Mumbai: A poor sales network was one of the factors behind Air Asia's limited success to India but that is set to change now. Air Asia is expanding its distribution network increasing its offline travel trade partners. The company has already tied up with online portals including MakemyTrip.com and Yatra.com.
On Thursday Air Asia's chief executive officer Tony Fernandes said the airline will start operations in India from Chennai with 3-4 Airbus A320 planes by last quarter of 2013.
The airline will serve tier II-III cities and skip high cost airports like Mumbai. The airline had to withdraw flights from Mumbai and Delhi last year citing high aeronautical charges and poor loads especially on its Malaysia-India flights.
Currently Air Asia flies into six cities in India from Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur. Its distribution network is limited and sells tickets through its own website, select 20-25 travel agents across country and online portal Expedia with which it has a joint venture arrangement.
22/02/13 Aneesh Phadnis/Business Standard
