SIA gets India's FDI approval for merger of Vistara, Air India

SIA will hold 25.1% stake in combined group in return for $320m investment

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India cleared the last roadblock to national carrier Air India's merger with smaller rival Vistara, by approving foreign direct investment (FDI) by Singapore Airlines (SIA) into the new combined carrier.

SIA will hold a 25.1 per cent stake in the combined Air India group in return for a 20.585 billion rupee (S$320 million) investment.

The Singapore carrier is due to invest up to 50.2 billion rupees after the merger is completed.

Vistara said separately on Aug 30 that its planes would be operated by Air India from November. From Sept 3, it will not be possible to book with Vistara for travel on or after Nov 12.

"All Vistara aircraft thereafter will be operated by Air India and bookings for the routes operated by these aircraft will be redirected to Air India's website," it added.