NEW DELHI: Vistara will merge with Air India on Nov 12. From September 3, customers will “progressively no longer be able to make bookings with Vistara for travel on or after Nov 12. All our flights thereafter will be operated by Air India and bookings for them will be redirected to the Air India website from our website. The schedule, aircraft and crew for these flights will generally be maintained until early 2025. Our operations continue as usual until Nov 11, 2024,” Vistara said in an internal memo to employees on Friday.
This date was communicated after India approved it foreign direct investment (FDI) by Singapore Airlines to Air India. In a statement, SIA – which owns 49% in Vistara and will acquire a 25.1% stake in the combined AI by investing Rs 2,059 crore, said on Friday: “SIA confirms Government of India has approved its proposed FDI to the enlarged Air India Group, as part of the merger of Air India and Vistara. This agreement, together with other governments and regulatory approval received so far, marking significant progress towards completing the merger.
“SIA and its partner Tata Sons aim to complete the merger by the end of 2024. Upon completion, SIA will hold a 25.1% stake in the larger Air India Group. SIA and Tata Sons are committed to supporting the growth and success of Air India Group, which after the merger will have a significant presence in all major Indian airline market segments (full service, low-cost, international and domestic). this is big and growing fast,” the statement said.
Vistara CEO Vinod Kannan said, “We are very grateful to all our customers for their support and patronage over the past 10 years. As we move forward on our growth journey, we want to emphasize that this merger is about giving us more choice with a larger fleet and a wider network much, while improving the overall travel experience. Vistara and Air India are committed to ensuring that this transition is smooth and hassle-free. We are excited about this new phase in our journey and look forward to welcoming our customers back – as Air India.
AI CEO & MD Campbell Wilson said: “Cross-functional teams from Air India and Vistara have been working together for months to transition our aircraft, flight crew, ground-based colleagues and, most importantly, our valued customers, to the new Air India as seamless as possible. The combined team expects to offer an expanded network, additional flight options, and the best of both antecedent airlines and is grateful for the support of loyal customers through the next phase of building a world-class, world-class , a global airline with an Indian heart.
In an internal communication with employees, Vistara CEO Vinod Kannan said: “…we are entering the final lap of joining AI. The road map ahead will require a sequence of activities and I seek your support to ensure a smooth transition…. We will lead this transition phase to ensure that we offer all support, consistent communication, and convenience to our customers, every step of the way.
Regarding Vistara employees, the note said: “For those of you who have been transferred to Air India, you will continue to perform your duties and responsibilities. The HR team is working on the migration of all remaining employees, including minimum spec team members, all flying staff etc. , and the last date of movement along with other details will be communicated to you.The harmonization of staffing practices and policies for various verticals is also underway, and the results will also be shared in the coming weeks.
With trepidation, Kannan told employees that the merger was “just the beginning of an exciting new chapter in our growth story that offers many opportunities for everyone. Together, we are creating the foundation for an integrated entity uniquely positioned to dominate the global aviation industry.
“Thank you for your cooperation and everything you have given to this wonderful organization. The indelible legacy that you have helped create in the minds of our customers will live forever. Finally, it is not goodbye – we still have more than two months of operation to continue to please customers and excel in what is best – and complete all activities related to the merger. I will continue to update you on any further developments through the usual updates and hope to meet you in person – on the ground, in the sky or virtually, in the coming week,” Kannan’s note said.
This date was communicated after India approved it foreign direct investment (FDI) by Singapore Airlines to Air India. In a statement, SIA – which owns 49% in Vistara and will acquire a 25.1% stake in the combined AI by investing Rs 2,059 crore, said on Friday: “SIA confirms Government of India has approved its proposed FDI to the enlarged Air India Group, as part of the merger of Air India and Vistara. This agreement, together with other governments and regulatory approval received so far, marking significant progress towards completing the merger.
“SIA and its partner Tata Sons aim to complete the merger by the end of 2024. Upon completion, SIA will hold a 25.1% stake in the larger Air India Group. SIA and Tata Sons are committed to supporting the growth and success of Air India Group, which after the merger will have a significant presence in all major Indian airline market segments (full service, low-cost, international and domestic). this is big and growing fast,” the statement said.
Vistara CEO Vinod Kannan said, “We are very grateful to all our customers for their support and patronage over the past 10 years. As we move forward on our growth journey, we want to emphasize that this merger is about giving us more choice with a larger fleet and a wider network much, while improving the overall travel experience. Vistara and Air India are committed to ensuring that this transition is smooth and hassle-free. We are excited about this new phase in our journey and look forward to welcoming our customers back – as Air India.
AI CEO & MD Campbell Wilson said: “Cross-functional teams from Air India and Vistara have been working together for months to transition our aircraft, flight crew, ground-based colleagues and, most importantly, our valued customers, to the new Air India as seamless as possible. The combined team expects to offer an expanded network, additional flight options, and the best of both antecedent airlines and is grateful for the support of loyal customers through the next phase of building a world-class, world-class , a global airline with an Indian heart.
In an internal communication with employees, Vistara CEO Vinod Kannan said: “…we are entering the final lap of joining AI. The road map ahead will require a sequence of activities and I seek your support to ensure a smooth transition…. We will lead this transition phase to ensure that we offer all support, consistent communication, and convenience to our customers, every step of the way.
Regarding Vistara employees, the note said: “For those of you who have been transferred to Air India, you will continue to perform your duties and responsibilities. The HR team is working on the migration of all remaining employees, including minimum spec team members, all flying staff etc. , and the last date of movement along with other details will be communicated to you.The harmonization of staffing practices and policies for various verticals is also underway, and the results will also be shared in the coming weeks.
With trepidation, Kannan told employees that the merger was “just the beginning of an exciting new chapter in our growth story that offers many opportunities for everyone. Together, we are creating the foundation for an integrated entity uniquely positioned to dominate the global aviation industry.
“Thank you for your cooperation and everything you have given to this wonderful organization. The indelible legacy that you have helped create in the minds of our customers will live forever. Finally, it is not goodbye – we still have more than two months of operation to continue to please customers and excel in what is best – and complete all activities related to the merger. I will continue to update you on any further developments through the usual updates and hope to meet you in person – on the ground, in the sky or virtually, in the coming week,” Kannan’s note said.
