In a significant move aimed at streamlining operations and enhancing customer experience, Air India announced that it will transition flights on five major Indian metro routes to Vistara aircraft starting December 1, 2024. This transition, which is part of the ongoing integration following the merger of Air India and Vistara, marks a new phase in the consolidation of the two carriers under the Air India brand.
The change will see Vistara aircraft operating on these routes, though the flights will be identified with a new four-digit code beginning with the digit “2.” For example, Vistara’s UK 955 will now be listed as AI 2955. This new flight code system will help passengers easily identify the aircraft when booking tickets on Air India’s official website, www.airindia.com, starting November 12, 2024.
However, despite the transition to Air India’s operational structure, the Vistara-liveried aircraft will still retain their original branding for a while. Initially, these planes will carry a sticker that reads “Operated by Air India” to indicate the operational shift, as the aircraft will continue to fly in their Vistara colors until they undergo a paint job during their scheduled time in the hangar.
This move is a significant step toward integrating the operations of Air India and Vistara, which merged in 2023 to create a stronger, more competitive airline group. While the aircraft branding will gradually shift, the flight codes and booking systems will ensure a smooth transition for customers, offering a consistent and seamless travel experience across both fleets.
The transition of routes to Vistara aircraft will help Air India expand its service offering on high-demand metro routes while leveraging the modern fleet of Vistara, which has a reputation for premium service. Passengers will benefit from the integration, enjoying enhanced travel experiences on these metro routes with Air India’s robust infrastructure and Vistara’s top-tier aircraft.
As the process progresses, both airlines will continue to work on harmonizing operations, with a focus on maintaining high levels of service and customer satisfaction. The long-term goal is to create a unified brand that represents the best of both Air India and Vistara, positioning the carrier for greater success in the competitive Indian aviation market.
