In a move aimed at optimizing operational efficiency, Air India and Vistara have received approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to integrate their aircraft line maintenance operations. This strategic consolidation will bring Vistara’s line maintenance under Air India’s established facilities and oversight.

The integration, approved under the CAR 145 regulation, will unify the maintenance functions of both airlines, streamlining processes and enhancing the overall technical capabilities of Air India. By consolidating resources, the airlines aim to improve fleet maintenance self-reliance and adopt industry-leading practices across their maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operations.

Air India currently handles line maintenance at 12 stations across India. The merger will strengthen these in-house capabilities, leading to more efficient aircraft turnaround times and improved on-time performance (OTP). A single, unified maintenance team will manage a diverse fleet of both widebody and narrowbody aircraft, thereby enhancing schedule reliability and operational performance.

This strategic integration will also centralize key technical activities related to aircraft and components, reinforcing the overall engineering capacity and resources within the Air India framework. Embracing best practices and optimizing MRO activities, the merger is set to advance the airlines’ maintenance operations to new heights.