Air India to take on Gulf Air Traveller

[rsoman]

Dont know where to put this in as still not clear to me where "INDIA" belongs- Middle East or Far East as far PPRUNE is concerned.

Anyway coming to the topic, Air India has announced plans to start single class high density operations (likely A310s) on the routes between middle east (except Saudi Arabia) and to start with the three Kerala cities in south India Trivandrum, Cochin and Calicut. A dormant subisidary of Air India, "Ar India charters" is apparetnly being reactivated for the purpose and cabin crew are being taken on contract purpose and to be inititally based in Cochin. (advertisement for the same already in the air india wevsite). No plans as yet as per media reports to hire pilots also separately, but with Air Indias piolt Guild havibg landed themselves in their current mess, may not be even surprised if the same is done as well.

Anyways looks like competition for the new "Gulf Air Traveller" since Air India is apparently looking at playing the same game (alteast as far the Indian market is concerned).

Cheers

[boiler]

There was an article saying that GF Traveller is achieving an 85% seat factor. If that is the case, then this means there is a lot of spill going on and more people wanting to travel this way.

[A300Man]

There will be a flurry of Low Cost operators in the middle east soon. The latest will be an A320 operator out of Sharjah. Commencing October 2003.

[ironbutt57]

Bear in mind Gulf Traveller is NOT a low cost carrier, it is all economy seating...that is VERY different from a low cost, no frills carrier...a true low cost carrier to the sub-continent and asia, could save loads of money for employers of expat workers...let the games begin...:} :}

[rsoman]

Interesting point about low cost. I think there is a big scope for a low cost operation as ironbutt said. Sector lengths are on average 4 hours and as already mentioned with most passengers travelling on an employers ticket, seat pitch or beer is not going to make any difference in filling the seats up.I have a feeling Air India is targeting the low cost model. Salary offered as per the ad in the website for cabin crew is peanuts (Rs6500 - less than 100£ a month plus Rs 100 per hour (approx 1.5£ per hour) flying allowance.Fixed term contract of 3 years and charcterstic of Air India, community reservation as well!

Cheers