MAS aims 15-20pc revenue growth in India

NEW DELHI: Malaysia Airlines (MAS)is aiming for a 15-20 per cent revenue growth for the Indian market in 2014, its regional senior vice president Middle East and South Asia, Azahar Hamid said.

Last year the airline saw a record growth of 30 per cent in revenue for India.

"There was a spike in revenue growth last year with a lot of new
services introduced. There was also increased frequency in some sectors, as well as new destinations introduced," he added.

The revenue growth for MAS in 2010, 2011 and 2012 was at 16 per cent, 17 per cent and 13 per cent, respectively.

Last year, MAS introduced Cochin in Kerala, as a new destination in India.

Among others, frequencies for New Delhi and Mumbai, were also increased.

MAS now flies from Kuala Lumpur to New Delhi and Chennai 14 times weekly, to Mumbai and Bangalore 12 times weekly and seven times weekly to Hyderabad and Cochin.

"For 2014, we expect revenue for the Indian market to grow at between 15-20 per cent and with a a bigger base," he told Bernama.

He was speaking after Malaysia's High Commissioner to India, Datuk Naimun Ashakli Mohammad officiated MAS' new branding.

The New Delhi station is the first to spot the new look, which incorporates the oneworld logo. MAS joined oneworld, one of the three largest airline alliances last year.

As for load factor, Azahar said it has increased steadily over the years from 76 per cent in 2010 to 83 per cent last year, amid promotions and wide spread marketing efforts.

"For the Kuala Lumpur-New Delhi route, we have a 90 per cent load factor almost all year round," he said.

He said many Malaysians have been traveling to North India over the past two years.

Azahar said MAS would continue its promotion and marketing efforts in 2014.

"The Visit Malaysia Year and events like the Formula 1 are becoming popular here. We undertook a Formula 1 campaign in collaboration with Tourism Malaysia last year and recorded good sales," he added.

The national carrier is keen to increase frequency on routes like
Chennai and Mumbai.

"Previously, it was 70 per cent outbound travelers.But now, we see a good mix. Inbound business traffic is increasing and lots of Malaysians are coming to India as well. Azahar said.

"This is a good advantage towards seeking more landing rights to key destinations in India," Azahar said.

As for new destinations, he said MAS would continue to look out for potential second tier cities in India.-- Bernama