Vistara TATA SIA Airlines Ltd. - Background and History Vistara is a joint venture of Tata Sons Limited and Singapore Airlines Limited (SIA), wherein Tata Sons holds 51% stake in partnership and Singapore Airlines owns 49% stake. The company is registered as TATA SIA Airlines Limited. In 2013, two legendary brands, Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines, decided to fulfil a long-cherished shared dream to bring forth a distinguished flying experience to air travellers in India. With its strong historical ties with aviation, the Tata group had long wished to re-enter the aviation sector, after Tata Airlines was renamed Air India and eventually, nationalised. Both, the Tata group and Singapore Airlines were also firm believers in the growth potential of the Indian aviation sector and hence tried to enter the market in the past; first, in 1994 by setting up a joint venture to start an airline in India and then in 2000, teaming up to purchase stakes in Air India. However, after the lifting of foreign investment restrictions in 2012, the partners once again sought approval for a tie-up, which it obtained in October 2013. On November 5, 2013, Vistara s holding company, TATA SIA Airlines Limited, was incorporated. The common goal of the joint venture is to redefine air travel in India to provide Indian travellers a seamless and personalized flying experience that blends Tata s and SIA s service excellence and legendary hospitality. This led to the birth of a new brand Vistara, derived from a Sanskrit word that means a limitless expanse. The name Vistara draws inspiration from the world that Vistara inhabits, viz. the limitless sky. The brand also draws stimulus from the image that passengers most associate with a smooth and enjoyable flight the endless, blue horizon they see through the windows of an aircraft. As it aims to transform the flying experience of travellers in India, Vistara christens its brand tagline as fly the new feeling. On January 9, 2015, Vistara started its operations with a maiden flight from Delhi to Mumbai. In a short span of time, Vistara has rapidly expanded its footprint, both in terms of network and service proposition. Vistara now serves 22 destinations with over 730 flights a week with a fleet of 19 Airbus A320 aircraft. The airline connects destinations across the length and breadth of the country, namely, Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Goa, Varanasi, Guwahati, Bagdogra, Bhubaneswar, Srinagar, Jammu, Kochi, Chandigarh, Kolkata, Port Blair, Amritsar, Leh and Ranchi. Vistara has already flown more than 8.5 million happy customers. Management Vistara also reflects its parentage in the company s management with expertise drawn from Singapore Airlines and Tata Sons. The joint venture has a five-member Board, comprising its Chairman, Mr. Bhaskar Bhat, MD of Titan Company Ltd, Directors-on-Board, Mr Swee Wah Mak, Executive VP (Commercial), Singapore Airlines, and two independent Directors Mr Som Mittal, former President & Chairman Nasscom and Ms. Sangeeta Pendurkar. The company s leadership team includes: Mr. Leslie Thng, Chief Executive Officer Mr. Niyant Maru, Chief Financial Officer Mr. Sanjiv Kapoor, Chief Strategy & Commercial Officer Mr. Ravinder Pal Singh, Chief Information Officer Ms. Deepa Chadha, Senior Vice President Human Resources & Corporate Affairs Mr. Basil Kwauk, Senior Vice President Flight Operations, Vistara Mr. Sisira Kanta Dash, Senior Vice President Engineering, Vistara 1
Timeline of Milestones Press Information Kit Month and Year September, 2013 October, 2013 November, 2013 February, 2014 April, 2014 July, 2014 August 2014 September, 2014 October, 2014 December, 2014 January, 2015 February, 2015 March, 2015 April, 2015 May, 2015 June, 2015 July, 2015 August, 2015 September, 2015 September, 2015 October, 2015 November, 2015 December, 2015 January, 2016 February, 2016 March, 2016 Announcements Tata Sons and SIA sign agreement to announce JV and apply for FIPB approval TATA SIA Airlines receives approval of Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) The TATA SIA Airlines Limited board is formed and the holding company is incorporated Company signs aircraft lease agreement with BOC Aviation The airline receives NOC from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and applies for Air Operator Permit (AOP). The Board of TATA SIA Airlines Ltd appoints Mr. Phee Teik Yeoh as the company s CEO DGCA rejects all objections, clears way for grant of AOP TATA SIA christens its airline, Vistara Vistara takes delivery of its first Airbus A320 aircraft Vistara unveils its first A320 aircraft with livery Vistara selects SITA for Aircraft Communications and Network Infrastructure Vistara gets AOP ; all set for take-off Opens bookings to fly on January 9, 2015 with Mumbai and Ahmedabad as its initial routes Unveils product, brand music and tagline, Fly The New Feeling Vistara s inaugural flight takes off from Delhi for Mumbai Vistara s fleet grows to five Commences service to Goa Commences service to Hyderabad Receives sixth aircraft Commences service to Guwahati, Bagdogra and Pune Launches Mobile App Commences service to Lucknow Commences services to Bengaluru Vistara and Mumbai Airport launch mobile phone boarding pass facility Vistara achieves a milestone of flying 500,000 customers Vistara establishes its Aviation Security Training Institute Appoints Sharaf Travels as their GSA(Global Sales Agent) for the Gulf region Inauguration of Sales Office in Dubai Receives seventh aircraft Commences services to Bhubaneswar TATA SIA Airlines Ltd unveils first comprehensive & structured report on Indian aviation Receives eighth aircraft Commences service to Varanasi Receives ninth aircraft Vistara celebrates flying one million customers Vistara celebrates one successful year of operations Bhaskar Bhat appointed as Chairman of TATA SIA Airlines Ltd. Vistara announces its new aircraft seating configuration to bring its unique product and service offering to more markets Vistara ties up with Kareena Kapoor and Arjun Kapoor starrer blockbuster Ki & Ka for in-film branding Unveils Signature Lounge at T3, IGI Airport, Delhi 2
April, 2016 May, 2016 June, 2016 July, 2016 August, 2016 September, 2016 October, 2016 November, 2016 December, 2016 January, 2017 March, 2017 April 2017 May 2017 June 2017 July 2017 August 2017 September 2017 October 2017 January 2018 February 2018 Press Information Kit Vistara commences services to Srinagar, Jammu and Kochi Vistara & Tata Consultancy Services enter into strategic partnership Commences service to Chandigarh Commences service to Kolkata Launches Vistara-Axis Bank Co-Branded Credit Card Vistara announces Deepika Padukone as its brand ambassador Launches all-new, revamped Club Vistara, the fastest rewarding frequent flyer program Commences service to Port Blair Vistara receives CAT III-B certification for low visibility operations Celebrates 3 millionth customer Vistara announces strategic partnership with Booking.com Vistara partners with Air France, KLM and Japan Airlines to offer Through Check-In to International travellers Vistara completes 2 glorious years of redefining air travel in India Commences service to Amritsar and Leh Vistara partners Airbus for pilot training at Airbus India Training Centre Vistara s codeshare agreement with Singapore Airlines and SilkAir Vistara starts serving Starbucks coffee inflight Vistara records 80% Y-o-Y growth in passengers flown Vistara receives the delivery of its first Airbus A320 neo Vistara increases frequency of Delhi-Bengaluru route on its 2 nd anniversary Leslie Thng named CEO-designate, Vistara Vistara received its second Airbus A320neo Vistara enters into Interline partnership with Qatar Airways Vistara receives its third A320neo Signing of MoU between Vistara and Japan Airlines to pursue commercial opportunities Completion of IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) Leslie Thng appointed as Vistara CEO Commences service to Ranchi Announces start of sale for Chennai Commences service to Chennai Vistara s Industry-Firsts Vistara has redefined the flying experience for millions of Indians in India by introducing several industry-first customer propositions: o Vistara is the first airline to introduce Premium Economy Class in India s domestic skies o It is the only airline to have designated check-in counters as well as boarding queues for all three classes of travel, ensuring the on-ground experience of travellers is as seamless as the in-flight experience o Vistara is the first and only airline in India to offer a value-based frequent flyer program, Club Vistara. It is also the fastest rewarding frequent flyer program ever introduced in the country, offering fastest earn and redemption of points o It is the only airline to offer preferred seat selection free of cost and on-request transport assistance on arrival to women travelling alone, as part of its #WomanFlyer program o It is the only airline in South Asia as well as Southeast Asia to serve Starbucks Coffee onboard to its Premium Economy and Business Class customers o It is the first domestic airline to have commenced operations from Terminal 2 of Mumbai International Airport. It is also the first airline to have launched the e-boarding pass facility for travellers flying out from this terminal, hence, providing a truly international and seamless experience to its customers o Vistara s Signature Lounge at Delhi Airport s Terminal 3 is the only lounge located near the boarding gates, reflecting the airline s intuitive thoughtfulness 3
The Product Regardless of the cabin class one chooses to travel in, Vistara strives to ensure that customers experience the new feeling of flying to arrive at their destination feeling relaxed. The three classes and their features are as listed below: Business Class The contemporary and elegant interiors and the interplay of royal Aubergine and calm Grey (in A320 ceo) or royal Aubergine and soft Beige (in A320neo) of Vistara s Business Class seats evoke a sense of grace that resonates throughout the cabin. Vistara serves a three-course meal in Business Class, with two vegetarian and two non-vegetarian choices. The artful presentation of freshly prepared food on fine bone china and glassware adds to the sophistication. Customers enjoy this modern and inviting cabin, with features including, but not limited to: 40 seat pitch, 7 seat recline Extendable leg rest, foot rest and height adjustable headrest with wings Personal storage space at the side of the seat for small items Business Class Privileges: Dedicated check-in counters at all airports Priority security screening/boarding Lounge access Special dining experience meticulously served with fine linen and bone china tableware Choice of leading newspapers and magazines besides our in-flight magazine 30kg check-in baggage allowance 7kg hand baggage allowance Premium Economy Class A concept that Vistara pioneered in the India skies and is still unique, is the Premium Economy Class aimed at the discerning travellers who relish the additional space and amenities to work or relax for a slightly higher fare than regular Economy Class. This cabin provides an exclusive experience with distinctive features including: 33 seat pitch (20% more leg room than regular Economy class) 4.5 seat recline Exclusive cabin More meal choices Especially designed seats with improved cushioned seat-bottom for enhanced comfort Height adjustable winged headrests with longer armrest and larger tray table Personal coat hook Premium Economy Class Privileges: Dedicated check-in counters at all airports Separate boarding queue Priority baggage handling Lounge Access at an additional cost of INR 1,000 20kg check-in baggage allowance 7kg hand baggage allowance Complimentary selection of F&B to delight customers Choice of leading newspapers and magazines, along with Vistara s in-flight magazine 4
Economy Class Upholstered in genuine leather, Vistara s Economy Class seats set a new benchmark in style and comfort. With customers' comfort being the airline s priority, Vistara s ergonomically styled seats feature: 30 seat pitch with 18.1 seat-width 3.5 seat recline with winged headrests Improved seat bottom cushion for support Personal coat hook Complimentary selection of F&B to delight customers Choice of leading newspapers and publications, along with Vistara s inflight magazine 15kg baggage allowance 7kg hand baggage allowance Other Products & Services Ancillary Products: Vistara has a range of ancillary products at nominal fees for customers who wish to enhance their journey. The airline recently introduced #VistaraPriority for the time-constrained Economy class customers that offers priority check-in, baggage handling, and boarding. Carry On Plus allows customers to carry up to 12 kg of hand baggage which comes in very useful for those who want to make quick day or overnight trips and don t want to check in a bag. #VistaraFlyEarly offers the flexibility of hopping on to an earlier same-day flight than one s originally booked departure. Besides, Vistara offers attractive upgrade options, Lounge Access, discounted excess baggage rates if purchased in advance. Vistara Direct : A unique program under which the airline offers an array of benefits to travellers who book tickets directly on Vistara s website www.airvistara.com or on Vistara s mobile app (available on Apple ios and Android). Benefits for those booking directly include one free change or cancellation within 24 hours of booking (as long as travel is at least 7 days in the future), complimentary fast-track priority handling at the airport at dedicated counters (for check-in, baggage, and boarding), double Club Vistara (CV) Points for CV members, and an additional 5kg check-in luggage allowance. Vistara Direct also provides several additional benefits such as lower fees and faster refunds, timely and assured email and SMS flight status alerts, and attractive periodic upgrade offers. Vistara Corporate Flyer : A program under which Vistara provides its contracted Corporate customers several benefits designed to make business travel hassle-free. All eligible customers enjoy complimentary Carry On Plus benefits which provide increased cabin baggage allowance of 12 kg for the larger cabin bag that goes in the overhead bin (which equates to 70% more allowance than the usual 7 kg limit), in addition to a smaller item such as a laptop bag that can fit under a seat in the cabin. This is by far the most generous free cabin baggage allowance for any airline in India. Corporate customers travelling in economy class are also eligible for free selection of exit-row seats that provide more legroom, ensuring greater comfort onboard. Additionally, Vistara s Top 100 Corporate clients travelling in economy class receive complimentary priority check-in, baggage handling and boarding across all destinations on Vistara s network, and can also choose a complimentary option of taking a same-day earlier flight by arriving at the airport 45 minutes prior its departure (subject to availability) under the Vistara Fly Early program. All of these benefits come over and above other benefits of being a Corporate customer, which include special fares and free changes and cancellation of bookings. Vistara Woman Flyer : In order to make air travel more comfortable for solo women travellers, Vistara offers preferred seat selection free of cost and on-request transport assistance on arrival to women travelling alone. For those who do not pre-select their preferred seats in advance, Vistara ensures that only window or aisle seats are assigned to solo women travellers at the check-in counters. Vistara is the only airline in the world to introduce such a service. 5
In addition, uniformed Vistara staff are available at the baggage claim area holding #VistaraWomanFlyer Arrivals Assistance placards, to assist women travellers with their luggage and with the booking of airport-authorized taxis, as well as escort such customers up to the taxi stand upon request. Vistara keep a track of taxi registration numbers to ensure complete peace of mind to the passenger until they reach their final destination. Partnerships Vistara has Interline Partnerships/IATCI agreements with 22 major international airlines, including Qatar Airways, Air France, KLM, Japan Airlines, British Airways, All Nippon Airways, Japan Airlines, Finnair, Kenya Airways, Singapore Airlines, SilkAir, Sri Lankan Airlines, Kuwait Airways, Gulf Air, Asiana Airlines, Aeroflot, Emirates, FlyDubai, Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airways, Air Mauritius, and United Airlines. Vistara also has Codeshare Agreements with Singapore Airlines and SilkAir. Loyalty Program - Club Vistara Club Vistara (CV) is the only value-based frequent flyer program in India, and is also the fastest rewarding and least restrictive of all. The value-based accrual scheme, which not only provides its members enhanced privileges but also offers the fastest earn, redemption and faster elite tier upgrades. CV members can accumulate CV points when flying with Vistara, engaging with co-brand and airline partners, and also by participating in various promotions. There are four tiers of membership of Club Vistara - CV Base, CV Gold, CV Silver and the highest tier, CV Platinum. Vistara introduced a two-track scheme for elite tier qualification, enabling on to be upgraded either based on accrual of points or flights flown. Members can redeem their points for Vistara award flights & flight upgrades. CV members can also enjoy accruals & redemption on Singapore Airlines or SilkAir flights. Awards & Accolades Vistara has added many feathers to its cap since its launch. The airline has won several prestigious awards and titles in the recent past from within the country and abroad. 2018: 2017: Awarded Most Passenger Friendly Airline jointly by Ministry of Civil Aviation (Govt. of India), Airports Authority of India (AAI) and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) Best Airline Service Standards (Domestic Category): Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) Best Emerging Airline: PATWA at ITB Berlin 2017, Germany Most Outstanding Airline - Premium Economy & Economy 2017: Travel & Hospitality Magazine Brand of the Year 2017 by World Consulting and Research Corporation Vistara selected as India s Distinctive Goodwill Brands 2017 by Brand Advertising Research & Consulting (BARC) Best Domestic Airline: International Tourism & Conclave Awards 2017 Best Airline (Domestic) 2017: Readers Poll by Travel + Leisure India & South Asia Top Rated Airline 2017 on TripAdvisor 6
2016: Best Airline (Domestic) 2016: Readers Poll by Travel + Leisure India & South Asia Runners Up - Favourite Domestic Airline 2016: Conde Nast Readers Travel Awards Vistara named Most Loved Airline 2016 based on customer satisfaction scores by leading global air travel review website Skytrax Best New Entrant Domestic Category 2016: Air Passengers Association of India (APAI) Adjudged one of India's Most Promising Brands 2016 (Researched by ibrands 360, and evaluated by the WCRC - World Consulting and Research Corporation) Top Rated Airline 2016 on TripAdvisor *** END OF DOCUMENT*** 7