Air India-Vistara merger takes flight with first international journey | Fusion - WeRIndia

The newly integrated Air India-Vistara entity marked a historic moment in Indian aviation with its first flight from Doha to Mumbai, solidifying the merger between the two Tata Group airlines.

Operating under flight code AI2286, this landmark flight departed Doha at approximately 10:07 pm local time on Monday.

Thus, it marks not only the first international journey of the unified carrier but also the beginning of a significant chapter in India’s civil aviation sector.

The flight, operated with an A321 aircraft, is scheduled for a three-hour journey, expected to arrive in Mumbai early on Tuesday morning.

In domestic operations, the merged entity’s inaugural flight—is designated as AI2984.

It departed from Mumbai for Delhi at around 1:30 am on Tuesday, utilizing an A320 aircraft.

To assist passengers with identifying Vistara-origin flights now operated under Air India, codes starting with AI2XXX have been introduced.

This code helps customers easily identify former Vistara flights on the booking platform post-merger.

The merger combines Air India’s extensive domestic and international reach with Vistara’s reputation for premium service, creating a formidable presence in Indian aviation.

Vistara, previously a joint venture between the Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, will see Singapore Airlines hold a 25.1% stake in the expanded Air India post-merger.

This integration marks a crucial consolidation effort for Tata Group within the aviation space and is expected to streamline operations and expand market share.

Flight tracking data from a few websites confirms the departure of AI2286 from Doha at its scheduled time, with the flight operating smoothly.

As the integration progresses, more Vistara flights will transition under the Air India banner, and passengers will continue to experience the seamless services and standards upheld by both brands.

This merger is a milestone in India’s aviation history, as the Tata Group seeks to expand its global footprint while improving service offerings for both domestic and international travellers.

With strong backing from Singapore Airlines and Tata Group, the newly unified Air India-Vistara aims to provide enhanced travel experiences and strengthen its standing on the global stage.

Image Credit: Wasiul Bahar, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Image Reference: https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Above_the_cloud_from_Air_Vistara_17.jpg