More airline seats than passengers were available in May. This is the
first time that the demand for airline seats in the domestic market has turned
negative in the last 13 months. Ironically, May is considered the peak season
for domestic airlines.
According to data posted by the Directorate-General of Civil Aviation
(DGCA), demand dipped below zero in May compared to 14.9 per cent growth during
the same period last year.
Interestingly, this trend did not affect capacity addition by airlines. In
fact, it was the highest since February. The growth in capacity addition during
May was 5.8 per cent in comparison to 15.8 per cent in May 2011.
Overall, domestic scheduled airlines carried nearly 54.5 lakh passengers
during May, down nearly one per cent from May 2011.
However, the growth in the number of passengers flown during the first five
months of the calendar year is still positive. The number rose to over 2.58
crore, up 5.3 per cent over the corresponding previous period. The good news is
that the passenger load factor (passengers flown versus seats available) is
still over 70 per cent. IndiGo, SpiceJet, JetLite and Air India
There is no change in the market share. The Jet Airways-JetLite combine is
still the market leader with nearly 28 per cent share while IndiGo came in at
No 2 with approximately 25 per cent. SpiceJet is at number three with
Kingfisher at the bottom.
IndiGo led the pack in terms of on-time performance at the six metros with
over 91 per cent flights departing within 15 minutes of the scheduled time. All
other airlines, except Air India
Air India had the highest cancellations in the domestic sector although
pilots operating international flights were on an agitation that affected
flights to Europe, America, Canada and the Far East.
IndiGo reported the least number of cancellations.
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