Vistara’s last flight will fly on November 11 2024
Vistara’s last flight will fly on November 11: Tickets will not be booked from September 3, merger with Air India finalized.
Table of Contents
The country’s third largest airline Vistara will operate its last flight on November 11. This is because the merger of the Singapore-based airline with Air India has been finalized.
From November 12, all Vistara flights will now be operated by Air India. Ticket booking for this will also be done from Air India’s website. Vistara has given this information today (Friday, August 30).
The airline has said that ticket booking for journeys on or after November 12 will stop from the company’s website from September 3. Vistara will continue to take bookings and operate flights for travel till November 11.
Air India-Vistara signed a merger deal in November-2022
This merger deal between Air India and Vistara was signed in November 2022. The merger was approved by the Indian regulator Competition Commission of India (CCI) in September 2023.
At the same time, earlier this year, the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) approved the merger. After this merger, Air India Group has become the second largest domestic airline and the largest international airline in the country in terms of market share.
Tata holds 74.9% and Singapore Airlines holds 25.1% stake
After this deal, Singapore Airlines will hold 25.1% stake in Air India Group with a direct investment of $250 million (about Rs 2,096 crore). Tata Group’s stake in the new venture will be 74.9%.
Before the deal, Tata Sons held 51% stake in Vistara and Singapore Airlines held 49% stake. The new firm will be named AI-Vistara-AI Express-Air Asia India Private Limited (AAIPL). Singapore Airlines will also invest $675.42 million (about Rs 5,664 crore) after the merger is completed.
First full-service and low-cost airline
Air India (including Air India Express and Air Asia India) and Vistara have a total of 218 widebody and narrowbody aircraft, serving 38 international and 52 domestic destinations.
Vistara was launched in 2013. It is India’s leading full-service carrier with international operations in East-Central Asia and Europe. After the merger, Air India will be the only Indian airline group to operate both full-service and low-cost passenger service.
What is happening with Vistara?
Vistara will operate its last flight on November 11, 2024. Following this date, all Vistara flights will be operated by Air India as part of a finalized merger between the two airlines.
When will Vistara stop accepting bookings?
Ticket bookings for Vistara flights will cease on September 3, 2024, for travel on or after November 12, 2024. Vistara will continue to accept bookings and operate flights for travel up to November 11, 2024.
What will happen to existing Vistara bookings?
Existing Vistara bookings for travel until November 11, 2024, will be honored. For flights after November 11, 2024, passengers will need to book through Air India’s website.
When was the merger deal between Air India and Vistara signed?
The merger deal between Air India and Vistara was signed in November 2022.
What approvals were needed for the merger?
The merger received approval from the Indian Competition Commission (CCI) in September 2023 and from the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) earlier this year.
What will be the ownership structure of the new entity?
Post-merger, Singapore Airlines will hold a 25.1% stake in the Air India Group, with a direct investment of $250 million. Tata Group will own a 74.9% stake. Singapore Airlines will also invest an additional $675.42 million after the merger is completed.
What is the name of the new firm?
The new entity will be named AI-Vistara-AI Express-Air Asia India Private Limited (AAIPL).
How will the merger impact Air India’s operations?
After the merger, Air India will operate as both a full-service and low-cost carrier, combining the operations of Air India, Air India Express, Air Asia India, and Vistara.
What is Vistara’s history and its role before the merger?
Vistara, launched in 2013, was India’s leading full-service carrier with international operations in East-Central Asia and Europe. It was a joint venture between Tata Sons (holding a 51% stake) and Singapore Airlines (holding a 49% stake).
