‘Air India Express expecting two more aircraft by October’

MUMBAI: Air India Express, the low-fare international subsidiary of the national carrier, expects to clock its third annual profit in a row of over ₹200 crore in 2017-18.

At a time when the government is considering divesting its stake in Air India and its subsidiaries, Air India Express with 23 Boeing 737 planes plans to expand its network to more domestic and international destinations, says chief executive Krishnamurthi Shyamsundar in a telephonic interview. Edited excerpts.

How do you plan to expand your fleet?

Air India Express has a fleet of 23 B737-800 NG aircraft, which includes six aircraft taken on dry lease during 2016-17. The airline has firmed up the lease of two more B737-800 NG aircraft in FY 18-19. These aircraft are expected to join the fleet in September and October, respectively.

Which new destinations does the airline plan to connect in the coming months?

In the summer schedule (2018), the airline has increased the frequency of flights on Madurai-singapore (from four a week to daily flights); Kochi-doha (from four a week to daily flights).

What’s the revenue/profit Air India Express is expected to report during 201718?

The provisional estimates of revenue and profit for 2018-19 are ₹3,575 crore and ₹225 crore, respectively. This would make it thrice in a row of net profit for the airline.

What’s your vision for Air India Express at a time when the airline may go into private hands?

As CEO of Air India Express, my job is clearly cut out. It is to ensure the firm achieves high levels of efficiency and productivity in all operational and administrative areas so that we are in a position to offer convenient, comfortable and value-formoney services to customers. At this juncture, the vision is on these lines.