New Delhi – In a bid to quell concerns regarding the future of Vistara’s in-flight service after the upcoming merger with Air India, Air India CEO Campbell Wilson confirmed that "the Vistara in-flight experience is not going away." The highly anticipated merger, set to be finalized on November 12, will see Vistara’s flight codes replaced with ‘AI2’, while maintaining the high standards of service that Vistara’s loyal customers have come to expect. Speaking to Vistara customers in a message released on Friday, Wilson emphasized that they could continue to enjoy the same world-class fleet and exceptional service, complete with familiar faces.
He assured passengers that the routes and schedules currently operated by Vistara will remain unchanged, along with the in-flight offerings, including menus and cutlery. With the merger on the horizon, some customers had expressed concerns about potential changes to the level of service they receive, particularly as Air India undertakes its own transformation phase. However, Air India reaffirmed its commitment to preserving Vistara’s renowned in-flight experience, stating, “For instance, UK 955 will become AI 2955, helping customers identify them while booking after November 12.”
In a separate statement, Vistara Chairman Bhaskar Bhat noted that the integrated airline will share the best practices of both Air India and Vistara. He also confirmed that Vistara’s iconic livery would remain for the time being, providing a sense of continuity for its passengers. The merger, initially announced in November 2022, will result in Singapore Airlines acquiring a 25.1 percent stake in the newly formed entity, further solidifying the airline's position in the competitive aviation market.
As the integration process begins, both airlines are committed to ensuring that their customers continue to receive the high-quality service they deserve, while maintaining the unique identity of Vistara for the foreseeable future. Passengers can look forward to flying under the new code ‘AI2XXX’ while enjoying the same exceptional services that have made Vistara a favorite among travelers. With the promise of "same world-class fleet, exceptional service, and familiar faces," the future looks bright for the merged Air India and Vistara brands.
