AI Express to chart new destinations: V Tulsidas

Mumbai, May 24 (UNI) The low-cost arm of the Air India, Air India Express, today inducted the seventh Boeing 737-800 aircraft in its fleet, raising its total fleet size to 14.

Seven of these aircraft are on lease. The first Boeing 737-800 aircraft was delivered to AI Express in December last year.

Announcing the induction at a news conference onboard Air India aircraft, AI chairman and managing director V Tulasidas said after the increase in its fleet size, the airlines will explore new destinations.

''Going by the competition in the domestic circuit, we will also have to take a call. With the growing fleet-size, we will look into the new destinations, apart from the ones, where we are already in operation,'' he said.

The 185-seater Boeing 737-800 is equipped with entertainment system as well.

The tail design of the new aircraft showcases New Delhi's Jama Masjid and Jantar Mantar.

Stating that the AI will be getting 11 more Boeing 737-800 aircraft in its fleet in the next two years, with four aircraft likely to arrive this year itself, Mr Tulasidas said the AI Express has taken a big jump, after it took off in April 2005.

AI Express operates with economy class seats on the UAE, Oman, Singapore and Sri Lanka routes, and operates 114 weekly flights between Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kozhikhode, Mumbai, Pune, Amritsar, Mangalore, Chennai and Tiruchirapally.

''Today AI Express offers the most competitive fares in the Gulf.

On average, we are 25 per cent cheaper in terms of prices than other operators,'' he said.

AI has ordered 68 aircraft from Boeing for both budget and the regular airlines, Mr Thulsidas added.

It has placed 18 Boeing 737-800 for its budget airline, Air India Express, and the remaining for operating on various routes, including 23 Boeing 787.

UNI