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Low-cost carrier GoAir today outlined plans to consolidate its domestic market presence with the addition of six Airbus aircraft to its fleet of 20 by March next, while connecting to select overseas destinations by next summer.
Announcing Hyderabad as its 23rd destination in the domestic network, Wolfgang Prock-Schauer, Chief Executive Officer of GoAir, said the airline would introduce daily flights connecting Hyderabad to Chennai, Bengaluru, Bhubaneshwar and Kolkata. Hyderabad will also be connected to Port Blair via Bengaluru, which is seen to provide leisure travellers additional options.
He said Hyderabad is a key market in south and central India and a significant base for business and tourism in the region. “Adding Hyderabad, with its ideal geographical locations, we reinforce our commitment towards connectivity across the country,” he said.
The airliner, which operates with 20 aircraft now, expects to add one aircraft per month and take its strength to 26 by March 2017. This will enable the airliner to expand its services from the present 144 to 180-190 per day by March 2017.
“Apart from strengthening the domestic network, we are looking at operating to some international destinations by next summer. We have identified a couple of locations in China, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and some locations in the Far East to offer our services,” he said.
Having ordered over 144 Airbus aircraft to be delivered by 2025, GoAir is keen to rapidly expand its presence and market share. “Effectively, we will add one aircraft a month over the next several years, which will enable us to connect to more destinations,” he said.
The domestic market is growing at about 20 per cent, and there are indications that this growth is likely to sustain over the years. Even assuming that it grows by over 10 to up to 15 per cent, it is great by any standards. This will offer opportunities for GoAir, which currently has a market share of 8 per cent, he said.
Asked about funding options, the CEO said: “Thus far no decision has been taken. We will decide at the appropriate time, which could be some time next year. The options include IPO, strategic investment, among others,” he said.
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