Fliers flock to Singapore Airlines, Emirates after launch of Airbus 380

Almost three months after the launch of Airbus 380 in India, demand continues to be robust for the super jumbo aircraft, with airlines seeing increase in the number of load factors.

Airports and airlines plying the plane are now gearing up to enhance services and operations as the jumbo aircraft is attracting more travellers.

Currently, Singapore Airlines and Emirates operate A380 in India from Mumbai and Delhi airports. Singapore Airlines introduced A380 in May this year while Emirates began its first A380 service in July.

According to industry players, the airlines with A380 services are gaining market share faster than the other players operating in the sector.

"Our load factors have been increasing ever since the launch," said David lau, GM India, Singapore Airlines.

Essa Sulaiman Ahmad, VP-India and Nepal, Emirates refusing to divulge the percentage of the average load factor on its newly launched A380 in India, said, "The figures of load factors are to our satisfaction."

He said the number of additional services offered by the airline is increasingly gaining popularity. Asked how the airline dealing in the price-sensitive Indian market, Ahmad said the quality and adds-on services offered by A380 like spa, entertainment services, chauffeur driven pick-up and drop car services makes the product delightful for the passengers.

"The services offered match the airfares," Ahmad said.

Meanwhile, with increasing demand, Singapore Airlines has increased the number of seats for its business class on an ad hoc basis from Mumbai on A380. The traditional business class deployed by Singapore Airlines has 60 business class seats. "When the demand is high, we bring in the aircraft with 86 seats. This is only for Mumbai, as the city is financial capital and there is a higher demand," said Lau.

On the overall demand, Lau said so far the demand is very encouraging from across sections like students, business community, families, etc. "People ensure that they book tickets on our A380," he said.

"We see an increase in market share of Singapore Airlines and Emirates, with customers preferring to fly A380s. Other carriers are expected to bring in their services soon," said Sharat Dhall, president, Yatra.com – an online travel agency.

German carrier – Lufthansa reportedly, deferred its plan to fly the A380 to India after Mumbai International Airport Pvt Ltd (MIAL) failed to allot the 2 am time slot it wanted for its proposed operations.

MIAL officials, however, said the airport is enhancing capacity to accommodate more A380s. Official said that four gates have been planned for smooth operation of A380 planes at the Mumbai international airport.

While one gate is ready and aircraft have already begun operations from there, the second gate is expected to get ready by July next year, with two more following after that.

"A380s help bring cost per seat down and hence the fare. Other carriers are then forced to follow suit. Emirates and SIA have gained from this. Lufthansa would be next. Ministry of Civil Aviation's decision to allow A380s into India will help increase tourism and corporate traffic. It also enhances the revenues and efficiency of a constrained airport like Mumbai," said Amber Dubey, partner and India head of aerospace and defence at global consultancy KPMG.