According to Vistara CEO Vinod Kannan, the merger between Vistara and Air India is progressing smoothly, and the airline anticipates obtaining all necessary regulatory approvals by April 2024.

Last November, Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines announced the merger as a strategic move to capitalize on the growing domestic market and enhance synergies. The proposed transaction is currently being reviewed by the Competition Commission of India, which has issued a show cause notice to the involved parties.

Continuous Growth and Expansion

Despite the ongoing merger process, Vistara remains committed to its growth plans. CEO Vinod Kannan affirmed, “We have not halted our expansion efforts and are actively adding new aircraft and destinations.”

Furthermore, Vistara has plans to launch flights to Bali, Indonesia, and increase frequencies to European destinations from Mumbai. Kannan noted the success of their long-haul routes, stating, “Long haul routes are consistently performing well for us.”

Financial Performance and Funding

Vistara achieved its first-ever operating profit in the third quarter of the previous financial year. Kannan expressed optimism about the airline’s performance, saying, “The second half of the last financial year was good, and the first quarter of the current year shows promising results. We have ample funding, eliminating the need for additional capital injection.”

Overall, Vistara remains focused on securing the necessary approvals and progressing with its expansion plans as it moves forward with the merger process.