New Delhi — In a reassuring announcement, Campbell Wilson, the CEO and Managing Director of Air India, emphasized that the beloved in-flight experience of Vistara will continue to thrive even after the impending merger between the two airlines. The merger, set to be completed on November 12, is expected to mark a significant evolution in India's aviation landscape, with Singapore Airlines acquiring a 25.1 percent stake in the newly integrated entity. Addressing Vistara customers in a message on Friday, Wilson confirmed that while the flight codes for Vistara routes will change to 'AI2XXX', passengers can expect the same high standards of service. “Your Vistara in-flight experience is not going away.
You can continue to enjoy the same world-class fleet, exceptional service, and familiar faces,” he stated. The announcement comes amidst some apprehensions among travelers regarding the consistency of service levels post-merger, particularly in light of Air India's ongoing transformation process, which has faced some challenges recently. Wilson reassured customers that the routes, schedules, and in-flight offerings, including menus and cutlery, will remain unchanged, preserving the quality that Vistara is known for.
On Wednesday, Bhaskar Bhat, Chairman of Vistara, highlighted that the integrated airline would adopt best practices from both carriers while retaining the Vistara brand identity for a transitional period. The merger will also see the vintage ‘Maharaja’ brand retained through the frequent flyer program, with existing members of Club Vistara being seamlessly integrated into Air India’s Flying Returns program, set to be rebranded as the ‘Maharaja Club.’ Air India further clarified that the identification of Vistara flights will be simplified with a four-digit Air India code beginning with the digit '2'.
For instance, a flight previously coded as UK 955 will transition to AI 2955, helping customers navigate the booking process more easily. With such significant changes on the horizon, both Air India and Vistara aim to ensure that their combined legacy will bring enhanced travel experiences to their passengers. The merger, first announced in November 2022, stands to reinforce the presence of Tata Group and Singapore Airlines in the Indian aviation market, promising an exciting future for travelers across the nation.