What about Australia…i think the only way you can fly directly to Mumbai these days is by Qantas

Indeed Steve, i dont think the Indian aviation sector can ignore Australia. The amount of student traffic is proof of a big market from the sub-continent into the pacific region. TK and SQ are making big bucks from Indian travellers going to Aus and NZ. There are hardly any seats in SQ to MEL and SYD and back into DEL till like mid Feb.

Qantas still has MEL-BOM and MEL – DEL in the pipeline but i believe they are facing a shortage of aircrafts since for DEL they require a Longreach on the sector. But i will be surprised if AI and 9W dont have Aus on there plans, infact i am quite certain 9W atleast will have future plans for Australia once there 777s start coming in.

Although i shift out of Melbourne in June this year, i would love to make my yearly visit to Mel on a 9W 777, or as a matter of fact on a 787 too in the future. 🙂