After a challenging Q2, budget carrier GoAir expects a profitable Q3, increased passenger volumes and its ambitions to fly overseas to hold it in good stead, says its CEO Giorgio De Roni. Excerpts from an interview with Adith Charlie :

Will 2014 will be a better year for Indian aviation compared to 2013?

The first few quarters of 2014 will be as challenging as 2013. We feel confident for the medium-to-long term as India is expected to be the third largest domestic market in the world for aviation by 2020. We do not see scope for airlines to reduce fares, because of high operational costs.

What were the biggest challenges for the company and the industry in 2013?

GoAir recorded a 24 per cent increase in the number of passengers flown, accompanied by a significant improvement in the seat factor.

However, the benefits on the revenue side have been offset by the weakness of the rupee, the increase in airline turbine fuel prices and the continuous rise in airport and navigation fees.

Do you think 2014 will be a year of action for GoAir, since you are set to go international?

We will add three new aircraft to our fleet within the next few months, which will be deployed mostly on metro to non-metro routes. By July, we will reach the threshold of 20 aircraft and hence start flying on international routes.

We will go for destinations where we can fly at night to increase aircraft productivity. However, our core business will remain focused on the domestic market.

You have said in the past that stake sales/ alliances / equity infusions are like marriages. Will GoAir get ‘married’ in 2014?

We have been carefully evaluating opportunities for a strategic partnership that will allow us to strengthen our presence in the domestic market in a win-win environment.

In due course, we shall discuss with the board and our shareholders to seek and work on their recommendations.

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