Air India and Vistara are combining in five days! Understand the important changes and how to navigate the transition.
The final countdown for the Air India-Vistara merger has already begun, with only five days remaining for the two full-service carriers to join. Air India is deploying more workers at airports and touch points to facilitate a smooth transition for Vistara passengers following the merger next week.
More helpdesk kiosks
Air India has deployed additional resources, including help desk kiosks, at touch points and airports to ensure a pleasant experience for Vistara customers following its merger with the airline next week, an official said on Wednesday.
Full-service airlines Air India and Vistara, a joint venture of Tatas and Singapore Airlines, are due to unite on November 11. Vistara’s routes and timetable, as well as its in-flight experience, will stay unchanged following the acquisition.
Vistara aircraft will also be identified by a unique four-digit Air India code that begins with ‘2’. For example, UK 955 will become AI 2955.
According to the spokesperson, Air India has deployed more resources at touch points around India, including help desk kiosks at the curbside before terminal admission at hub and metro city airports.
The official stated that there will be “customer support staff wearing ‘How may I assist you?’ Air India x Vistara branded t-shirts for support”.
Vistara’s airport ticketing offices and check-in terminals will eventually become Air India’s.
Vistara’s loyalty program
Over the last three months, 2,70,000 clients who had booked Vistara tickets have been moved to Air India, as have over 4.5 million Vistara reward programme members.
Some are concerned that Vistara passengers will continue to receive the same services after the merger, as Air India, which is in the transformation phase, has recently experienced service challenges.
The Tata Group-owned Air India has stated that the Vistara experience will continue post-merger.
The combined firm will operate a fleet of around 200 planes, providing service to 90 local and foreign locations.
What does the Vistara-Air India merger mean for me?
As a result of this merger, Club Vistara will merge with Air India’s Flying Returns, and Club Vistara (CV) Points earned with your credit card will be immediately converted to Air India Flying Returns points at a 1:1 ratio, with longer validity. Users will also have access to more than 20 airline partners through the Star Alliance for reward point redemption.
What happens with my Club Vistara (CV) ID?
Your Club Vistara ID will be valid until November 11, 2024. Following this date, it will be replaced by a new Flying Returns ID. If you already have a Flying Returns account and allow Air India to migrate your Club Vistara data, your membership information will be transferred immediately. If you do not already have a Flying Returns account, one will be created for you with the same details as your current Club Vistara account.
So, what happens to all six Vistara co-branded credit cards and their associated benefits?
Members with existing co-brand cards will continue to receive current benefits under the current card program structure and terms and conditions until March 31, 2026.
The six co-branded Vistara credit cards are listed below:
Club Vistara offers SBI, Infinite, Signature, and Card credit cards, as well as IDFC FIRST and IndusInd Bank Explorer credit cards.
Air India’s unified network now connects over 90 domestic and international destinations, with over 800 more accessible via codeshare and interline partnerships. Air India’s narrowbody fleet is being modernized with new and renovated heritage aircraft, while Vistara’s catering services have been expanded to include Air India. Air India has also introduced six A350 aircraft on flights connecting Delhi and London and Delhi and New York. The conversion program for the narrowbody fleet has begun, with 27 older aircraft scheduled to be renovated by mid-2025.
The renovated A320neo aircraft will have 8 sumptuous seats in Business, 24 extra legroom seats in Premium Economy, and 132 comfortable seats in Economy, providing more options to its passengers.
Air India’s refurbished cabins will have better lighting, extra legroom, and modern amenities including PED holders and USB charging connections for cell phones, computers, and other gadgets. The interior design will also be renovated, with new carpets, curtains, upholstery, and cabin panels to match the brand’s redesigned livery.
Vistara First Officer and Captain Salary After Merger
First Officers were dissatisfied with the new pay structure implemented in February, which reduced the minimum guaranteed flying hours for all crew from 70 to 40 hours. This move resulted in junior pilots (including Junior First Officers and First Officers) receiving a pay drop of about 80,000-1,40,000 INR from their monthly salary of 3,40,000 INR.
The airline conducts around 1,000 flights with a fleet of 70 aircraft. They collectively operate nearly 300 daily flights.
According to our sources, Vistara planes operated by Air India as AI2 would not have distinct pilots, however cabin crew will remain as Vistara Cabin Crew.
For all aviation-related guidance (DGCA ground classes, pilot training, cabin crew training)
Contact us https://contrail.in/
phone numbers +91 78457 69399