In a significant development for India’s aviation industry, Air India announced on Wednesday that Vistara flights will adopt the flight code ‘AI2’ starting from 12 November, following the anticipated merger of the two airlines.
Despite this merger, passengers can still expect the same Vistara flying experience, assured the Tata Group-owned carrier.
The merger involves Vistara, a joint venture between Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, and Air India.
Presently, Vistara operates under the airline code ‘UK’, while Air India uses the ‘AI’ code.
The transition to the new code is part of the broader efforts to ensure a seamless integration, which has been in the works for over a year.
A spokesperson from Air India stated, “Though the legal entities and Air Operator Certificates will become one on 12 November, the Vistara experience will remain. Vistara aircraft, crew and service will continue to operate as before, but with AI2XXX flight numbers bookable via airindia.com.”
Air India is upgrading its narrow-body fleet with new aircraft and refurbished interiors while extending Vistara’s catering services across both airlines.
The airline has expressed confidence in combining the strengths of both carriers to create a premier full-service airline for India.
“We look forward to drawing upon the proud legacies and best practices of both airlines as we form a new airline group of which India can be proud,” added the spokesperson.
The merger marks a critical milestone in the Tata Group’s strategy to unify its aviation assets.
Earlier in July, Air India confirmed that it had successfully aligned operating procedures across key functions of its four airlines, paving the way for the final merger.
In a parallel move, the group’s low-cost subsidiaries, AIX Connect (formerly AirAsia India) and Air India Express have also been consolidated into a single-budget airline.
