Jet-Etihad registers 63% growth in passenger volume in 2015

The two carriers have the largest international market share of any airline, or 1 in 5 travellers to and from India

Etihad along with its strategic partner Jet Airways collectively registered 63 per cent growth in passenger volume from India in 2015 and is evaluating opportunities to expand its business, Etihad's chief commercial officer Peter Baumgartner said today.

Etihad Airways which has emerged as the fastest growing foreign airline in India following its investment in Jet Airways in 2013 launched its Airbus A380 service to Mumbai on Sunday. The A380 aircraft has a three room private cabin called the The Residence and bookings for the service have been healthy though its only initial days after launch, Baumgartner said. A return fare for upto two persons on the Residence between Mumbai-London and Mumbai-New York costs about Rs 35 lakh and 50 lakh respectively.

"The 63 per cent growth in passenger traffic last year on both airlines to and from India is the result of hard work and close cooperation to provide an appealing product to travellers. During 2015, 3.3 million guests were carried between India and Abu Dhabi on the combined networks, making the Etihad Airways-Jet Airways partnership the strongest, biggest and most diverse offering in Indian aviation. The two carriers have the largest international market share of any airline carrying 21 per cent, or 1 in 5 travellers, to and from India," he added. Currently the two airlines fly 254 weekly flights from 15 cities in India to Abu Dhabi.

In 2013 Etihad picked up 24 per cent stake in Jet Airways and the deal followed the government hiking bilateral seat entitlement of Abu Dhabi from 13,000 seats per week to 50,000 seats per week spread over three years. Currently Jet Airways and Etihad offer 44,000 seats per week between India and Abu Dhabi. Etihad did not give a break up of seats offered individually by the two carriers.

"There is further room to grow and we continue to examine opportunities for further joint success," he stated.