The Hindu Business Line : `Virgin airline committed to India'

DESPITE being constrained by the limited number of flights that Virgin Atlantic Airways (VAA) can operate on the London-Delhi-London sector, the British airline sees huge potential in the Indian market.

"India is a source of great excitement as well as frustration for the airline. We are excited by the huge potential that we see in the Indian market but are frustrated as we are constrained by the number of flights which we can operate," the airline's Chief Operating Officer, Mr Lyell Strambi, said.

However, he was quick to add that despite the drawbacks, VAA takes a long-term view of the Indian market and is committed to it.

To show commitment to the market, airline officials said that they had recently recruited more cabin crew to serve on the flights and plan to firm up plans for both above and below the line advertising soon.

Besides, the airline has also changed its distribution network in India, which has helped it achieve greater penetration in the market place, Mr Strambi said.

VAA is allowed to operate two weekly flights on the London-Delhi-London sector on a code-share basis with Air India.

Late last year, the airline threatened to withdraw from the Indian market after its attempts to get more flights on the London-India sector were unsuccessful.

However, it later withdrew its termination notice.

VAA was recently allowed to operate a third weekly flight till the end of this month as part of the open sky policy being followed by the Government.

Speaking on the purpose of his visit, Mr Strambi said that it was to understand the Indian market better and meet with industry.

"The purpose was not to have formal talks even though we have met with many people," he added.

Speaking at the press conference, the airlines', General Manager, India, Mr Andrew Fyfe, said that the airline had been registering very heavy passenger loads in the past few months.

"In January, the load factor was 83 per cent. In February, the airline registered a load factor of 96 per cent on the London-Delhi sector and 75 per cent on the Delhi-London sector."

He added: "The advance bookings from now till the end of March are also encouraging at 68 per cent on the London-Delhi sector and 91 per cent on the Delhi-London sector."

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication

Stories in this Section
`Virgin airline committed to India'

Change in flight timings sought

Kolkata Dock Labour Board seeks Central aid to fund VRS

Navy seeks Gulf sailing plans of shipping cos

AP: Highway patrol system on cards