Air-India Express To Replace A-I On Gulf Routes

Anindita Chattopadhyay - New Delhi

India's low-cost carrier scene is hotting up. Just on the heels on Air Arabia announcing to start operations to India, Air-India has introduced online ticket sales for Air-India Express (AIE), its budget airline which will operate its maiden flight from Thiruvananthapuram to Abu Dhabi on April 29, 2005. The carrier has already leased three B737-800 from Boullioun Aviation Services Inc to operate 35 flights per week from Mumbai, Delhi, Kochi, Kozhikode, and Thiruvananthapuram to four destinations in the Middle East namely Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Muscat and Salalah.

Explains V Thulasidas, CMD, Air-India said, "A-I Express will take over all the current Air-India services to the Gulf and Middle East except Saudi Arabia. However, both Air-India and Air India Express will operate to Dubai because there is demand for both. A-I Express will commence operations with three B737-800 aircraft, all economy class with 181 seats. In principle approval for acquisition of 18 new Boeing 737-800 aircraft has been obtained. Till the time AIE acquires its own fleet, it will continue to lease aircraft to expand its operations. Lease agreements have been signed for another three aircraft."

According to him, A-I is going for 737-800s because of its reliability, fuel efficiency and economical performance and the fact that it can carry 12 more passengers compared to A320. The airline also plans to start operations to Bahrain, Doha, Kuwait, Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta in the coming months.

Though a low-cost carrier, AIE will serve a decent meal and soft drink on board and allow 30 kg free baggage, 10 kg more than the normal 20 kg limit, to stay ahead of competition. However, liquor would be charged. When asked about the pricing and competition he said, "We are keeping ourselves flexible and will be ready for any competition. The fare will vary on a regular basis. We will offer up to 50 per cent fare discounts depending on the season, seat availability and the number of days booked in advance. On an average the fare difference will be 25 per cent compared to a scheduled carriers."

The user-friendly reservation system available on the website www.airindiaexpress.in allows a passenger to buy a ticket online and pay through credit card. Or else, one can purchase it from the appointed passenger sales agents for a transaction fee of Rs 125 per sector. All bookings, fare quotes, refunds, change of bookings and modifications in the itinerary are totally automated. "The passenger has the flexibility to reschedule his/her booking by paying a charge of Rs 250 up to 12 hours prior to his scheduled flight," informed Thulasidas.