The first joint Air India-Vistara flight successfully took off from Doha’s Hamad International Airport, bound for Mumbai, marking the beginning of operations for the newly merged airline. This inaugural flight represents a milestone in the integration of the two airlines and ushers in a new era for Air India, which aims to consolidate its position as a leading full-service carrier in both domestic and international markets.
The flight, designated "AI2286," is scheduled to arrive in Mumbai early on Tuesday morning after departing Doha at approximately 10.07 p.m. local time. In addition to being the entity's first flight, it will also be its first overseas operation. The flight lasts for over three hours. On the domestic front, Tuesday morning at around 1:30 am, their first scheduled flight, AI2984, departed Mumbai for Delhi. An A320 plane is used to operate it. All Vistara flights operated by Air India since the merger use the code 'AI2XXX' to make it easier for passengers to find the flight when making reservations.
The merger between Air India and Vistara, both now under the Tata Group, aims to streamline operations and strengthen the carrier’s competitiveness on global routes. Passengers were welcomed on board with celebratory amenities, including a special menu featuring a mix of Indian and international cuisine, and were greeted by crew members in newly designed uniforms that blend elements of both brands. “Today marks a significant milestone as we bring together the best of Air India and Vistara under one roof,” said Campbell Wilson, CEO of the newly merged airline, who was present for the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the airport. “This inaugural flight from Doha to Mumbai is a symbol of our commitment to enhancing connectivity, offering our customers world-class service, and expanding our footprint in key international markets.”
Singapore Airlines and the Tata Group have partnered to create Vistara. Following the merger, Singapore Airlines will own 25.1% of the joint venture between Air India and Vistara. In November 2022, the two airlines declared that, starting in September 2024, passengers would no longer be able to book flights with Vistara for travel dates starting on November 12, 2024.
