As merger nears, Air India B787 pilots told to fly Vistara aircraft

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Air India and Vistara merger later this year, Tata group has asked some of Air India's Boeing 787 pilots to fly Vistara's B787 planes, said three people with knowledge of the matter. The move, they said, marks the first instance of integration of the group's airline businesses and is aimed at creating a common pool of resources to foster synergies. The pilots will only move once the merger gets an approval from the Competition Commission of India (CCI).

Air India and Vistara are the only Indian carriers currently flying Boeing Dreamliners. Air India sent a consent form to its Dreamliner pilots seeking their «willingness to go on deputation to Vistara as a line captain on existing emoluments.» The captains have been told they would be flying Vistara's Boeing 787 planes and be based in Mumbai. Tuesday was the last day to fill the consent form.«Most of Vistara's Dreamliner pilots have their base in Delhi and it needs some in its Mumbai base.

Air India has some very senior Dreamliner captains in Mumbai, who are close to retirement. Captains are scarce in this market and so it's a good short-term fit,» said a person in the know, adding that some pilots have already agreed to the move. Vistara currently has 60 planes that includes 4 Dreamliner 787-9 planes, one on lease, and 3 of its own.

Three more will join its fleet by March 2024, when its fleet size increases to 70 planes. Pilots at Air India fly the 787-8s. Those consenting to be deputed to Vistara will have to undergo a ground class and a conversion simulator training for 787-9.