Vistara CEO expects demand for premium product to 'grow very aggressively' in India

Vistara CEO Leslie Thng reported the airline has "seen a steady improvement in terms of demand, in terms of load factor as well as in terms of the fare passengers are willing to pay" in 2018 (Live Mint/Business Standard/Reuters, 30-Oct-2018). Mr Thng acknowledged the operating environment in India is "getting tougher because of the macro conditions", including increasing fuel prices and INR devaluation, but expressed confidence in Vistara's premium product strategy. He noted India's economy continues to grow, meaning "The number of people who can afford to pay [for premium fares], I believe will in the coming years continue to grow very aggressively".