Frequencies And More On Singapore Airlines Agenda

Charmaine Fernz - Mumbai

Indian aviation in the early years was a very regulated market. But the recent deregulation has resulted in increased connectivity and even greater competition. "This," explained B K Ong, GM (India) for Singapore Airlines, "has made India a very potent market."

The airline, therefore, has a lot on its agenda for the country. While talking on the airline's plans for India, Ong said, "With a frequency of 53 flights, we already have two flights daily from Mumbai. We hope to expand this and also add frequencies on the Chennai, Delhi and Bangalore routes." However, nothing has been finalised since talks with the civil aviation authorities are still on. "Even our subsidiary, Silk Air, that caters to the secondary markets is looking at expansion," Ong added.

He explained that since distribution costs for all airlines is very high, it is looking at cost saving mediums like commissions and GDS distribution. With the assimilation of technology within tourism, it will only enhance passenger facilities and smooth transactions.

Ong added that this is fast catching on in India. "Travellers are slowly but gradually moving towards using the Internet. This certainly does not sideline the agent since he will remain an integral part of the industry but will only make them more professional in their approach," he said. The airline now plans to launch promotional campaigns with host of value-for-money offers.