A Vistara Airbus A320 passenger aircraft taxis on the tarmac after landing at Chhatrapati Shivaji International airport in Mumbai | Reuters
NEW DELHI: In a major expansion plan, Air Vistara is placing orders for a total of 19 Airbus and Boeing aircraft worth $3.1 billion (approx Rs 21,344 crore).The airline, currently having a fleet of 21 aircraft from the A320 neo family, also plans to add another 50 such planes.
Vistara said it had agreed to place firm orders with Airbus for 13 aircraft from the A320 neo family and with Boeing for six 787-9 Dreamliners.
“Together, the deals are valued at $3.1 billion, based on published list prices,” it said.Officials said that the letter of intent signed with Airbus was for 13 A320 neo and A321 neo aircraft as well as options for buying seven more aircraft from the A320 neo family.
Apart from this, Vistara would lease 37 new A320 neo family aircraft from leasing companies.
Vistara is a joint venture between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines. The airline serves 22 destinations with over 800 flights a week. The airline has selected LEAP 1-A engines from CFM International for the A320 neo and A321 neo aircraft, which are to be delivered between 2019 and 2023. These aircraft would be used to strengthen its domestic network and to support its international operations planned for later this year.
The letter of intent signed with Boeing comprises six firm-ordered 787-9 Dreamliner and purchase rights for four more aircraft from the 787 Dreamliner family, it added.
For these planes, the airline has selected General Electric GEnx-1B engines, and delivery is scheduled between 2020 and 2021.
“The 787-9s are intended for use on medium-haul and long-haul international routes,” it added.
Vistara CEO Leslie Thng said India’s position as the world’s fastest growing domestic aviation market and its impressive growth in air passenger traffic made the airline confident of aggressive plans for domestic expansion and international operations.
