Indian full-service carrier Vistara has now taken delivery of 15 A320neo aircraft from the international aircraft leasing company, Avolon.
Vistara is a joint venture of Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, and the latest bulk delivery forms part of the plan of fleet upgrade prior to the merger with Group stablemate Air India.
Paul Geaney, President and Chief Commercial Officer, Avolon commented: “We are delighted to have completed this delivery of 15 fuel efficient new technology aircraft to Vistara.”
“The rapidly growing Indian aviation market is benefitting from Vistara’s continued success and we welcome the opportunity to have supported this expansion of their A320neo fleet.”
Deepak Rajawat, Chief Commercial Officer, Vistara commented: “A modern and efficient fleet is the backbone of any airline operations and enables consistent growth.”
“We are pleased to have worked with Avolon on the delivery of these 15 aircraft which enabled us to continue our expansion and offer greater connectivity to our customers.”
Vistara and Air India merger
The latest delivery to Vistara further advances Tata Group’s overarching plan to upgrade and modernise its fleet, as it moves towards the ultimate merger of its full-service carriers Vistara and Air India.
Formally announced by the group in November last year, the intention of the two airline merger is to create India’s leading domestic and international carrier.
Once amalgamated under the Air India brand, the plan is for the full-service carrier to operate a combined fleet of 218 aircraft.
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The stated goal is for Vistara to be merged with Air India post receipt of requisite approvals. As part of the merger transaction, SIA shall also invest Rs 2,059 crore in Air India. Post the consolidation, SIA will then maintain a 25.1% shareholding in Air India.
The stated timeframe for the merger process is for a completion by March 2024.
Speaking at the time of the announced merger, Mr N Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons had ventured: “The merger of Vistara and Air India is an important milestone in our journey to make Air India a truly world-class airline.”
“We are transforming Air India, with the aim of providing great customer experience, every time, for every customer.”
“As part of the transformation, Air India is focusing on growing both its network and fleet, revamping its customer proposition, enhancing safety, reliability, and on-time performance,” he stated.
About Vistara (TATA SIA Airlines Limited)
TATA SIA Airlines Limited, known by the brand name Vistara, is presently a 51:49 joint venture between Tata Sons Private Limited and Singapore Airlines Limited (SIA).
Vistara brings together Tata’s and SIA’s legendary hospitality and renowned service excellence to offer the finest full-service flying experience in India.
Vistara commenced its commercial operations on January 9, 2015, with an aim to set new standards in the aviation industry in India and it today connects destinations across India and abroad.
The airline currently has a fleet of 59 aircraft, including 45 Airbus A320neo, 8 Airbus A321, 2 Boeing 737-800NG and 4 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.
Vistara has flown more than 45 million customers since starting operations in 2015.
