TATA-SIA Airlines Limited, the joint venture between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines, yesterday received its air operator permit from India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation for Vistara.
The airline is now expected to announce its flight schedules soon.
“I am delighted that we have successfully cleared the final requirement and secured the flying permit. All our energies now are going to be concentrated towards fulfilling the Vistara brand promise,” said Phee Teik Yeoh, chief executive, Vistara.
The airline plans to run a fleet of seven A320s and 13 A320neos within the next five years, and was earlier expected to begin operations by this October.
“Vistara has received its flying permit when LCC SpiceJet is facing turbulent times and has cancelled flight numbers drastically. If Vistara begins operations in January, it will help to meet demand of the peak travel season,” said Ranjan Kumar Mishra, managing director, Eastern Voyage.
Vistara was started with an initial investment of US$100 million and will have its hub in New Delhi.
