India to be a leading aviation market in 2014

This year, India emerged as one of the most promising aviation markets in the world, with three international airlines announcing investment plans here. While Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways sealed Rs 2,058-crore deal for a 24 per cent stake in

Jet Airways, the Tata Group made a resounding comeback in the aviation industry, forging tie-ups for two start-up airline ventures. It signed an agreement with Malaysian budget carrier AirAsia Berhad and, separately, with Singapore Airlines for a full-service carrier.

Early last week, airline grouping Star Alliance gave a go-ahead to integrate its network with state-owned Air India, while Singapore-based TigerAir tapped into the lucrative India-Southeast Asian market by entering into an interline agreement with SpiceJet, India’s second-largest low-cost carrier.

Membership in the 28-member Star Alliance will ensure shared benefits to Air India, seamless travel to its passengers, usage of frequent flier points redeemable with any member airline, and global connectivity. TigerAir’s alliance with SpiceJet will enable it to carry passengers from 20-odd cities in India to Singapore, via Hyderabad.

“The biggest event in 2014 will be the commencement or expansion of commercial operations by four global airlines – Etihad, AirAsia, Singapore Airlines and Tiger Airways – and their Indian partners. This will bring in global best practices, greater competition, better choices for passengers and lower fares,” says Amber Dubey, partner and head (aerospace and defence), KPMG. Dubey expects two more equity sale deals in Indian carriers in 2014, but hints at consolidation in the market.

“With FDI (foreign direct investment) being allowed, the Indian aviation sector has the potential to grow 120-130 per cent, as more international carriers look to invest in domestic airlines. Therefore, there is an urgent need to have strong regional infrastructure, as foreign airlines will consider this before investing,” says Ankur Bhatia, chairman of the Confederation of Indian Industries’ core committee on growth potential of civil aviation & airports.