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.
The airline previously hoped for a September service launch. Route specifics were not shared at that time. This filing suggests a Delhi-Gatwick-Newark planned routing. Vistara holds sufficient slots to operate 3x weekly in each direction.
The stop is important initially because of limited crew rest facilities available on the carrier’s 787-9 aircraft. By stopping in London and swapping the crew the carrier would not require the beds on board.
Just holding slot approvals does not guarantee service. Vistara also held slots at Gatwick last winter and the flights did not materialize. But also, the world was gripped by a pandemic and many borders were closed.
With borders reopening these flights stand a much greater potential to operate.
At the same time, however, the US service – especially with a stop – would effectively require a dedicated aircraft. That would limit Vistara’s other long-haul options, especially with Boeing deliveries still on hold.
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