Targeting year-end for Vistara merger: Wilson

Integration of approximately 7,000 employees of Vistara will begin in June

- DEEPAK PATEL

The integration of approximately 7,000 employees of Vistara will begin in June, with its merger into Air India targeted to be completed by this year's end, said Campbell Wilson, Air India chief executive officer and managing director, on Monday.

This suggests that the Tata group has expedited the merger process of its two full-service carriers. Vinod Kannan, Vistara's CEO, had previously informed reporters in January that he anticipates an operational merger with Air India by mid-2025.

At a town hall meeting on Monday, both Wilson and Kannan addressed employees from both carriers. According to sources, Wilson stated that 120 pilots have been seconded between the two airlines, and about 60 non-flying staff from Vistara have been seconded to Air India.

The two CEOs also mentioned that assessments for 7,000 Vistara employees have already been completed, and their fitment is in advanced stages. These employees will be integrated into Air India in phases starting from June onwards.