Vistara, the joint venture between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines Ltd, has finally received approval to launch international flights, as the Narendra Modi government ended the airline’s long wait with one of its last significant decisions before the end of its tenure.

Civil aviation secretary Pradeep Singh Kharola on Wednesday said the government has given permission to Vistara to fly internationally.

The airline received permission from the aviation ministry just before the election dates were announced, a person familiar with the matter told CNBCTV18.com.

"We are closely working with the ministry of civil aviation. Specific details will be shared at an appropriate time," Vistara Spokesperson said.

The airline had initially hoped to launch international flights last year after meeting a requirement for 20 aircraft in its fleet.

The Election Commission announced the dates for the general elections on March 10.

Vistara is expected to launch its inaugural flight to Colombo in the summer using the open skies arrangement India has with Sri Lanka, the person quoted above said. The airline doesn’t have a date yet, the person said, adding that the date of launch will depend on several factors. The person didn’t elaborate.

Vistara had to use one jet earmarked for international flying in the domestic market, CEO Leslie Thng told reporters at the CAPA India conference in February, adding that delays in regulatory approvals for international flights have had only a limited impact on the airline.

Disclosure:

Vistara is one of the four launch partners of CNBC-TV18.com

First Published:Mar 13, 2019 12:21 AM IST