India's Vistara launches B737-800 ops

Vistara (UK, Delhi Int'l) launched B737-800 operations on May 31, 2019, using the first of four aircraft of the type it plans to take over from Jet Airways (9W, Mumbai Int'l).

The first aircraft, VT-TGB (msn 39058), was test flown on May 30 prior to commencing revenue operations the day after. Its first flight was UK695 from Delhi Int'l to Amritsar, Flightradar24 ADS-B data shows.

Since then, Vistara has also inducted a second ex-Jet B737-800, VT-TGA (msn 39053), and will shortly add VT-TGD (msn 37960).

All four ex-Jet Airways B737-800s taken over by Vistara are owned by BOC Aviation.

The carrier, a 51/49 joint venture between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines Group, thus far exclusively operated Airbus aircraft. Its fleet included thirteen A320-200s and nine A320-200neo. It is also in the process of taking over an ex-WOW air A320neo, msn 7560, on dry-lease from Air Lease Corporation. The aircraft was ferried from Maastricht via Sofia to Delhi on June 4-5, 2019.

Vistara has a further thirteen A320neo and six B787-9s on order from Airbus and Boeing, respectively.

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Photo: Aneesh Bapaye - India