Bhaskar Bhat takes over as new chairman of Vistara

New Delhi: Bhaskar Bhat has taken over as the new chairman of Tata-SIA joint venture Vistara, the airline said Thursday.

Bhat, who was serving as the Managing Director of Titan Company Limited since 2002, has replaced Prasad Menon, who retired from the airline yesterday.

Bhat has joined the Board of the company with effect from today, a release said.

"I am honoured to succeed Mr Menon, and deeply appreciate how Vistara has established its firm presence in India," Bhat said on his appointment to the top job in the private carrier.

Vistara, the third full service carrier after Air India and Jet Airways, had launched its operations on January 9, last year and now operates 307 weekly flights to 12 destinations with a fleet of nine Airbus A320s.

"My focus will be on ensuring that Vistara continues to deliver the legendary service excellence and hospitality that the Tata group and SIA are known for," Bhat added.

The Delhi-based carrier is a 51:49 joint venture between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines and has just completed one year of operations.

"Vistara will immensely benefit from Mr Bhat's experience as he brings an ideal blend of business building, marketing and sales expertise, as well as deep insight of Vistara's core values," Menon, the former chairman, said.