MUMBAI- In anticipation of the impending merger between Air India (AI) and Vistara (UK) later this year, the Tata Group has taken steps to integrate the two airlines’ operations, including flying 787s.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the Tata Group has approached certain Boeing 787 pilots from Air India, inviting them to fly Vistara’s 787 aircraft.
This move represents a significant effort toward achieving operational synergy within the group’s airlines, Reported ET.
Air India Pilots to Fly Vistara 787s
The pilots are expected to make the transition once the merger receives approval from the Competition Commission of India (CCI). Air India and Vistara are the sole Indian carriers operating Boeing 787s.
Air India has distributed a consent form among its 787 pilots, soliciting their interest in taking up roles as “line captains” at Vistara on their current compensation package.
The participating captains have been informed that their duties would involve flying Vistara’s Boeing 787 planes and being stationed in Mumbai. The deadline for submitting the consent form was Tuesday.
According to an insider familiar with the situation, “The majority of Vistara’s Dreamliner pilots are stationed in Delhi, and the airline also needs pilots in its Mumbai base.
Air India boasts a number of highly experienced Dreamliner captains situated in Mumbai, many of whom are nearing retirement. Given the scarcity of experienced captains in this sector, this arrangement appears to be a suitable short-term solution.”
This individual went on to mention that several pilots have already indicated their agreement to this transition.
Vistara’s current fleet comprises 60 aircraft, including four Dreamliner 787-9 planes— one of which is leased, and three are owned by the airline. An additional three Dreamliner aircraft are expected to join the fleet by March 2024, bringing the total fleet size to 70 planes.
Currently, Air India’s pilots operate the 787-8 model. Those who consent to be deputed to Vistara will undergo ground classes and conversion simulator training specifically for the 787-9 model.
Additionally, they will be required to obtain a 787-9 endorsement on their licenses from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).”
AI and AI Express Codeshare
Air India Express (IX) is poised to finalize a new codeshare deal with Air India (AI) and withdraw from all routes that demand business-class capacity.
Further, shift the operational control centers of both AirAsia India (I5) and Air India Express to a newly established office in Gurugram, as revealed by two undisclosed airline executives to Mint.
These measures form a key component of a comprehensive strategy that encompasses the amalgamation of AirAsia India and Air India Express.
Under this strategy, the combined entity will function as Air India’s budget-friendly unit, catering to economical travel needs by offering cost-effective flights on routes that are not central to major air corridors.
According to one of the aforementioned executives, the establishment of codeshare flights is anticipated to bolster Air India’s connectivity capabilities.
Further, enabling the parent airline to draw international and domestic passengers from smaller cities targeted by Air India Express rather than Air India.
This approach is aimed at reinforcing the presence of budget-friendly services on routes that aren’t major air corridors. Subsequently, Air India will focus on routes with a demand for business-class seating.
All Photos by: Harsh Tekriwal (@avgeekwithlens) • Instagram photos and videos
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