Vistara has been making good progress with the expansion of its fleet. Notably, it took on its first Boeing 787-9 aircraft this year. The Indian carrier currently has 42 jets at its facilities. However, the operator is not looking to slow down any time soon as it expects to hold approximately 70 planes after three years.

Progress already

The Haryana-headquartered carrier has only been operating for half a decade. However, it has been progressing yearly with expansions with both its network and fleet. The addition of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner is a milestone for the airline as it shows its intent of expanding internationally on long-haul operations.

As a result, Vistara has been seeing great success with new services to the likes of London this year. The carrier inaugurated flights to the capital of the United Kingdom in August, and there has been a positive response to these operations. Subsequently, the airline is increasing frequency from four flights a week to daily flights on the route, effective from December 1st.

A Vistara spokesperson in an interview discussed the plans of the carrier with Simple Flying. The representative emphasized how the company started the financial year with 42 planes but will end the year with 47. In total, this is a net addition of five aircraft. The new members include three Boeing 787-9s and two Airbus A321neo aircraft. Moreover, seven older Airbus A320ceo jets are being replaced with brand new A320neos.

Vistara Dreamliner 787
Vistara needs at least one more 787-9 to kickstart its US operations. Photo: Getty Images

Part of the plan

Altogether, the fleet of fresh Airbus narrowbodies and Boeing widebodies gives the carrier the perfect balance to handle short and long-haul operations. The spokesperson talked about the target market for the airline and its plans in the long run.

"Being India’s finest full-service carrier, Vistara has attracted business/corporate and discerning leisure travelers since its inception. However, in our journey so far, we have been able to create a strong proposition for every customer segment with varied offerings across our three cabin classes," the spokesperson told Simple Flying.

"Our focus in the long term remains on densifying our domestic network and strengthening our presence in the international market while forging strong partnerships with many like-minded global airlines to benefit our customers and offer them a seamless experience."

Vistara 787 Dreamliner
The Tata Group owns 51% stake in Vistara. Photo: Getty Images

Preparing well

Vistara is on its way to fulfill its expectations of 70 aircraft, with six Boeing 787-9 jets set to join by 2021. Moreover, two further A321neos will arrive next year. Vistara is undoubtedly ready to offer direct connectivity on a regional and global scale in the decade ahead.

There will be significant shifts in the landscape of Indian aviation over the next few years. With Vistara's rivals going through significant transitions and market demand considerably changing, the airline is putting itself in the best position possible.

What are your thoughts about Vistara's expansions? What do you make of the airline's growth? Let us know what you think of the prospects in the comment section.