In a significant move that marks a new era for India’s aviation industry, Vistara, the full-service airline formed by a joint venture between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines, is set to merge with Air India. This merger, effective from November 12, 2024, will bring an end to Vistara’s independent operations. With many travelers holding existing bookings and loyalty points, the transition raises several questions. Here’s what you need to know as this merger unfolds.
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What Does This Mean for Your Vistara Bookings?
If you have a flight booked with Vistara for travel on or before November 11, 2024, you can breathe easy. Your booking will remain unchanged, and you can continue to enjoy the service you’ve come to expect from Vistara. However, for those with flights scheduled after this date, there’s a slight shift: your flight will now be operated by Air India.
Will I Need to Rebook My Flight?
No need to worry about rebooking! Your existing Vistara booking for travel after November 11, 2024, will automatically be transferred to Air India. You’ll receive a new e-ticket number from Air India, but your original PNR (Passenger Name Record) will stay the same, ensuring that your travel plans proceed without any disruptions.
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Can I Still Book Flights with Vistara?
Starting September 3, 2024, Vistara will progressively stop accepting new bookings for travel after November 11. If you plan to fly after this date, you’ll need to book through Air India’s website or mobile app. This change marks the end of Vistara’s brand presence in the booking system, as all future flights will be operated under the Air India banner.
Loyalty Points and Lounge Access: What’s the Impact?
Will My Vistara Loyalty Points Disappear?
Good news for frequent flyers! Vistara’s Club Vistara loyalty program will merge with Air India’s Flying Returns program. This means that all your existing loyalty points will be transferred without any loss of value. You’ll continue to earn and redeem points seamlessly under the new system. Air India has promised a smooth transition, allowing you to carry forward your hard-earned points and enjoy continued benefits.
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What About Lounge Access?
If you’ve purchased lounge access through Vistara for travel on or before November 11, 2024, you can still use it as planned. However, if your travel is scheduled after November 11, Air India will manage lounge access. In cases where you booked lounge access via Vistara for a post-November 11 flight, expect a refund from Vistara, and you’ll need to rebook the lounge access through Air India’s platform.
Co-Branded Credit Cards: What Should Cardholders Know?
Can I Still Use My Vistara Co-Branded Credit Card?
Yes, you can continue using your Vistara co-branded credit card after the merger. However, specific benefits or rewards tied to Vistara might undergo some changes. It’s advisable to check with your issuing bank for updates on how your card benefits might be affected post-merger. While the cards themselves won’t become obsolete, some perks may be adjusted as the loyalty programs merge.
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What’s Next for Vistara and Air India?
This merger represents a strategic consolidation for Air India, which is also part of the Tata Group. Singapore Airlines, which holds a 49% stake in Vistara, will now have a 25.1% stake in the newly combined Air India. This partnership aims to create a more competitive landscape in the Indian aviation market, leveraging the strengths of both airlines.
What Are the Strategic Benefits of This Merger?
For Air India, this merger is an opportunity to expand its fleet, network, and customer base. The integration of Vistara’s operations into Air India’s will create a more robust full-service airline that can compete on a global scale. Vistara’s modern fleet and high standards of service are expected to elevate Air India’s overall offering, providing passengers with an enhanced travel experience.
What Does the Future Hold for Air India?
As the merger finalizes, Air India is set to emerge stronger with a broader reach and improved service offerings. The unified operations are expected to launch on November 12, 2024, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the airline. With the backing of both Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines, Air India aims to position itself as a leading global carrier with deep Indian roots.
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Timeline of Vistara and Air India Merger
2022
- January 2022: Tata Sons officially acquires Air India from the Government of India, marking the beginning of a new era for the airline under the Tata Group’s leadership.
2023
- November 2023: Initial discussions between Tata Sons, Singapore Airlines, and Vistara regarding the potential merger with Air India begin to take shape.
2024
- May 2024: Air India announces that Vistara’s loyalty program, Club Vistara, will be merged into Air India’s Flying Returns program. The integration process begins with assurances of a smooth transition for customers.
August 2024:
- August 10, 2024: Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) approves the merger of aircraft maintenance operations between Vistara and Air India, a crucial step in the integration process.
- August 30, 2024: Vistara announces that it will operate its last flight under its own brand on November 11, 2024. The airline also informs customers that starting September 3, 2024, bookings for travel after November 11 will be available only through Air India’s platforms.
- August 31, 2024: The Union Cabinet of India approves Singapore Airlines’ foreign direct investment (FDI) in the newly merged Air India, finalizing the corporate aspects of the merger.
September 2024:
- September 3, 2024: Vistara begins to progressively stop accepting bookings for travel beyond November 11, 2024. Customers are directed to Air India’s website or app for any future bookings.
November 2024:
- November 11, 2024: Vistara operates its last flight under the Vistara brand. All existing Vistara bookings and operations up to this date are managed as usual.
- November 12, 2024: The merger becomes fully effective. Air India takes over all Vistara flights and operations. Passengers with existing bookings on Vistara flights after this date are issued new e-ticket numbers by Air India, though their original PNRs remain unchanged. Vistara’s Club Vistara loyalty points are fully integrated into Air India’s Flying Returns program.
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Final Thoughts: Is This the End of Vistara?
While Vistara as a brand will cease to exist, its legacy will live on through Air India. The merger is a strategic move designed to combine the best of both worlds: Vistara’s premium service and Air India’s extensive network. For passengers, this could mean more flight options, a more extensive loyalty program, and a consistent service experience across the combined fleet.
As the merger date approaches, travelers are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and prepare for the transition. The new Air India, with its expanded capabilities, is poised to offer a more compelling choice for both domestic and international travelers.
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