The Last Flight: Vistara's Farewell and Its Skyward Integration with Air India

Vistara, a prominent full-service airline, is set to operate its last independent flights before merging with Air India. The joint venture with Tata Group and Singapore Airlines will cease its 'UK' code and transfer to 'AI2XXX'. This merger is part of a broader industry consolidation wave.

Vistara, the nearly decade-old full-service airline, will bid farewell to its skies, marking a significant era's end. On Monday night, Vistara's final domestic and international flights, under flight codes UK 986 and UK 115, will take off from Mumbai to Delhi and Delhi to Singapore, respectively. This marks the last appearance of the 'UK' code as the airline transitions to the new 'AI2XXX' code from Tuesday.

A joint venture between the Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, Vistara's integration into Air India signifies the second major consolidation in India's civil aviation since 2006-07. Vistara's merger with Air India follows another Tata integration, combining AIX Connect with Air India Express. Post-merger, Air India will emerge as India's sole full-service carrier.

As Vistara blends into Air India's operations, its 70-plane fleet will join the expanded entity's 208-aircraft lineup. This merger also strengthens Singapore Airlines' position in the burgeoning Indian aviation market, aligning with its multi-hub strategy. With the merger, SIA will hold a 25.1% stake in the enlarged Air India, boosting strategic investments and service offerings.

(With inputs from agencies.)