Is LCC interlining low cost long haul?

Mumbai, Oct 2 (UNI) Mr Julian Carr, manager for new product development at the International Air Transport Association (IATA), has said that interlining between low cost carriers (LCCs) may be a natural progression of the model in the region.

''Will low cost, long haul be achieved through interlining in future as LCCs in India and the Asia Pacific seek to expand their networks,'' he asked delegates at the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation's third annual India and Middle East LCC symposium here late last night.

LCCs that are not planning to expand into certain markets tap growth through interline agreements among themselves, he said.

Mr Carr cited WestJet in Canada which is moving towards this model by cooperating with full service carriers, Japan Airlines and China Airlines.

''The prospect is highly relevant to India where start-up carriers are prohibited from operating internationally for five years.'' More UNI SU CS ND1158