Categories: Travel

Air India to retain Vistara in-flight services after merger, unveils new flight code, ET TravelWorld

Air India announced that following its merger with Vistara, the unique Vistara travel experience will continue, with Vistara’s aircraft operating under a new Air India code. Starting November 12, Vistara flights will be identified by a four-digit Air India flight number beginning with “2.” For instance, Vistara flight UK 955 will now be listed as AI 2955 on the Air India website.

Despite the merger, Vistara’s in-flight services, including the same crew, menu, and overall passenger experience, will remain unchanged on these routes. This integration allows customers to enjoy seamless connectivity across Air India’s network of over 90 domestic and international destinations, along with an additional 800 destinations through Air India’s codeshare and interline partners.

As part of the merger, members of Vistara’s Club Vistara loyalty program will automatically be transferred to Air India’s Flying Returns program, which will soon evolve into the ‘Maharaja Club.’ This rebranding is expected to enhance the loyalty experience for frequent flyers.

Air India has also been making strides in upgrading its fleet. The airline’s narrowbody fleet is undergoing significant refurbishments, with new aircraft deliveries and retrofitting of legacy planes. The first retrofitted A320neo, expected by mid-2025, will feature a modern cabin design with luxurious seating arrangements: 8 Business Class seats, 24 Premium Economy seats, and 132 Economy seats. Enhanced amenities, such as USB charging ports, electronic device holders, and refreshed cabin interiors, will offer a more comfortable and tech-friendly flying experience for passengers.

The initiative will begin with 27 Airbus A320neo aircraft, followed by 40 widebody Boeing planes, and is expected to be completed in phases. The first A320neo aircraft, VT-EXN, has already entered the hangar for prototyping and regulatory approvals, and will re-enter service by December 2024. The narrowbody fleet retrofit is projected to conclude by mid-2025, with three to four aircraft being refurbished each month.

In addition, Air India’s widebody fleet has been strengthened with six Airbus A350s now operating on key international routes, including flights between Delhi and London, with plans to soon launch services between Delhi and New York.The airline’s retrofit program is expected to transform 27 narrowbody aircraft with new interiors, creating a more refined travel experience. These upgrades will further position Air India as a major player in the competitive aviation market, offering passengers both luxury and modern amenities post-merger.