Vistara (UK, Delhi International) is planning to start international flight operations later this year having recently surpassed the 20-aircraft threshold. Indian law requires airlines looking to operate flights abroad to have at least 20 aircraft in their fleet.
Government sources told India's Business Standard that Vistara has already filed an application for slots at Delhi International airport for flights to Colombo International (Sri Lanka), Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (Thailand), and Malé (Maldvies) starting this 2018/19 winter season. The full-service carrier may also run Kolkata-Bangkok flights.
Vistara currently operates thirteen A320ceo and eight A320neo on scheduled flights spanning 22 destinations across India. Ahead of its international expansion, it has been linked to an order with Boeing (BOE, Washington National) for up to ten widebody jets. According to Bloomberg, the order entails six firm B787s with options for a further four. The aircraft will allow Vistara to start flights to Europe and North America. At the same time, the report said the airline was also negotiating with Airbus (AIB, Toulouse Blagnac) for an order of up to sixty A320neo which would be used to boost both domestic and regional coverage.
Vistara did not comment on either report.