Vistara, known for its premium service and loyal customer base, took its final flight on November 11 before merging with Air India. This strategic move by the Tata Group consolidates two industry giants, positioning Air India as the country’s only full-service carrier. Launched as a joint venture between Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, Vistara quickly earned a reputation for its exceptional onboard experience. Following the merger, Singapore Airlines will hold a 25.1% stake in the newly expanded Air India.
The merger impacts over 115,000 passengers holding Vistara tickets for future travel, who will now fly under the Air India brand. While the Vistara name will disappear, Tata Group assures customers that the renowned ‘Vistara experience’ will be maintained within Air India’s services.
As the Tata Group’s foothold in the aviation industry grows strong, let’s take a look at the airline’s complete timeline:
1932: Beginnings
- JRD Tata establishes Tata Airlines, India’s first airline
- Begins with a single-engine de Havilland Puss Moth, flying mail and passengers between Karachi and Bombay
1946
- Tata Airlines becomes Air India
- In 1953, the Government of India acquires a 49% stake, later leading to complete nationalisation
2001
- Tata Group, with Singapore Airlines, bids to acquire a stake but is unsuccessful
2013
- Partners with AirAsia Berhad to launch AirAsia India, a low-cost carrier
- Partners with Singapore Airlines to launch Vistara, a full-service airline
2020
- Government decides to privatize Air India
- Tata Group submits a bid including Air India Express
October 2021
- Tata Group wins Air India bid
- Secures Air India, Air India Express, and 50% of Air India SATS
January 2022
- Tata Group acquires Air India at a cost of Rs 18,000 crore
- Begins merging airline operations under Air India
November 2022
- Tata Sons secures remaining 16.33% stake in AirAsia India
- Plans to merge AirAsia India with Air India Express
November 2023
- Tata announces Vistara merger
- Employee assessments completed by May 2024
August 2024
- Singapore Airlines investment approved
- S$360 million ($276 million) investment for the merged carrier
- Vistara’s last flight scheduled for November 11; bookings end September 3
- Tickets booked for post-November 12 travel transferred to Air India