Pieter Elbers

IndiGo is embarking on the next level of growth and cost leadership is crucial for the airline, its CEO Pieter Elbers said on Monday. Currently, IndiGo operates around 1,800 daily flights and has a fleet of more than 300 aircraft. "We are embarking on the next level of growth," Elbers said at a session of CAPA India aviation summit in the national capital. He noted that the V-shaped recovery of the country's aviation sector has been a part of learning. After being significantly hit by the coronavirus pandemic, the aviation sector is on a strong recovery path and the domestic air traffic has almost touched the pre-pandemic levels. Noting that affordable fares are important, Elbers said maintaining cost leadership is crucial. The low cost carrier is the country's largest airline with a market share of more than 55 per cent. Responding to a query, Elbers said Indian aviation will move towards more sustainable finance, adding that there is more stability in the market. The airline

'The focus is to stay true to our customer promise', said Elbers

Air traffic touches nearly 96 per cent of pre-Covid level

Known for his decisiveness, new chief will have his task cut out as domestic competition heats up

KLM is a part of Air France-KLM group which is one of the largest airlines in Europe. In India however its size is limited and faces intense competition from airlines in Europe and the Gulf. With its partnership with Jet Airways, the airline is stepping up its India presence with plans for a new Mumbai flight and a cargo co-operation. Q) We hear KLM plans to resume Amsterdam-Mumbai service after nearly twenty years. Can you share detailsA) We are seriously considering launching a flight to Mumbai but it is not confirmed yet. There has been an enormous growth of business and relations between India and Netherlands. We have moved from having no connection between Amsterdam-Mumbai to a Jet Airways daily service with an Airbus A330 aircraft (254-293 seats) which was upgraded to a Boeing 777 aircraft (346 seats) in six months.Q) How is your relations with Jet Airways shaping up? Does the partnership with Jet Airways allow you to bridge the gap with Lufthansa which is largest European ...