Originally Posted by
Vishal Mehra
Hey Folks
For the last week or so, Devesh Agarwal (from Bangalore Aviation) and myself have been working on this piece, analysing in detail which airlines will ultimately start their A380 operations into the country.
Although couple of them have already publicly expressed their intentions of doing so, we have tried to go deeper and also find out other possible players.
http://vishal1mehra.com/2014/02/05/a380-india/
Your feedback/comments is always welcome.
Interesting analysis. I have a few of my own comments based on anecdotal evidence.
Hyderabad: The only airline which can fly 380 is EK. However this can be possible only if GoI increases the bilateral seats. There is a possibility that EK may try to fly one 380 and other two as 330.
Bangalore: Again the same analysis as above for EK. The only other airline which is likely is LH. My view is that they will first fly to DEL and see the response/economics etc and then concentrate on BLR. BA is unlikely to upgrade this route any time soon.
Mumbai: EK, QR, BA and SQ are possibilities. Definitely EK, even without any increase in bilaterals. SQ may be. BA is a possibility, however there is intense competition. LH is unlikely, their priority is DEL and then BLR. I think even the 747 may be downgraded, I have flown this route 3 times and every time the flight was half empty and business class too.
Delhi: I believe DEL will be first city to get 380. LH will be the first airline. EK is a possibility, but not likely. Same with BA.
Chennai: Same scenario as Hyderabad, whenever the airport is upgraded.