AirAsia India Launches Bangalore-Chandigarh Service

Tuesday, 26th August 2014 at 15:51pm

AirAsia India is fast expanding its route network barely three months after it launched its inaugural operations on June 12, 2014, with the launch of Bangalore-Chandigarh service last September 5.

To give the customers a chance to enjoy its lowest fares in the market to most destinations, the airline is offering a base price of Rs.1,900, 30% cheaper than its rivals.

Chandigarh is the first destination of the airline to the northern regions of the country. It is aiming Chandigarh as its future hub for its northern operations, making it the gateway for most of all hill stations. According to the airline's CEO, Mittu Chandilya, the northern region is an untapped travel market and they want to be the first to serve this market.

The low-cost carrier is initially offering a one-way all-inclusive fare of Rs.1,900 for the said route.

The fare may go up after the promo period depending on the market demand. The airline assured, however, that it will always offer their customers the lowest tickets available and will frequently be holding a fare promo from time to time. The airline executive further reminded travelers that 'the earlier you book, the cheaper tickets you get'.

During the regular days, average fare hovers around Rs.3,000 for certain routes. The highest possible ticket price for a one-way route is Rs.6,500. He said that corporate rates may go as high as Rs.8,500 for the Bangalore-Chandigarh route.

AirAsia India is using a fleet of two A320 jetliners for all the routes it currently operates. The plane can accommodate as much as 180 passengers. Before the end of this year, the carrier will take delivery of 6 more aircraft and another 10 to 12 planes by 2015.

Mr. Chandilya is expecting an average of 75% load factor per flight of the planned Bangalore-Chandigarh route.

The once-daily service will leave Bangalore at 1:30pm and on its return leg, it will depart Chandigarh at 4pm.

Along with Chandigarh, the airline is also scheduled to launch a direct service to Jaipur out of Bangalore, also on the same day.

The airline currently operates direct flights from Bangalore to three domestic destinations, namely Chennai, Goa, and Kochi.

By: Pete Lee.