Mumbai: Competition in the skies is hotting up. Following SpiceJet's three-day mega sale it is the turn of Air India to drop fares. The national carrier has slashed fares on several domestic routes to push up loads and compete against low cost airlines.
January-March is considered an off season for travel and last year during this period Air India's passenger loads ranged from 63-65%. This was much lower than SpiceJet and IndiGo which had loads of 75% and 80% during those months. Overall too Air India's passenger load for last year was lower than these airlines.
Air India has introduced apex fares which can be purchased 7-30 days before the date of travel and are priced upto Rs 200 less than its -prevailing lowest fares. "The fares have been dropped to compete against low cost airlines and is available on certain flights which have poor demand," an Air India source said. The source added that the discount fares are not available on certain sectors like Delhi-Kolkata, Mumbai-Goa, Mumbai-Ahmedabad amongst others. The discount fares are available for sale till April end.
22/01/13 Business Standard
