Air India and Vistara Airlines are currently in the process of merging, which is progressing quickly and expected to conclude this year.
Together, these airlines employ around 18,000 people. As part of the merger, approximately 500 to 600 employees, primarily permanent ground staff, will be affected.
Air India has introduced a Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) specifically for these employees.
Vistara and Air India will merge this year
Vistara Airlines, a joint venture of Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, is set to merge with Air India by the year’s end.
According to an Air India official speaking to Business Standard, the merger will reduce the need for a large ground staff.
Consequently, the ground staff is being offered Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS).
Employees will be able to take VRS and VSS
Air India announced in a message to its ground staff that a Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) is available for employees with at least 5 years of service, while a Voluntary Separation Scheme (VSS) is offered for those with less service.
Air India has not yet commented publicly on this matter. The message also stated that all permanent ground staff, except pilots and cabin crew, are eligible for these schemes. Both schemes are available until August 16.
AIX Connect and Air India Express will also merge
Sources indicated that both airlines are trying to retain as many employees as possible.
Some workers have been given jobs in other Tata Group companies. However, due to the merger, certain positions are no longer needed.
Additionally, Air India’s subsidiaries AIX Connect and Air India Express are also merging, forming a large budget airline together.
