Vistara (UK, Delhi International) is mulling placing an order for B737 MAX Family narrowbodies as transitioning to Boeing aircraft could improve the synergies between the Indian carrier and its parent Singapore Airlines (SQ, Singapore Changi), Financial Express has reported citing multiple inside sources.
According to the report, the internal evaluations at the airline would be fairly advanced and some pilots would already be undergoing type rating for B737 MAXes. Additionally, pilots hired from SpiceJet, a B737-700 and B737-800 operator, would have been told that they would not need to retrain for Airbus (AIB, Toulouse Blagnac) aircraft.
Vistara currently operates thirteen A320s and seven A320neos. These aircraft would be slated for return to lessors in case the airline orders B737 MAXes.
The order for Boeing jets could provide better synergies between Vistara and SilkAir, a regional unit of Singapore Airlines which is currently transitioning from A320s to B737NGs and MAXes. During a recent investors briefing, Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong has confirmed that the Singapore Airlines Group would be seeking to capitalise on Vistara's position and increase the connectivity rate across the carriers.
Singapore Airlines holds a 49% stake in Vistara, with the remainder owned by Tata Group. SilkAir, for its part, is poised to be merged with its parent in the 2020s.
