AI to join the 50% off price war; how far behind is Jet?

So it all started yesterday morning, with SpiceJet announcing a surprise 3-day sale for up to 50% off on all flights till 15 April 2014, booked at least 30 days in advance, between 21 and 23 January 2014. A couple of hours later, Indigo joined, followed soon by GoAir - though these two did not make it official, they were matching SpiceJet's fares. By end of day, it was a mini-bloodbath!

It is now reported that starting today, 22 January 2014, Air India will be joining this fare war, offering 50% off on much the same terms - travel till 15 April 2014, 30 days advance booking. The only difference, is that tickets will be on for sale till 24 January 2014 (the others' are up to 23 January 2014).

More blood on the battlefield. But maybe that's not entirely true. This is a rather lean period for airlines, at least till March 31, so if they can fill up more seats, why not? I'll post updates today if I can, on AI's expected offer, which will bleed their financial statements to a reasonable extent.

I'm also waiting for Jet to join this fare war...I'm giving them 6 hours! Though considering how bad their recent losses have been, they might well choose to stay put and not get into this arena of low fares. Let's see.


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