Common man's airline Deccan will still be affordable

Bangalore: The much anticipated merger between Air Deccan and Kingfisher has been formalised. But how will it affect the way you travel?

Air Deccan MD G R Gopinath says, “It has already been decided by both Vijay Mallya and me that we will retain two separate identities."

Air Deccan will still fly the Indian skies but with a new name. Despite the merger with Kingfisher airlines, Air Deccan will continue to operate as a low cost carrier bringing to the table India's largest civil aviation company one that's more profitable and punctual.

Talking about the merger, UB Chairman Vijay Mallya says, “The report has highlighted the synergy potential between the two airlines and how it can bring down the cost of operations, save a lot of money and accelerate the route to profitability."

But how will this integration change the way you travel? If you are an Air Deccan regular, the first thing you will notice the restructuring will be the change in flight schedules.

For example, if you fly an 0800 hrs, IST Mumbai-Delhi Air Deccan flight, it may soon be replaced with a Kingfisher one simply because there's a higher demand for premium services during the peak hours.

But if you're looking for cheaper tickets during the non-peak hours, there may soon be many more available.

So for all practical purposes the common man's airline will still be affordable to the common man, and that with a bonus of no-frills international flights as well.