Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong on Monday (November 18) expressed the airline group’s commitment to supporting the transformation of the newly consolidated Air India Group. He highlighted that Singapore Airlines would provide “stewardship and expertise where possible,” underscoring the significance of the Air India-Vistara merger as a pivotal milestone for Indian aviation.
In his first statement since the merger’s completion on November 11, Goh reaffirmed Singapore Airlines’ dedication to strengthening its commercial collaboration with Air India.
Vistara, previously a joint venture between Singapore Airlines and the Tata Group, has now merged with Air India, giving Singapore Airlines a 25.1% stake in the Tata-owned airline.
The merger was commemorated with a symbolic ceremony in New Delhi on Monday, attended by Tata Sons Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Goh Choon Phong, and senior management from Tata Sons, Singapore Airlines, Air India, and Vistara. The event marked the beginning of a new chapter for the Indian aviation sector, according to a joint statement from Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines.
‘Creating an airline India can be proud of’
“This merger marks a pivotal moment for Indian aviation. Working with our valued, longstanding partner Tata Sons, the SIA Group will support the ongoing transformation of the enlarged Air India Group, offering our stewardship and expertise where possible.
“We are focused on helping to restore Air India to its leading position in the Indian aviation market, and creating an airline Group that everyone in India can be proud of,” Goh Choon Phong said in the release.
Tata Sons Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran described the merger as a significant milestone in the journey to transform Air India into a world-class global airline. “Singapore Airlines continues to be our strategic partner in our aviation journey and we welcome them to Air India,” he added.
Air India group’s expanded reach, fleet and crew
Following the merger, the Air India Group now operates a combined fleet of 300 aircraft, serving 55 domestic and 48 international destinations across 312 routes with 8,300 flights per week. The group employs over 30,000 staff.
The Tata Group had acquired the loss-making Air India from the government in January 2022.
Commenting on the development, Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong said the merger strengthens the airline’s direct participation in one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets, reinforcing its commitment to the region.
“Singapore Airlines is committed to deepening our commercial collaboration with Air India, and finding ways to provide greater value and enhanced options to our customers on flights between India and Singapore, and beyond,” he added.
As part of its airline business consolidation, the Tata Group has merged Vistara with Air India and integrated AIX Connect, formerly AirAsia India, with Air India Express.
“Consolidating the four airlines within the Air India Group to one full service and one low-cost airline is part of the ongoing, five-year Vihaan.AI transformation programme. This creates an Air India Group with a significant presence across all key segments of the Indian market – domestic, international, full service, and low-cost operations,” the release said.