Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran has called the merger of Air India (AI) and Vistara, an important milestone to transform AI into a world-class global airline with an Indian heart.

This merger represents the largest consolidation in Indian aviation since 2006-07, when Indian Airlines merged with Air India, Air Sahara joined Jet Airways, and Air Deccan was incorporated into Kingfisher Airlines.

The merger of Air India and Vistara was officially completed on Tuesday, November 12, 2024. The newly merged entity will now operate over 5,600 weekly flights and serve more than 90 domestic and international destinations with a fleet of 208 aircraft.

Campbell Wilson, Managing Director and CEO of Air India, said, “This completes the consolidation and restructuring phase of Air India Group’s post-privatisation transformation

The decision to merge Vistara with Air India was taken in 2022 after the Tata Group acquired Air India from the government.

Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran on Thursday said the best qualities of Vistara are being brought to Air India, which was in decline for a number of systemic reasons when Tatas took over the airline two years back,

Tata Sons chairman announced the merger of Air India and Vistara. The merger aims to create a strong full-service airline. The combined entity will leverage synergies and efficiencies. The merger process will involve integrating different cultures and systems.