Air India strengthens Australia presence
Air India has confirmed it will do “all that it takes” to get the Australian trade on board as the carrier signalled its intention to further expand its Australian operations after its 16 year absence.
The airline's first Boeing 787 service will depart Delhi on August 29, touching down at Melbourne Airport on August 30. It will operate three weekly Delhi-Melbourne-Sydney-Delhi flights and four operating to Sydney then onto Melbourne and back to Delhi.
The coming weeks will see the announcement of an Australian general sales agent and the launch of a dedicated Australian website as it ramps up its presence in the local market, with a "major" campaign to coincide with the start of services.
However, general manager Australia, Ravi Bodade, is already convinced of the route’s success.
“There has been a lot of enthusiasm in the local market,” he told Travel Today.
By clinching the Australian debut of Boeing's Dreamliner aircraft, the airline has generated considerable buzz which builds on “huge pent up demand” for the direct services.
In addition, competitive introductory economy return fares to 11 points in India have also stimulated interest, he revealed.
Bodade forecast load factors of 90% on the new service from October and was confident services to both Sydney and Melbourne will be expanded down the line.
“Now there is one flight covering both on a daily basis,” he said. “But going forward we would be looking at expanding capacity in Australia to offer separate daily services to both cities.”
However, he stressed it is “early days” and said it would take four months of operation to really gauge the service’s success.
Meanwhile, the visiting friends and relatives (VFR) market is expected to account for 60% of business on the route, with the remainder to be made up of a mix of leisure and corporate.
“We offer good connectivity to Europe over Delhi and that’s also a focus for us.”
While Qantas has coined the term the “Kangaroo Route”, and China Southern establishing the “Canton Route”, Bodade suggested that Air India could lay claim to the “Taj Route”, with side trips to visit the iconic Taj Mahal for those connecting through Delhi to become part of the airline’s offering.
Despite existing advantages, the support of the trade will be critical to ensure the carrier's local expansion, with Air India planning a number of engagement strategies.
“We are lining up famil tours to take place very soon,” Bodade said. “We will run incentive fares and have our first roadshow planned in the first week of September jointly with India Tourism. We’ll do all that it takes.”
Meanwhile, he confirmed that talks are underway regarding a potential codeshare but he stressed “it may take a while”.
In the meantime, the airline has already established interline relationships with Qantas and Air New Zealand providing connectivity from a range of ports in the region.
But, while Bodade is enthusiastic about the prospects from the Australian market, he highlighted the challenges as the “very, very high” costs of operating here.
The airline’s newcomer status means it cannot resort to hiking fares, but some increases may be a necessity down the line.
“At the same time, we want to be competitive in the market, so we will ensure we are better priced than our competitors,” he said.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
air india airlines india ravi bodade tourismLatest News
Travel Weekly announces a new team to helm Australia’s No.1 travel trade title
Some shameless self-promotion from us, but we thought you needed to know who's bringing you the news.
IHG reveals plans for Brisbane’s first Kimpton in 2028
Just another reason to book that trip to Brisvegas. But don't jump the gun, it's not open until 2028.
Cruiseabout’s first store in five years opens in Perth
Perth gets a break from being behind the rest of the country with the addition of the first Cruiseabout store.
ATAS complaints process acknowledges non-economic loss
A High Court case win over 'disappointment and distress' on a cruise gone wrong prompts ATIA complaints change.
Cunard previews new Queen Anne
Yep, this one does exactly what it says on the tin.
Bunnik Tours unveils latest expansion to Iceland
Just as the Icelandic vikings did many years ago, Bunnik is expanding into new territories.
Australia’s first glamping retreat turns 25
25th anniversary gifts usually come in silver. Ours comes in the way of a news story.
Embrace the journey: Traversing the world with the Shokz OpenRun
If you’ve been on the wrong side of a final call in the airport, or missed the stop on rail journey, it might be time to invest in a pair of Shokz OpenRun headphones. Originally marketed as headphones for fitness fanatics, runners or cyclists with a keen to steer clear of a prang with a car, […]
Tourism Western Australia MD Carolyn Turnbull departs
Turnbull hints her new role will see her staying in the tourism and hospitality industry and who can blame her?
DriveAway launches Brit-Euro Blitz campaign
If agents can put the foot down quick enough and get involved, there are some great prizes to be won.
Fly and Stay Free with the Great Southern
Unlike those dodgy scam phone calls you're getting more and more of, there's no strings attached to this deal.
Sober travel and TikTok guide Australian Gen Z trips
Can you call it a sober holiday if you enjoy a few glasses of red on the flight? We think yes.
Travel DAZE Exec Agenda REVEALED: top execs to speak on airline competition
As the industry reels from Bonza's implosion, it is more important than ever to ask the big questions.
TTC: Deals are driving up demand for September trips
The latest market research from TTC Tour Brands shows interest in international leisure travel remains high for 2024, with 77 per cent of Australians over 18 still planning trips this year. Notably, 28 per cent of those travellers are eyeing September for their journeys. Europe continues to be the most popular destination, with 68 per […]
Skroo says Rex will need deep pockets to fill lost Bonza slots
The door is open for Rex, and anyone else who wants to launch a regional Aussie airline...
Sno’n’Ski Holidays unveils 2025 mega famil to Colorado!
Let the games begin - this is certainly not a famil that you will want to miss!
Walk Japan launches Kyoto: Mountains to the sea walking tour
There are two types of people, one who enjoys walking on holiday and another who enjoys sipping Mojitos by the pool.
Which destination had a 48% boost in bookings following 10 MILLION TikTok views?
Here's a clue: it's not Malabar Beach.
Asher Telford appointed General Manager of SeaLink Whitsundays
Telford has plenty of reasons to smile after SeaLink doubles down and makes him GM after buying his tourism operation.
Qantas ‘working urgently’ to fix app data leak
Qantas is looking into customer reports that passengers have this morning been able to access other passengers’ personal information on the airlines app. X user Lachlan posted that he was able log into different accounts every time he opened the app. My @Qantas app logs me in to a different person each time I open […]
Hilton Expands Presence in North Queensland with the signing of Hilton Garden Inn Townsville
Heading to a North Queensland Cowboys clash? Hilton Garden Inn Townsville is set to open, but not until 2026.
Rail Europe ANZ: making dream journeys come true
Rail Europe's running a lottery! You're not going to win millions, but you might just snag a free holiday.
Bonza’s future on knife edge
It would seem a long road back from here, perhaps a knife's edge is too much credit.
Revamped Wailoaloa Beach hotel opens as Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa
Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa is open and ready for bookings after the first phase of a multi-million-dollar transformation. Part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ premium collection, the transformation has seen the completion of 106 guestrooms showcasing contemporary interiors reflective of the premium Crowne Plaza brand and is a first for the […]
Nielsen Data reveals brands spending big to attract Aussie tourists
Trip A Deal, Virgin and Ignite Travel walk into a bar, blow their cash on travel advertising instead of the pokies.
Kamalaya Koh Samui clinches clutch of wellness awards
Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa has so far clinched five prestigious awards in 2024, including being inducted into the ‘Hall of Fame’ at the World Spa & Wellness Awards in London. Founders of the Koh Samui sanctuary and spa John and Karina Stewart expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the awards. “We are profoundly honoured […]
Jetstar offers 200,000 return for free flights to celebrate 20th anniversary
Jetstar hits 20 and everyone else gets the presents with free return flights to domestic and international destinations.
Amora Hotels & Resorts set to double APAC portfolio, announces new Sydney office
Staff in the new Sydney office have been welcomed by a week of rain on the forecast.
RIU opens Chicago hotel and rooftop bar a few steps from the world-famous Magnificent Mile
Rooftop cocktails hold a dear place in your heart? Look no further than RIU Chicago.
How can travel agents best sell cruises? Uniworld’s Alice Ager tells all: Travel Weekly TV
Agents, you don't want to miss this. Yes, that's the case with everything in the newsletter, but we really mean it here!
South Africa bookings are back in action
It's a wrap! South Africa in the news with resumed flights, film fest and booking tech.
Agents’ chance to score free spot on Intrepid trip to Antarctica
This is the trip of a lifetime, even if you are scared of the cold!
Bonza nosediving amid mass cancellations and reports of repossessed planes
Bonza's days appear to be numbered as the low-cost carrier today announced mass cancellations around the country.
Amy Poehler joins Vivid Sydney event
Oh Joy! Hit comedian Amy Poehler will make an emotional appearance at the Sydney Opera House for Vivid.
Pullman Sydney Penrith ties up with Trilogy Hotels, announces new GM
The crew from Trilogy hotels doing their best impression of the Penrith front row here.
Linkd appoints Carolyn Nightingale and Lawson Dibb to new roles
Linkd Tourism sings praises of Carolyn Nightingale and dubs Lawson Dibb as Kyushu Tourism Office guru.