Swiss believes India is a large market of affluent people who can buy first class services, said Holger Hatty, its chief commercial officer, in an interview. Excerpts.
On the Indian market
India is high on our agenda. Hence we are introducing first class here. India is a large market of affluent people who can buy first class. We want to be the best premium European carrier from India.
The market witnessed too much competition and airlines built too much capacity. This market was very much regulated and once it opened up, it opened suddenly. The market has to grow in a balanced manner.
On its offering
Our first class would be the main differentiator. We are targeting top businessmen, high net worth individuals and bollywood personalities. We are replacing the 10-year old business class with ultra modern facilities. Our premium positioning would help us earn more revenue from other classes.
On difficult times
People do tighten their purse strings in difficult times but one should not divert from ones strategy. We are a premium carrier. We are convinced that in the long-term, first-class products will excel. There can’t be Swiss without the premium first class.