Private carriers log on to social networking sites

Mumbai: India’s private airlines are increasingly turning to social networking websites such as Facebook, Twitter and Orkut to inform passengers, particularly frequent flyers, about promotions and new offers, besides receiving feedback. But experts say their following on these websites is way too low and they lag behind international carriers in using the media imaginatively.
Social networking websites allow users to build global communities of people with whom they share interests or activities.
Jet Airways (India) Ltd, the country’s largest airline by passengers, says it has 5,000 Facebook and 1,300 Twitter fans. The airline set up a separate social media division to manage its presence on these platforms. Other airlines, too, have dedicated employees to monitor social media interactions. The airline is encouraging passengers to share their views as part of what it calls the first phase of its social media expansion strategy. Most followers are frequent fliers.
The country’s second largest carrier Kingfisher Airlines Ltd boasts 2,167 followers on Twitter, who are promised regular updates and new offers.
India second largest low-cost carrier SpiceJet Ltd claims more than 1,000 fans across all social networking platforms.
The carrier is also present on YouTube and Flickr, which allow the sharing of audio-visual content.
Chennai-based Paramount Airways Ltd uses Twitter and Facebook to inform passengers about new promotions and schemes under Paramount Royale, its frequent flyer programme.
19/03/10 PR Sanjai/Live Mint

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Categories: Indian Aviation- In General Mar 2010, New Mar 2010