Vistara to launch operations in Delhi-Mumbai sector

Tata's full service carrier Vistara, in partnership with Singapore Airlines, Monday said it will commence commercial operations from Jan 9 2015.

According to the airline, it will initially start operations on the Delhi-Mumbai, Delhi-Ahmedabad and Ahmedabad-Mumbai routes.

When asked about the timing of the launch, as the aviation industry is facing volatility because of high interest rates and fuel cost and also witnessing the SpiceJet crisis, the airline said it is confident of getting a healthy response from the passengers.

"Yes we think this time is right for us. The Indian customer has been waiting for us to announce the final date of our commercial launch," said Phee Teik Yeoh, chief executive, Vistara, at a press conference here.

"Regarding the recent crisis situation at SpiceJet, all of us in the industry want them to tide over and resume normalcy. With support from the government we hope the airline gets enough breathing space to procure funds and is back into action."

"We intend to have five aircraft by March 2015. As a full service airline we will focus on growing operations in cities where there is demand for our services," the airline's chief executive said.

"This will include metros and non-metros that have a large number of business and leisure travellers."

The airline will deploy the new Airbus A320-200 aircraft which offers 16 seats in business cabin, 36 in premium economy and 96 in economy class.

Tata Sons holds the majority stake (51 percent) in the joint venture and the rest (49 percent) is held by Singapore Airlines.

Regulatory authority DGCA had last week granted the air operator permit or flying license to Vistara to begin its commercial operations across the country.