Page 209 - ΝΑΥΤΙΚΑ ΧΡΟΝΙΚΑ - ΜΑΙΟΣ 2023

INDUSTRY

In this context, many airlines have placed orders to renew their fleets or
increase their transport capacity. However, the director general of IATA
claims delays in new aircraft deliveries mean airlines’ options will remain
limited until 2025.

INCREASED PASSENGER TRAFFIC AT “EL. VENIZELOS”
Total passenger traffic at the Athens International Airport recorded a
40% increase compared to the 2022 levels, with passengers reaching
1.67 million.
More specifically, in March 2023, the airport’s passenger traffic amounted
to 1,670,716 passengers compared to 1,188,823 passengers in March 2022,
when the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on air travel were still visible.
Overall, during the first three months of the year, the airport’s passenger
traffic reached 4.5 million, up 60% compared to 2022 (2.7 million) and
up 2.4% compared to 2019.
According to the same AIA statistics, flights during the first three months
of 2023 reached 41,087, representing a 21.8% increase compared to 2022
and a 2.2% increase compared to 2019.

THE INDIAN AIRLINE THAT WANTS TO CONQUER THE
SKIES
India’s fast-growing economy continues to attract international attention
as India is expected to become the world’s third-largest economy by the
end of the decade.
In this context, the international expansion ambitions of IndiGo, India’s
largest airline, give rise to scenarios of yet another powerful player enter-
ing the airways market. According to a report by the Financial Times,
citing statements by IndiGo’s CEO, Pieter Elbers, the company is going
through a growth and expansion phase, with the penetration of the inter-
national market at the top of its priorities.
IndiGo, although less well-known than other Asian airlines, such as AirA-
sia, Japan Airlines. and All Nippon Airways, carried nearly twice as many
passengers as those carriers in 2022.
IndiGo’s ambition comes as competition within India heats up. Air India
has placed an enormous order for 470 aircraft, several of which can
make long-haul flights. Akasa Air has also placed extensive orders, while
IndiGo itself is expected to take delivery of 500 aircraft by 2030.
However, IndiGo’s aspiration to expand internationally will be challenging
since analysts predict that such a move will lead to a price war in the
industry, which IndiGo will have to win to achieve its expansion ambitions.

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