March take-off for no-frills global carrier

KOLKATA: Fly from Kolkata to Singapore and back for just Rs 10,000! Jetstar Asia — the international ‘low-cost-no frills'' carrier — is making its first splash in the Indian market by touching down in Kolkata. Talks are on to begin operations from mid-March this year.
According to travel industry sources, the Singapore-based Jetstar Asia, which had been studying the Indian market for quite some time, zeroed in on Kolkata owing to the growing passenger volume from this city to Singapore.Besides, the short flying time ensures higher returns for the airline.
"Jetstar Asia is looking at a load factor of more than 60 per cent in the sector, a common capacity witnessed by most airlines in this route," said travel industry sources. The airlines will be plying the 180-seater Airbus A-320 aircraft on this sector.
Airline officials are visiting the city in a week or so to finalise the details. "Talks are underway to appoint a select few travel agents to promote the airline," said Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) eastern region chairman Anil Punjabi.
While there are other carriers like Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, and Indian Airlines (Malaysia Airlines to start soon), sources feel, Jetstar Asia will have an edge with its lower fares. While Singapore offers a round trip fare of Rs 19,335, Thai Airways charges Rs 19,350 and Indian Airlines Rs 18,950. These fares exclude taxes. In contrast, Jetstar Asia will offer an attractive round trip fare of about Rs 10,000 per passenger.
The carrier which has received clearance for the Kolkata-Singapore sector will operate thrice a week in the 10 am slot. However, NSCB International Airport director Rajendra Pal, said, "Though the airline has expressed definite keenness and we have received a proposal to this effect, nothing has been finalised in writing."
Jetstar Asia is a regional extension of the Jetstar brand which was launched by Qantas as a low-cost airline in the Australian domestic market.