Indian full-service carrier Vistara is poised for growth in the current financial year, with plans to add 10 new aircraft and recruit over 1,000 employees, according to CEO Vinod Kannan. The airline, which is in the process of merging with Air India, currently operates a fleet of 61 planes and employs more than 5,200 staff members.
In a recent interaction, Vinod Kannan revealed that Vistara had decided to shelve its plans to launch flights to the United States. The decision comes as the airline focuses on consolidating its operations and expanding its domestic and regional routes.
One of the key factors behind Vistara’s expansion plans is the availability of skilled personnel, particularly pilots and cabin crew members. The collapse of Go First, a low-cost carrier in India, has created a ready pool of talent in the aviation industry. Vistara aims to tap into this talent pool to strengthen its workforce and ensure seamless operations.
Vistara’s decision to put its US plans on hold may be attributed to various factors. International operations require significant investments in terms of aircraft, infrastructure, regulatory approvals, and marketing. Given the current economic climate and uncertainties surrounding the aviation industry due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the airline may have chosen to prioritize its resources and focus on domestic and regional operations.
By concentrating on its existing network, Vistara aims to enhance its services, improve connectivity, and provide a superior flying experience to its customers. The airline has been well-regarded for its premium services and is committed to maintaining its position as a leading full-service carrier in the Indian market.
The merger between Vistara and Air India, announced in 2021, is expected to further strengthen the combined entity’s position in the industry. The consolidation of resources, routes, and expertise from both airlines will create synergies and improve operational efficiency.
Vistara’s fleet expansion plans align with the projected growth in air travel demand in India. As the country’s economy recovers and travel restrictions ease, passenger traffic is expected to rebound. To meet this anticipated demand, Vistara aims to add 10 new aircraft to its fleet. The airline will carefully assess market conditions and make strategic decisions regarding the selection of aircraft types and routes.
In addition to expanding its fleet, Vistara intends to recruit more than 1,000 professionals across various job roles. This recruitment drive will provide employment opportunities to individuals impacted by the aviation sector’s recent turbulence and contribute to the overall growth of the industry.
Vistara’s commitment to talent acquisition highlights the airline’s long-term vision and confidence in the future of aviation. By investing in skilled personnel, Vistara aims to ensure operational excellence, maintain high safety standards, and deliver an exceptional travel experience to its passengers.
As Vistara embarks on its expansion journey, it remains focused on the Indian market and neighboring regions. The airline has built a strong domestic network and serves several international destinations in Asia. By concentrating on these regions, Vistara aims to capitalize on the potential for growth and establish itself as a preferred choice for travelers.
Vistara’s decision to defer its plans for US operations underscores the airline’s strategic focus on consolidating its domestic and regional presence. With a fleet expansion and recruitment drive underway, Vistara aims to enhance its services, leverage the available talent pool, and position itself for sustainable growth in the Indian aviation market.
