Ratan Tata death | AI, AI Express, Vistara make inflight announcements in his memory

Air India, Air India Express and Vistara are making inflight announcements on Thursday in remembrance of Tata Group patriarch Ratan Tata for whom aviation was especially close to his heart.

Officials on Thursday said the three airlines, part of the Tata Group, will be making announcements in remembrance of Tata in their flights during the day.

Tata's demise also comes at a time when the conglomerate is in the process of completing the consolidation of its airline business -- the integration of Air India Express and AIX Connect was completed on October 1 while the merger of Vistara with Air India is set for November 12.

Vistara is a joint venture between the Tata Group and Singapore Airlines.

Air India CEO and MD Campbell Wilson told the staff that Air Indians especially acknowledge and are grateful for Tata's immense contribution to Indian aviation and to the Tata airlines.

Ratan Tata's legacy lives on: Air India CEO

In his message to employees, Air India Express MD Aloke Singh said Tata's passion and immense contribution to aviation and his guidance in the shaping the group and organisation makes the loss deeper.

"His legacy lives on and continues to inspire us in our journey ahead," he added.

Vistara CEO Vinod Kannan told staff that Tata has been and will continue to be an inspiration to all of us in the Tata Group and across the nation. "The aviation vertical was especially close to his heart".

Meanwhile, as a mark of respect for late Ratan Tata, Air India Express switched over to a theme featuring white lillies in a dark background on its website and social media handles.

IndiGo, SpiceJet, Akasa Air pay tributes 

Not just the Tata Group airlines, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air also paid tributes to Ratan Tata.

Aircraft maker Boeing's India and South Asia President Salil Gupte said his remarkable contributions have left an indelible mark not only on the aerospace and defence sectors but also on various industries and society at large.

"Mr. Tata exemplified integrity, innovation, and compassion, guiding the Tata Group to unprecedented heights while upholding the highest standards of corporate responsibility. His influence will continue to inspire future generations, serving as a guiding light for all of us in the industry," Gupte said in a statement.