Air India and Vistara get DGCA approval for aircraft line maintenance

Business: Tata Group airlines Air India and Vistara have received the Directorate General of Civil Aviation’s (DGCA) approval to integrate their aircraft line maintenance tasks. According to sources in the know, the development is a significant step towards operational synergy between the two carriers, which are on their way to merging into a single airline. This strategic integration will merge Vistara’s line maintenance activities into Air India’s facilities and scope, marking a significant milestone in integrating the maintenance resources of both airlines. By leveraging joint expertise and optimising processes, resources and systems, the merger will significantly enhance Air India’s technological capabilities, ensure greater self-sufficiency in fleet maintenance and implement industry-leading practices across all MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) operations, an official with direct knowledge of the matter said. The integration of aircraft line maintenance operations will help Air India-Vistara enhance operational performance, reduce aircraft turnaround time and strengthen on-time performance, the official said on condition of anonymity. The aircraft fleets of Air India and Vistara are largely similar, with the narrowbody fleets of both airlines consisting primarily of Airbus A320 family aircraft. Vistara’s widebody aircraft fleet consists only of Boeing 787 aircraft, which is part of Air India’s relatively more diverse widebody fleet. Air India has so far carried out in-house line maintenance at 12 stations in India. This approval from aviation regulator DGCA will allow key technical activities related to aircraft and its components to come under an integrated scope and work for both airlines.