Vistara launch may get delayed by couple of months

The launch of Vistara, the Tata- Singapore Airlines joint venture airline, may get delayed by a couple of months due to regulatory approvals, officials said today.
The airline, which is slated to get its first Airbus A-320 soon, had earlier announced plans to start operations in October.
The proposed carrier would have to complete various formalities before the aviation regulator DGCA gives it the flying licence or the Scheduled Operator's Permit (SOP), the officials said.
As part of the major formalities, the plane which arrives here would have to be painted in Vistara colours.
It would then have to carry out a number of proving flights before the aviation regulator DGCA grants it clearance to launch services by granting it the airworthiness certificate, they said, adding that the painting would have to be done in Singapore.

The full-service carrier would also have to prepare the flight, operations and engineering manuals and get them approved by the DGCA, the officials, who requested anonymity, said, adding that all this would take at least a couple of months.
An airline spokesperson said, "Vistara is working very closely with the regulators to ensure all requisite requirements and processes are being complied with."
Delhi-based Vistara is a 51:49 joint venture between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines and the two stakeholders have said they would put in a total investment of USD 100 million.