A powerful, new airline group has been approved for the growing Asian market.
The Indian government has approved a merger between Vistara and Air India.
Vistara, a full-service carrier jointly owned by Singapore Airlines and India’s Tata Group, will be folded into Air India as part of the deal and cease operating its own flights from 12NOV. Air India is also owned by the Tata Group.
First announced in the fall of 2022, the deal will see Singapore Airlines acquire a 25.1% stake in the Indian flag carrier.
Reuters noted that India is among the world's fastest-growing major aviation markets. Global airlines are expanding flights to the country and Indian airlines last year placed record orders for hundreds of new planes.
“The FDI approval, together with anti-trust and merger control clearances and approvals, as well as other governmental and regulatory approvals received to-date, represent a significant development towards the completion of the proposed merger,” Singapore Airlines said.
We are merging with Air India for you to fly #ToLimitlessPossibilities! Vistara flights, starting 3-Sep-24, will progressively not be available for bookings for travel after 11-Nov-24. 12-Nov-24 onwards, you will be required to book with Air India. Stay tuned for further updates. pic.twitter.com/fDX3fOMTc5
— Vistara (@airvistara) August 30, 2024
"Starting 03 September 2024, customers will, progressively, no longer be able to make bookings with Vistara for travel on or after 12 November 2024," Vistara said in a 30AUG press release.
Vistara CEO Vinod Kannan said the merger is about offering passengers more choice with a larger fleet and a wider network while elevating the overall travel experience, Outlook Business reports.
“Here's to a new era adorned with boundless skies and exciting adventures,” Vistara said on its Twitter/X channel.
Air India calls the merger an "important milestone" that facilitates "the broader transformation of the Air India Group."
