Air India and Vistara to Merge: Club Vistara Joins Flying Returns on November 12

Air India and Vistara will officially merge on November 12, 2024. As part of this merger, Vistara’s frequent flyer program, Club Vistara, will combine with Air India’s Flying Returns program. The announcement was made on September 27 to ensure that Club Vistara members can keep enjoying their benefits in the new airline setup.

The merging process is already underway, and any Vistara flight bookings for travel after November 12, 2024, will now be handled through Air India’s website. Club Vistara members are advised to link their accounts with Flying Returns to make the transition easier.

Key Details of the Merger:

• Club Vistara points and benefits can be transferred to Flying Returns.
• Customers with accounts in both programs can link them following a set procedure.
• The merger aims to provide a larger network and improved services under Air India Flying Returns.

Air India has stressed the importance of this transition, saying, “By linking your accounts now, you can enjoy a seamless change and take advantage of wider networks and better services with Air India Flying Returns.”

This merger is part of Air India’s larger transformation under Tata Group’s ownership. The airline is in the middle of a five-year turnaround plan and is facing challenges like upgrading its old fleet and enhancing service quality.

Air India CEO Campbell Wilson pointed out the urgent need to improve the airline’s offerings, especially in the premium segment. He noted, “Our product is obviously a lot more dated. These aircraft haven’t had a product refresh since they were delivered in 2010 or 2011. So, it’s crucial for us to upgrade.”

The airline has already ordered new aircraft and launched a $400 million plan to refurbish older planes. These improvements are essential for Air India to compete with international airlines and attract high-paying travelers.