Air India plans to redefine biz class on India-US sector

New Delhi: Air India plans to give foreign carriers a run for their money on the India-US sector, especially in the business class segment.
Besides launching the first non-stop service on New Delhi-New York sector, the airline is also offering a competitive fare (inclusive of taxes) of Rs 1.57 lakh (business class) and Rs 44, 967 (economy class).
Air India’s business class fare on this sector is cheaper than the ones offered by Continental Airlines, American Airlines and Delta.
Explaining the airline’s strategy on the route, Air India director (co-ordination) Jitender Bhargava said, “We have not replaced capacity on the India-US sector, rather we have added capacity to gain market share. On New Delhi-New York non-stop service, we have offered an introductory fare which will be reviewed later. Even if we revise our fares, keeping market conditions in mind, we will remain competitive yet premium.”
Of late, long-haul non-stop flights on the India-US sector have gained momentum as business executives travelling on the route don’t mind paying a little extra to save a few hours. After Mumbai and Delhi, Air India is planning to launch non-stop flights on the Bangalore-San Francisco route.
As compared to 35 services per week offered by the American carriers, Air India and Jet Airways operate 45 services per week on the India-US sector.
08/02/08 Vishakha Talreja & Nirbhay Kumar/Economic Times

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Categories: Air India - International Feb 2008, Foreign Feb 2008, NACIL Feb 2008