Gurugram, October 18, 2024 — In a significant move following the merger of Air India and Vistara, the airline has announced that the high-quality customer experience associated with Vistara will continue under the Air India brand. Starting November 12, Vistara aircraft will operate under a new four-digit code beginning with the digit “2,” enabling passengers to easily identify their flights. For example, flight UK 955 will now be recognized as AI 2955 on the booking platform www.airindia.com.
The routes and schedules previously operated by Vistara will remain unchanged, ensuring that travelers continue to enjoy the same level of service, including the in-flight offerings such as the menu and cutlery that Vistara is known for. Importantly, flights will still be operated by the same crew, providing a seamless transition for passengers.
Air India is rolling out a comprehensive multimedia campaign to highlight the advantages of this merger. The unified Air India now connects passengers to over 90 domestic and international destinations, alongside access to an additional 800 destinations through its codeshare and interline partners. Existing members of Vistara’s loyalty program, Club Vistara, will be transferred to Air India’s Flying Returns program, which is being revamped into a new format called the ‘Maharaja Club.’ This transition is designed to ensure that loyal customers enjoy continued benefits and rewards.
In conjunction with this merger, Air India is modernizing its fleet. The narrowbody fleet is undergoing significant upgrades, with new aircraft being delivered and legacy models receiving complete retrofits. Vistara’s renowned catering service has also been extended to Air India flights, enhancing the overall travel experience. Air India’s widebody fleet has expanded with the introduction of six A350 aircraft, which have commenced operations between Delhi and London, with plans to soon launch services to New York.
Air India’s retrofit program is already underway, with the first A320neo narrowbody aircraft undergoing refurbishment since early September. A total of 27 legacy narrowbody aircraft will receive extensive updates, with completion expected by mid-2025. The retrofitted A320neo models will feature a luxurious layout, including eight Business Class seats, 24 Premium Economy seats with extra legroom, and 132 Economy Class seats, providing a wider choice for passengers. Notable improvements include enhanced cabin lighting, increased legroom, and modern conveniences like portable electronic device (PED) holders and multiple USB charging ports. The aesthetic upgrades will refresh the aircraft’s interiors, incorporating new tones and design motifs that reflect the brand’s identity.
Founded by the visionary JRD Tata, Air India has played a pivotal role in the history of Indian aviation since its inaugural flight in 1932. With a vast global network spanning 29 countries across five continents, Air India connects India to major destinations in North America, Europe, Africa, the Asia-Pacific region, Australia, and the Middle East. Following its return to the Tata Group in 2022, Air India embarked on the Vihaan.AI transformation journey, which aims to reposition the airline as a global carrier with an Indian ethos. The first two phases of this initiative, ‘Taxi’ and ‘Take-off,’ focused on essential improvements and growth foundations. The airline has now entered the ‘Climb’ phase, emphasizing operational excellence and superior customer experiences.
As a proud member of Star Alliance, the world’s largest global airline consortium, Air India provides seamless connectivity to its passengers as a full-service airline, while its subsidiary, Air India Express, operates as a low-cost carrier within India and neighboring countries.