Spicejet looks to go International in June

Low cost Indian carrier Spicejet looks set to commence its planned international services in June when it will have completed its five years mandatory domestic service.

The Delhi based operator has earmarked three city pairs for new service which are;

• Chennai-Colombo (Sri Lanka)
• Kolkota- Dhaka (Bangladesh)
• New Delhi - Kathmandu (Nepal)

On the Chennai-Colombo sector it will face multiple competition from Jet Airways (daily) Jetlite (daily), Air India, AIr India Express and Kingfisher all operating daily and Sri Lankan Airlines which operates a double daily. IATA BSP data shows that over 513,000 O+D pax flew this sector between Feb 09-10 with Sri Lankan Airlines having a 34% market share

Between Kolkota and Dhaka, Biman Bangladesh operates a daily as does Kingfisher and Jet Airways, with Air India Express and GMG Airlines operating a double daily, United Airways operates 11x weekly. IATA BSP data shows over 357,000 O+D pax having flown this sector with Air India Express leading the way in terms of market share.

On the Delhi-Kathmandu route, Air India operates a 15x weekly with Jet Airways on a double daily. Royal Nepal Airlines and Jetlite offer a daily service.

IATA BSP data shows that over 443,000 flew this route between Feb 09-10 with Royal Nepal carrying 31% of the market.