How does the Air India-Vistara merger change things for Club Vistara members?
India is likely to witness one of the largest mergers in the commercial aviation space as Air India and Vistara Airlines (Air India-Vistara merger) prepare for the rapid transition under the brand name Air India. The acquisition is likely to hit the ground by the end of this year, as reports show that 7,000 Vistara employees have gone through the talent fitment assessments for the advanced stages. The acquisition will witness the cumulation of 24,000 employees in the Tata-Vistara Airlines merger.
This week, details on how this merger will impact the frequent flying program memberships, such as the Club Vistara membership and the Flying Returns membership, were conveyed to their customers via email. The Club Vistara team communicated that their respective flying programs would be incorporated with the Air India Flying Returns membership and will continue to be so until the integration is fully met.
The Club Vistara points have been transferred to Air India’s flying Returns, and the membership holders will continue to receive revised flight details after migration. The validity of the unused vouchers and complimentary first-class tickets will be held accountable by Flying Returns. Information about the Co-brand cards will be updated in the coming weeks. All data from the Club Vistara membership will be shared with the Flying Returns program by authorized representatives while maintaining the highest level of confidentiality. Â
Singapore Airlines Group (SIA) confirmed that the proposed Air India and Vistara merger awaits Foreign Direct Investments and will strengthen its multi-hub strategy. It is beneficial for the rapid growth of Indian Aviation. The merger is advantageous for frequent airline flyers as many perks will be transferred and added to their Flying Returns program during the transition period. Some reports suggest that the merger was fast-tracked to the end of June and had finally been approved by the National Company Law Tribunal. The transition period is expected to go smoothly, and the staff integration process has already been streamlined.
