Vistara-Air India merger impacts jobs, reshapes aviation careers: TeamLease

Vistara-Air India merger will now impact jobs, and also reshape careers in aviation.

Dataquest spoke to Sumit Kumar, Chief Strategy Officer at TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship. Excerpts from an interview: 

DQ: What specific strategies does the merged entity have to integrate Air India and Vistara’s workforce, while balancing job continuity and role enhancements?

Sumit Kumar: The integration of Air India and Vistara’s workforce represents a transformative milestone for India’s aviation sector, projected to grow to USD 25-27 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 10-12%. With over 8,000 weekly flights and a fleet of 210 aircraft, the unified airline will serve more than 1,00,000 passengers daily across 90 domestic and international destinations, creating both opportunities and challenges in workforce alignment. 

This merger will catalyze the emergence of specialized roles essential for expanded operations, including experts in route planning and network optimization to analyze traffic patterns and passenger demand for efficient domestic and international routes. 

Logistics and cargo management professionals will focus on maximizing freight capacity and ensuring seamless cargo operations, while customer experience enhancement roles will involve personalizing interactions, implementing AI-driven solutions, and elevating in-flight services to global standards. 

The need to maintain operational consistency across a larger fleet will drive demand for technical operations and fleet management specialists, while training and development professionals will be crucial for standardizing skills and harmonizing operational practices.

Additionally, indirect job creation will surge in airport management, with roles in ground handling, terminal operations, and passenger assistance expanding significantly, along with opportunities in hospitality for concierge services and travel partnerships tailored to premium passengers. 

Aviation security and compliance roles will also grow to address the safety and regulatory needs of a larger network. At the entry level, apprenticeship and internship  programs can provide hands-on training to align recruits with unified standards, while work-based learning programs can equip experienced employees with advanced competencies in leadership, digital transformation, and crisis management. 

These initiatives will ensure the workforce is prepared for the  demands of the industry, securing job continuity, fostering role enhancements, and positioning the unified airline as a leader in operational excellence, service quality, and economic contribution to India’s aviation growth story.

DQ: How will the merger affect career advancement opportunities for pilots, cabin crew, and ground staff? Will it create distinct roles in new routes or introduce specialized positions?

Sumit Kumar: The merger will create significant career advancement opportunities for pilots, cabin crew, and ground staff, but it will also bring challenges, particularly in managing skill friction arising from differing operational standards, training protocols, and work cultures. 

For pilots, the expanded network, comprising over 8,000 weekly flights and 210 aircraft, will open doors to type-rating on advanced aircraft, command upgrades, and leadership roles in flight operations. 

However, aligning flight management practices and operating procedures will require additional training to ensure consistency across the fleet. Similarly, cabin crew members will benefit from the chance to work on premium international routes and in elevated customer service roles, yet transitioning to unified service standards and adapting to diverse cultural expectations will necessitate reskilling. 

For ground staff, the merger will lead to growth in areas such as logistics coordination, passenger experience management, and terminal operations, though these roles will demand a concerted effort to integrate workflows, technologies, and operational processes. 

Furthermore, specialized positions will emerge in fields like route optimization, safety and compliance, and AI-powered operational management, creating new opportunities while requiring the workforce to acquire skills tailored to these advanced roles. To address these challenges, the merged entity must implement comprehensive upskilling and reskilling programs to bridge skill gaps and unify capabilities. 

DQ: How will this shift influence job opportunities in the broader aviation ecosystem, including maintenance, logistics, and regional operations?

Sumit Kumar:  We anticipate substantial growth in job opportunities across the broader aviation ecosystem, particularly in maintenance, logistics, and regional operations, with an increasing need for skilled professionals such as aircraft engineers, technicians, and quality control specialists to maintain operational efficiency and uphold safety standards. 

The expansion of logistics operations, driven by a scaled cargo network, will demand expertise in supply chain coordination, freight management, and inventory planning to ensure seamless connectivity. Regional operations will also benefit from increased connectivity, creating roles for airport staff, ground handlers, and operations managers at smaller and underserved airports, further enhancing the aviation network's reach. 

Additionally, new roles will emerge in critical areas such as route optimization, scheduling, and regulatory compliance to address the complexities of international operations.   Alongside these developments, indirect job creation is expected to flourish in sectors like airport infrastructure, hospitality, and aviation security, aligned with the growing passenger and cargo volume. 

To help grow and sustain the momentum forward, upskilling and reskilling the workforce can play a crucial role in ensuring the successful completion of this airline merger. By equipping employees with the necessary skills to adapt to new systems, processes, and cultures, organizations can minimize disruption, enhance productivity, and foster a cohesive workforce capable of managing the complexities of integration.