This year, Vistara flew its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. The widebody is helping the Indian carrier expand on long-haul operations. However, the airline is not slowing down with its deliveries of the type as it is expecting to take on six more units by 2021.
Showing commitment
Altogether, the global health crisis is having an unprecedented impact on the aviation industry within India and around the world. Several carriers across the globe have been trying to cancel deliveries in the current climate. However, despite the harsh conditions, Vistara is committed to the orders that it has placed with Airbus and Boeing.
A spokesperson for the airline told Simple Flying that it started the 2020-21 financial year with 42 aircraft in its fleet and will end the year with 47, which is a net addition of five aircraft. The arrivals include three new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and two Airbus A321neo aircraft. Additionally, in the current financial year, seven older Airbus A320ceo aircraft are being replaced with brand new A320neos with more advanced features.
Significant fleet growth
Moreover, by next year, there will be at least eight more planes joining. These aircraft are split between Boeing widebodies and Airbus narrowbodies.
“We are on track to have all six Boeing 787-9 jets in our fleet by 2021 and are also expecting two more Airbus A321neo to join our fleet next year. By 2023, Vistara will have a fleet of around 70 aircraft,” the spokesperson told Simple Flying.
“While we had to make necessary adjustments to the delivery schedule due to the pandemic, we continue to remain committed to the overall orders placed with Boeing and Airbus in 2018.”
Shaping up well
The airline representative emphasizes that given the global pandemic, the company can expect a significant increase in demand for direct flights as passengers try to avoid connecting flights due to concerns of exposure to COVID-19 when transiting. The carrier feels it is very well positioned and operationally ready to offer direct connectivity to long-haul destinations, especially with more Dreamliner aircraft in the mix.
Altogether, the carrier is setting itself up to have the perfect balance of narrowbody and widebody aircraft for short-haul and long-haul operations. The airline is undoubtedly determined to cover good ground as the new year approaches.
What are your thoughts about Vistara’s Boeing 787 fleet? Do you feel that the delivery of more of the widebody aircraft will suit the airline? Let us know what you think of the situation in the comment section.
