United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Indian airlines continue extraordinary growth
According to a Reuters report, Airbus has concluded an agreement with state-run Indian Airlines for the purchase of 43 Airbus aircraft.
The deal, estimated at USD$2.5 billion, had already been approved by the Indian cabinet, but was finalized as French President Jacques Chirac visits India, Asia’s third-largest economy, in a bid to boost trade ties.
The purchase of the 43 aircraft will help Indian Airlines replace its ageing fleet at a time when the civil aviation sector is booming thanks to falling ticket prices, the arrival of discount airlines and rising disposable incomes.
Over the past few years, Indian Airlines has lost market share to nimble private players such as Jet Airways which has a relatively modern fleet and better standards of service.
Indian Airlines plans to buy 19 A319s, four A320s and 20 A321s as a part of a five-year fleet renewal program.
“We will deliver the first aircraft in October or November, and then one aircraft per month,” Kiran Rao, president of Airbus’ Indian operations, told reporters.
Meanwhile, another new player in the Indian skies, Kingfisher Airlines on Sunday signed a deal with France-based planemaker ATR to buy 15 of their 72-500 planes, in a deal worth USD$270 million.
Officials from the two companies signed the deal in the presence of French President Jacques Chirac, who is on a visit to India.
Kingfisher Airlines is the brainchild of drinks tycoon Vijay Mallya, whose UB Group makes Kingfisher beer, India’s top-selling brand, and a host of lifestyle goods.
Kingfisher Airlines, a recently launched low-cost carrier, had placed an order for 20 ATR planes in November.
The 15 ATRs for which the order was sealed on Sunday are to be delivered between March 2006 and August 2008.
Kingfisher Airlines took an option to buy 20 more aircraft.
Graham Muldoon
Tony from Gatto’s Pizza on Columbus’s Unique Pizza Trail
Sophia Hyder Hock on Global Social Inclusion in Tourism
Sustainable Tourism: Don Welsh on Community Values and Global Collaboration
Jane Cunningham: Enhancing European Engagement in Tourism
Kristin Dunne: Navigating Destination Strategy
Revolutionizing Mobile Connectivity: Boris Bijlstra on HUBBY eSIM
Capturing Glasgow’s Vibrancy: An Interview with Susan Deighan, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life
Lebua Hotel & Resorts: Rajan Khurana on Hospitality and Bangkok’s Charms
Sustainable Tourism and Growth: Insights from Chiravadee Khunsub from Tourism Authority of Thailand
Revolutionizing Travel: SmartSIM USA’s Dale Takio Unveils the Power of E Sims
TravelMole Interview with Hishan Singhawansa, Deputy CEO of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Sri Lanka
Unveiling the Essence of Magari Tours: A Dive into Authentic Italian Experiences
EU airports bring back 100ml liquid rule
British Airways passengers endure 11-hour 'flight to nowhere'
CLIA: Anti-cruise demos could cause itinerary changes in Europe
Co-pilot faints, easyJet flight issues ‘red alert’
Gatwick braces for strike