Tata Group-led Air India has welcomed the Competition Commission of India’s (CCI) request for additional information regarding its proposed merger with Vistara. In a weekly message to employees, Air India’s Chief Executive and Managing Director, Campbell Wilson, described the inquiry as a “normal and important” part of the evaluation process.
Campbell Wilson in his message,
“While that runs its proper course, we continue to make progress on the integration of our LCC airlines, and in planning for an eventual end state where the Air India group has a single, much large full-service carriers and a single (also much larger) low cost airline, with aligned practices, optimised systems and career prospects across the combined entity,”
Last month, the Competition Commission of India issued a show cause notice to Air India following an application submitted by Tata Sons in April seeking approval for the proposed merger. Tata Sons, through its fully owned subsidiary, currently holds full ownership of Air India. Meanwhile, Vistara, established in 2013, is a full-service carrier and a joint venture between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines (SIA), with a 51:49 ownership structure. Upon completion of the merger, SIA will possess a 25.1% shareholding in Air India.
As the evaluation process continues, the aviation industry and stakeholders eagerly await the final decision of the Competition Commission of India. If approved, the merger between Air India and Vistara will mark a significant milestone in the Indian aviation sector, shaping the future of the industry and offering enhanced travel experiences for passengers.
