Against the backdrop of sustained recovery in the aviation sector, domestic carriers have registered a 22.05% growth by carrying 162.82 lakh passengers during the January-April 2010 period as against 133.41 lakh passengers in the same period a year ago.
While private carrier Jet Airways has maintained its number one position in terms of market share at 25.4% in April, Kingfisher is second at 21.4%. Flag carrier Air India has secured the number three slot at 21.4%. According to industry observers, the figures indicate improved yields and capacity utilisation for the aviation industry.
Jet Airways CEO Nikos Kardassis said, “With seven consecutive months of stellar growth, our airline has continued to build on its leadership position. A buoyant global economic environment coupled with the relaxation of governmental and corporate travel restrictions have resulted in an upswing in air travel demand.”
Jet has also been proactive in responding to market demand, a testimony to which was the successful launch of ‘Konnect Select’, the airline’s new premium cabin offering on Jet Konnect flights during the summer peak season, he added.
Meanwhile, in the low-cost space, Delhi-based Indigo has a market share of 15.7%, SpiceJet has 12.6% share and GoAir has 5.9% share of the travel market pie. The DGCA figures showing the percentage change over the month indicate that demand has grown faster than the capacity.
Factors that have contributed to the growth in passenger traffic include lower crude oil cost at around $75-$80 a barrel compared to last year’s $90 a barrel during the same period. Airfares were also moderate, nearly 30% lower to what it was in 2009. Also, March and April are considered peak season due to summer vacations.
In terms of seat factors, Jet had a 72% load factor in April as against 66.5% in March, JetLite had 74.2% in April. Kingfisher has registered load factors of 75.8% in the month under review. Air India stood third at 72% loads as against 66.5%.