Q1 air fares stable for India, Asia-Pacific region

New Delhi, Apr 11: Air fares in all Asia Pacific markets have remained generally stable in the three months ending January, according to the latest American Express Airfare Index which also shows a steady and upward regional trend for the past three years.

The only fare class to change during the quarter from India was first class which rose 0.3 per cent. Year on year, there were increases across first, business, full economy and discount economy of 3.2 per cent, 2.6 per cent, 3.8 per cent and 3.8 per cent respectively.

Over the last three years, however, there has been a steady decline in excursion fares -- both for peak and off-season rates.

The overall indices for Asia Pacific region have increased steadily over the past three years in first class and business class, up 8.3 per cent and 9.5 per cent for the period ending Q1 06.

The index provides quarterly benchmarking data on trends in corporate travel costs, based on a survey of 924 published air fares making it a comprehensive survey conducted in the Asia Pacific region.

UNI