30 Minute Interview

'We will act as bridge between the countries'

China Southern, one of the largest airlines of the People's Republic of China will be entering India come September this year. In an exclusive interview, Shuji Zhuang, its manager, speaks about the airline's plans and potential for traffic between the two countries. By Anupama Sushil

Shuji Zhuang Manager China Southern

What kind of investments will you be making in India?

They will be huge - enough to help us run and cover the basic costs of the first three flights with which we are entering the market. How well we do will influence how we plan to increase the frequency and the size of the aircraft. The exact figures will be much clearer only after a few runs.

What are the plans for the first year?

Firstly, we concentrate on creating brand awareness ensuring smooth running of the airline. Secondly, we will look at making a regional presence by connecting New Delhi-Nepal-Canton which will help us increase the leisure market share.

Are the bilaterals and code-share agreements in place?

We are now just waiting for an operating permit from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, India which is likely to fall through soon. We already have a code-share agreement with Indian but now we are waiting for the merger to happen in order to take things ahead.

How many connections and frequencies do you plan from India?

We are currently starting with only three flights per week serving Guangzhou-Delhi-Guangzhou sector on a Boeing 757 with a capacity of about 210 passengers with 20 seats in the business class and the rest in the economy section. Delhi being the capital city we expect considerable amount of traffic on this sector. All the three flights will be turnaround flights.

Why do you think it is the right time to venture into India?

This is the perfect time indeed with business opportunities increasing between both the countries. It was now essential to provide a direct flight to the industrial part of China facilitating the business community of both the countries. With September the month hosting the famous Canton trade fair our direct connection will prove to be a boon for the business travellers from India.

Also, for the Chinese tourists looking at India as leisure destination the time is just right because of the weather in India. Looking at the increasing willingness of both the countries to work together is a positive sign - the coming together of the two largest democracies that will open other avenues like education along with trade and tourism in the future. With both the governments wanting to increase air operations, our aim is to act as a bridge between the two countries.

How much market share are you hoping to capture?

As we will be serving an entirely different market Canton - Delhi which is primarily focused on business and trade, the audience will be very different from the usual. Being the first airline to provide a direct connection to southern China we aim at capturing a significant market share.

What benefits do you expect to reap?

With China Southern already having a strong presence in China, we will now be looking at strengthening our network in this region tapping the business traveller with direct connection and also opening doors for leisure tourism supported by our connections within China and the neighboring countries.