Carriers to soar into global skies

Private carriers Air Sahara and Jet Airways are all set to operate their maiden flights into foreign skies with daily operations between Che...

int(3)

Private carriers Air Sahara and Jet Airways are all set to operate their maiden flights into foreign skies with daily operations between Chennai and Colombo from next week.

Following the Government clearance to operate on this route, the two airlines have finalised their plans and are now set to start operations. Air Sahara today announced that its inaugural flight will be on March 22 while Jet Airways is likely to take off the next day.

According to Air Sahara CEO Uttam K. Bose, the airline will operate seven flights in a week between Chennai and Colombo to begin with, though they have been permitted to operate 21 flights. ‘‘We, however, plan to launch flights on the Mumbai-Colombo sector and would also connect the Buddhist circuit with Colombo.’’

Story continues below this ad

Praising the Government’s decision, Bose pointed out that the understanding with Sri Lanka provides sixth freedom rights giving more flexibility to the operators. ‘‘Given our wide domestic network, we hope to take advantage of the passengers headed for India from Colombo.’’

He indicated that the airline is likely to enter into alliances with two international carriers, one which brings in passengers from South East Asia and the other from the West.

‘‘If we work out such an arrangement, then we can sell tickets for onward travel from Colombo while our alliance partner can do the same for tourists travelling to India. But our negotiations are yet to be given a final shape.’’

This apart, the airline also plans to purchase five more aircraft by the end of this year increasing its fleet to 24. ‘‘While we are looking at 90-seaters and 150 seaters, we also have plans to get wide-bodied aircraft. Obviously, we are planning with the hope that the Government will soon open up the entire international sector to private carriers.’’