Mumbai-based low cost carrier GoAir is betting on a large fleet size to propel growth, according to the airline's new Chief Executive Officer, Mr Giorgio De Roni.
The airline's market share is one of the smallest at 6.4 per cent and much lower than the likes of IndiGo and SpiceJet. However, Mr De Roni believes that the acquisition of new aircraft will put GoAir in a position to challenge the top players.
“In the next 24 months, GoAir will double its fleet to be able to satisfy the market and currently we are analysing many opportunities to sustain our profitable growth. Furthermore, the phase-in of additional new aircraft will contribute to keep our fleet the youngest within India with an average age of less than two years,” said Mr De Roni.
The low-cost carrier had recently placed an order for 72 Airbus A320neo aircraft for $6.6 billion and the first A320neo is expected to start flying from December 2016.
After a slow start, the six-year old airline has been doing well since 2009. In 2010-11, the airline flew 3.3 million passengers and expects a 20 per cent increase this year. It has been clocking seat factors of around 80 per cent consistently.
To continue the growth momentum, Mr De Roni said that the airline will stick to the formula of the last two years.
“We will concentrate our efforts on on-time performance, offering competitive fares and an overall pleasant experience on ground and on board. Therefore, we might not need additional revenue flows, although we will continue to monitor market evolution and competitors' behaviour,” he said.
The airline is also bullish about the Indian aviation market.
Mr De Roni said that he expects the airline industry to keep growing in the coming years with people using air travel, for business and leisure, getting larger.