|
 That
Austrian Airlines considers India an important market in the
Asian region is evident from the fact that they have re-introduced
the fifth frequency from Delhi on October 26. The carrier,
which used to fly six times out of Delhi, reduced its frequency
to three in the wake of the global aviation crisis after September
11, 2001.
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| Robert
Stainoch |
“We
commenced our operation to India in October 1997 with two
flights to Delhi. The re-introduction of the fifth flight
marks our fifth anniversary celebration,” says Robert
Stainoch, country manager - India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Maldives.
No, the carrier doesn’t have any immediate plans of connecting
south India to Vienna, as that will depend on the bilateral
agreement. So, when are they planning to start the sixth frequency?
“We wanted to revert to our original schedule of six
weekly flights this October. However, our survey showed that
there would be a drop of 40-45 per cent in tourist arrival
this winter because India is either missing or inadequately
featured in brochures brought out by European countries. We
are constantly reviewing the market and would take decisions
accordingly,” replies Stainoch matter-of-factly.
The new flight operates every Saturday ex-Delhi, which means
the airline connects Delhi to Vienna on all days of the week
except Tuesday’s and Wednesdays. The route is served
by the Airbus A330/200 and A340/300 aircraft, which offer
an excellent business class product with electronically controlled
sleeper seats, choice of world class wines, six-course menu
with an option of three main course meals. “Even every
economy class seat has a personal video and satellite phone.
Further, we offer a choice Indian cuisine, including achar
and saunf in all the classes in all our inbound and outbound
flights to and from Delhi,” notes Ramesh Marwah, regional
manager.
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| Ramesh
Marwah |
Ask
Stainoch whether he is satisfied with the carrier’s performance
and comes a cool reply, “Although overall performance
is satisfactory yet the yields need to be improved further.
Increase in frequency will only help in attracting corporate
and business travellers and improve our yields as well. Our
inbound flights till the end of the year is already oversold.
We are very optimistic about a good 2003 in terms of outbound
travel.”
According
to Marwah, Austrian Airlines has a clear edge over its competitors.
“We have 344 flights a week to 70 destinations in western
and eastern Europe through a strong hub in Vienna airport,
which also provides an average of 25 minutes minimum connection
time. With the youngest fleet having an average aircraft age
of 4.9 years, friendly in-flight service, an excellent business
class with sleeper seats, Star Alliance membership and Miles
and More frequent flyer programme, we have a clear edge over
our competitors,” he claims.
Further commenting on the marketing strategy of the airline,
Marwah says, “We will remain focussed on our airline’s
strengths while catering to business travellers and promote
the most visited destinations in Austria for leisure traffic.”
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