing, further enhancing its appeal in a highly competitive market.