Air India is all set to launch six weekly services between Mumbai and Pune. The airline will deploy its Airbus A319, its smallest aircraft in the fleet on this sector.
At 124 kms, the Mumbai–Pune route will also be the shortest narrowbody route in India. The shortest route in winter on narrowbody was the Kozhikode–Kannur sector at 95 kms, which Air India operated, but the airline has since pulled that route.
The airline’s schedule shows one hour to fly between Mumbai and Pune, which could be a combination of slot issues at both airports since they are congested.
Mumbai is the second largest airport in the country, both for domestic and international flights, while Pune is the ninth largest domestic market and tenth overall. The size of the markets would ideally ensure that there are enough passengers for the flight.
Interesting with a dedicated six-lane expressway between the two cities and ample train connectivity covering a distance of less than 150 kms, experts have raised eyebrows on the economics and passenger demand on this route.