Promoted by Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines, Vistara became the third full-service airline in the Indian aviation market when it launched operations in early January (the other two are Jet Airways and Air India). The airline is trying to do new things to differentiate in a segment that is dominated by well-entrenched players such as Jet Airways and Air India. In an interview with Business Today's Manu Kaushik, Phee Teik Yeoh, CEO of Vistara, discusses his plans for the airline.
Q: In a market that favours low-cost carriers, why did Vistara choose to operate in the premium segment?
A: Right from the start, it was clear that we are going to be a full-service carrier. It is driven by the realisation that the market is yet to experience a truly fully-service flying experience. There was a void waiting to be filled. Other than free meals on board, there was hardly any difference between FSCs (full service carriers) and LCCs (low cost carriers). Singapore Airlines is known for service excellence.
We can choose to perpetuate on historical statistics. Ever wondered why the proportion of business traffic is so low? Many business travellers are forced to travel in economy because there is lack of choice and offerings. That distorts the true potential of this market. The aviation market is at the cusp of change. When you drive the car forward, you don't look at the rear-view mirror.
02/04/15 Manu Kaushik/Business Today
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Q: In a market that favours low-cost carriers, why did Vistara choose to operate in the premium segment?
A: Right from the start, it was clear that we are going to be a full-service carrier. It is driven by the realisation that the market is yet to experience a truly fully-service flying experience. There was a void waiting to be filled. Other than free meals on board, there was hardly any difference between FSCs (full service carriers) and LCCs (low cost carriers). Singapore Airlines is known for service excellence.
We can choose to perpetuate on historical statistics. Ever wondered why the proportion of business traffic is so low? Many business travellers are forced to travel in economy because there is lack of choice and offerings. That distorts the true potential of this market. The aviation market is at the cusp of change. When you drive the car forward, you don't look at the rear-view mirror.
02/04/15 Manu Kaushik/Business Today
