Tag Archives: Potential

Intense Competition Predicted Between Air India & IndiGo in 2024: CAPA India

In the realm of Indian aviation for the year 2024, a high-stakes competition is anticipated between two major players, Air India and IndiGo, as outlined in a comprehensive report by aviation consultancy firm CAPA India. The report suggests that the rivalry is expected to be particularly intense, covering various aspects such as routes, regions, and products, marking a level of competition not previously witnessed in the Indian aviation sector.

CAPA India’s analysis extends beyond the established players, acknowledging the potential impact of the expansion of Akasa Air and the resurgence of SpiceJet on the competitive landscape within the domestic market. The expected entry of Akasa Air and the potential revival of SpiceJet are poised to introduce new dynamics and challenges to the existing aviation scenario.

IndiGo, a key player in the Indian domestic market, is set to make a strategic move by introducing a business class in 2024, a development that CAPA identifies as a significant milestone. This move is seen as part of IndiGo’s efforts to maintain its stronghold in the domestic market amid capacity challenges.

Air India, on the other hand, is committed to taking measures to achieve market leadership in the long and ultra-long haul segment. CAPA reveals that the airline plans to unveil an enhanced premium product in the upcoming year, outlining its strategy to cater to evolving consumer demands.

The report also sheds light on IndiGo’s focus on international expansion and speculates on the potential impact of a widebody aircraft order. If such an order materializes, it could influence the strategies of other players in the market, including Air India Express.

In the midst of these developments, CAPA India suggests that SpiceJet, with new funding, could undergo a revival, emerging as an aggressive player seeking to compensate for years of lost growth. However, the report notes that SpiceJet may need more funding than it currently possesses to fully realise its potential.

In a strategic move, CAPA India speculates that SpiceJet could be a strong contender for the acquisition of Go First, provided it secures the necessary funding. This move, if successful, could grant SpiceJet access to a substantial fleet of aircraft and an order book for additional planes.

In summary, the Indian aviation sector in 2024 is poised for significant developments, with intense competition expected between Air India and IndiGo, the entry of new players like Akasa Air, and the potential revival of SpiceJet. These factors, coupled with strategic moves and potential acquisitions, set the stage for a dynamic and evolving landscape in the Indian aviation industry.

Kerala aims to unlock its beach tourism potential fully

Kerala aims to harness its 580-kilometer coastline, adorned with exquisite seaside retreats such as Asia’s longest drive-in beach in Muzhappilangad, to boost tourism. According to Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas, there’s untapped potential in beach tourism that the state must explore. The government plans to connect various tourist spots along the extensive coastline spanning nine out of its 14 districts.

During the inauguration of the district’s inaugural floating bridge at Papanasam Beach, the seventh in the state, the minister emphasized how these additions will enhance tourists attractions of these coastal districts for tourists.

“There is a huge potential for beach tourism in Kerala, and it will be utilised effectively,” he said. “Kerala’s coastline is ideal for water sports. But there are a few projects now. If effectively utilised, it will immensely contribute to the state’s revenues.”

He said many investors had come forward at the first Tourism Investors’ Meet held in the state capital last month, expressing their interest in investing in beach tourism.

Including these proposals, the minister said, the government intends to implement more beach tourism projects in public-private partnerships. A master plan has been formulated to comprehensively develop Varkala as a major entertainment and pilgrimage centre in the state to be implemented in 2024.

“New projects like the floating bridge in Varkala, which currently has many water sports activities, will attract more tourists here,” Riyas said. The floating bridge has been set up by the department of Tourism in association with the District Tourism Promotion Council, Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society and the Municipality of Varkala.

The bridge has a 100-meter length and a three-meter width with pillars on both sides. At the bridge’s end is a platform of 11 meters long and seven meters wide, enabling visitors to enjoy the scenery far off the sea.

Constructed with 1,400 high-density floating polyethylene blocks, the bridge, held by 700 kg anchors, is equipped with all protective measures, including safety boats, life jackets and lifeguards. Around 100 visitors can enter the floating bridge at a time and move along the sea’s waves. The entry will be from 11 am to 5 pm. (Source: The Hindu)

LATAM Airlines records more business from India post-Covid

InterGlobe Air Transport, GSA for the LATAM Airlines Group in India organised a workshop for the travel trade in Mumbai.

Speaking to TravelBiz Monitor on the sidelines of the event, Eduardo Patta, Sales Manager, Asia, LATAM Airlines Group, said that the purpose of the event is to showcase our product, route network and connectivity from India to South America. “We don’t fly directly to India. We use our interline partners for our passengers to reach our gateways from Europe and the USA. One can reach the LATAM network and fly to all the countries and destinations that we connect in Latin America,” said Patta.

Talking about India, he said that the market is growing. “Currently, we sell more inventories in this market when compared with that of the pre-Covid period. However, there are increased possibilities. We truly believe in the potential of India, and the market offers an ocean of opportunities,” he pointed out.

When asked what makes him think India as a potential market? Patta replied, “India’s economy is growing, and the local carriers have placed orders for aircraft which are significantly high. The Indian travellers now not just want to travel in one country rather they want to see an entire region. So, we feel the market will grow more and more in the days to come.”

The airline deploys its Boeing 777-300 and 787 Dreamliners for long-haul flights. “The configuration our aircraft offer is a combination of Economy and Premium Business Class with first few rows of Economy being LATAM+ seats with more leg room. For domestic and regional flights, we offer Premium Economy and Economy classes,” said Patta.