Vistara-Air India merger: Hamish Maxwell to be new COO of merged AIX, Pushpinder Singh goes back to parent Air India

Hamish Maxwell, Senior Vice President of Flight Operations at Vistara is set to be the new Chief Operations Officer (COO) of the merged AIX, according to the company's internal communications. Air India Express is in the process of merging AIX Connect, formerly AirAsia India. The two airlines are part of the Tata Group, which is also in the process of merging Vistara with Air India.

In addition, Pushpinder Singh who will complete his deputation with AIX on October 31, will return to his parent organization, Air India.

Maxwell has held management roles at Singapore Airlines earlier. He has overseen the establishment and growth of Vistara, playing a key role in bringing global best-in-class practices to the airline, said the company's internal communications. "He will lead AIX through the next phase of our growth and transformation journey."


There will be cross feeds between Air India long haul flights and domestic short haul flights, Air India Express Managing Director Aloke Singh had said earlier, adding that that there is substantial growth coming in.

"In 2024-25, a lot of synergies will be unlocked... there will be a laser focus on the cost side," Singh had said.

Meanwhile, after November 11, 2024, all Vistara aircraft will become part of Air India's operations. Following this date, Air India will exclusively manage the remaining Vistara flight bookings. In May 2024, Air India clarified that Vistara's loyalty program will merge with Air India's Flying Returns and lounge access will remain unchanged. However, if you're a Vistara customer who paid for lounge access when booking your ticket, you might be wondering what will happen to your airport lounge booking after November 12, 2024.