UK-India air routes to be opened up
Indian and UK authorities have reportedly agreed an “open skies” policy that could see the number of flights between the two countries double by 2007.
The number of weekly services between the two countries are expected to rise from 40 to at least 84 in the next 18 months, with experts predicting that the move could mean cheaper fares and a bigger choice of carriers as private Indian airlines such as Jet Airways start offering fresh competition.
More than 50 of the 84 flights will be between Heathrow and Delhi or Mumbai – dependent on slot contraints at the London airport – with the remainder being between the UK and Bangalore and Chennai. A limited number may serve Amritsar, Hyderaband and Cochin.
Virgin Atlantic and bmi are predicted to be the biggest winners – British Airways is reported to make a surplus of £80 million a year on its flights to and from Delhi and Mumbai.
A BA spokesman is quoted as welcoming the announcement: “It’s good news for the aviation industry because it shows progress towards liberalisation is moving forward apace.”
Sir Richard Branson, chairman of Virgin, reportedly said: “As a result of these talks, passengers travelling between the UK and India will benefit from the increased competition, which will ultimately lead to better value for money and quality of service for passengers travelling on these routes.”
Bmi chief executive Nigel Turner said a priority would be to increase a planned four times a week Heathrow-Mumbai service to a daily frequency.
But he added: “It is a little disappointing that a full open skies agreement could not have been agreed upon.
“However, we should congratulate the two governments inmaking evolutionary rather than revolutionary steps steps towards full and free access to the UK-India market. It is an example we believe should be considered for other restricted markets such as the UK-US.”
The Guardian reports that British travellers account for 16% of all visitors to India, more than any other country.
Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad Ltd www.newsfromabroad.com
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