British Airways is making ready to increase its India operations to faucet into the nation’s fast-growing aviation market and rising outbound journey demand, a senior airline government mentioned, citing the nation’s “unimaginable potential”.The service, which has been flying to India for greater than a century, presently operates 56 weekly flights from Indian cities to London — three each day providers from Mumbai, two from Delhi, and one every from Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Chennai.Topic to regulatory approvals, British Airways plans so as to add a 3rd each day Delhi–London flight subsequent yr.“We’re all the time seeking to proceed to increase our providers as demand grows stronger. We proceed to maintain our community schedule below fixed overview to make sure we offer connectivity and selection for our prospects,” British Airways Chief Working Officer Rene de Groot advised PTI.“As demand strengthens, we stay centered on increasing our providers and elevating the journey expertise,” he added.
India is BA’s second-largest market
India is now British Airways’ second-biggest market after the US, with the airline sustaining crew bases in all 5 Indian cities it serves. De Groot mentioned native hiring stays central to the airline’s service proposition.“In India, we proceed to create employment alternatives, and help regional economies — all whereas selling the most effective of Britain,” he mentioned.British Airways additionally runs CallBA, its India contact centre positioned in Gurugram, which employs round 2,000 workers providing round the clock help to prospects throughout the US, Europe and Asia-Pacific.“From a folks perspective, we now have invested closely in India and steadily expanded our colleague presence right here, with CallBA and our 5 Indian cabin crew bases rising in measurement,” De Groot famous.
Community growth and partnerships
The airline maintains a codeshare partnership with IndiGo and, by means of its wider collaboration with Qatar Airways, serves 13 Indian locations with a complete of 148 weekly flights — together with direct British Airways providers from London and Qatar Airways connections through Doha.Earlier this yr, the airline launched a Meet and Help service for travellers needing further help whereas flying from India to the UK.De Groot mentioned the speedy growth of Indian carriers is a optimistic signal for the market.“We view the dynamic development of Indian carriers like IndiGo and Air India as a optimistic growth for the aviation business and for India’s emergence as a world aviation hub,” he additionally advised PTI.“India is our second-largest market, and the rising demand, coupled with the growth of carriers like IndiGo amongst others, displays the unimaginable potential of this market.”
Sturdy India–UK journey hall
The UK stays a most popular vacation spot for Indian travellers — notably for tourism and training — aided by the India–UK Free Commerce Settlement. About 500,000 Indians go to the UK every year, and the Indian diaspora continues to be a powerful driver of journey demand.