Vistara to Operate Flight as AI2 Despite Merger with Air India

GURUGRAM- Tata Group owned carrier, Vistara Airlines which has IATA code ‘UK’ will operate flight as ‘AI2’ after merging with Air India (AI).

Air India Spokesperson while speaking with media on Wednesday (October 2, 2024) said that Vistara’s superior experience will continue post merger.

Vistara Experience Continues with AI2

Well, this is a great news for Vistara’s loyal customers as they will know which flights are operated by Vistara and which are by Air India.

From November 12 onwards, Air India will be the sole carrier in India to offer the premium and full-service experience. However, IndiGo Airlines (6E), which recently introduced Business Class seats called IndiGo Strech is likely to challenge the monopoly.

Apart from this, IndiGo also introduced the much-awaited loyalty program, BluChip. The airline promotes the program as the “fastest way to earn on IndiGo” with “hassle-free redemption” and “no blackout and no fancy rules.”

Well, Air India (Flying Returns) and Vistara (Club Vistara) already have frequent flyer program which will be merged under Flying Returns. If you want to transfer to Flying Returns then keep reading as we have shared details in the article.

Moving back to Vistara flights, the legal entities and Air Operator Certificates (AOC) will unify on November 12, 2024. The teams from both airlines have collaborated intensively for over a year to ensure a seamless transition for customers and staff.

The merger will maintain the Vistara experience despite the legal consolidation. Vistara aircraft, crew, and service will continue their operations as before, but under new AI2XXX flight numbers. Customers will be able to book these flights through the Air India website, airindia.com.

As part of the integration, Air India is adopting elements of Vistara’s service, notably extending Vistara’s catering to Air India flights.

Fleet Update

According to official data, Vistara operates fleet of 70 aircraft, which include all-Airbus narrowbody fleet and all-Boeing Widebody fleet.

If we talk about Airbus fleet, Vistara has 53 A320neo and ten A321neo aircraft and all of these are powered by CFM engines.

While Boeing fleet includes seven 787-9 Dreamliner powered by GEnX engines. With this, Air India will also operate 787-9 aircraft type for the first time in its history.

Now Air India also has all-Airbus narrowbody fleet, which includes eight A319s, 56 A320s, and 17 A321s.

Air India plans to refit 27 A320neo fleet with new seats and configuration. The refitted A320neo aircraft will feature a three-class configuration, offering passengers more seating options. The new layout includes 8 Business class seats, 24 Premium Economy seats with extra legroom, and 132 Economy seats.

While Vistara A320neo has 8 Business class seats, 24 Premium Economy seats with extra legroom, and 126/132 Economy seats. Further all economy aircraft have 180 seats. This will help ease the aircraft utilization and save maintenance costs.

Singapore CEO to Join Board

Singapore Airlines (SIA) nominates CEO Goh Choon Phong to represent the company on Air India’s board. Goh, a veteran with SIA since 1990, has extensive experience in senior management across various business divisions.

This strategic move aligns with SIA’s goal to directly participate in regional growth beyond Singapore’s borders. Goh previously emphasized this approach as crucial for expanding SIA’s influence in markets it couldn’t access solely from its home base.

Vistara, the joint venture between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines, currently operates 11 international routes from India. These routes were previously inaccessible to Singapore Airlines due to regulatory restrictions on foreign carriers.

The nomination signifies SIA’s commitment to the Indian aviation market and its partnership with Air India.

Link Club Vistara Account with Flying Returns

Vistara and Air India launch a new account linking feature for their frequent flyer programs. Customers can now connect their Club Vistara and Flying Returns accounts through a streamlined process on the Club Vistara website.

To link accounts, users log into their Club Vistara account and select the “Link Accounts” option under the “My Account” section. They then enter their 9-digit Flying Returns Membership ID to initiate the linking process.

The system automatically links accounts if personal details match across both programs. If details differ or a Flying Returns account doesn’t exist, the system creates a new Flying Returns account. This new account receives all Club Vistara points, tier points, and vouchers.

For customers with multiple Flying Returns accounts, the system offers a merging option.

The sun will set on Vistara brand, but you still have chance to fly before it fades in Air India.

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