When an airline launches a new route or sector, its ultimate goal is to be profitable. For this to happen, the operator must consider numerous factors, complete thorough analysis and make informed forecasts.
By definition, a sector is a defined city pair, whether an airline operates it with just a single flight or multiple times on the same day. The key determining factor for frequency boils down to existing and future passenger demand and is a basic part of any route planning process.
Every so often a niche market within an established city pair opens up, with one of the most notable being the business market segment, aimed almost exclusively at shuttling professionals to and from commercial megahubs.
Back in 2007, Japanese legacy carrier All Nippon Airways (ANA) spotted such an opportunity and launched a daily service between Tokyo and Mumbai, India on a Boeing 737-700ER. Sounds wild, huh? Let us explain…
