India-based full-service carrier Vistara has blamed a cocktail of growth and supply chain issues for its lack of cabin crew uniforms.
“Given our fleet expansion, we have been scaling up our cabin crew strength as well. However, due to an unforeseen issue with the supply of material, Vistara is experiencing limited availability of its cabin crew uniforms,” read the airline’s statement.
In the short term, “some of our cabin crew may be seen performing their duties in black-coloured trousers and polo t-shirts with Vistara logo instead of our standard aubergine uniform,” added Vistara, noting that this is not “an ideal measure”. However, it will ensure “business continuity and smooth operations to the maximum extent”.
According to ch-aviation.com data, the airline, which was established in 2014, has grown from an initial fleet of two aircraft to now having 61 aircraft. The large majority of the airline’s fleet is comprised of 46 Airbus A320neos, with the airline also operating 10 A321neo aircraft, including one A321LR. It also has four Boeing 787-9s to operate its long-haul flights.
Over the past two years, the Indian airline took delivery of 20 aircraft, including a pair of 787-9s, ch-aviation.com data showed.
“We are actively working with our suppliers to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. We would like to assure our customers that irrespective of this temporary uniform, the focus of all our cabin crew remains on delivering world-class customer service,” continued Vistara.
The aviation industry has faced supply chain issues for more than a year, with suppliers struggling to keep up with aircraft and aircraft engine manufacturers’ goals, resulting in delivery delays and extended turnaround times (TAT) of engines during shop visits.
Vistara, which was established jointly by the Indian conglomerate Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines, will be merged into Air India following the former‘s acquisition of Air India. Tata Sons, which will retain the majority stake in Air India, and Singapore Airlines, which will remain a 25.1% shareholder, expect the transaction to be complete by October 2024.