Vistara places order for Airbus and Boeing aircraft

Vistara has signed letters of intent to order six Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and 13 Airbus A230neo family aircraft in a deal worth a combined total of $3.1 billion.

The deal allows for an additional seven A320neos and four additional 787s as options. 37 additional A320neo family aircraft will also be joining their fleet through various lessors.

Just like their current Airbus A320neo fleet, CFM LEAP 1-A engines were chosen for the new aircraft. The 787-9s will be powered by General Electric GEnx engines to allow for common maintenance contracts with surrounding facilities.

Set to arrive between 2020 and 2021, the 787s are set to operate medium to long-haul international routes.

Vistara chief executive Leslie Thng said in a statement:

“India’s position as the world’s fastest growing domestic aviation market and its impressive growth in air passenger traffic that has more than doubled over the last decade, makes us confident of our aggressive plans for domestic expansion and international foray.”

He also added:

“These orders are a landmark step in Vistara’s journey and demonstrate our deep-rooted commitment to contributing to the rise of the Indian aviation industry and to offering more choices to our customers.”

The airline currently operates a fleet of 13 A320ceo aircraft and eight A320neos. One more A320neo is expected to arrive this year. With 23 destinations already in place, Vistara is now preparing to launch their international routes using the 787. An announcement is set to be made in the future.