Air India reduces fuel surcharges

Coupled with the recent terror attacks in Mumbai which will hit air traffic, this step by Air India (merged with the old Indian Airlines), will definitely increase the pressure on private carriers Jet and Kingfisher to reduce air fares by pruning the fuel surcharges.

Air India announced a reduction in fuel surcharge for all domestic sector flights by INR 400 with effect from 02-Dec-08. The fuel-surcharge is presently INR 2,350 for sectors below 750 kms and INR 3,100 for sectors over 750 kms. The average reduction in fuel surcharge will be over 14.5%.

The cut-back in fuel-surcharge is a consequence of the reduction in ATF prices from Sep-08 onwards, including the reduction announced by Oil Companies for Dec-08. Domestic air travel demand has been slow in recent months, and the reduction in fuel surcharge is expected to stimulate domestic air travel market during the winter peak season.

Mr. Raghu Menon, Chairman and Managing Director, Air India, said, “We have decided to bring down the fuel surcharge, now that crude prices have fallen globally, thereby bringing down ATF prices. Although crude prices are still volatile, we hope it will stabilize at the current levels, so that there is a short to medium term relief in ATF costs. This decision takes into account the reduced prices of ATF announced for the current month by the Oil Companies. While the airlines are no doubt going through difficult times, it is necessary for us to react positively to pass on some concession to passengers and generate demand.”

About Devesh Agarwal

A electronics and automotive product management, marketing and branding expert, he was awarded a silver medal at the Lockheed Martin innovation competition 2010. He is ranked 6th on Mashable's list of aviation pros on Twitter and in addition to Bangalore Aviation, he has contributed to leading publications like Aviation Week, Conde Nast Traveller India, The Economic Times, and The Mint (a Wall Street Journal content partner). He remains a frequent flier and shares the good, the bad, and the ugly about the Indian aviation industry without fear or favour.

Check Also

In new strategy Etihad invests in Darwin Airlines, re-brands it Etihad Regional

by Devesh Agarwal Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, today announced …

+OK