Vistara evaluating Air India, says Bhaskar Bhat
NEW DELHI: Vistara is ‘evaluating’ Air India and will decide on bidding for the Maharaja based on the outcome of this process. Bhaskar Bhat, chairman of the Tata Group-Singapore Airlines JV, said on Monday “which company would not be interested in evaluating a sovereign airline of the country.” The government’s second attempt to sell off AI on much sweeter terms is currently on and expressions of interest (EoI) have to be submitted by March 17.
“Whether we bid or not comes later. But evaluation to karenge,” Bhat said while inducing Vistara’s first wide body aircraft, a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, into the fleet at Delhi Airport on Monday. While AI has 27 Dreamliners (B787-8, apart from 18 B777s), Vistara has ordered six B787-9 and will get delivery of the second one later this month.
“Among the options for us (as Vistara Dreamliner destinations) are London, Paris, Moscow and Tokyo. A decision will be taken shortly. The onward product has been designed keeping in mind the flyer. We will offer an authentic Indian experience on our flights,” Bhat said.
