Campbell Wilson On Vistara Merger: “We Are A Responsible Employer”

Amid ongoing human resource concerns following the merger of Vistara with Air India, CEO and MD Campbell Wilson reassured employees on Thursday that the expanded airline offers substantial opportunities and remains committed to being a responsible employer.

Earlier this month, the merger was finalised, making Singapore Airlines a 25.1% stakeholder in the unified entity. Vistara was previously a joint venture between the Tata Group and Singapore Airlines.

Despite the merger’s potential, concerns have emerged around issues like seniority, retirement age, and organisational alignment. Addressing these queries, Wilson emphasised that integrating five airlines into a unified entity is a complex task.

“Air India and Indian Airlines weren’t fully consolidated earlier, so now we’re bringing together five distinct groups into a shared seniority system and a common organizational framework,” Wilson explained during a media interaction. “We are a responsible employer,” he added, acknowledging the sensitivities involved.

The Tata Group has been streamlining its airline operations, merging Vistara with Air India and integrating AIX Connect with Air India Express. This consolidation has led to some turbulence on HR matters, echoing unresolved issues from the earlier Indian Airlines-Air India merger.

Wilson assured that while there may be mixed sentiments during the transition, the overarching outlook is positive. “There are opportunities for growth, professional advancement, and personal development,” he said. “It’s understandable for some to focus on isolated concerns, but overall, we are confident in the value we’re offering our people.”

The Air India Group, now an expanded entity with around 30,000 employees, continues to navigate the challenges of aligning diverse workforces under a unified organizational culture.