Mon Nov 11 18:12:50 UTC 2024: ## Vistara Merges with Air India, Indigo Launches Business Class

**New Delhi** – Vistara Airlines will cease operations today, merging with Air India in a move that will see Singapore Airlines hold a 25.1% stake in the new entity. From November 12th, all Vistara flights will operate under the Air India banner, with a unique code beginning with ‘2’. For example, Vistara flight UK 955 will become AI 2955. Passengers can expect the same routes, schedules, in-flight experience, and services.

To ease the transition, Vistara has set up help desks at airports, with staff readily available to assist passengers with security, check-in, directions, and other inquiries. Vistara counters will gradually transition to Air India counters, and the loyalty program will seamlessly transfer to Air India’s program.

However, there will be network adjustments between November 12th and December 31st. Air India will introduce its Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner on the Delhi-Bali route and temporarily deploy Vistara’s Boeing 787-9 aircraft on routes to Paris, Frankfurt, and Dubai. Furthermore, Vistara will discontinue its Mumbai-Frankfurt and Mumbai-Paris Charles de Gaulle routes.

**Indigo Enters Business Class Market**

In other news, India’s largest domestic airline, Indigo, has launched its business-class service, “Indigo Stretch,” on select routes connecting Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Kolkata. The service, initially launched on the Delhi-Mumbai route for Rs 18,018, features coupe-style seating with a spacious 2-seat wide configuration.

Passengers will also have access to premium features like a headset with neck support, a 5-inch deep recline, an electronic device holder, and a 60-watt USB type-c power charger. Indigo plans to expand the service to 12 routes by year’s end, offering specially curated meals and beverages.

Read More