The merger of Air India and Vistara is reportedly ahead of schedule, with Air India CEO Campbell Wilson stating that it may be completed by the end of the year instead of mid-2025. This merger combines India’s only two full-service carriers, creating the country’s only domestic full-service airline. The two airlines collectively held a 22.5% market share in India in the first quarter of 2024, making them the second- and third-largest market shareholders after IndiGo. The merger was decided upon after the Tata group acquired Air India from the government of India in 2022.
As a part of the acquisition process, Singapore Airlines agreed to purchase a 25.1% stake in Air India. Singapore Airlines is Tata’s partner in Tata SIA Airlines Limited, which operates as Vistara. Both Air India and Vistara have finalized the organization structure of the merged entity, taking into account plans for fleet expansion, network growth, and improved service. The merger aims to provide passengers with more options and choices across the combined airline’s worldwide network. Competition regulators in both India and Singapore have approved the merger, pending approval from the National Company Law Tribunal in India.
Budget airline Akasa Air is expanding its international operations, with Jeddah as the second international destination. The airline will operate daily direct flights between Mumbai and Jeddah starting in July, with plans to increase the frequency to 12 weekly flights from July 21. Akasa Air also announced two direct flights a week between Jeddah and Ahmedabad. The airline had previously launched operations to Doha as its first international destination in March and has received traffic rights for Kuwait and Riyadh.
Royal Orchid Hotels has introduced the largest all-suite five-star hotel in Gujarat, called ‘The World,’ marking its entry into Surat. The company plans to add over 30 new properties in the 2024-25 financial year, adding about 2,000 keys. It also intends to launch a new upscale hotel brand. Leisure Hotels Group has opened a boutique hotel in Vrindavan, marking its entry into the city. The 42-key Brij Eternity is a part of the chain’s presence in spiritual cities in north India. The group is aiming to have 100 operational properties by 2030 and has launched new lifestyle concept accommodations to cater to different traveler segments.
