Dubai: Air India Express is introducing daily flights to Mumbai and New Delhi next month, even as the Indian budget airline flies out of the red for the first time in its history.
Announcing the grand launch in Dubai this week, airline CEO K. Shyamsundar said the daily flights from Mumbai to Dubai and Sharjah will start on April 7 and 8, while the daily flights from Delhi to Dubai and Abu Dhabi will commence on May 15 and 16. Another daily flight from Kozhikode to Dubai will be launched on June 1 (see box).
Introductory fares begin from Dh299.
Dozen destinations
Shyamsundar said Air India Express is the only airline to fly to the UAE non-stop from 12 Indian cities.
The just-announced routes are part of a planned expansion for the summer of 2016 and are in addition to a new flight to Kozhikode from Ras Al Khaimah and Al Ain launched on March 28.
Shyamsundar said: “The expansion has added 39 frequencies per week to Air India Express’ existing 107 flights – which is an average of 21 frequencies per day.”
After years of operating at a loss, the airline is set to make a net profit of Rs2.5 billion this year, said the CEO, adding it is the result of “improved efficiencies”.
“The focus of Air India Express has been to groom efficiency and achieve on-time performance and close to 100 per cent schedule integrity. Our flights in the Gulf sector enjoy an occupancy of 85 per cent , which is an exceedingly good load factor.”
He said the airline, which carries over 28 million passengers a year, has launched several initiatives to improve customer satisfaction, including increased free baggage allowance (30kg) for passengers traveling to India; online facility providing visas to the UAE; and refurbished cushions for seats in all aircraft.
Currently, the visa facility is used by around 100 of the 8,500 passengers who fly to the UAE every day. The online application form is available on Air India Express’ website.
Shyamsundar said the airline is planning several improvements in its offerings. “We will soon give passengers the option to buy special meals of their choice, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian, online. We are also looking at a wi-fi facility for inflight entertainment on our leased aircraft,” he said.
New flight schedule
From April 7 & 8
Flight 248/IX from Dubai to Mumbai: 17.10 hours (daily)
Flight 252/IX from Sharjah to Mumbai: 2.55 hours (daily)
From May 15 & 16
Flight 142/IX from Dubai to New Delhi: 11.20 hours (daily)
Flight 116?IX from Abu Dhabi to New Delhi: 00.15 hours (daily)
