In an exclusive interview with CNBC-TV18, Vistara CEO Vinod Kannan discussed the airline’s efforts to integrate with Air India and navigate the current operational challenges.
Kannan acknowledged that the integration process will require changes to Vistara’s rostering system, network practices, and a more open and consultative approach with its pilots. He emphasised that the merger is driven by the need for scale and growth, and that Vistara is excited about the opportunities it presents.
“The merger that we’re looking at or the integration is one for scale, one for growth, and there is definitely excitement and opportunities at the end of it. So that is something that we will be working towards,” Kannan said.
Also read: EXCLUSIVE | Vistara CEO says unplanned disruptions could end next week
Regarding the integration process, Kannan stated that Vistara is working to align various systems and mechanisms to ensure a smooth transition. He also emphasised the importance of a seamless integration for the airline’s people, including pilots and other staff.
“People situation, not just pilots, but with other verticals as well with other staff, we are very clear and we are very sure that we want to make sure that the transition is smooth for them. And that’s the process that we would like to adopt. And that’s the process that we need to adopt,” Kannan said.
Despite the current operational challenges, Kannan expressed confidence that Vistara will be able to overcome the disruptions in the near future and return to its “world-class operations.” He added that the focus will then shift towards the integration process as the necessary approvals are obtained in the coming weeks and months.
On Monday and Tuesday, Vistara flight cancellations stood at around 50 each day. On April 3, around 20 flights were cancelled.
“We’ve made cancellations (two to three days in advance) up to April 10. Over this weekend, we hope to close the entire operations for the month of April. There might be a curtailment and operations (in May), but it’s something that is planned,” Kannan told CNBC-TV18 Managing Editor Shereen Bhan.
Kannan further said the airline is willing to hear its pilots out and is keen on arriving at a middle ground, including addressing pilots’ concerns, manageable rosters, and hiring and training more aviators.
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