Vistara has become the third Indian carrier to be a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the trade association of more than 280 airlines, which will help it provide a seamless travel experience through an extended global network to travellers to and from India.
Vistara, the full-service carrier promoted by Tata Sons Limited and Singapore Airlines Limited (SIA), recently became eligible to start international operations. Air India and Jet Airways are the two other airlines in India that are IATA members.
The IATA membership will enable Vistara to collaborate with other international member airlines for codeshare and interline agreements, and provide a seamless travel experience through an extended global network to travellers to and from India, the airline said in a statement.
IATA represents airlines from over 120 countries. It advocates for the interests of airlines across the globe, establishes standards to simplify process and increase passenger convenience, and helps airlines to operate safely, efficiently and economically.
"This membership couldn't have come at a better time as we gear up to launch our international operations soon. Vistara has set new benchmarks for air travel in India, and with IATA's membership we are confident to showcase Vistara's strengths on a global scale," Vistara's chief executive officer Leslie Thng said.
Regional Vice President for Asia Pacific, IATA, Conrad Clifford said they were looking forward to working with Vistara in shaping IATA's priorities for India and the global aviation industry.
Vistara had on April 4 received its 20th aircraft, an Airbus A320neo, thus fulfilling a key criteria to fly on international routes as per the new aviation rules.
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In September 2017, Vistara had successfully completed the IATA Operational Safety Audit or IOSA. The audit, a pre-requisite for an IATA membership, confirmed Vistara's compliance with internationally approved aviation safety standards across parameters in operational management and control systems, the statement said.
The airline has flown over 8.5 million customers and serves 22 destinations with over 730 flights a week, operated by a fleet of 20 Airbus A320 aircraft.
Vistara, is a joint venture between Tata Sons Limited and Singapore Airlines Limited (SIA) with Tata Sons holding the majority stake of 51 per cent in the company and SIA holding the remaining 49 per cent.