Vistara needs a “lot more time” to take a call on whether it should continue with its experiment of being the only domestic airline to offer seating in three cabins in domestic skies, Prasad Menon the airline’s Chairman said on Tuesday.
“As far as the three class configuration is concerned, I think we need to give it a lot more time. If we have to do anything with it, we will review it from time to time.
"In fact, we have found that actually there has been a good response to our premium economy. There have been a lot of people who have appreciated it and there has been a steady growth in occupancy. It’s early, so we will need to wait for some more time,” Prasad told newspersons.
Vistara, which can only operate in the domestic market, offers seating in premium economy apart from giving passengers the choice of flying in business class or economy class.
It is the only domestic airline to offer seating in premium economy, a move which many feel is not suited for the short flights that it is allowed to operate currently within India.
Encouraging results The airline’s Chairman pointed out that it has been only eight months since the airline took to the skies.
“We are generally happy with the way things have gone. The load factors seem a little low. But we also need to realise that the last 3-4 months have been very, very low season”.
Mukund Rajan, Director, Vistara Board added that the airline is a long term player and so short term issues are not going to impact it.
Phee Teik Yeoh, Chief Executive Officer, Vistara added that the airline was happy with the passenger load factors that it is achieving in economy class. He declined to get into specifics.