In a heartfelt moment at Odisha’s Biju Patnaik International Airport, ground staff and crew members bid a warm farewell to Vistara’s final flight on Monday, marking the end of an era as the airline officially merged with Air India. The Delhi-bound flight was Vistara’s last under its brand before the integration, concluding the full-service carrier’s independent operations in India.
The merger saw its first milestone on Monday night when the newly integrated Air India-Vistara entity’s inaugural international flight took off from Doha, Qatar, heading for Mumbai.
Operating under the new code ‘AI2286,’ the flight departed Doha at approximately 10.07 pm local time and is expected to touch down in Mumbai early on Tuesday. The event signalled the beginning of a new journey for Air India, now strengthened by the Vistara partnership.
Brand Vistara will be missed in Aviation domain : Moment when Staffs bid farewell to the last Vistara flight before it changes its wings to that of Air India !#airlines #aviation https://t.co/vyHjjhB5yV pic.twitter.com/SSw2IIQcnQ
— FL360aero (@fl360aero) November 11, 2024
A Future-Oriented Message from Vistara
In anticipation of the merger, Vistara shared an emotional message on Instagram, inspiring its passengers and staff alike: “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.” This message resonated with aviation enthusiasts and marked a symbolic send-off for Vistara as it transitions into Air India’s fold.
Merger Details and Future for Air India
Under the terms of the merger, Singapore Airlines, which previously held a 49 percent stake in Vistara, now has a 25.1 percent stake in Air India, strengthening the carrier’s strategic global connections. Air India is also investing in a seamless transition for Vistara passengers, with additional resources such as help desk kiosks at airports to facilitate a smooth travel experience. Vistara’s airport ticketing offices and check-in terminals will soon be branded as Air India, ensuring consistency and clarity for passengers.
New Flight Identification Codes
As part of the integration, Vistara aircraft will now operate under Air India’s four-digit codes, each beginning with the number ‘2’. This will help passengers easily recognize former Vistara flights now incorporated into Air India’s network.
This merger marks a significant milestone in the Indian aviation industry, combining two influential brands to enhance connectivity and service quality for travellers in India and abroad.
FAQs
When did Vistara’s last flight take off?
Vistara’s last flight took off on Monday November 11, 2024.
When did first flight of Air India-Vistara fly after merger?
On Monday, November 11, 2024, the newly integrated Air India-Vistara flight took off for the first time from Doha to Mumbai.
