Deccan to upgrade fleet, improve efficiency

New Delhi: The infusion of much-needed funds by the recent acquisition of a 26% stake by Kingfisher seems to have put Air Deccan on the right flight path. Weeks after beginning to give seat numbers in some stations on a trial basis, the LCC is now trying to resolve its biggest problems — ontime performance and cancellations.
The airline has begun by returning two old ATRs. In a phased manner, it is now going to replace the old 48-seater ATR 42-320 with the new gen 72-seater ATR 72-500 fleet.
Air Deccan has a fleet of 43 aircraft comprising of 20 brand new Airbus and 12 brand new ATR 72 aircraft.
While new aircraft helped achieve cost optimisation and on time efficiency, it was being increasingly observed that the older ATRs (42-500 and 42-320) are plagued with incessant technical snags and maintenance issues, admitted an official. These factors were mainly responsible for the delays, cancellations, poor operational efficiency and angry travellers.
It says in the past few months its ontime performance has been improving.
04/08/07 Saurabh Sinha/Times of India

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Categories: Air Deccan Aug 2007