New Delhi: Three major domestic airlines today (Jan 16, 2004) announced revised fares, including those under the advance purchase schemes, following abolition of the Inland Air Travel Tax (IATT), which amounted to 15 per cent of the total airfare.

Jet Airways, Air Sahara and Indian Airlines separately claimed that their 30-day APEX fares would be lower than the First Class air-condition train fares.

As per the rates announced, the 30-day apex fare on Delhi-Mumbai sector would be Rs 3,160 for Air Sahara and Rs 3,154 for Jet Airways and the 21-day IA fare would be Rs 3,200.

On Delhi-Kolkata route, the apex fares would be Rs 3,160 (Air Sahara), Rs 3,154 (Jet Airways) and Rs 3,200 (21-day IA fare).

Similarly, the regular fares have also been brought down by almost 15 per cent by all the three carriers.

Officials of all the three airlines said the lowering of the fares by 15 per cent straight would definitely have a positive impact on growth of air travel in the country.

They also expressed hope that the sales tax imposed on aviation turbine fuel (ATF) would be reduced to a minimal by the State Governments, which would have an added impact on the fares. The Centre has already shown the way by reducing the excise duty on ATF from 16 to eight per cent, they said.