The Hindu Business Line : AI Express to begin operations from April 28

Mr Thulasidas, who is on a visit to Abu Dhabi and Dubai to meet senior civil aviation officials, said the AI Express will operate flights from Abu Dhabi to Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kozhikode, Mumbai and Delhi; and from Dubai to Kochi and Kozhikode.

Reacting to controversies surrounding the fare structure of the budget airline, which many expatriate organisations in the UAE complained as being inadequate, Mr Thulasidas said: "I think there is no need for any concern. The public will get to see the fare structure for themselves on March 18. On an average, the fares will be 25 per cent lower than the market fares. Those who buy tickets early get the best benefit." The fares will not be determined by peak or low seasons, he added.

"We will begin operations with seven 737-800 aircraft. The schedule and frequencies will be more or less as operated by Air India on these sectors at present," he said.

Mr Thulasidas said that clearances had been received from the UAE civil aviation authorities. With regard to Muscat, he said "The authorities have sought some clarifications which we have provided. We hope they are satisfied and we can begin operations there around the same time as the UAE.". Other Gulf states will be looked at in due course. AI Express will also begin operations to South East Asia next year, he added.

With regard to the lower baggage allowance, Mr Thulasidas said: "We are providing a low fare service and therefore, we cannot also offer large baggage allowances. The allowance will be up to 30 kg."

Agents are also in the process of being appointed in the two emirates to cater to clients who do not wish to book online, he said.

Mr Thulasidas was optimistic about the success of the budget airline, as the demand for such a carrier was huge.

On Air India's plans, Mr Thulasidas said that the airline was in for a huge expansion that would see it doubling its fleet in two years. This would mean 50 new aircraft for Air India and 18 for AI Express.

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