Today marks the last day of operations for Vistara, the full-service airline beloved for its premium experience, as it officially merges with Air India, establishing Air India as India’s sole full-service carrier. The move, orchestrated by the Tata Group, is aimed at consolidating its airline assets, bringing together two significant names in Indian aviation under a unified banner. Vistara, a joint venture between Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, will now be absorbed into Air India, with Singapore Airlines holding a 25.1% stake in the new entity.

In a LinkedIn post, Vistara CEO Vinod Kannan expressed gratitude, saying, “Thank you #team Vistara – TATA SIA Airlines Ltd. Past and present. Thank you to our ~75 million passengers for your support, patronage, and touching testimonials…Onwards and upwards towards our new chapter. The new feeling has a new home.”

Although Vistara’s branding will change, the Tata Group assures passengers that the “Vistara experience” will continue under the Air India name. More than 115,000 Vistara ticket holders with upcoming flights will now travel as Air India passengers, with commitments to maintain consistent service quality.

To support passengers during this change, help desks have been set up at airports to provide information on flight details, check-in, and other services. New signage at international terminals will direct passengers to Air India’s check-in counters, and the Vistara customer contact center will now route calls to Air India representatives to assist with inquiries.

Passengers will notice a shift in flight codes, as former Vistara flights now adopt Air India’s numbering system, starting with “2.” For instance, flight UK 955 will be re-coded as AI 2955.

Additionally, Vistara’s loyalty program members will be smoothly integrated into Air India’s loyalty program, giving them access to Air India’s expanded network and benefits.

Founded in 2015 after the Indian government relaxed foreign investment rules, Vistara quickly earned a reputation for its high-quality service, setting a new benchmark in India’s airline industry. The Tata Group held a 51% stake in the airline, with Singapore Airlines owning 49%. Vistara stood out as the only full-service airline to launch in the last decade, appealing to both domestic and international travelers with its premium offerings.

Since Vistara’s launch, the Indian aviation industry has experienced numerous shifts, with some carriers like Kingfisher and Air Sahara closing, and Jet Airways suspending operations in 2019 due to financial issues.