Vistara $11.2 bil order said to pit Airbus against Boeing

(Feb 6): Vistara, the Indian affiliate of Singapore Airlines, is in talks with Airbus SE and Boeing Co. to buy jets worth as much as US$8.5 billion ($11.2 billion) as the carrier seeks to tap India’s growing middle class, according to people familiar with the plans.

Vistara, a joint venture with majority owner Tata Group, is seeking to buy about 50 narrowbody jets, typically used for shorter routes, and up to 10 widebodies, said the people, who asked not to be named discussing private negotiations. A final decision is likely by June, one of the people said.

A representative for Vistara didn’t respond to requests for comments. An Airbus spokesman said the company’s discussions with customers are confidential. A Boeing spokesman declined to comment.

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