Vistara takes delivery of its first Airbus A320 aircraft along with FHS Tailored Support Package

New Delhi, September 25, 2014 – Vistara today announced that it has taken delivery of its first Airbus A320-200 single aisle aircraft with Sharklets. With this acquisition, Vistara aims to offer its customers the best-in-class in-flight ambience, safety and cabin comfort while driving operational efficiencies. The brand new aircraft is the first of 20 A320 Family aircraft to be leased from BOC Aviation, Asia’s leading aircraft operating lessor.

The aircraft’s arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi today is a key milestone for Vistara as it moves toward operational launch in October 2014.

The A320 incorporates advanced technologies that include extensive use of weight-saving composites and a centralised fault display for easier troubleshooting and lower maintenance costs, along with Airbus’ fly-by-wire flight controls. The A320 aircraft with the new “Sharklets” large wingtip devices reduce fuel burn by 4% and increase payload-range performance of the A320 family by 100nm. This corresponds to an annual reduction in CO2 emissions of around 900 tonnes per aircraft.

Mr. Phee Teik Yeoh, CEO, Vistara said, “We are very excited to receive the delivery of our first aircraft. The selection of the modern Airbus A320 family aircraft is part of our strategy to offer the best service to our customers. The proven and reliable quality of Airbus meets our stringent standards for safety, cabin comfort, fuel efficiency and overall operational reliability. We are pleased to partner BOC Aviation, which has demonstrated professionalism and superior customer service in leasing our fleet and ensuring a timely launch. With such a fabulous start, we are certain that Vistara will herald a flying experience second to none in the Indian skies.”

Vistara has also signed a comprehensive maintenance agreement “Flight Hour Services Tailored Support Package” or “FHS-TSP” with Airbus, which is a first of its kind for any airline in India. The Airbus FHS-TSP will enable Vistara to benefit from the experience and expertise offered by Airbus in the areas of airframe maintenance, engineering, reliability and components supply chain management.

Mr. John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer – Customers, Airbus said, “I’m delighted that Vistara and BOC Aviation have chosen the A320 family. The Vistara brand shows huge promise coming from a strong lineage of Tata and Singapore Airlines. We take pride in our association with Vistara, which I believe will further enhance Airbus’ presence in the Indian market.”

Airbus has developed a new interior for the A320 that brings a fresh new look to the cabin, a significant increase in overhead stowage, a noticeable reduction in noise, and also introduces options for ambience lighting. The A320’s right-sized fuselage is seven inches wider than its competitors, enhancing comfort for passengers.

Mr. Robert Martin, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, BOC Aviation said, “We have a long and successful relationship with Singapore Airlines dating back to our establishment in 1993, and we are happy to partner with Vistara, their joint venture with Tata Group in India. We wish the new airline well and look forward to their expansion in India. This is the largest leasing agreement in our history, and underscores our confidence in both Vistara and the Indian market.”

With this first acquisition, Vistara plans to increase its fleet to 20 aircraft, including A320neos, by the end of the fourth year of operation.

About TATA SIA Airlines Limited
TATA SIA Airlines Limited, known by the brand name Vistara, is a joint venture between Tata Sons Limited and Singapore Airlines Limited (SIA) with Tata Sons holding the majority stake of 51% in the company and SIA holding the remaining 49%. Vistara brings together Tata’s and SIA’s legendary hospitality and renowned service excellence to launch the finest full service carrier in India aimed at creating memorable and personalized flying experiences for its customers. Obsessed with quality, the company aims to set new standards in the aviation industry in India, with international best practices and state-of-the-art technology in the Indian air transport sector.

About Airbus
Airbus is a leading aircraft manufacturer with the most modern family of airliners, ranging in capacity from 100 to more than 500 seats. Airbus has delivered more than 8,600 aircraft to some 360 customers worldwide and has a backlog of more than 5,900 aircraft. Airbus has design and manufacturing facilities in France, Germany, the UK and Spain as well as subsidiaries in the US, China, India, Japan and in the Middle East.

About BOC Aviation
BOC Aviation is Asia’s leading aircraft operating lessor with a portfolio of 246 owned and managed aircraft operated by 56 airlines worldwide, and another 196 aircraft on firm order, as of 31 August 2014. The Company has one of the youngest fleets in the industry with an average owned aircraft age of less than four years. BOC Aviation, owned by Bank of China, is headquartered in Singapore with offices in Dublin, London and Seattle.