Air Asia to rationalise network
Having taken over the reins of Air Asia India in late 2018, Sunil Bhaskaran, the airline’s CEO and MD, talks about his new innings in the aviation industry whilst discussing his plan to oversee the next phase of growth and expansion of the carrier.
Operating sans a CEO for - nessing some legal turbulence, low-cost airline Air Asia India has now put everything behind Having joined Air Asia India in mid-November as its new boss, TATA Steel veteran Sunil Bhaskaran is enjoying his time in the aviation industry.
at Air Asia India and it has till now. The aviation industry is completely new for me, but of what I have seen till now, things look really interesting. The Indian aviation industry is challenging as of now, but the reality is that it has also seen some fantastic growth over the in this period has happened with improvement in quality of product, safety, and customer become a part of this industry,” says Bhaskaran sharing the joy. The airline is now looking to rationalising its entire network. recent past, because of which there had been a sense of uncertainty. But, I think that is all behind us. We have a lot come on board with us. Now that TATA has acquired a 51 per cent stake, there is a sense is here for the long term. In terms of growth, we are hoping 12 months. There is this huge issue of airports and slots; we will see how best we can perform,” he said at the CAPA India Aviation Summit 2019 in New Delhi. The airline, being one of the smaller players in the Indian aviation market with 20 aircraft per cent market share. Bhaskaran says that Air Asia India differentiates itself from other terms of competition, our rivals are much bigger than us but I think we have got a very good product. Our cost structure is is enough differentiation in our - pared to other airlines, whether it be the quality of seats, the hot meal, or the cheerful reception of our ground and on-board staff. All of these factors seem to be clear differentiators, and that can make Air Asia India a preferred airline,” he asserts. has recently acquired its 20th aircraft in the domestic market. optimistic about starting international operations, once we get the required approvals,” shares Bhaskaran.