Build The Routes, Create The Market, Says AirAsia's GM

By M.Saraswathi NEW DELHI, Oct 9 (Bernama) -- The aviation industry is all about building new routes and creating the market for travellers, said Suresh Nair, AirAsia General Manager for India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal. "Its all about putting up the right capacity, price and product," he said, citing how AirAsia ventured into India via tier two cities such as Trichy. "My colleagues in Malaysia couldn't even pronounce the name, Tiruchirappalli, which is commonly called Trichy. "Today, we fly three times a day from Kuala Lumpur. Flights are doing well," he said. Hence, its all about building the routes and creating the market, he said at the 7th International Indian Civil Aviation Conference, titled:"Developing Remote and Regional Connectivity" here Wednesday. "I strongly believe that when you fly to many of these places the market will grow on its own," he said. He cited places like Khajuraho, in Madya Pradesh, home to one of Unesco's world heritage sites, as well as, Bodh Gaya, a religious site and place of pilgrimage associated with the Mahabodhi Temple Complex in the state of Bihar. "Places like Bodh Gaya is a big tourist attraction you can really develop. (However), there is only one flight a day from Delhi," said Suresh. He also pointed out that regional connectivity is something that can be done, even without sophisticated airports. "Basic necessities are enough to operate safe flights," he opined. He cited countries like Kenya that connected to small cities, as well as, Maldives that has about 60 seaplanes. "If they can do it. We can do it better," he said. The Indian aviation industry has huge potential but it is yet to explore its full potential, he said, adding that the industry must be allowed to grow without much interference. "About 15 million people travel via the Indian Railway, that is almost half the population of Malaysia. "We have never seen that kind of growth (in the aviation industry in India). "I agree with the earlier speaker who said that airlines should be left to do what they need to do as far as the sectors are concerned," he added. --BERNAMA