From 'UK' to 'AI': Vistara flies into history

AIR INDIA-VISTARA MERGER TO BE REALITY FROM NOV 12

After nearly a decade of redefining Indian aviation, Vistara bid farewell as an independent airline. Late Monday night, the well-regarded full-service carrier operated its last domestic and international flights under the iconic flight code 'UK'. From Tuesday, Vistara flights will operate under Air India's new code, 'AI2XXX', marking the end of an era.

The airline's last domestic flight, UK 986, departed from Mumbai to Delhi at 10:50 pm. Meanwhile, the final international service, UK 115, left Delhi for Singapore at 11:45 pm. The routes symbolise a full-circle moment, as Vistara's inaugural flight on January 9, 2015, connected Delhi to Mumbai.

"Thank you for being part of this unforgettable journey and showering us with your #VistaraLove. We will forever cherish these memories," Vistara said in a heartfelt message on social media, urging followers to stay updated via Air India's channels.

Vistara is a joint venture between the Tata Group and Singapore Airlines (SIA). Following its merger with Air India, SIA will hold a 25.1 per cent stake in the expanded entity. This consolidation is part of a broader strategy by Tata Group, which acquired Air India from government ownership in January 2022.

The merger represents the second major wave of consolidation in India's aviation sector since 2006-07.