Airbus, Boeing vying for US$8.5b Vistara order: sources

New Delhi

VISTARA, the Indian affiliate of Singapore Airlines, is in talks with Airbus and Boeing to buy jets worth as much as US$8.5 billion as the carrier seeks to tap India's growing middle class, according to people familiar with the plans.

Vistara, a joint venture with majority owner Tata Group, is seeking to buy about 50 narrowbody jets, typically used for shorter routes, and up to 10 widebodies, said the people, who asked not to be named discussing private negotiations. A final decision is likely by June, one of the people said.