[FILE] An Air India enger prepares to land at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai, India 22 February 2023. EFE-EPA/DIVYAKANT SOLANKI

Air India, Vistara merge to create aviation giant

New Delhi, Nov 12 (EFE).– Air India and Vistara merged on Tuesday, creating one of the world’s largest airlines as India’s national carrier now operates all flights previously managed by the airline.

Vistara, tly owned by Indian conglomerate Tata and Singapore Airlines (SIA), made its final flight on Monday before merging with Air India, also owned by Tata Sons.

In an October statement, Air India assured engers that flights previously operated by Vistara would continue with the same schedule, crew, and conditions.

The first flight under this new structure covered the route from Doha, Qatar, to Mumbai, India. Soon after, the first domestic route of the merged airline flew from Mumbai to New Delhi.

The Indian aviation market, now the third-largest globally, is increasingly attractive for investments, driven by rising incomes and developments in airport infrastructure.

Tata and Singapore Airlines anticipate enger traffic in India will double over the next decade.

With a fleet exceeding 218 aircraft and pending orders for an additional 470, the largest single order in civil aviation, the combined airline is set for significant expansion.

This merger promises Indian travelers an array of flight options, improved service, and more competitive fares.

The new entity will operate across all key segments of Indian air travel, including domestic, international, full-service, and low-cost flights.

Air India and SIA have committed to expanding operations across 11 Indian cities and 40 international destinations, following the issuance of new Air India shares this month. EFE

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