12-Aug-2007 12:00 AM

Exclusive Aviation Survey (Part 4)

Press Release

FSC and LCC passengers, purchasing power, and retail activity

at Indian Airports

In India, nearly half of all travellers expressed a willingness to spend at airports. 44% of Full Service Carrier (FSC) passengers, and nearly 40% of Low Cost Carrier (LCC) passengers would like to buy goods either at their departure or arrival airport

In regard to retail behaviour, the findings reveal that there are only minor - near insignificant - differences between FSC and LCC buying sentiments. Furthermore, in each case, the propensity to buy appears strong across a range of products.

56% of FSC passengers and 52% of LCC passengers are attracted by the opportunity to buy chocolates at airports.
49% of LCC passengers would buy books, as compared to 44% for FSC.
47% of FSC passengers would be interested in purchasing luxury goods, as compared to 42% of LCS.

At present, India's airports are still relatively under-developed in retail activity. These findings should be attractive to would-be retail operators, as the figures suggest that a real growth potential may exist in this sector.

Next Week: Low fares - do they stimulate new travel markets?