Tata is a linchpin as SIA-linked Vistara prepares for take-off

Singapore

AFTER receiving its air operator permit (AOP) earlier this week, Singapore Airlines-backed Vistara will take to the skies on Jan 9 with Mumbai and Ahmedabad as its first routes.

After turning in its application for the AOP in April, the New Delhi-based airline received the go-ahead later than expected, which prompted it to push its launch date from October.

With this, SIA gains entry into the high-growth market which it has been trying to break into for two decades and will pit itself against full-service carriers Air India and Jet Airways. Vistara is a joint venture between Tata Sons and SIA, with Tata holding a majority 51 per cent stake and SIA, the balance.

Operating 148-seater Airbus A320-200 aircraft leased from Singapore-based BOC Aviation, Vistara will offer 16 Business seats, 36 Premium Economy seats and 96 Economy seats. Sales for tickets to Mumbai and Ahmedabad on the single-aisle A320…