Brussels Airlines rules out immediate Delhi entry, says Mumbai ops already a success
PTI|
Updated: Nov 12, 2017, 07.58 PM IST
MUMBAI: European carrier Brussels Airlines, which resumed operations to India from April with a non-stop flight between Brussels and Mumbai, is on "track" commercially and any further expansion will depend on the success of this route, says a top official.
The carrier is not looking at profitability in the very first year of operations, though it had a strong start with the number of passengers flown exceeding the target set for the year, says Brussels Airlines chief executive Bernard Gustin.
"Mumbai is a strong start in terms of the number of passengers targeted initially. We're expecting 50,000 passengers by December but we've already flown 60,000 though we still have one-and-a-half months to go. It shows the Mumbai-Brussels is a strong route. So, we are in line with our plans," Gustin told PTI.
He said Brussels Airlines, which started services in April with five weekly flights to Mumbai increased the frequency to six from the winter schedule, adding, "it can be reinforced further."
With an average load factor of 80 per cent and 10,000 passengers more than initially targeted already flown now, he said "commercially we are on track."
"We need to be successful in Mumbai and I am convinced that it will be a success but it needs to be continuously commercial and financial success. And then only we can look at further expansion," he said.
Gustin, however, said Delhi will be the next destination for them as and when they think of expansion here.
According to him, any call on adding flights to India will be taken in consultation with its parent Lufthansa group, whose strong presence here is critical to its success, so that there is no cannibalization.
The carrier is not looking at profitability in the very first year of operations, though it had a strong start with the number of passengers flown exceeding the target set for the year, says Brussels Airlines chief executive Bernard Gustin.
"Mumbai is a strong start in terms of the number of passengers targeted initially. We're expecting 50,000 passengers by December but we've already flown 60,000 though we still have one-and-a-half months to go. It shows the Mumbai-Brussels is a strong route. So, we are in line with our plans," Gustin told PTI.
He said Brussels Airlines, which started services in April with five weekly flights to Mumbai increased the frequency to six from the winter schedule, adding, "it can be reinforced further."
With an average load factor of 80 per cent and 10,000 passengers more than initially targeted already flown now, he said "commercially we are on track."
"We need to be successful in Mumbai and I am convinced that it will be a success but it needs to be continuously commercial and financial success. And then only we can look at further expansion," he said.
Gustin, however, said Delhi will be the next destination for them as and when they think of expansion here.
According to him, any call on adding flights to India will be taken in consultation with its parent Lufthansa group, whose strong presence here is critical to its success, so that there is no cannibalization.
