On Monday, Vistara passengers took to social media to post a mix of dynamic messages as the Tata-owned airline prepared for integration with Air India on Tuesday. From in-flight announcements where the air hostesses spoke about the memories associated with their journey to a special rendition of “Kal Ho Naa Ho” played while landing the plane, there was nostalgia all over on the last day of operations.
One of them shared his experience about the last flight. He remembered a flight to Paris that had landed adjacent to an Air India aircraft, with the backdrop of a beautiful sunset. “Great flight. Thoughtful crew. It’s sad to bid goodbye to Vistara now. I hope Air India continues to remember this beautiful brand, ” the post read.
Another passenger shared, “Farewell to Vistara, India’s best homegrown airline, on its last day today. Since 2015, Vistara has been setting new benchmarks for service and comfort in the Indian skies. Thanks, Vistara, for making every journey memorable! Let us fly high to new horizons with Air India.”
From November 12, Vistara aircraft will fly under the Air India banner, with a special code ‘AI 2’. Launched in January 2015 as a joint venture of Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines, Vistara has become synonymous with premium air travel in India. After the merger, all flights operated by Vistara will be branded as flights by Air India.
One customer thanked his stars for experiencing Vistara on its last day of operations when he said, “Vistara kept its promise of ‘a new feeling’ to travel. The brand promise and the delivery were in complete sync.” He also spoke about how the airline paid great attention to minute details: “Every time one traveled by Vistara, people dressed up a little finer because that was what the in-flight experience deserved.”.
Another said, “I just Wrapped up my last flight on Vistara before its merger with Air India. I’m full of nostalgic reminisces about the fantastic flights and superlative service that made Vistara the best airline in India. All the best to them on this new chapter!”
This merger between Air India and Vistara is part of Tata’s strategic plan to consolidate its airline businesses under the Air India brand, streamlining services and improving customer experiences. The Indian government approved Singapore Airlines’ foreign direct investment as part of the merger process in August 2024.
That would give Singapore Airlines 25.1% of the newly combined Air India since the latter formed Vistara in 2015 with a 49% stake. Vistara ceased all bookings on September 3 to allow journeys until November 11, while customers ticketed to travel on or after Nov 12 were being accommodated on Air India flights.
