Qatar Airways is hinting it may launch a low-cost carrier. The airline says it may need to respond to threats to its revenues from existing low-cost rivals; it could be operation in three months. Emirates has committed to its own low-cost airline within the year.
Lower fares and more competition should be a good thing, but not if these low-cost excursions are only used to squash private competition. Air Arabia and Jazeera Airways, the specialists, have got off to solid starts and have big plans for the future. Emirates and Qatar Airways, with orders for a huge numbers of planes and ritzy new terminals being built, have enough clout to run a spoiler operation.
It is to be hoped that the big boys bring something new to the market. Low-cost is now a mature sector, it could benefit from category innovation. Emirates converting some of its A380s to carry 1,000 passengers might be a new trick; as might once a week long haul specials. Dubai to Sydney for Dh1,000, say.
No comments:
Post a Comment