India’s Vistara took delivery of its first Boeing 787-9 twin-aisle jet over the weekend, kicking off its expansion into long-haul service. The aircraft is the first of six Dreamliners expected to join the fleet through the end of 2021 as the carrier seeks new intercontinental destinations.
Vistara’s long-haul operations will launch with three classes of service on board, Business Class, Premium Economy and Economy. Given the partial ownership and management stake it should not come as too much of a surprise to learn that the Vistara 787 interior is very, very similarly fitted to that of Singapore Airlines, though with a few local tweaks.
Vistara’s 787 Business Class
In Business Class passengers will be treated to the Stelia Symphony seat. It expands to a 76″ lie-flat bed, bringing comfort to the long-haul routes.
The 1-2-1 staggered layout provides all passengers with direct aisle access while maintaining privacy and an option for couples traveling together to talk during the flight.
Business class seats also feature an 18″ HD screen for inflight entertainment and both AC and USB power outlets.
The Vistara version of the Symphony seat installation includes custom mood-lighting and features personal air vents, a welcome amenity for any passengers but especially in the warm and humid Indian climate. The business class lavs at door two also feature a window inside.
Vistara’s 787 Premium Economy
Premium economy passengers on the new Vistara 787 will see a 2-3-2 layout with 37″ pitch between rows. The seats also feature a 13″ HD IFE screen, 6-way headrest, footrest and AC/USB power outlets.
The seats are a version of the Recaro PL3530 premium economy product.
Vistara’s 787 Economy Class
Economy class passengers flying long-haul with Vistara will receive a relatively typical 787 economy class experience the 3-3-3 layout and 31″ pitch are industry standards at this time.
Passengers will also have USB power, 12″ HD IFE screens and a 6-way headrest for increased comfort on the overnight flights.
Vistara is using the Recaro CL3710 for economy class seats.
India’s First Connected Airline
In addition to operating the first 787-9 aircraft in India (Air India operates the 787-8) Vistara will be the first carrier to fly with inflight internet connectivity on board. The 787s feature Panasonic Avionics‘ eXConnect WiFi kit as well as cabin-wide inflight entertainment solution. Panasonic is partnering with India’s Nelco as a local integrator, with local satellite capacity coming from ISRO and additional global coverage coming from PAC’s network of Ku-band leased capacity. The system also features the FlightPath3D maps on board, with plans for some future deliveries to fly with PAC’s new Arc map platform.
But where will the Vistara 787 fly??
While the company could technically launch long-haul services with a single frame it is not ready to do so quite yet. The carrier expects its second 787 delivery by the end of the month and will launch long-haul at some point after that. In the interim, the carrier will fly the 787 between Delhi and Mumbai for crew familiarization.
London is definitely on the company’s plan soon enough, but it may not be the first long-haul destination based on comments made at the press event unveiling the aircraft in India this morning.
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