Date:31/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/31/stories/2008123160751100.htm

National

Air India slashes fares on domestic sectors

Sujay Mehdudia

NEW DELHI: Bringing cheer to air passengers on the New Year eve, Air India on Tuesday slashed its basic fares in the domestic sectors, ranging from 35-82 per cent. The cut comes into effect from Tuesday, according to an official statement here.

Earlier, the national carrier announced it would be reducing fares from January 15 onwards in view of a substantial reduction in the price of aviation turbine fuel. The maximum reduction was 82 per cent on the Chennai-Bangalore route, while on the Mumbai-Kolkata route, the cut will be 35 per cent. The basic fare for travel between Mumbai and Delhi now stood reduced by 49 per cent, the company said. On average, the fare reduction comes to around 52 per cent.

The fare cut came a day after Air India’s competitor Jet Airways reduced its basic fares by up to 40 per cent. Kingfisher Airlines, had also announced that it would cut fares from January 1 without specifying the quantum of cut.

Low-cost carrier JetLite Airways, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Jet Airways, also announced that it was slashing fares on all sectors by up to 40 per cent with immediate effect.

A JetLite statement said the Mumbai-Delhi economy class basic fare would now be available for Rs. 750, while the Mumbai-Chennai basic fare would be Rs. 595 and the Delhi-Hyderabad Rs. 999. Taxes and surcharge are applicable on these fares as usual.

Low-cost airline SpiceJet announced fares starting from Rs. 99. The scheme is applicable for tickets booked at least 21 days prior to the date of travel and is valid till June 30, 2009. “At SpiceJet, we remain committed to stimulating the market by making flying more affordable,” SpiceJet CEO Sanjay Aggarwal said.