Two years is not a long time in the life of an airline. Born of proud parents, Tata and Singapore Airlines – two global giants with aligned values – the carrier has been transforming the air travel experience and striving to reignite the love for flying for every traveller. R KRISHNAN takes a close look at how, since its inception in January 2015, Vistara has demonstrated its unique value proposition to customers through its innovative offerings and its future plans.
Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines has made a mark in the Indian skies. As the name denotes Vistara in Sanskrit means unlimited wide expanse. This young airline, perhaps, wanted to live up to its name faster than it flew. However, the infrastructure limitations – mainly slots in Mumbai airport – and a host of other factors reduced its speed. Fortunately, this gave its management time to rethink and reinvent that is now becoming evident from the new fervour with which it is raising the bar of competition.
Like all other start-up airlines which flew into the red-zone losing money, Vistara was and is no different. As per market information, during the first year of its operations 2015-2016, Vistara earned a revenue of ₹713 crore against expenses of ₹1113 crore leaving a loss of ₹400 crore. This, according to industry sources, was due to higher expenses on maintenance, ground handling, sales and distribution. One may well ask why an airline should make losses at a time when its lifeline – fuel price was at an all-time low especially when it accounted for nearly 48 to 50 per cent of Indian domestic airline industry. No wonder then that even previous huge losers like Jet and Spice made profits besides IndiGo. These events came to the media’s notice when the Vistara management made a presentation to Tata Sons, the board majority stakeholder in the airline. The airlines unit cost defined Cost Per Available Seat Kilometer (CASK) in 2015-16 was ₹5.28 and Revenue Per Available Seat Kilometer (RASK) was ₹3.28 with maintenance cost accounting for 14 per cent of the total cost. The promoters informed the gap between the operation cost and revenue accrual would narrow following new measures taken to cut cost over the next 12 to 24 months.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة April 2017 من Cruising Heights.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة April 2017 من Cruising Heights.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
Jets, Tech, And Green Goals
The key themes at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024 revolved around innovation and sustainability. Sizeable aircraft orders, advancements in eVTOL technology, and a strong commitment to environmental goals underscore an industry that is not only rebounding from past challenges but also setting the stage for a more sustainable and technologically advanced future, reports ATUL CHANDRA.
FREIGHT IN FLIGHT
In 2023, Indian airports handled over 3.15 million metric tonnes of cargo, with international freight dominating. As the sector aims to meet the government's ambitious annual target of 10 million metric tonnes (MMT) by 2030, this goal will require dedicated freighter aircraft, technological integration, infrastructure development, and regulatory improvements, among other things. By JAIDEEP MIRCHANDANI, Chairman, Sky One
ELEVATING PASSENGER EXPERIENCES
Panasonic Avionics Corporation is setting new standards in in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) with the launch of its state-of-the-art software design and development facility in Pune, highlights
CAUGHT IN PAPER JAM
Despite rapid digital advancements in passenger air travel with the airline market expected to surpass $35 billion by end of this decade, the air cargo industry remains bogged down by outdated legacy systems, impeding progress in efficiency and real-time tracking. A special report by
PITCHING FOR SUPPORT
India's air cargo industry is gearing up for a major transformation, aiming to nearly triple its capacity by 2030. Current infrastructure handles about 6.5 million tonnes, but meeting future goals will require significant investments to expand capacity, streamline operations, and adopt cutting-edge technologies. Industry leaders at a recent ACFI Annual Conclave emphasised the need for strong government support to overcome challenges, urging policymakers to address operational constraints and improve connectivity, reports
BATTLE FOR THE SKIES
As India's international air traffic experiences significant growth over the past few decades, the competition between Air India and IndiGo intensifies. Vistara's merger within Air India and the significant aircraft orders position the combined entity as a formidable player, while IndiGo's ambitious expansion plans and international focus set the stage for a competitive future, analyses
"We Aim to Bridge the Training Gap in Indian Aviation"
In a candid conversation with CRUISING HEIGHTS, KHUSHBEG JATTANA, General Manager India of Simaero, discusses the strategic timing of Simaero's entry into the Indian aviation market. He addresses the challenges posed by existing pilot training programmes from major airlines like Air India and IndiGo, and elaborates on Simaero's plans to complement these efforts with state-of-the-art training solutions. Jattana also sheds light on the potential growth in the South Asian region and the company's vision for the future.
POWERING UP
Urban Air Mobility providers are accelerating their eVTOL development programmes, reports
Transforming Air Traffic Control Training: CAE's Cutting-Edge Approach
In this interview, MARIE-CHRISTINE CLOUTIER, CAE's Vice-President of Performance, Strategy, and Marketing, discusses CAE's air traffic control training program. Highlighting strategic partnerships, advanced technologies, and global initiatives, the interview reveals how CAE addresses the growing demand for skilled air traffic controllers and flight service specialists. From their dedicated Montreal facility to expanding efforts across the globe, CAE is committed to providing tailored, state-of-the-art training solutions for the aviation industry's future.
POWERING A GREEN FUTURE
FIA 2024 witnessed a growing order book for aircraft engine manufacturers and provided important insights into the development of sustainable powerplants.
