Newstrack

Aviareps to launch in India

Poised to introduce African airline to India through IBCS route

Bhisham Mansukhani - Mumbai

Aviareps, the world's biggest GSA in terms of subsidiary networks, is set to launch its Indian operation, having already lined up its first international airline client, an African carrier, through the IATA Business Consolidation Systems (IBCS) route. The company, based in Germany, represents 50 airlines worldwide in 30 countries. IBCS is a more economically viable option to joining BSP compared to direct membership for airlines with low volumes of business in a given market.

In an ETW exclusive, Joseph Fernandes, general manager India, Aviareps, said, "The cost of direct BSP membership is US $15,000 in India which is a one time cost but joining through the IBCS sets the said airline back by just US $1000 and entails a monthly fee. We already have one international airline going online in India through IBCS." Market sources revealed this airline is African. Fernandes said Aviareps saw great potential in the Indian market with more international airlines looking to enter and domestic private carriers keen to fly overseas.

Aviareps already represents Jet Airways and Air Sahara in some international countries through the IBCS route. However, the cost per transaction on the IBCS model is US $2.5 compared to US $1 on the BSP. The option of a transition from IBCS to BSP is relatively seamless though. Currently, the trend of IBCS is prevalent predominantly in Europe.