Vistara Air has launched its first direct flight service to Africa, with its inaugural flight from Delhi to Mauritius. The flight, which took off on 18th September, is Vistara Air’s first international flight and is part of the airline’s expansion plans for international destinations. Vistara Air, a joint venture between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines, has flown to more than 30 domestic destinations since its launch in 2015.
The airline will operate three weekly flights between Delhi and Mauritius until the end of December 2021, before increasing this to four flights per week in January 2022. Vistara Air’s Chief Commercial Officer, Vinod Kannan, said that the new route will strengthen trade, tourism and people-to-people ties between India and Mauritius.
Mauritius is a popular tourist destination and is known for its white sandy beaches, coral reefs, and tropical climate. The island nation is currently open to fully vaccinated travellers, with visitors required to undergo a PCR test 72 hours prior to departure. All travellers are also required to stay in a government-approved quarantine hotel for 14 days upon arrival.
Vistara Air’s move into international markets comes as airlines across the world continue to struggle with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the International Air Transport Association, the global aviation industry is expected to lose nearly $50 billion in 2021. To mitigate these losses, many airlines are looking to expand their footprint by entering new markets.
Vistara Air’s entry into the African market could also provide a new avenue for Indian businesses looking to expand their footprints on the continent. India has been seeking to increase its presence in Africa, and the government has announced plans to offer $10 billion in credit to African countries over the coming years. The Indian government’s push to strengthen ties with the continent could translate into new opportunities for Indian companies looking to do business in Africa.
The launch of Vistara Air’s international flights also comes at a time when the Indian aviation industry is experiencing a rebound in domestic air travel. India’s domestic air traffic increased in August to 6.63 million passengers, up from 5.4 million passengers in July. The increase in domestic travel has been attributed to a relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions in some states, as well as the start of the festive season.
While Vistara Air is entering a challenging market, the airline’s management team is confident that its focus on customer service and quality will help it succeed in the long term. The airline has received praise for its service in the Indian market and has been recognised by Skytrax as the best airline in India for three consecutive years. Vistara Air’s CEO, Leslie Thng, has said that the airline’s focus on quality and innovation will set it apart from other airlines operating in Africa.
Overall, Vistara Air’s entry into the African market is an exciting development for the industry and will provide a new avenue for Indian travellers and businesses seeking to engage with the continent. While the success of the airline’s international expansion remains to be seen, its proven track record in the Indian market suggests that it is well-positioned to make a strong showing in Africa. As the global aviation industry continues to navigate the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it will be interesting to see how airlines such as Vistara Air adapt to changing market conditions and chart a course towards success in new markets.