Vistara Retrojet: Full-service carrier takes retro route to pay tribute to JRD Tata

Full-service carrier Vistara has turned retro. The TATA-Singapore Airlines joint venture on Saturday launched retro-themed VT-ATV aircraft (its 22nd aircraft) in order to pay tribute to JRD Tata, the founder of Tata Airlines. The airline unveiled VT-ATV, a special livery painted in retro color scheme, similar to that on the 1940s Tata Airlines DC-3 aircraft today. “The moment is finally here. Presenting VT-ATV, a special livery painted in retro color scheme, similar to that on the 1940s Tata Airlines DC-3 aircraft,” Vistara tweeted today.

Vistara also shared pictures of its cabin crew in classic retro uniform to pay tribute to JRD Tata. “Our flagship flights will also consist of a special menu with some of J.R.D Tata’s favorite dishes to tie the experience together,” company also tweeted.

Vistara, which began operations in January 2015, got its 20th aircraft in April currently own a 22-aircraft fleet. The airline can now start services to two overseas destinations.

Meanwhile, Vistara recently told Financial Express that it will fly international from October onwards. The new flights will be from New Delhi to Colombo in Sri Lanka and Phuket, an island off Thailand’s west coast.

An airline needs to own 20 aircraft for domestic operations so as to become eligible to fly on an international route under the new aviation policy. Vistara was planning to fly to Dubai, however, the quota under the India-Dubai bilateral is full, Financial Express reported citing sources.

The quota can be raised under a new policy. However, since Indian carriers are negotiating for better slots at Dubai airport, the entire matter is stuck. Launch of international flights in October makes sense for the airline as it is a good period for travel given that it is the festival period and is a small vacation time, according to travel trade experts.