NEWS: Vistara’s 321neo enters service (we’re on board!); Oberoi One launch; New name for 737 Max?

Today’s news in brief:

Vistara’s brand new A321neo is now flying!

Vistara’s recently-delivered A321neo entered commercial service today, flying a return trip from Delhi to Chennai.

The narrow-body jet, which will be used for medium-range international service, offers flat-bed seats in business class. Saadaan from Take Off With Guru was on board the Chennai to Delhi flight and a full review of the business cabin will follow soon!

To celebrate the arrival of its first A321neo aircraft, Vistara is offering Club Vistara members a 20% reduction on the price of Award Flights and Upgrade Awards for all Vistara flight bookings made between now and September 3, 2020, for travel until October 31, 2020.

Vistara’s chief commercial officer, Vinod Kannan, said: “This is a great opportunity for customers to enjoy our new cabins – designed for short and medium-haul international operations – on flights within India for some time. We are confident that our customers will appreciate our effort in going over every detail for a seamless, comfortable and truly world-class flying experience.”

Vistara’s Airbus A321neo has a total of 188 seats, with 12 in business class, 24 in premium economy and 152 in economy. In-seat power and USB charging ports are available in all three cabins.

Oberoi launches Oberoi One loyalty programme

Oberoi has launched its long-awaited loyalty programme, Oberoi One, promising ‘personalised benefits and privileges from your very first stay’.

Advertised member benefits include exclusive members-only rates when you book at oberoihotels.com, as well as late check-out and premium wifi for unlimited devices. Members can also get a 10% discount on hotel dining, plus earn complimentary stays and upgrades.

For more information, and to enrol, visit this page of the Oberoi website. Click here to read our review of the Oberoi Mumbai.

Is the Boeing 737 Max about to be renamed?

The launch of the 737 Max aircraft was a disaster for Boeing and a rebranding of the troubled plane has long been expected. We now have the first indication that process may be underway.

Polish airline Enter Air has placed an order for 737 Max planes – though that’s not how they are exclusively described by Boeing, which also refers to the jets as “737-8 airplanes”.

A Boeing press release reads: “Boeing and Enter Air today announced the Polish airline is expanding its commitment to the 737 family with a new order for two 737-8 airplanes plus options for two more jets.

“An all-Boeing operator and Poland’s biggest charter carrier, Enter Air began operations in 2010 with a single 737 airplane. Today, the airline’s fleet includes 22 Next-Generation 737s and two 737 MAX airplanes. When the new purchase agreement is fully exercised, Enter Air’s 737 MAX fleet will rise to 10 aircraft.”

A rebrand is undoubtably a sensible move for Boeing – even if President Trump takes the credit for it (he first suggested the idea in April last year)…