Qantas seeks more flights to India

NEW DELHI/SYDNEY: Australia''s flag carrier Qantas Airways Ltd has initiated talks with the Indian government to expand its presence in India. The airline, which recommenced flights to Mumbai this month after keeping out of India for nearly two years, has evinced interest in starting flights to Delhi besides operating a daily frequency to Mumbai, senior civil aviation ministry officials said.
The flights will be operated under a commercial arrangement with Air-India."Qantas has sought to increase its frequency to India. It also wants to operate to multiple destinations in India," the official added.
This is part of the airline''s increased focus on India and China. The airline announced it will explore opportunities in Asia, including India and China, after British Airways sold off its stake in the Australian carrier, freeing it to expand in the region. Qantas head Geoff Dixon said: "We believe that our sphere of influence is in the Asia-Pacific region... from India through to Southeast Asia into China. There are big opportunities." BA raised $759 million with the sale of its 18.25% stake in Qantas.