The Tata group-Singapore Airlines (SIA) joint venture Vistara is expected to commence its operation from October, said the officials involved with the airline on Monday.
The industry captains stated that Vistara's (which means limitless expanse in Sanskrit) operations will add value to the Indian aviation industry as passengers will benefit from growing competition in the form of lower fares and better services, with low-cost carrier AirAsia recently launching its services besides few more waiting in the wings to take off.
"The start of new the airlines are expected to benefit the passengers and will boost the aviation industry," said Peeyush Naidu, senior director, Deloitte.
"It is turning to be golden period for Indian air travelers" said Iqbal Mulla, a former president with Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI).
Speaking at a media gathering in Delhi on Monday, the officials said that the airline will take delivery of its first plane, an Airbus A320-200, in September and plans to increase its fleet to 20 aircraft including A320 neos, by the end of the fifth year of operations.
Prasad Menon, chairman, Tata Singapore Airline Limited (TSAL) said, "Today is a momentous day for the Tata Group and Singapore Airlines. Vistara will redefine the way we travel in India. I can confidently say that Tata's and SIA's legendary hospitality standards and service excellence will make Vistara a natural choice for passengers."
The airline also unveiled the uniforms of crew and staff. Talking about the branding and its name, the airline's top officials said that the name Vistara means 'limitless expanse' in Sanskrit, and draws inspiration of 'limitless' sky. The logo is derived from a 'yantra', a perfect mathematical form that reflects the unbounded universe.
Phee Teik Yeoh, CEO, TSAL, said, "We aim to deliver a seamless experience via personalisation of services for guests who travel with us. Our core belief is that we will be intuitively thoughtful about our guests' needs from the time they contact us to the time they leave the airport. Whether they are leisure or business travellers, we would like to make a significant difference at every stage of their air travel experience, and truly bring back the joy of flying."
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