Jet to launch non-stop flight to the US
Smita Aggarwal Tags : Jet Airways, non stop flight new york, US non stop flight, Air India, connection New York, New Jersey via Brussels Posted: Fri Apr 08 2011, 02:07 hrs New Delhi:
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The country’s largest airliner by market share, Jet Airways, may launch a non-stop flight to the US, said top company sources. At present, it provides a single daily connection to New York and New Jersey via Brussels — its hub in Europe.
“The company has been exploring this option and is also in talks with US domestic airline Delta to provide connections within that country,” said a company executive and added that the proposal is on the drawing board. The New-Delhi-New York flight may be launched by 2011-end or 2012.
Jet Airways has a code share agreement with American Airlines which operates a non-stop daily flight Chicago-New Delhi. Last year, it entered into a code share agreement with United Airline that operates flights between London and Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Washington.
However, the airline is likely to receive a stiff competition from Air India, which operates non-stop daily to New York and Chicago. Even though these are prestigious routes, Air India makes losses to the tune of Rs 750 crore per annum.
“No carrier flying non-stop to the US has been able to break even on that route. The market is dominated by US carriers,” said a senior civil aviation ministry officer.
An aviation expert said that its the right time to start flying on these routes as air traffic has shown a robust growth and passenger preferences have veered towards fast and efficient travel.
“Five years ago, operating long-haul flights was a challenge as there were issues related to aircraft’s fuel efficiency, safety and fatigue. However, these flights can be profitable provided right pair cities are chosen in line with anticipated volumes and correct fleet combination,” said Ernst and Young (partner) Kapil Arora.
On the international sector, its daily service to Milan, Italy has received a good response, said a company executive. “Milan is doing well. Flights to Milan are carrying a load factor of around 70-80 per cent. But, the response on the return leg is not up to the mark,” said the executive.
