Vistara invests $3.1bn with Boeing and Airbus

By July 11, 2018 January 16th, 2020 General News

Indian carrier Vistara has placed orders for an initial total of 19 Boeing and Airbus aircraft worth a combined US$3.1 billion, as the airline continues with its ambitious growth plans including ramping up its international destinations.

Vistara has signed a letter of intent for 13 A320neo and A321neo aircraft, as well as options for buying seven more. It has also stated it intends to lease up to 37 more A320neo family aircraft from lessors. The Indian carrier also stated it has agreed a letter of intent with Boeing for a firm order of six B787-9 Dreamliner widebodies, with purchase rights for four more.

The airline currently has a fleet of 21 A320neos. “Together, the deals are valued at $3.1 billion, based on published list prices,” it said.

Airbus stated via Twitter it was “happy that @airvistara has selected the A320neo to expand its fleet by 50 aircraft (13 from Airbus and another 37 from lessors). The A320neo will launch Vistara’s international services.” The airline has selected LEAP 1-A engines from CFM International for the A320neo and A321neo aircraft, which will be delivered between 2019 and 2023.

For the Dreamliners, Vistara has selected General Electric GEnx-1B engines, with delivery scheduled between 2020 and 2021. The 787-9s will be used on medium-haul and long-haul international routes, it said.

Vistara CEO Leslie Thng said India’s position as the world’s fastest-growing domestic aviation market and its growth in air passenger traffic had made the airline confident of its aggressive plans for domestic and international expansion. “We are delighted to further deepen our relationship with Airbus and to join hands with Boeing to strengthen our modern and fuel-efficient fleet that will help achieve our thought-through ambitions,” he said.

Vistara is a joint venture between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines.

 

Written by: Mark Thomas

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