The Indian aviation sector is on the verge of a transformative change as Vistara, one of the country’s premier full-service airlines, prepares to merge with the national carrier, Air India. This merger is part of a larger consolidation plan by the Tata Group, which now owns both airlines. The merger will officially take place on November 11, 2024, and is set to redefine the landscape of air travel in India, marking a significant milestone in the country's aviation history.
A New Code for Vistara
One of the most visible changes for passengers post-merger will be Vistara aircraft operating under a new code: 'AI2'. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has granted approval for the integration of Vistara’s aircraft into Air India’s operations. As a result, Vistara’s familiar two-letter code 'UK' will be replaced by 'AI2', symbolizing the airline’s transition under Air India’s operational framework.
For instance, Vistara flight UK955 will be rebranded as AI2955, reflecting the new four-digit format with the digit "2" in the beginning. This new coding system will allow passengers to easily recognize which flights are operated by Vistara aircraft but now within Air India’s expanded network. This change will come into effect after November 12, and passengers booking flights from this date onward will see these new codes during the booking process.
What Remains the Same: Vistara’s Signature Experience
While the code is changing, the overall experience that passengers have come to associate with Vistara will remain largely the same. According to the official statement from the airline, Vistara’s routes, schedules, and in-flight services will be retained post-merger. This means passengers can continue to enjoy the premium services and high-quality in-flight experience that Vistara has been known for.
Vistara’s carefully curated services — including its well-regarded onboard menu, premium cutlery, and attentive cabin crew — will continue to be offered even after the merger. The same flight attendants who have been part of Vistara’s team will remain in service, ensuring that frequent flyers experience continuity in the level of hospitality they have come to expect.
This commitment to retaining Vistara's in-flight experience is a strategic move by Air India to ensure that the full-service airline’s loyal customer base is not alienated during this significant transition.
Loyalty Program Integration: Club Vistara to Maharaja Club
Another key aspect of the merger is the integration of Vistara’s loyalty program, Club Vistara, into Air India’s Flying Returns program. This will result in the rebranding of Air India’s loyalty program as the Maharaja Club, combining the best of both worlds for loyal customers. Club Vistara members will be seamlessly transferred into this new program and will retain the benefits they’ve earned under their previous membership, such as points, status, and rewards.
This integration aims to provide a smoother and more unified experience for frequent flyers who have accrued miles and status with both airlines. The rebranding of Flying Returns into the Maharaja Club is a nod to Air India’s historic branding while also bringing it in line with the premium services that Vistara offers. By blending the offerings of both airlines, the newly rebranded program is designed to cater to a larger, more diverse customer base, especially those seeking luxury and elite status.
The Role of Singapore Airlines Post-Merger
Vistara is a joint venture between Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, and even after the merger, Singapore Airlines will continue to play a vital role in the operations of the combined airline entity. Post-merger, Singapore Airlines will hold a 25.1% stake in Air India, ensuring its continued involvement in shaping the future of the airline.
This stake not only highlights Singapore Airlines' ongoing commitment to the Indian market but also underscores the strategic importance of this merger in expanding Air India’s international operations. The global experience of Singapore Airlines will likely be instrumental in raising the service standards and operational efficiency of the newly merged entity, especially on international routes where Air India has traditionally lagged behind competitors in terms of service quality.
Tata Group’s Strategic Consolidation of Airlines
The merger between Vistara and Air India is part of Tata Group’s larger strategy to consolidate its various airline businesses under one unified brand. Tata Group has been systematically streamlining its aviation assets since it reacquired Air India from the government in 2021. Earlier this month, Air India Express also completed its merger with AIX Connect, formerly known as AirAsia India, effectively bringing all of Tata’s aviation businesses under one umbrella.
Vistara Aircraft to Operate Under New Code 'AI2' Post Merger with Air India
The Indian aviation sector is on the verge of a transformative change as Vistara, one of the country’s premier full-service airlines, prepares to merge with the national carrier, Air India. This merger is part of a larger consolidation plan by the Tata Group, which now owns both airlines. The merger will officially take place on November 11, 2024, and is set to redefine the landscape of air travel in India, marking a significant milestone in the country's aviation history.
A New Code for Vistara
One of the most visible changes for passengers post-merger will be Vistara aircraft operating under a new code: 'AI2'. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has granted approval for the integration of Vistara’s aircraft into Air India’s operations. As a result, Vistara’s familiar two-letter code 'UK' will be replaced by 'AI2', symbolizing the airline’s transition under Air India’s operational framework.
For instance, Vistara flight UK955 will be rebranded as AI2955, reflecting the new four-digit format with the digit "2" in the beginning. This new coding system will allow passengers to easily recognize which flights are operated by Vistara aircraft but now within Air India’s expanded network. This change will come into effect after November 12, and passengers booking flights from this date onward will see these new codes during the booking process.
What Remains the Same: Vistara’s Signature Experience
While the code is changing, the overall experience that passengers have come to associate with Vistara will remain largely the same. According to the official statement from the airline, Vistara’s routes, schedules, and in-flight services will be retained post-merger. This means passengers can continue to enjoy the premium services and high-quality in-flight experience that Vistara has been known for.
Vistara’s carefully curated services — including its well-regarded onboard menu, premium cutlery, and attentive cabin crew — will continue to be offered even after the merger. The same flight attendants who have been part of Vistara’s team will remain in service, ensuring that frequent flyers experience continuity in the level of hospitality they have come to expect.
This commitment to retaining Vistara's in-flight experience is a strategic move by Air India to ensure that the full-service airline’s loyal customer base is not alienated during this significant transition.
Loyalty Program Integration: Club Vistara to Maharaja Club
Another key aspect of the merger is the integration of Vistara’s loyalty program, Club Vistara, into Air India’s Flying Returns program. This will result in the rebranding of Air India’s loyalty program as the Maharaja Club, combining the best of both worlds for loyal customers. Club Vistara members will be seamlessly transferred into this new program and will retain the benefits they’ve earned under their previous membership, such as points, status, and rewards.
This integration aims to provide a smoother and more unified experience for frequent flyers who have accrued miles and status with both airlines. The rebranding of Flying Returns into the Maharaja Club is a nod to Air India’s historic branding while also bringing it in line with the premium services that Vistara offers. By blending the offerings of both airlines, the newly rebranded program is designed to cater to a larger, more diverse customer base, especially those seeking luxury and elite status.
The Role of Singapore Airlines Post-Merger
Vistara is a joint venture between Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, and even after the merger, Singapore Airlines will continue to play a vital role in the operations of the combined airline entity. Post-merger, Singapore Airlines will hold a 25.1% stake in Air India, ensuring its continued involvement in shaping the future of the airline.
This stake not only highlights Singapore Airlines' ongoing commitment to the Indian market but also underscores the strategic importance of this merger in expanding Air India’s international operations. The global experience of Singapore Airlines will likely be instrumental in raising the service standards and operational efficiency of the newly merged entity, especially on international routes where Air India has traditionally lagged behind competitors in terms of service quality.
Tata Group’s Strategic Consolidation of Airlines
The merger between Vistara and Air India is part of Tata Group’s larger strategy to consolidate its various airline businesses under one unified brand. Tata Group has been systematically streamlining its aviation assets since it reacquired Air India from the government in 2021. Earlier this month, Air India Express also completed its merger with AIX Connect, formerly known as AirAsia India, effectively bringing all of Tata’s aviation businesses under one umbrella.
Shrishty Sharma
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