Airliners-India.com

mayankarora1411 · Member Joined: 19 Dec 2013 Posts: 35

Bookings finally open!

DEL-BOM at INR 6200.

747-237 · Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2014 11:28 am Post subject:

Vistara starts bookings, keeps fares much higher than competition

Vistara, the Tata-Singapore Airlines joint venture full-service carrier that commenced bookings on Thursday night, is not in the price play.

While fares are over 38 per cent higher on Delhi-Mumbai and about 20 per cent higher on Delhi-Ahmedabad route, fares for Mumbai-Ahmedabad is about three times higher than the competition.

http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/vistara-starts-bookings-keeps-fares-much-higher-than-competition-114121900177_1.html
_________________
11000 posts (and counting) on Airliners-India.

747-237 · Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2014 1:32 pm Post subject:

Jet's reply is an offer to earn Triple Base JPMiles on Première booking and Double Base JPMiles on Economy booking for travel between 1st Jan’2015 - 31st Mar’2015 on those exact routes.
_________________
11000 posts (and counting) on Airliners-India.

747-237 · Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2014 1:59 pm Post subject:

Vistara's pricing has some very interesting elements. The fare sheet shows 14 fare classes for a one-way journey but only 11 for a return journey on its network. There is no option to book a return Business Class fare as of now.

The airline has said it will not levy any fuel surcharge on its fares and also that cancellations done on the lowest two fare classes will be non-refundable. The cancellation fee for all fare classes is also mentioned upfront.

http://firstbiz.firstpost.com/corporate/watch-out-jet-air-india-vistaras-three-class-ticket-strategy-may-go-for-the-kill-113994.html
_________________
11000 posts (and counting) on Airliners-India.

indopaki · Member Joined: 23 Jul 2007 Posts: 479 Location: Pakistan

Their uniform now feature a gold neckline border instead of blue in pics at website, good change.

The_Goat · Posted: Sat Dec 20, 2014 7:47 pm Post subject:

747-237 · Posted: Sat Dec 20, 2014 8:17 pm Post subject:

747-237 · Posted: Mon Dec 22, 2014 5:08 pm Post subject:

http://firstbiz.firstpost.com/corporate/vistara-go-international-order-bigger-planes-520-rule-lifted-114322.html

Vistara to go international, order bigger planes once 5/20 rule lifted

Till 5/20 is lifted, it will anyway partner Singapore Airlines and other international carriers to offer a near seamless international connectivity to passengers.

CCO Giamming Toh told CNBC-TV18 that interline arrangements will be signed with SIA and other airlines. "We can offer single ticket to say someone coming from Australia to India via Singapore Airlines or SilkAir on our network. Indian rules make it compulsory for the traveller to go through security etc as first port of call here but his baggage will be checked through".

CEO Phee Teik Yeoh said the "writing is on the wall" that 5/20 restriction will be lifted and then, the airline may look at ordering wide body aircraft. As of now, Vistara is committed to A320s which suit domestic and some short haul international operations.

Vistara has spoken of several innovative service offerings like multiple check-in options. If the passenger does not have check-in luggage, she can be checked in by the airline automatically within four hours of the flight and her boarding card mailed to her.

The airline will offer check-in facility through web, mobile, through cabin class-wise counters at the airport and even through roving agents at the airport. Return check-in also available.
The meal options will be rotated every 6 days on its flights and the airline is also speaking of "intuitive" service.

In the Indian market which is notorious for its high-cost operations, how will Vistara offer meals, myriad check-in options, three class fares etc - the entire gamut of full service options. Will it yet remain competitive?

Yeoh said there is a lot of focus on IT, technology plus being a new airline gives it several advantages legacy carriers do not have at present.

The airline's pricing for its inaugural flight is on the high side but it seems competitive on 20 and 30 day advance purchase basis. Yeoh said there are no plans to offer any discounts.

The airline will begin operations with two aircraft, scale up to 5 by March and is slated to expand fleet to 20 aircraft in four years
_________________
11000 posts (and counting) on Airliners-India.

747-237 · Posted: Mon Dec 22, 2014 5:17 pm Post subject:

http://www.livemint.com/Companies/VrpAhLBg97M3RffJN9pm2M/Vistara-signs-interline-agreement-with-Singapore-Air-Silk.html

Vistara signs inter-line agreement with Singapore Airlines, SilkAir

The firm said it is working on inter-line sales agreements and other partnerships with a few major international airlines

Vistara on Monday also unveiled its tagline—Fly the new Feeling— encouraging its potential customers to explore the product and feel the difference.
_________________
11000 posts (and counting) on Airliners-India.

747-237 · Posted: Mon Dec 22, 2014 5:18 pm Post subject:

From UK's Twitter feed :

Here's a peek into our cabin configuration:
Business Class - 42" seat pitch, 7 inch recline, adjustable headrest and leg rest.
Premium Economy - 4.5 inch recline, 20% more legroom.
Economy - 3.5 inch recline, long armrests and leather upholstery.

_________________
11000 posts (and counting) on Airliners-India.

jbalonso777 · Posted: Mon Dec 22, 2014 11:07 pm Post subject:

From what I've seen and heard, UK'll be serving meal boxes to all Y class pax.
Hmmmm..
_________________
http://www.youtube.com/c/JishnuBasu777

airbus340 · Member Joined: 16 Oct 2009 Posts: 465

A2A · Member Joined: 19 Aug 2012 Posts: 55 Location: BOM

I was over yesterday and i came back unimpressed. they said a lot of things claiming to be unique, but many were not. roving check-in etc are all things done in the past. Terminal 3 will have a new lounge ready in a few months, that is news. meal boxes is news.

here is a full assessment of what i heard and saw there: http://livefromalounge.boardingarea.com/2014/12/22/vistara-unveils-their-a320-product-and-experience-first-look/
_________________
Check out my Indian aviation rants and raves at www.livefromalounge.com

stealthpilot · Member Joined: 19 Dec 2006 Posts: 2325 Location: BLR, DXB

A2A · Member Joined: 19 Aug 2012 Posts: 55 Location: BOM

justbala · Member Joined: 11 Jan 2007 Posts: 1898 Location: Bangalore

Which terminal in Mumbai would UK be operating from?

A2A · Member Joined: 19 Aug 2012 Posts: 55 Location: BOM

A2A · Member Joined: 19 Aug 2012 Posts: 55 Location: BOM

justbala · Member Joined: 11 Jan 2007 Posts: 1898 Location: Bangalore

jbalonso777 · Posted: Tue Dec 23, 2014 10:38 pm Post subject:

A2A · Member Joined: 19 Aug 2012 Posts: 55 Location: BOM

I don't know how many mileage nuts like me around here, but I cracked open the Club Vistara program for those interested. Here is everything you need to know, except for how to redeem.

http://livefromalounge.boardingarea.com/2014/12/24/a-detailed-look-at-the-club-vistara-program/
_________________
Check out my Indian aviation rants and raves at www.livefromalounge.com

747-237 · Posted: Sat Dec 27, 2014 7:25 am Post subject:

Another highlight of the new airline is a special dining experience using fresh and locally sourced ingredients to prepare healthy meals to ensure that passengers arrive at their destination feeling light and fresh, said Giam Ming Toh, Chief Commercial Officer of Vistara.

The menus will change every week and will only reappear every 4 weeks to continuously offer new dining experiences for frequent travellers, he said. A choice of two non-vegetarian and one vegetarian meal will be offered in business and premium economy, while in economy there will be a choice of one each.

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/449993/vistara-offers-special-passenger-services.html
_________________
11000 posts (and counting) on Airliners-India.

sshank · Member Joined: 16 May 2007 Posts: 377 Location: NYC

iah87 · Member Joined: 17 Apr 2007 Posts: 2566

All the desi airlines for some reason are very stingy with the frequent flyer benefits. I travel on Jet on domestic routes, and the first class cabin is virtually empty. They have no concept of upgrades I guess or very few elite travelers are flying that route.

At Rs. 5 lakhs which is USD 8000, on UA you can expect Platinum benefits and Rs. 10 lakhs, 1k, with good upgrade opportunities. And in India where the travel lengths are shorter and less people travel, it will take a long time to reach that level and only very few will qualify.

Caliguy · Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2014 10:47 am Post subject:

Agreed that their FF policy is a huge wasted opperunity. Given both the domestic competition and the ME3, In dian airlines should have very generous benefits (if not free flights atleast zero cost items like preferred seats, upgrades etc. America proved that source countries can defend against better run airlines by using FF. Indian airlines havent figured out where they want to compete on. Sad really. Btw in another thread someone said only top tier breeds loyality. I disagree, travel is all relative. To many 25k a year is a lot and being able to board first, select better seats etc all adds up. Trick is to get the traveler to feel special.

747-237 · Posted: Tue Dec 30, 2014 11:31 am Post subject:

Karan69 · Member Joined: 22 Dec 2006 Posts: 1334

The new gates coming up,

Pic taken from my office terrace , a few weeks ago

Karan

indopaki · Member Joined: 23 Jul 2007 Posts: 479 Location: Pakistan

Kind of biased preferential treatment to Vistara over other established domestic operators including AI, why so?

me111993 · Member Joined: 04 Sep 2009 Posts: 3225 Location: MAA/AMD

indopaki · Member Joined: 23 Jul 2007 Posts: 479 Location: Pakistan

So they couldnt give AI the same number of flights/slots alotted to UK only for DEL especially the more popular timing ones? the other AI flights including additional frequencies to DEL could have continued from the domestic terminal.

justbala · Member Joined: 11 Jan 2007 Posts: 1898 Location: Bangalore

747-237 · Posted: Thu Jan 01, 2015 7:45 am Post subject:

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/vistara-to-operate-out-of-mumbai-international-airports-new-t2-terminal/articleshow/45712273.cms

"Since we are starting operations in January 2015, it would make no sense for us to operate from the old terminal just for a few months," said a senior executive at the carrier.

An executive at the airport said Vistara will first operate from level 4 at the terminal, which houses international carriers. In July, it will shift to level 3, where domestic carriers are scheduled to be set up. Vistara is working with MIAL to take steps to promote the location of its operations.

"While our e-tickets will clearly reflect BOM T2 as our operating terminal from Mumbai, we will also jointly publicise the message through various media channels such as our websites, OOH and some planned advertising. If deemed necessary, we will also proactively alert our customers who are travelling with us to/from Mumbai," Vistara said in an e-mail.

Shifting to the bigger, swankier terminal ahead of competition would give a fillip to the premium branding that Vistara is trying to push.
_________________
11000 posts (and counting) on Airliners-India.

sri_bom · Member Joined: 22 Dec 2006 Posts: 2365 Location: Singapore

Vistara yet to receive approval for low visibility CAT IIIB operation
News
31-Dec-2014 10:29 AM
Vistara is still to receive an approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation for low visibility CAT IIIB operations at Delhi (Business Standard, 30-Dec-2014). Vistara is certified only for CAT I operations, which enables for aircraft landing in a visibility of 550m. The minimum low visibility requirement for an aircraft to take off from Delhi is 125m. Vistara's daily schedule includes three flights between Delhi-Mumbai and a Delhi-Ahmedabad service. Vistara said, “We are certified for CAT I landing. We have applied to the DGCA for CAT II/III operations in Delhi. Most of our pilots have been trained and are qualified to operate in Cat II/III conditions and our aircraft is certified. We are currently working with DGCA on the approval process.”

747-237 · Posted: Sat Jan 03, 2015 10:58 am Post subject:

http://www.hindustantimes.com/business-news/govt-grants-vistara-initial-exemption-from-flying-to-n-e-j-k-andamans/article1-1302756.aspx

Govt grants Vistara initial exemption from flying to NE, J-K, Andamans

January 03, 2015

In a special dispensation granted by the aviation ministry to Tata-Singapore Airlines-backed Vistara, the full-service carrier will not have to comply with the mandatory route dispersal guidelines (RDG), followed by all Indian airlines, for the first three months of its operations.

According to government guidelines, all scheduled airlines are required to deploy in the North Eastern region, Jammu and Kashmir, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep at least 10% of their deployed capacity on the 12 Trunk or category-I routes such as Delhi-Mumbai. Also, 50% of the capacity deployed on category-I routes is to be deployed on category-III routes.

The aviation ministry, in a letter to Vistara, said the deferment of the compliance of RDG was for a period of three months from the day of starting operations. "The exemption is only a deferment from compliance of the mandatory guidelines for a period of three months and the airline will have to make up for the shortfall in compliance, within six months after the first quarter," the ministry said, adding no further extension would be considered.

Vistara did not offer comments for the story.

_________________
11000 posts (and counting) on Airliners-India.

amd_flyer · Member Joined: 24 Jun 2007 Posts: 156 Location: AMD

Yesterday, Vt-TTB was taxiing for takeoff around 5:25 pm at AMD. Took off about 10 mins later. Proving flt. ?

HAWK21M · Posted: Sun Jan 04, 2015 12:05 pm Post subject:

Unless The remaining 50% of T2 is ready,Avialability of parking bays is a concern at International tarmac.
it would make no sense to park at domestic apron and cater the pax from T2 by coach.
With Vistara/AI/9w using T2 is fine considering terminal space but not so considering parking bays.
_________________
Think of the Brighter side !!!

GF1011 · Member Joined: 02 Jan 2015 Posts: 87

T2 already has the North-West pier dedicated for domestic operations. It hasn't been built to full length yet but there are about half a dozen gates ( 3 FLBs) lying idle since T2 opened last year. Vistara just needs one Bay at the moment.

747-237 · Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2015 7:08 am Post subject:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/Vistara-likely-to-take-delivery-of-3rd-A-320-this-week/articleshow/45748980.cms

Vistara likely to take delivery of 3rd A-320 this week

Jan 4, 2015

"The airline will be taking delivery of the third A-320 plane by this week. Besides, one more aircraft is expected to join the fleet by this month end," a source close to the development told PTI here.

Vistara now plans to complete the induction of the remaining three aircraft in the fleet by next month, with two coming this month itself, they said.
_________________
11000 posts (and counting) on Airliners-India.

747-237 · Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2015 1:32 pm Post subject:

Vistara's third, VT-TTF, has been delivered today.
_________________
11000 posts (and counting) on Airliners-India.

mayankarora1411 · Member Joined: 19 Dec 2013 Posts: 35

Vistara's inaugural flight today at 1230 from DEL-BOM.

From trying to book online, the loads currently show the following numbers:

Economy: 95/96
Premium Economy: 31/36
Business: 16/16