Air India and Vistara are set to finalise their merger on November 12, 2024. As part of this integration, Vistara's frequent flyer program, Club Vistara, will combine with Air India's Flying Returns program. This announcement was made on Friday to ensure that Club Vistara members can seamlessly continue to enjoy their membership benefits with the newly unified airline.
The merger process is already underway. From November 12, 2024, all bookings for Vistara-operated flights will be redirected through Air India's website. Club Vistara members are encouraged to link their accounts with Flying Returns to ensure a smooth transition.
Club Vistara points and benefits will be transferable to the Flying Returns program. Customers with accounts in both programs can link them through a proper process.
This merger aims to provide a more extensive network and improved services under the Air India Flying Returns program.
Air India has highlighted the significance of this transition, stating, "By linking your accounts now, you can ensure a seamless transition and continue to enjoy the best of both worlds – wider networks and enhanced services with Air India Flying Returns.”
This merger is critical to Air India's extensive transformation under Tata Group ownership. Currently, amid a five-year turnaround plan, the airline is tackling challenges like modernising its ageing fleet and enhancing service quality.
Air India CEO Campbell Wilson emphasised the pressing need to upgrade the airline's offerings, especially in the premium segment. "Our product is obviously a lot more dated. These aircraft haven't had a product refresh since they were delivered in sort of 2010, 2011. And so it's more of an acute need for us," Wilson told Reuters in a recent interview.
Meanwhile, the airline has placed substantial orders for new aircraft and launched a $400 million initiative to refurbish older planes. These efforts are vital for Air India to compete with international rivals and attract high-spending travellers.
