Vistara - jointly owned by Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines (SIA) - operates its final flight on Nov 11 before its planned merger with Air India kicks in the following day, marking the end of a complex and messy two-year process. SIA will hold a 25.1 per cent stake in the enlarged Air India post-merger.
On Nov 14, market leader IndiGo, operated by InterGlobe Aviation, debuts its business-class cabins on select routes as it ventures beyond budget travel for the first time.
The two developments mark major changes for India's two largest airlines as the carriers expand and make forays beyond their traditional areas of expertise.
By folding Vistara into the much larger but unprofitable Air India, the Tata Group has taken on one of the most complicated aviation mergers globally, including navigating pilot protests that led to dozens of cancelled flights in 2024.
The union will be a crucial test of the coffee-to-cars conglomerate's ability to improve the quality of Air India's services and turn around the loss-making carrier it bought from the Indian government in 2021, without losing the brigade of loyal Vistara fliers.
The challenge for the no-frills IndiGo, meanwhile, will be to revamp its image - it is like India's Ryan Air - and dent Air India's supremacy in the premium sector.
"All the jabs that Air India and IndiGo are taking are aimed at each other's strategy," said Mr Ajay Awtaney, founder of LiveFromALounge.com, a local aviation analysis platform. "It's now a two-player game."
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der November 12, 2024-Ausgabe von The Straits Times.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der November 12, 2024-Ausgabe von The Straits Times.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
'Idiotic' Tyson-Paul bout 'shouldn't be happening'
Nearly 40 years after making his professional debut, and 19 years after being battered into retirement, a 58-year-old Mike Tyson will climb back into the ring on Nov 15 for a Netflix-backed bout that has drawn widespread condemnation across the boxing world.
Gatland hopes to turn tide in Wales rebuild
Warren Gatland says he did not think that there would be \"this much pain\" when he returned to coach Wales for a second time, as he bids to avoid a record 11th straight Test defeat.
COE HAS VISION OF CHANGE FOR IOC
Briton, 68, says clear stance on gender to protect women's sport is 'non-negotiable'
CHOI HOPING FOR LUCK TO WIN
After months of getting his horses ready, ex-Macau trainer launches his Malaysian career
Sukhumvit is all set to stamp her authority
Nov 15 South Africa (Fairview/Turffontein) form analysis
SINGAPORE'S FIRST LADY TRAINER DRAGON DIES
Kranji in mourning after one of theirs loses long illness battle
Australias tllgital duly of carerlan a good idea - if it can be enforced
It may be more appropriate than a social media ban. But there are challenges when it comes to defining what constitutes harm.
Consider a socially inclusive business model for school canteens
I refer to two recent articles on The Straits Times website that raise critical questions about Singapore's school canteen operations (MOE discussing new models of running canteens with schools, Nov 13, and, Social entrepreneur starts venture to help more people, Oct 13).
Replies Attack in church ● Our places of worship are prepared for crises
We refer to the letter by Mr Gabriel Chia (A preventive approach can help protect our places of worship, Nov 11).
Bitcoin's big bang moment is impossible to ignore
The post-election excitement around crypto comes down to vibes and vision.
