With demand for international air traffic soaring, airlines are venturing further into global arena, launching new flights and expanding frequencies. Jet Airways will commence its Mumbai-Johannesburg daily direct flights on April 14. Last two years' economic slowdown had put brakes on Jet's international expansion, with some of its flights incurring losses. Johannesburg will be the African beachhead for India's largest airline, which flies to 42 destinations in India and 22 across the world.
Rival Kingfisher Airlines, which recently launched its daily Delhi-London direct flights, plans to add seven international routes soon. Low-fare carrier SpiceJet, which completes five years of operation next month, is also looking at launching short-haul international flights. Indian regulations require that all domestic airlines complete five years of domestic operations before launching international flights.
According to the International Air Transport Association, international passenger demand in January 2010 was up 6.4% compared to the previous year. With passenger capacity up by 1.2%, the load factor has reached 75.9%, up from the 72.2% recorded for January 2009. IATA represents some 230 airlines comprising 93% of the scheduled international air traffic.
Saroj Datta, executive director, Jet Airways said: "There is buoyancy in air travel and we are hopeful of doing well on the sector." International operations fetch over 50% of Jet's revenues. The company had reported a net profit of Rs 106 crore on revenues of Rs 2,886 crore for the December quarter of the previous fiscal.
Analysts feel that the industry is doing very well. In the first quarter of 2010, there has been a surge of 30% in domestic air traffic and nearly 20% internationally. International carriers flying to India are also cashing in on the upsurge, expanding frequencies and adding destinations. Some carriers have announced promotional offers for corporate travelers from India. Etihad Airways has an exclusive offer of a two-night complimentary stay at one of Dubai's finest hotels, Jumeirah Emirates Towers, for passengers travelling on Diamond First and Pearl Business Class from India to any Etihad destination via Abu Dhabi. Also included in the special promotion is a free limousine transfer to and from Dubai. Etihad currently offers services to seven destinations in India.
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