Small Indian airlines make their mark on domestic market

Airline Industry Information, Oct 22, 2004

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2004 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

Small airlines in India have taken a foothold in the once state-controlled aviation market, with figures showing that carriers such as Air Sahara have recorded a significant increase in their share of the domestic market.

Dominant carriers Jet Airways and Indian Airlines both recorded a loss of market share during April-September 2004, with Jet Airways reporting a drop in its market share from 47.2% in 2003 to 43.4% in 2004. Indian Airlines' market share continues to fall and has now dropped to 39.7% from 46.9% in 2001.

Air Sahara and other small airlines including Air Deccan have now captured a market share of 18% according to government domestic air traffic figures. Air Sahara has seen its market share increase to 14.5% in April-September, with other small carriers claiming 3.2%, reports PTI.

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