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Air India-Vistara Merger Finalized; New Entity to Operate Over 5,600 Weekly Flights

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Air India has announced the completion of its merger with Vistara, creating a unified full-service airline that will now operate over 5,600 weekly flights across more than 90 destinations. This merger is a significant milestone for India’s aviation industry, strengthening Air India’s domestic and international presence with services on 103 domestic and 71 international routes. The integration grants Singapore Airlines a 25.1% stake in the expanded Air India. This move comes on the heels of the October 1, 2024, merger of Air India’s low-cost carriers, Air India Express and AIX Connect (formerly AirAsia India), marking the completion of Air India Group’s restructuring post-privatization. “This merger represents the end of our restructuring and consolidation phase,” remarked Campbell Wilson, CEO of Air India, who acknowledged the extensive planning and teamwork that ensured a seamless transition for customers. As part of the integration, Vistara’s final flight departed from Delhi to Singapore, marking the end of its nearly decade-long journey as a joint venture between Tata Group and Singapore Airlines. The new entity’s inaugural international flight, designated ‘AI2286,’ traveled from Doha to Mumbai, while the first domestic flight, ‘AI2984,’ linked Mumbai and Delhi. To streamline booking, former Vistara flights are now identified with the code ‘AI2XXX’ under Air India’s operations. Initially announced in November 2022, the merger follows Tata Group’s acquisition of Air India from the government in January 2022. With Air India, Vistara, and AIX Connect, the conglomerate now controls a 29% share of India’s domestic market as of September, signifying Tata’s growing influence in reshaping Indian aviation. Source: Business Times Photo Credit: Business Times

Air India Pilots Frustrated Ahead of Vistara Merger Over Retirement Age Discrepancy

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As Tata Group prepares to merge Air India and Vistara, a growing number of Air India pilots are reportedly dissatisfied due to differences in retirement age policies between the two airlines. While Air India mandates a retirement age of 58 for its pilots and other staff, Vistara allows its pilots to work until 60. This disparity has raised concerns about equal treatment for employees within the merged entity, as the management has yet to address this issue. The merger, set for completion on November 11, is part of Tata Group’s strategic move to consolidate its aviation interests. Although efforts were made to align salary structures and working conditions for employees across both airlines, sources say the retirement age discrepancy remains unresolved, leaving Air India pilots feeling at a disadvantage. “Air India pilots are losing out on two years of service compared to their Vistara counterparts, and with no clear resolution in sight, frustration is mounting,” said an insider who wished to remain anonymous. Under India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) regulations, pilots are eligible to work up to the age of 65, providing airlines flexibility in setting retirement ages. In response to growing concerns, Air India introduced a policy in August allowing retired pilots to be re-employed on contract for up to five years, with the option of extension until 65. However, employees argue that this solution does not address the underlying disparity between the airlines. The retirement age difference adds to an existing sense of inequity, as some Air India pilots have reportedly found themselves ranked lower in the seniority list compared to less-experienced Vistara pilots in the unified seniority structure. Tata Group’s acquisition of Air India in January 2022 aimed to streamline operations, but these unresolved issues underscore the complexities of integrating two established airlines with differing policies and cultures. As the merger approaches, Air India pilots hope for a resolution that ensures fairness and equal opportunities for all employees within the combined entity. Source: thehindubusinessline Photo Credit: thehindubusinessline

Ratan Tata, Visionary Leader and Philanthropist, Passes Away at 86

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Ratan Tata, the esteemed former chairman of the Tata Group and one of India’s most beloved business icons, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 86. Tata had been admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai for age-related health conditions, including blood pressure complications. Despite rumors about his deteriorating health over the past week, his passing has left the nation mourning a towering figure in Indian industry and philanthropy. Known for his leadership and integrity, Ratan Tata transformed the Tata Group into a global powerhouse after taking over as chairman in 1991. Under his guidance, the group made bold international acquisitions, including Tetley, Jaguar Land Rover, and Corus Steel, firmly establishing India’s presence in the global business landscape. His leadership not only expanded the Tata Group but also brought international attention to India’s economic potential. Beyond business, Tata was deeply committed to philanthropy, contributing to education, healthcare, and rural development through the Tata Trusts. His quiet demeanor and humility endeared him to millions. Despite his immense success, he led a modest life, avoiding the lavish lifestyle associated with billionaires. Tata received numerous honors throughout his life, including India’s highest civilian awards, the Padma Bhushan in 2000 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2008. His philanthropic efforts and contributions to society earned him further accolades, including the Assam Baibhav in 2021 for advancing cancer care in Assam. Prime Minister of India shared condolence over the loss saying “My mind is filled with countless interactions with Shri Ratan Tata Ji. I would meet him frequently in Gujarat when I was the CM. We would exchange views on diverse issues. I found his perspectives very enriching. These interactions continued when I came to Delhi. Extremely pained by his passing away. My thoughts are with his family, friends and admirers in this sad hour. Om Shanti.” Alongside, President of India has tweeted a message saying “In the sad demise of Shri Ratan Tata, India has lost an icon who blended corporate growth with nation building, and excellence with ethics. A recipient of Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan, he took forward the great Tata legacy and gave it a more impressive global presence. He inspired seasoned professionals and young students alike. His contribution to philanthropy and charity is invaluable. I convey my condolences to his family, the entire team of the Tata Group and his admirers across the globe.” As the nation mourns his passing, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh expressed his condolences, calling him a “Titan of the Indian industry” and a visionary who left an indelible mark on India’s economy and society. Ratan Tata’s legacy as a business leader and philanthropist will continue to inspire generations to come. The country unites in grief, with heartfelt tributes and condolences flooding in from across the spectrum – business tycoons, political dignitaries, and ordinary citizens alike – to celebrate the extraordinary life and achievements of Shri Ratan Tata. India has lost a giant, a visionary who redefined modern India’s path. Ratan Tata wasn’t just a business leader – he embodied the spirit of India with integrity, compassion and an unwavering commitment to the greater good. Legends like him never fade away. Om Shanti 🙏 pic.twitter.com/mANuvwX8wV — Gautam Adani (@gautam_adani) October 9, 2024 It is a very sad day for India and India Inc. Ratan Tata’s passing away is a big loss, not just to the Tata Group, but to every Indian. At a personal level, the passing of Ratan Tata has filled me with immense grief as I lost a dear friend. Each of my numerous interactions with… — Reliance Industries Limited (@RIL_Updates) October 9, 2024 My last meeting with Ratan Tata at Google, we talked about the progress of Waymo and his vision was inspiring to hear. He leaves an extraordinary business and philanthropic legacy and was instrumental in mentoring and developing the modern business leadership in India. He deeply… — Sundar Pichai (@sundarpichai) October 9, 2024 Ratan Tata: the man who made India proud. His legacy remains in posterity. May his soul rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/Sk414lTjKW — Uday Kotak (@udaykotak) October 9, 2024 I am unable to accept the absence of Ratan Tata. India’s economy stands on the cusp of a historic leap forward. And Ratan’s life and work have had much to do with our being in this position. Hence, his mentorship and guidance at this point in time would have been invaluable.… pic.twitter.com/ujJC2ehTTs — anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) October 9, 2024 Deeply saddened by the demise of legendary industrialist and true nationalist, Shri Ratan Tata Ji. He selflessly dedicated his life to the development of our nation. Every time I met him, his zeal and commitment to the betterment of Bharat and its people amazed me. His commitment… pic.twitter.com/TJOp8skXCo — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) October 9, 2024 The passing away of Ratan Tata is the end of an era. He was deeply associated with the modernisation of Indian industry. And even more so with its globalisation. Was my privilege to have interacted with him on numerous occasions. And benefitted from his vision and insights.… — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) October 10, 2024 I am heartbroken to hear of the passing of Ratan Tata Ji, a proud son of the nation. Over three decades, I was privileged to have a deeply personal and close family relationship with him, where I witnessed his humility, simplicity, and genuine respect for everyone, regardless of… — Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) October 9, 2024

Tata Play Expands Globally with Innovative Solution for International OTT Providers

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In a groundbreaking move, Tata Play has extended its presence beyond India by offering a white-label solution tailored for global OTT aggregators. This initiative commences with a collaborative project involving the leading Pay-TV provider in the Philippines, Cignal TV. Tata Play, a prominent content distribution platform in India, has introduced the Tata Play Binge PaaS (Platform as a Service) for OTT aggregators worldwide, providing comprehensive development and deployment opportunities. Harit Nagpal, Managing Director & CEO of Tata Play, highlighted the advantages for partner companies, including access to Tata Play’s extensive experience in areas such as commercial partnerships, recommendation engines, subscription management, analytics, and more. This enterprise solution marks the creation of a distinctive OTT content aggregation and distribution ecosystem. Tata Play Binge, a service under the Tata Group conglomerate, consolidates content from over 26 apps into a single platform. The company’s primary focus is to collaborate with various OTT partners and acquire subscribers in global markets. Tata Play will oversee the complete technology platform, which operates in the cloud. While the initial partnership began with Philippines’ Cignal TV, Nagpal confirmed ongoing discussions with numerous international players interested in utilizing Tata Play’s technology solution to evolve into OTT aggregators. Nagpal emphasized the global scalability of the cloud-based solution, making it applicable to regions worldwide, including Africa, South America, South Asia, and Europe. Tata Play Binge presently boasts nearly a million subscribers, resulting in significant insights into technology, user interfaces, and overall user experience. Many global players have been grappling with the challenge of finding such a solution, which Tata Play is now offering. Nagpal explained the rationale behind this initiative, stating that since Tata Play has already invested resources in developing the solution, they can become the backend support for entities looking to aggregate content worldwide. While it may take some time for this approach to gain widespread acceptance, it offers economies of scale to all participating OTT players and is mutually beneficial, with Tata Play charging a fee for its tech solution. This strategic move by Tata Play aligns with the evolving OTT market, which is experiencing substantial growth in user numbers. Entering the global market with a Platform as a Service (PaaS) solution is well-timed, potentially yielding incremental revenues and a first-mover advantage. Moreover, if content aggregation becomes a global trend, Tata Play stands to benefit by capturing a larger market share.

A new innings start for Air India as TATA Group wins the bid for 100% acquisition of Air India

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After suffering through heavy storms of the financial crisis, the Government of India finally approved the 100% disinvestment in Air India. The bid was open two weeks ago, and the TATA group won it. The TATA Group holding a company, Tata Sons, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Talace Pvt Ltd submitted a winning bid of Rs. 18,000 as the Enterprise value of Air India. As a consequence, the Tata Group will hold 100% stakes in Air India (A full-service airline operating in the domestic and international market) and 100% in its subsidiary Air India Express (A low-cost air-carrier airline that focuses on short-haul global operations primarily in the middle east market) and 50 % in the joint venture Air-India SATS (airport services on ground and cargo handling). At present, the total permanent and contractual employee strength of Air India & AIXL is 13,500. On winning the bid and owning 100% shares in Air India, Chairman N Chandrashekhar said, we are proud to run an airline associated with the nation’s name and functions as a national airline in the form of representative of India in the world. We will be making sure to rejuvenate and make Air India a world-class airline in the international market. The TATA Group has 30 companies in ten verticals, operating in more than 100 countries worldwide. The last year’s revenue generation of TATA Group was 103 billion dollars. The company collectively employs 800000 people.TATA Group has three airlines’ associations; Vistara, AirAsia, and Air India. However, the government keeps four Air India subsidiaries- Air India Air Transport Services Ltd, Airline Allied Services Ltd, which runs Alliance Air, Air India Engineering Services Ltd., and Hotel Corporation of India. These Subsidiaries have been transferred to AIAHL. What will be the take for Air India Employees? As per records, Air India has 12,085 employees, of which 8084 are permanent, and 4001 are contractual. Along with that, Air India Express has 1,434 employees. As per the terms, Tata as the winner of the bid, will retain all the employees. If any employee needs to be retrenched, they will get the option of a voluntary retirement scheme (VRS) after one year of taking over the completion of the bidder. With the retention of all existing employees, the gratuity, pension fund, and post-retirement medical benefits of existing and past employees will be honored by the TATA Group. Although, post-handover, the free travel of government employees in Air India will be stopped, with that, a free passage to the retired employees will be provided as per the industry practices. However, the outstanding due of Air India, which is Rs 1,332 crores, will be paid by the Government of India as per the report of Justice Dharmadhikari. As per the report, Air India was incurring a loss of Rs 20 crore on a per-day basis, and as of August 31, the Airline was in debt of Rs 61,562 crore. All the eight logos of Air India will now be transferred to the TATA group, where TATA cannot retransfer the logo to any other party for five years. After five years, the logo can be transferred to an Indian only and not to a foreign entity. Source: tata.com, moneycontrol.com, thetimesofIndia.com