United Airlines’ 10 years in India

United Airlines, the only non-stop carrier to the US from India, celebrated the 10th anniversary of its services into the country. Dave Hilfman, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, United Airlines, tells about their plans.

e have seen excellent growth from both corporate commercial travel as well as the leisure side. We have tough competition, which keeps us on our toes to do better,” says Dave Hilfman, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, United Airlines, speaking on the response from India in the last 10 years.

Discussing the association with the travel agents, Hilfman says, “We are very involved with various travel agencies in India as they form a very important arm of business generation. Harvinder Singh, Sales and Country Manager, watches over the agent community in India very carefully. Hilfman further adds, “We conduct agent training sessions for our travel trade partners, where depending on the most relevant topics like new products, fares etc, the corporate clients, small or large groups are educated and updated.” United works closely with Star Alliance partners Lufthansa and Air India to coordinate fares, Frequent Flyer Access and Mileage Plus Programs.

After the completion of 10 years, United does not plan to expand its services in India. “We have always valued the market demand but as of now we have no plans to expand. We are focused on our service from New Delhi and Mumbai and are not planning on flying to more cities in India currently. Having said that, India is a huge market and we will look out for any opportunity with time,” explains Hilfman.

Discussing about MICE and group travels, Hilfman says, “We are very focused on this component of the business. Appropriate discounts and recognition of focused travel, like special group handling, is catered by United Airlines”

The carrier is also looking at expanding its fleet, reveals Hilfman, “We have added over 2000 aircrafts in the last five years. We would be the only airline to have the most modern fleet in the world. Starting in December 2015, we are adding 25 new Dreamliner 787s; we would be taking delivery of 300 777 aircrafts in December 2016 and by 2018 United Airlines shall have A 350-1000.” Hilfman also says, “We are happy with the two cabin product. We are not adding any other product in terms of cabins, but we certainly have added new products in our in-flight entertainment and F&B segment.”