In a significant development for Indian aviation, the merger between Air India and Vistara will officially take effect on November 12, bringing together the strengths of both airlines while ensuring that the premium experience offered by Vistara will remain intact for customers. Post-merger, Vistara aircraft will be operated by Air India and identified with a special four-digit Air India code starting with “2.” For instance, Vistara flight UK 955 will now be listed as AI 2955 on Air India’s website, allowing passengers to easily identify and book these flights.
Despite the change in flight codes, Vistara’s signature in-flight services will continue. Passengers can expect the same high-quality product and service offerings on Vistara aircraft, including its renowned in-flight menu, premium cutlery, and the familiar Vistara crew. The routes and schedules operated by Vistara aircraft will remain unchanged, maintaining the convenience for frequent flyers.
As part of a multi-media campaign, Air India emphasized the advantages of this merger for passengers, particularly the expanded network that will offer access to over 90 domestic and international destinations. Through codeshare and interline agreements, passengers will also have access to over 800 additional destinations, opening up a world of travel possibilities.
Loyal Vistara customers will be seamlessly transferred to Air India’s Flying Returns loyalty program, which is set to evolve into the “Maharaja Club” post-merger. This integration promises enhanced benefits for members, reflecting the unified airline’s commitment to rewarding its frequent flyers.
In tandem with the merger, Air India is upgrading its narrowbody fleet with the introduction of new aircraft and retrofitting legacy planes with modern interiors. The first A320neo aircraft underwent retrofitting in September, with 27 legacy aircraft expected to be refurbished by mid-2025. The upgraded planes will feature luxurious seats in Business, extra legroom in Premium Economy, and enhanced Economy class seating, providing passengers with more comfort and choices.
Key improvements will include subtle cabin lighting, expanded legroom, USB ports for charging devices, and modern fixtures, creating an inflight experience tailored to the needs of today’s tech-savvy travelers. Additionally, Vistara’s renowned catering service will now also be extended to Air India flights.
Air India’s widebody fleet has seen a boost with the introduction of six A350 aircraft, already flying between Delhi and London, with plans to extend service to New York soon.
