On Monday, ground staff and crew members at Odisha’s Biju Patnaik International Airport said an emotional farewell to Vistara, as the airline’s last flight took off. This Delhi-bound flight marked the final journey for the full-service carrier before its merger with Air India, a significant milestone in the Indian aviation industry. The scene was filled with nostalgia as employees bid adieu to the airline that had been a prominent player in India’s aviation landscape.
The First Flight of the Merged Air India-Vistara Entity
The merger officially took flight later that night with the departure of the first integrated Air India-Vistara aircraft. Operating with the code ‘AI2286’, the flight left Doha at 10:07 PM local time and is scheduled to land in Mumbai early Tuesday morning. This flight also holds the distinction of being the first international journey for the merged airline entity, signaling the beginning of a new era for both carriers.
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Airport staff bid farewell to the last Vistara flight ahead of merger with Air India.pic.twitter.com/KIzZxvOfih
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A Sentimental Farewell from Vistara
In a heartfelt Instagram post shared on Sunday, Vistara expressed its optimism for the future as the merger with Air India came to fruition. “As the plane ascends, so do our dreams; let’s glide toward the future, where the sky isn’t the limit, but just the beginning,” the airline wrote, evoking a sense of both closure and anticipation for what lies ahead.
Changes After the Merger
Following the merger, Vistara’s major shareholder, Singapore Airlines, will hold a 25.1% stake in the newly merged Air India entity. To ensure a smooth transition for Vistara’s passengers, Air India has deployed additional resources, including help desk kiosks at key touchpoints across airports.
Over time, Vistara’s airport ticketing offices and check-in counters will be rebranded to reflect Air India’s operations. Furthermore, Vistara aircraft will now be identified by a special four-digit Air India code, starting with the digit ‘2’, marking the completion of the merger.
Looking Forward: The Future of Air India and Vistara
As the merger between Air India and Vistara moves forward, it marks a new chapter in the evolution of Indian aviation. Both airlines are set to expand their services and improve passenger experiences, with a shared focus on becoming a stronger, more competitive force in global aviation.
The departure of the last Vistara flight is a reminder of the airline’s contributions to India’s aviation industry and the exciting future ahead as Air India and Vistara combine forces
