IndiGo and Scoot to launch RFPs to Airports

Neelam Mathews

Jan 12, 2012

India’s budget  carrier IndiGo and  Scoot, the new medium and long-haul, low-cost division of Singapore Airlines (SIA) will launch  Request for Proposals (RFPs) from airports via Route Exchange, the online trading zone for airline capacity. Airlines can actively campaign their target airports through this unique platform.

After the first successful RFP by Air Asia X last year, Routes says the two new RFP’s for 2012, will be launched on Jan 16.

Paul Winfield, Airline Director for Routes said: “The RFPs will allow them to source data and information in line with their chosen criteria and target markets. Route Exchange simply facilitates the process of gathering this data and allows them to deal directly with airports online in a cost and time efficient manner. Both airlines are pro-active in their approach to route development ….”

IndiGo has an extensive domestic operation and a growing international footprint. The airline is using Route Exchange to help gather information and data to develop an international network that not only complements the existing international connectivity to/from India, but also enhances / improves connectivity from India to destinations otherwise unconnected, either non-stop or via one of the existing international points served by IndiGo. It has A320 aircraft and its main markets of interest are Asia, Middle East, China and CIS, explains a statement.

IndiGo will be looking at deploying 4-5 aircraft on international routes in each IATA schedule period, subject to allocation of route rights from the Indian Government, it adds.

Scoot, which was formally launched in  Nov. 2011, is  using Route Exchange to issue a formal RFP for potential routes in China, Asia and Europe. Scoot will have 2 more B777-200 joining its fleet from Q1 2013. The target markets for Scoot will be North Asia, Indian sub-Continent, Middle East and Europe. In this RFP, Scoot is sourcing for airports, within its target markets to serve from April 2013. 

“We at Scoot view Route Exchange as the perfect platform to deliver the significant opportunity that this RFP will provide to airports offering a transparent process to everybody,” said Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer, Scoot.