India
First flight after Air India-Vistara merger takes off from Doha to Mumbai | India News – Times of India
The Airbus A321 took off from Doha at around 10:07 pm local time and completed a journey of approximately three hours.
Following the international launch, the merged entity’s first domestic flight, AI2984, took off from Mumbai to Delhi early at 1.30 am on Tuesday on an Airbus A320. To help passengers identify Vistara-operated flights within Air India’s network, the newly integrated flights will use the code ‘AI2XXX’ for Vistara’s previous routes.
On Monday evening, Vistara’s last flight from Odisha took off from Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar en route to Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. The flight, UK 782, took off at 8.30 pm, marking Vistara’s last independent journey from the state as the airline completes its integration with Air India.
The merger between Air India and Vistara has made both part of the Tata Group. Vistara, a joint venture between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines, will see the latter retain a 25.1% stake in the expanded Air India. As part of the integration, Vistara’s existing routes, schedules and in-flight experience will remain unchanged, ensuring continuity of service quality for passengers.
To ensure a smooth transition, Air India has deployed additional resources at major Indian airports. These employees will guide Vistara customers with questions, especially those with Vistara tickets, through the new system. Self-service kiosks will now display advisory messages directing passengers to Air India to check-in on AI2-encrypted Vistara flights, effective November 12.
At international airports, Air India has stationed brand support teams and signage near check-in areas to help customers navigate the new setup.
More than 4.5 million members of Vistara’s loyalty program will also be integrated into Air India’s frequent flyer program, ensuring continued loyalty rewards without interruption.
