We'll set new benchmarks for others to follow: Tata-SIA airline CEO - Livemint

Vistara’s CEO Phee Teik Yeoh says the new logo is derived from a symbol which signifies seamless balance of the universe. Photo: PTI

New Delhi: Tata-SIA Airlines Ltd , the joint venture (JV) between Tata Sons Ltd and Singapore Airlines Ltd , said on Monday its proposed new airline will be called Vistara . A Sanskrit and Hindi word, vistar means limitless expanse. The logo is derived from a symbol which signifies seamless balance of the universe, Phee Teik Yeoh , chief executive officer of Vistara, said he sees a great future for the airline with a new pro-business government in place. Edited experts from an interview:

How did you arrive at the name Vistara?

When we first started on this journey we did debate on whether we should be leveraging on the names of both parents. We debated and we finally decided that there is so much anticipation around this brand there is no need to tell people that which parentage we are from. They know we are the genesis of two iconic brands coming together.

How did you zero in on a Sanskrit/Hindi name chosen ?

We did think what the name should stand for—it must have the connection with the market we want to serve.

You have said Vistara will be finest full service airline. How do you define one?

We would be intuitively thoughtful to the need of our guests we will treat every passenger as a guest.

Kingfisher Airlines went down and most others are in losses. How sure you are you will make it a profitable airline?

I think while I am not disillusioned by the challenges in the market I would like to draw attention to the immense potential this Indian civil aviation market has to offer. The potential is vast. We have got a pro-business investor-friendly outlook which the newly elected government is embracing. We are positive about the changes that will come with this new government in place. And we look forward to working closely with the government to realize the true potential of this aviation market in India.

Which are the first routes and flights?

We will be operational on a combination of metros and non-metros—essentially cities that have a clear demand for a full-service carrier.

We expect the first aircraft to be delivered in September and by the end of the calendar year-end, in December, we will have five aircraft.

Will all the aircraft be based in Delhi?

We have decided to hub in Delhi. There is no ruling out we can have a hub outside Delhi later on but at this point in time we are focusing on Delhi.

Are you looking at a mid-October launch?

Indicatively that is our plan that requires a series of approvals.

You have reposed a lot faith in Air India and outsourced a lot of your work to them.

Our approach is a combination of judicious outsourcing and at the same time a combination of core functions we want to own and control. So aspects of technical handling we decided to outsource to Air India, Engineering Services Ltd. The portfolio of outsourcing will grow in size as we grow in scale, the needs will change.

When are the Airbus Neos coming?

The Neos will be delivered in 2017. We have leased a total 20 aircraft—13 are current engine options and 7 are Neos. This is just the start.

There has been a concern that foreign airlines may control operations and strategy even though investors are Indians.

Truth be told, control lies in the hands of Tata Sons.

The core management team has been filled with injection of expertise from both companies leveraging best of both worlds.