A lot rides on A380, save low fares

New Delhi: The Airbus 380 ~ a 300-million-dollar super jet ~ is turning to be the new face of the airliners worldwide, which they believe, would distinguish them from the budget airlines.
But even as the giant aircraft can carry more than 550 people at a time, one can’t expect fares to come down. And for Sydney to London and back, a deluxe seat will cost about 10 times as much as an economy fare. Singapore Airlines’ A380 jet made its first passenger flight from Singapore to Sydney last week.
India’s aviation sector too is struggling to acquire the A 380 Airbus to emerge as an airline giant. Airbus is in talks to sell A380 jets to state-run Air India. Civil Aviation ministry officials have predicted that superjumbos would play a key role in the expansion of the Indian aviation industry. So far, the European aircraft manufacturer has orders for five A380 jets from one Indian carrier, Kingfisher Airlines, and Boeing officials have expressed skepticism over the need for such big planes in the Indian market. According to Air India sources, it could buy 10 to 12 A380 aircraft. If Air India orders in the next few months, they could probably take delivery by 2011.
06/11/07 The Statesman

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Categories: Air India - International Nov 2007, Air india Budget Nov 2007, Air India Domestic Nov 2007, Air India Regional Nov 2007, NACIL Nov 2007