Airlines Deals

With its Rs 2,300-crore merger deal with Jet Airways running into rough weather, Air Sahara is planning to go ahead with its international plans on its own.
The carrier is exploring the possibility of starting international operations from September this year. The earlier plan was that the single entity formed after the merger would operate domestic as well as international flights

Air Sahara president Alok Sharma told FE, “We will be starting our international operations from September and we are looking at destinations like Thailand and China to start with.” The airline already operates flights to Colombo and Kathmandu. The carrier also has the permission to operate long-haul international flights.

Currently, Air-India is the only airline from India flying to China. Indian Airlines and Air-India cater to the Thailand route. Jet Airways also has plans to fly to Thailand.

After the fallout of the deal with Sahara, Jet has discontinued the Amritsar-London flight as it was using Air Sahara’s aircraft for the operation.

Down But Not Out
Existing routes
Colombo and Kathmandu
Status quo
A-I is the only airline from India flying to China
Fleet size
27 aircrafts, which includes 20 Boeing and 7 Bombardier Canadair regional jets
” We will start our international operations from September and are looking at destinations like Thailand & China ”
— Alok Sharma
President, Air Sahara

Sharma said that the airline’s revenues from international operations are quite healthy. “Initially, we are targeting a 15% revenue from international routes and we expect it to go up to 40% in the next five years,” said Sharma. The airline at present has a fleet of 27 aircrafts, which includes 20 Boeing and 7 Bombardier Canadair regional jets.

The company is also evaluating the option of opting for Airbus 330/340 and Boeing 777 aircraft. The airline has not taken a decision on the type of aircraft, which will be deployed for international operations.