Vistara is reportedly in talks with Boeing to modify its next 787s to include a crew rest area. The area will provide more long-distance routes with space for a reserve team and increase the range of the 787-9. Let’s find out more about where Vistara could fly with a crew rest area.
Longer flights
According to Mint, Vistara is currently working with Boeing to possibly add crew rest areas to some of the remaining four 787-9s for delivery. This would allow the Dreamliner to fly to its maximum range and include routes to the USA (east and west coast), Canada, Australia and many more.
Vistara intends to complete its order for the 787 by the end of the year, which means it will be able to fly on longer routes soon. Data from Planespotters.net shows that three 787-9s have been produced (VT-TSH, -TSN and one unregistered) and will be delivered in the coming months.
Using the 787-9 on ultra-long-haul routes is certainly not a new idea. From Qantas routes from Perth to London and the next American flight from Bangalore to Seattle, the 787 can easily make some of the longest flights in the world. On all of these flights, a crew rest area is required to house the reserve pilots and cabin crew who will take over midway.
Where will Vistara go?
Although Vistara can fly anywhere from Auckland to Chicago, there are some unique destinations that it may be waiting for. The first would be direct flights to the United States, which will become a possibility with rest of the crew. Routes like Delhi / Mumbai to New York or San Francisco are popular with passengers and are seeing increasing connectivity.
Vistara is also expected to expand its long-distance presence beyond Frankfurt and London due to restrictions. This means that flights to Australia may also be on the plan, especially considering that there is only one direct option available (Air India). However, the closure of the border means that the routes to East Asia (Japan, China, etc.) and Australasia will be the last to be reopened.
The carrier has suggested direct flights to the United States in the past, but has never firmly committed to the route. Considering the current situation, it is unlikely that new ultra-long flights will be added soon.
Deliveries on the right track
Although the pandemic has affected Vistara’s operations, the carrier remains committed to the 787 delivery schedule. All six Dreamliners will join the fleet by the end of 2021, the airline confirmed to Simple Flying last year. Once this order is completed, the airline will have the flexibility to add more flights and possibly even exercise its options for another 787s.
For now, stay tuned for upcoming deliveries of the Vistara 787-9. If the rest of the crew is added, expect to see many other exclusive long-distance routes in the future.
What do you think of Vistara’s plans to add a rest area for the crew? Will the airline be successful on long-haul routes? Let us know your opinion in the comments!