Air Sahara, Jet improve performance in 2002-03

Jet Airways and Sahara Airlines were in the red in 2002-03, with losses to the tune of Rs 244.45 crore and Rs 37.75 crore, respectively, according to the latest air traffic data released by the Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

According to the DGCA, Sahara Airlines, however, recorded an operating profit of Rs 31.07 crore in 2002-03. Data for Air Deccan was not available as the company has started operations recently.

The performance of Jet Airways in 2001-02 was much better with the airline recording only Rs 13.43 crore in losses. Sahara Airlines recorded a net loss of Rs 159.92 crore in 2001-02.

As per the DGCA figures, Jet Airways recorded a total revenue of Rs 2876.41 crore in 2002-03, against Rs 2533.73 crore in 2001-02. Sahara Airlines recorded a total revenue of Rs 959.83 crore in 2002-03 over Rs 487.71 crore in 2001-02.

For Jet Airways, total expenses in 2002-03 was at Rs 2928.54 crore, against the previous year's Rs 2492.2 crore. Sahara Airlines incurred a total expense of Rs 928.76 crore in 2002-03, compared to the previous year's Rs 563.7 crore.

The state-owned Indian Airlines recorded a loss of Rs 277.3 crore in 2002-03, against a loss of Rs 303.72 crore in 2001-02. In 2000-01, the losses suffered by Indian Airlines was to the tune of Rs 230.34 crore.

The total operating revenue for Indian Airlines in 2002-03 was at Rs 4582.84 crore, against Rs 4273.43 crore in 2001-02. In 2000-01, Indian Airlines recorded a total operating revenue of Rs 4325.18 crore.

Indian Airlines expects to cut its losses to Rs 41.25 crore in 2003-04.

The airline expects to record an operating profit of Rs 15.25 crore in 2003-04. This is based on the revised estimates of the company. As per the budget estimates, Indian Airlines expects an operating profit of Rs 16.50 crore in 2004-05.

Airlines companies in India expect 2004-05 to be a better year for due to the improvement in traffic and general health of the economy.

Besides, airlines also expected to increase capacity and improve utilisation of seats. Besides, starting of international service will also prove to be a major boost for the companies.