As of today, Vistara is bidding farewell to its independent journey as it operationally merges with Air India. Known for being India’s last full-service airline to enter the market, Vistara has carved a special niche in the Indian aviation industry.
The last flights under the Vistara name will be UK 986 from Mumbai to Delhi at 10:50 pm and UK 115 from Delhi to Singapore at 11:45 pm, marking the end of an era for the airline. With its dedicated customer base and unique positioning, Vistara’s integration into Air India is a significant moment in Indian aviation history.
The Rise of Vistara: India’s Last Full-Service Airline
Vistara took its first flight on January 9, 2015, and quickly became a favorite among Indian travelers seeking a premium flying experience. Unlike most other airlines in the market, Vistara offered a unique “Premium Economy” class, a concept relatively new in India at the time.
This additional class, alongside its focus on high-quality services and customer experience, set Vistara apart from its competitors. Vistara became synonymous with premium service, consistently maintaining a reputation for reliability and class. Over nine and a half years, it expanded its fleet and routes to cater to an array of domestic and international travelers.
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With the support of its parent company Tata Group, and a joint venture with Singapore Airlines, Vistara maintained a competitive edge by providing well-rounded services and a quality-focused approach. For many, Vistara represented more than just an airline; it became a brand symbolizing a superior travel experience and the promise of quality synonymous with the Tata name.
However, as India’s aviation sector evolved, a restructuring was inevitable. With Tata Group’s acquisition of Air India, the integration of Vistara into the national carrier became a logical next step. This move aims to streamline operations under a single national brand, hoping to build a stronger, more globally competitive airline under the Air India umbrella.
Transition to Air India: The Last Flights and a New Beginning
Today, the last scheduled Vistara flights will take off from Mumbai and Delhi, officially marking the end of Vistara’s independent operations.
Vistara officials have mixed feelings about the merger, noting that while there’s excitement in joining Air India, the Vistara name holds sentimental value and pride. This sentiment resonates with many loyal customers who grew to appreciate the airline’s unique offerings.
The transition process has been carefully planned. For instance, Air India announced in September that Vistara ticket bookings would be unavailable for flights post-merger, providing customers ample notice of the integration.
Moving forward, all Vistara flights will operate under the Air India banner, with flights assigned new four-digit codes starting with the digit “2” to help customers identify them. For example, Vistara flight UK 955 will now be AI 2955. This change aims to ensure clarity for customers during the transition phase, minimizing confusion.
The Air India team has taken proactive steps to ensure Vistara passengers enjoy a seamless transition. For the first few days, additional customer support staff in both Air India and Vistara uniforms will be present at key airport locations to assist travelers. Information desks and kiosks will also provide guidance to passengers with Vistara tickets, ensuring they receive support during check-in and boarding.
The Future of the Merged Airline: More Destinations, Enhanced Experience
Post-merger, Air India is set to offer expanded connectivity, covering over 90 domestic and international destinations. Through codeshare and interline partnerships, Air India will provide access to an impressive network of more than 800 destinations worldwide. This expanded network is a major advantage for former Vistara passengers, who now have a broader array of travel options under one national airline.
In addition, Vistara’s current fleet will be repainted with Air India’s livery, a process expected to be completed by May 2025. While the external appearance of Vistara’s fleet will change, the airline has committed to retaining the in-flight experience that Vistara passengers have come to expect.
This includes premium service offerings and the current in-flight product range, which will remain unchanged in the immediate future. This continuity is designed to keep Vistara’s loyal customers feeling comfortable during the transition.
As part of the merger, loyalty program members from Vistara’s Club Vistara are being transitioned to Air India’s loyalty program. With over 4.5 million Vistara loyalty members, this migration is a significant undertaking, but Air India has assured members that their points and benefits will carry over seamlessly.
For international travelers, special advisories and signage have been set up at key locations. Vistara’s contact center will redirect callers to Air India representatives, ensuring all queries are handled smoothly. In the first month after the merger, around 115,000 customers who purchased Vistara tickets pre-merger are expected to fly under Air India, highlighting the scale of this integration effort.
Air India’s approach emphasizes that the merger is designed not just as an acquisition but as a harmonization of strengths. By integrating Vistara’s customer experience standards and innovative service offerings with Air India’s extensive network, the merged entity aims to offer a world-class airline experience to Indian travelers.
The merger of Vistara into Air India marks the end of a distinctive chapter in Indian aviation. Over the years, Vistara built a legacy as a premium, full-service airline, setting new standards in Indian air travel. With the merger, Tata Group envisions creating an Indian airline that can compete globally, delivering exceptional service and connectivity.
As Vistara completes its last flights today, passengers and employees alike reflect on the journey. Although Vistara as a brand may no longer exist independently, its spirit and values will live on through Air India.
For travelers, the merger represents an opportunity for expanded routes and a continued commitment to service excellence. With this merger, Air India is set to embark on a new journey, one that holds the promise of a stronger and more unified Indian airline industry.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏