India used to be one of the centres of trade because of its strategic location and valuable resources. Even today, it is one of the popular countries in the world, be it regarding business, trade or travel. This is the reason that international flights from India as well as to this country are quite high. In addition to this the Indian aviation market also emerged as one of the most lucrative one as per the recent International Airport Transport Association (IATA) report. Operating in the Indian skies can prove to be quite beneficial for carriers. To capitalise this opportunities, many air service providers started their own operations in the country or invested a huge sum in the existing ones. For instance, Malaysia-based AirAsia Berhad launched its Indian arm in the previous year. Similarly, the Tata Sons-owned Vistara started its operations in the country on January 9, 2015.
Vistara Plans
Currently, this carrier is connecting nine destinations in the country, including busiest routes such as Delhi-Mumbai. It aims at expanding its network in the coming months and may soon start operating international flights from India. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company said that ahead of an expected change in the rules and laws regarding air travel in India, the carrier may soon start global services. This will allow travellers to book international flights with this carrier and avail economical services of this carrier. The objective of this airline is to enhance global connectivity from India and introduce new services. This will allow guests as well as Indian people to choose from multiple options as per their choices and preferences.
5/20 Rule
The only thing restricting the introduction of Vistara international flight schedules, is the 5/20 rule. As per this clause in the Indian aviation laws, carriers have to in domestic markets for five years and own at least 20 aircraft, before starting global operations. This is the reason that this airlines is looking forward to procure a number of wide and narrow-body aircraft. As per reports, it may begin operations in the United States, Europe and Gulf. As per reports, 70 per cent international traffic from India is driven westwards and the carrier may consider these statistics before launching international flights from India.
The CEO of the company said that there are lots of opportunities if the 5/20 rule goes away. As per reports, the ministry of aviation in India is considering to scrap it off as it has lost its relevance in the current scenario. Earlier, new business groups, which did not have any experience in the aviation industry, started their carriers. It was for the safety of travellers that they were asked to operate in the domestic market for a long time. Similarly, such carriers were asked to own at least 20 aircraft as the ministry wanted to make sure that these carriers have enough of resources to compete with other service providers in the global market. However, AirAsia and Vistara are a part of the group, which have an expertise in the aviation market and such rules for term are irrelevant.