Jet Airways and AirAsia Slash Fares

Tuesday, 4th February 2014 at 09:14am

Jet Airways' budget subsidiary Jet Konnect, and Air India became the latest carriers to join other airlines to offer low-fare promo in the hope of luring customers away from their competitors.

Most Indian carriers, including the state-owned flag carrier, are in a race to offer travelers the best value for their money as the peak travel season comes to an end.

Travelers will get the chance to purchase low-priced tickets during Jet Konnect's two-day sale extravaganza from today and tomorrow. Like most airlines' promo fares, Jet Konnect tickets sold during the 2-day promo shall be valid for travel up until April 15 this year.

Air India, meanwhile, recently launched a very limited 'SpringSale' promo which offers domestic fares with up to 50% discount. The promo tickets, which is up for grab until tomorrow, shall be valid for travel starting February 21 until April 15, 2014.

The low-cost carrier, SpiceJet, was also offering heavily-discounted fares at 50% off on base fares on selected flights if booked at least 30 days before the travel period. The promo runs until midnight.

IndiGo, the country's largest and only profitable local airline, on the other hand, offers tickets with discounts of up to 50% if booked in advance through its website.

Online bookings reportedly spiked up following the launch of the various ticket sale promos by Indian carriers.

The airlines are in a heated competition slashing their tickets to corner a substantial market share as the traditional off-peak season, usually starting March, is fast approaching.

AirAsia will certainly not want to be left behind.

As soon as it gets its license from the regulatory board, AirAsia promises to offer the best deal in the country in terms of air travel cost and service.

Its CEO, Tony Fernandes, has vowed to introduce in the country the lowest fare in the industry assuring Indian travelers to get the chance to travel at a very affordable price.

The airline CEO was in Davos, Switzerland recently to attend the annual meeting, World Economic Forum (WEF), a gathering of the world's VIPs in global business, politics, academe and social organizations.

The CEO was hopeful that its Indian subsidiary, AirAsia India, will be able to commence its maiden operations by March or April this year. It is still awaiting government approval for its application for a license to operate.

AirAsia India is the offshoot of the three-way partnership between Malaysia-based AirAsia Bhd. and India's largest conglomerate, Tata Group and Telstra Tradeplace.

Fernandes disclosed that the airline is now ready to launch its maiden service as soon as they get its license.

AirAsia has a combined network of 78 destinations across 19 countries in Asia.

By: Pete Lee.