'Vistara's experience will remain same even after the merger'; Air India said - 'AI2' word will be added to flight services

On Wednesday, Air India announced that after the merger process is finished next month, Vistara's aircraft number will begin with 'AI2'. Vistara's aircraft, staff, and services will be the same as before. The Tata Group-owned full-service carrier has stated that the Vistara experience will not be affected by the merger.

Tata- Singapore Airlines joint venture Vistara is all set to merge with Air India on November 12, which will be one of the biggest mergers in the Indian aviation space after the merger of AIX Connect with Air India Express.

Some experts have apprehension that will Vistara passengers continue to get the services as at present even after the merger? There is also a doubt because Air India, which is at present undergoing a phase of transformation, had to face many problems in recent times.

An Air India spokesperson said on Wednesday that the Air India and Vistara teams have been working hard for more than a year to ensure that the merger of legal and regulated entities is seamless for both customers and employees.

He said, "Although the legal entities and air operator certificates will be merged on November 12, the Vistara experience will remain." An Air India spokesperson said in a statement, "Vistara's aircraft, crew and services will continue to operate as before. Services with AI2XXX flight numbers will be booked through airindia.com."

Air India's airline code is 'AI' and Vistara's is 'UK'. After the merger, business under the name Vistara will stop. Among other elements, Vistara's catering service is being extended to Air India.

According to an Air India spokesperson, its narrow-body fleet is being upgraded, new aircraft are being delivered and older planes are being refurbished with completely new interiors. The Air India-Vistara merger announced in November 2022 will also see Singapore Airlines acquire a 25.1 per cent stake in the merged entity.