Vistara: After nearly a decade in the skies, Vistara, India’s full-service airline, is set to mark a significant chapter in its history by operating its final flights as an independent entity. On Monday night, Vistara will bid farewell with its last domestic and international flights before merging into Air India. This transition signifies the end of Vistara as a standalone brand, with changes impacting flight codes and branding.
Vistara’s Last Flights: Mumbai to Delhi and Delhi to Singapore
Vistara’s final domestic flight, ‘UK 986,’ will depart from Mumbai to Delhi around 10:50 PM on Monday. Meanwhile, the airline’s last international flight, ‘UK 115,’ is scheduled to leave Delhi for Singapore at approximately 11:45 PM. After these flights, Vistara’s signature flight code ‘UK’ will no longer be seen, as it will be replaced by Air India’s flight code format, ‘AI2XXX,’ from Tuesday onward.
This poignant moment brings Vistara full circle, as the airline’s inaugural flight on January 9, 2015, also took off on the Delhi-Mumbai route. On social media, Vistara expressed its heartfelt gratitude to its loyal passengers, sharing an emotional message on X (formerly Twitter): “Thank you for being part of this unforgettable journey and for all the love. We will always cherish these memories. Now, for all the latest updates, follow Air India.”
The Vistara-Air India Merger: What’s Next?
Vistara, a joint venture between Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, will officially merge into Air India, with Singapore Airlines holding a 25.1% stake in the expanded entity. This integration marks a new era in India’s aviation landscape, as Air India will remain the only full-service Indian airline post-merger. The deal highlights one of the most significant consolidations in the Indian aviation sector since 2006-2007, when Indian Airlines merged into Air India, and Air Sahara was absorbed by Jet Airways.
Vistara currently operates a fleet of 70 aircraft, running approximately 350 flights daily. Since the merger announcement in November 2022, integration efforts have been in full swing, unifying systems and staff across the two airlines.
Tata Group’s Strategic Moves in Aviation
This merger follows Tata Group’s earlier consolidation move in October, when Air India Express merged with AIX Connect. By integrating Vistara into Air India, Tata Group continues to streamline its aviation portfolio, aiming to strengthen Air India’s position in the rapidly growing Indian aviation market. The unified airline is expected to provide a more cohesive and robust service experience, leveraging Air India’s international presence and Vistara’s reputation for quality service.
The consolidation will redefine India’s full-service airline market, making Air India the singular premium carrier and setting the stage for a new chapter in Indian aviation. As Vistara bids adieu, passengers and aviation enthusiasts alike are reflecting on the airline’s journey and its lasting impact on the industry.
