In a significant development for the aviation industry, Vistara Airlines will operate its final flights today. The airline is preparing to officially merge with Air India. This merger is set to be completed on November 12. It marks the end of Vistara’s journey as a standalone airline. This news has triggered nostalgia among its loyal customers and employees.
Passenger Reactions to the Last Flights
Passengers have taken to social media to share their heartfelt “last flight” experiences. They reflect on the emotional connection they have built with Vistara over the years. Frequent flyer Chirag Naik posted on X, “Wrapped up my last flight on @airvistara before its merger with @airindia. Filled with nostalgia for the great flights and excellent service that made Vistara India’s best airline.” Another user, Brown Sahiba, expressed sadness, stating, “Really tragic. What a great airline and product Vistara was. Mergers are always scary, and one brand always dies. In this case, it will be Vistara.”
Transition to Air India
After the merger, Vistara flights will operate under the Air India brand. They will be identifiable by a special four-digit code beginning with “2.” For instance, flight UK 955 will be re-designated as AI 2955. This change will streamline the transition for customers on the Air India website. Vistara’s existing routes and schedules will remain intact. Passengers can expect the same in-flight experience, with familiar crew members serving them.
Air India’s Measures for a Smooth Transition
To ensure a smooth transition for travelers, Air India is deploying additional resources across various airports in India. This includes help desk kiosks at curbside areas in hub and metro city airports. Customer inquiries from the Vistara call center will automatically redirect to Air India representatives.
Air India has successfully migrated over 270,000 Vistara customers to its system in preparation for the merger. The airline has informed them of the changes ahead. Additionally, more than 4.5 million members of Vistara’s loyalty program will join Air India’s program, offering broader benefits. The merged Air India entity will provide customers enhanced connectivity to over 90 domestic and international destinations. It will also grant access to an additional 800 destinations through codeshare and interline partners.
Challenges Ahead: Retirement Age Concerns
However, the merger has not been without challenges. A faction of Air India pilots has expressed dissatisfaction about differing retirement age limits. Air India mandates a retirement age of 58 for its pilots, while Vistara’s limit stands at 60. This discrepancy has raised concerns among pilots, especially since management has yet to address the issue.
