Tue Nov 12 08:25:17 UTC 2024: ## Air India and Vistara Officially Merge, Starting Operations with First Flights
**New Delhi, November 12, 2024:** The much-anticipated merger of Air India and Vistara is officially complete, with the newly combined entity kicking off its operations today. The first international flight, code AI2286, departed Doha for Mumbai, while the inaugural domestic flight, AI2984, took off from Mumbai to Delhi.
This merger, considered one of the most complex in aviation history, culminates a nine-month process following the announcement in November 2022. The Tata Group now holds a majority 73.38% stake in the merged entity, with Singapore Airlines (SIA) securing 25.1% in exchange for its 49% stake in Vistara and a cash payment of Rs 2,058.5 crore. SIA’s total investment in the merged airline stands at Rs 3,194.5 crore.
Air India CEO Campbell Wilson highlighted the challenging yet successful consolidation of four Tata airlines into two, emphasizing the company’s commitment to growth and transformation. He also announced key leadership changes, with Vistara’s former CEO Vinod Kannan assuming the role of Chief Integration Officer and Deepak Rajawat, Vistara’s former Chief Commercial Officer, becoming the merged entity’s Chief Financial Officer.
The merger marks a significant shift in the Indian aviation landscape, creating a formidable player with a combined fleet and network. The new entity is poised to capitalize on the growing domestic and international travel demand, offering passengers a wider range of destinations and services.
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