Low-cost biz class fails to worry competition

New Delhi: Full-service carriers remain unfazed by the introduction of the business class segment by budget airlines.
Jet Konnect and GoAir’s launch of a business class segment, a first by low-cost airline carriers (LCCs), has failed to create much concern among full-service carriers (FSCs).
“The Jet Konnect flights with business class arrangement are connecting smaller cities and do not clash with our full-service Jet Airways flights. Also, on the prime sector, timings are different, hence, not impacting our business,” said a Jet Airways executive who did not want to be identified.
“Any business class flier in our airline will not be attracted to the LCC business class. Our business class occupancy will continue to remain the same,” said a Kingfisher Airlines spokesperson.
Jet Konnect, a Jet Airways brand, recently introduced a business class accommodation called Konnect Select in all of their 17 operational aircraft. The fares of these are 35 per cent cheaper than the business class in FSCs.
GoAir also launched ‘Go Business’ in all their aircraft. At just Rs 1,000 more than the low-cost GoAir fares, the airline provides priority check–in, complimentary food and no re-booking and penalty charges.
03/05/10 Mihir Mishra/Business Standard

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Categories: Indian Aviation- In General May 2010, Low Cost General May 2010