Why compete with yourself? For India’s Tata Group, owning both Air India and Vistara – the country’s two full service carriers – presented precisely that challenge. Now Air India and Vistara will merge, bringing a coherent competitive stance to the market, along with an additional cash infusion to boost operations.
Vistara
JetBlue snags second Heathrow slot
JetBlue appears to have secured a second permanent daily slot at London’s Heathrow Airport beginning in Summer 2023. This allows the carrier to operate double daily flights into one of the most difficult markets to secure access.
Intelsat brings inflight WiFi online in India
Passengers fly to, from, or over India can now stay online if their aircraft carries the Intelsat 2Ku inflight WiFi system. v
Vistara secures slots for Newark service
Vistara might finally be ready to fly to the United States, albeit with a connection en route. According to the latest regulatory filings for slots at London’s Gatwick Airport, Vistara plans to serve Newark from the UK, with continuing service to India.
Tata retakes Air India in privatization push
Nearly 70 years after Air India was nationalized, it will return to (a version of) its prior home. The government announced today that Tata Sons offered the successful bid for the privatization of the airline. The original operation was run by JRD Tata until the government took it over in 1953.
Vistara scores tentative DOT approval for US operations
Just five weeks after submitting its application the US Department of Transportation, India’s Vistara received tentative approval to begin operations to the United States. Assuming no objections from other carriers a final decision could be delivered by the end of the month.
Vistara plans US launch in September
The Vistara 787s could be flying to the USA later this year. The carrier applied to the US DOT for permission to operate service as soon as September.
Flight Report: Vistara’s domestic 787 experience
This is certainly not how Vistara expected its 787s to be flying as it launched the new fleet and expanded its global footprint. Still, the on-board experience offers several bright spots as the company adapts to the COVID-19 era of service.
Vistara extends in-flight WiFi service in India
Domestic flights in India can now operate with the inflight internet service active. Vistara is first to market, with its A321neo fleet activating.
Vistara launches inflight wifi service on Dreamliner fleet
After years of promises and product evolution Vistara’s service from Delhi to London on the 787-9 will deliver a major milestone for the inflight connectivity industry. Inflight wifi service will fly on an Indian airline tonight for the first time, powered by Nelco and Panasonic Avionics