Aviation

Vistara-Air India Merger Update: New Loyalty Benefits and Flight Integration

As the merger between Air India and Vistara enters its final stages, preparations are in full swing to ensure a smooth transition for both passengers and operations.

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This major integration marks a significant step in consolidating the two airlines under a single banner, aiming to provide a seamless and enhanced travel experience across all platforms. Here’s how Air India is gearing up for this massive change.

Integration of Digital Systems and Passenger Reservations Air India’s Chief Digital and Technology Officer, Satya Ramaswamy, shared that the integration process is advancing rapidly, with over 270,000 passenger reservations and 4.5 million loyalty accounts already migrated to Air India’s digital systems.

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The primary objective is to improve the digital experience for Vistara passengers, ensuring a smooth transition post-merger. Ramaswamy added that flights for these passengers have been integrated into Air India’s system, and substantial progress has been made in synchronizing the back-end systems necessary for the expanded airline to function efficiently.

Transition of Vistara Operations and Staff The merger involves the migration of more than 140 essential systems needed for customer service, employee integration, and operational efficiency. Additionally, 3,385 Vistara suppliers, 70 aircraft, and over 3,300 crew members operating more than 320 daily flights are being integrated into Air India’s new system. The merger also entails the transition of nearly 6,500 Vistara employees to Air India.

Combined Loyalty Programme Under ‘Maharaja Club’ One of the major changes resulting from the merger is the integration of the loyalty programs. Following the merger, Vistara’s Club Vistara members will be seamlessly moved to Air India’s Flying Returns program, and learn how to use air india flying returns points which will be rebranded as ‘Maharaja Club.’

This new loyalty program will carry forward the essence of Air India’s iconic mascot while combining the benefits of both airlines‘ loyalty schemes. Passengers can expect a refined and unified experience, air india miles claim complete with new membership tiers, improved rewards, and enhanced benefits across the board.

The merger of Air India and Vistara represents a significant milestone in the Indian aviation sector, promising to create a stronger, more efficient national carrier.

Aviation

Russia Seeks Foreign Carriers to Boost Domestic Air Travel

As Western sanctions continue to impact its aviation sector, Russia is turning to Kazakhstan for support. The Russian Ministry of Transport has revealed that negotiations are underway for Kazakhstani airlines to enter the Russian domestic market and operate local flights.

This initiative aims to address the dwindling fleet of Russian airlines, which has faced significant challenges since the onset of the Ukraine conflict.

Before the war, Russia boasted approximately 850 aircraft. However, the fleet has now decreased to just 736, primarily due to sanctions that have restricted access to essential spare parts and new aircraft. Some estimates suggest that Russia could lose up to half of its aircraft fleet within the next two years.

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For 2025, Russian officials initially aimed for the production of 82 aircraft but have since revised that target down to just 20. Similar reductions have been made for 2026 and 2027, with planned outputs decreasing from 120 to 97 and from 180 to 140, respectively.

In light of these challenges, Russian authorities have extended invitations to airlines from Kazakhstan and other unnamed countries with good relations to Russian carriers. This strategy is seen as a vital step to bolster the domestic air travel market amidst the ongoing limitations.

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Sergei Chemezov, CEO of Rostec, a state corporation responsible for promoting the development and export of high-tech products, has warned that the accelerated retirement of foreign-manufactured airliners will commence in 2025, as they will soon require major repairs.

In a related development, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is actively seeking next-generation Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) to enhance its logistical capabilities in transporting troops and military equipment to remote mountainous areas, particularly along its borders with Pakistan and China.

In response, Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has proposed the manufacturing of its advanced IL-76MD-90A transport aircraft in India, showcasing a commitment to international cooperation in aviation il-76 amidst current geopolitical challenges.