Singapore Airlines bullish on Indian market

NEW DELHI: Bullish on the Indian market, Singapore Airlines will implement its expansion plans in India despite record-high jet fuel prices forcing several carriers to suspend their operations.

Singapore Airlines General Manager in India C W Foo said India was one of the top five markets across the world for the carrier and it would not allow short term fluctuations to affect its long term strategies in India.

He said the airline, one of the world's biggest by market share, wants to further increase its operation as there were opportunities still to be tapped in the country.

"For India, our strategy is to increasing frequency of flights on various routes to offer good choice to passengers and a good spread," he said.

Foo said the carrier was looking at increasing its frequencies from Bangalore, New Delhi and Chennai as these routes have dense traffic.

The airline, known for its "Singapore Girl" flight attendants, will operate double dailies from New Delhi to Singapore, up from the current nine flights to 14 a week from September 1.

Asked how the airline was managing to carry out expansion plans at a time when high fuel prices have been wreaking havoc in the aviation industry, Foo said "India is very important for the carrier and we do not want short term fluctuations to affect its long term strategies in India".

"We believe in planning for the long term. Airline industry witnesses cycles. Currently it is undergoing a cycle where cost is a bit of an issue. But regardless of the current surge in aviation fuel, we think in the long term strategy, India is a market that can take the growth," Foo said.

Replying to a question on whether the airline has any plan to introduce the Airbus A-380, the largest airliner ever built, he said "we do not rule it out as potential for the airline industry in India was very encouraging."

"We do not have any plan to introduce it immediately. But after achieving the critical level of frequency spread, the next step would be to introduce a bigger aircraft. We want to do that," Foo said.

Singapore Airlines last year became the first carrier in the world to fly the superjumbo Airbus A-380. Last month it took delivery of its fifth A-380.

Asked about Jet and Kingfisher expanding international operation, he said "it is a good development for the industry as it would stimulate more Indians to travel.

He said the Indian aviation industry is moving in the right direction. "Government has opened greenfield airports in Bangalore and Hyderabad. Delhi and Mumbai are going through refurbishment. We are very encouraged by all these."

Foo said Singapore Airlines would like to have an open sky policy between the India and Singapore.

The Airlines, which started operations in India in 1970, currently operates 58 weekly flights to eight destinations in India, including Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata and Hyderabad.

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