'Vistara' is India's new Singapore Airlines/Tata airline
By David Flynn, August 11 2014
- Vistara will be full-service airline for India
- Joint venture between Singapore Airlines and Tata Group
- Based in Delhi, with Inaugural flights in October
It's not every day that an all-new airline takes to the skies but Singapore Airlines and Tata hope their joint venture – dubbed Vistara, from a Sanskrit word which means 'limitless expanse' – won't be just another airline.
Bucking the trend towards low-cost carriers, Vistara will be a full-service airline with business class, economy class and possibly an 'in between' section, which could either be Premium Economy or an extra-legroom Economy Plus.
Vistara will take on domestic competitors Air India and Jet Airways with a pointy end that's very premium, to "create the finest flying experience in Indian skies."
The first Vistara flights will launch in October from the airline's hub at Delhi, with five Indian cities at launch and reaching as many as 11 cities by the end of 2015.
The airline also has its eye on international flights but these will require government approval, as Indian civil aviation rules do not allow domestic airlines less than five years old with a fleet of less than 20 aircraft to begin international services.
The Vistara fleet will comprise twenty Airbus A320s, including seven of the latest A320NEO jets, although these will be leased rather than purchased outright.
Vistara'a livery and uniforms pick up royal purples with gold accents.
Singapore Airlines will hold a 49% stake in Vistara while Tata Sons' gets the majority 51 percent stake, with an initial investment of US$100 million between the two companies.
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David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
06 Dec 2013
Total posts 16
Qantas have to do these businesses in asia.
I thought there was such a plan. Where did that story go?
21 Apr 2012
Total posts 3006
Ask the unions. LOL
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
02 Jul 2011
Total posts 1374
Ask the Singaporean and Malaysian governments as well.
Interesting going into India given all the money the airlines have lost there over the last few years
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
17 Aug 2012
Total posts 2199
I'm pretty sure the Singaporean government wouldn't be too obstructive. After all, they seemed okay with Jetstar Asia's ownership (which is a total sham, given the 51% Singaporean-owned share was funded by a QF Group cash grant). It would need to be SIN-based and all that, but so long as it generates more traffic through SIN (and less through KUL et al) then they should be more than happy.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
01 Oct 2013
Total posts 92
If Vistara can conjure a decent, premium J product for the region as they promise it to be, they'd definitely will be giving AI a run for their money!
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
17 Aug 2012
Total posts 2199
I was under the impression anyone could give AI a run for their money.
14 Aug 2014
Total posts 2
AI has actually largely improved. I have found flying with AI better than other large Airlines such as, China Airlines, Jet Airways and even British Airways. Cut them some slack or even fly with them before critisizing them.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
10 Jan 2013
Total posts 698
Look forward to the first trip report!
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