Hughes Communications India, the leading provider of broadband satellite networks and services in India, today announced that it has tied up with Air Deccan for offering 'Online Ticketing Services' across all HughesNet Fusion Centers in India. This alliance would facilitate deeper market penetration for Air Deccan by making airline reservations easily available to customers across 215 HughesNet Fusion Centers in 105 cities. Currently 39 centres across 28 cities are already offering this service as part of phase 1 of the project.

"HughesNet Fusion is a satellite based multi service superstore that has endeavored to offer meaningful applications and services to customers. With the advent of low cost airline, the Indian customer's appetite for flying has increased which is evident from the fact that online travel market today accounts for 80 per cent of the total travel industry. This phenomenon provides an enormous business opportunity for our franchisees that are spread across the length and breadth of the country", said Pranav Roach, Director, Hughes Communications India Ltd.

As per estimates 100 million tickets are sold online annually while the online domestic travel market is set to grow from $796 million in 2006 to around $2 billion by 2008.

Speaking on the tie-up, Capt GR Gopinath, Managing Director Air Deccan said "80 percent of our business comes from Tier II towns and cities and we see a synergy in operations between Hughes and Air Deccan. This alliance plays a significant role in reaffirming our commitment to make air travel affordable, effortless & easily manageable. As convenience is gaining priority over cost for customers, this tie up will be instrumental in making Air Deccan tickets more accessible".

This new online ticketing service marks Hughes' foray into the advancing online travel domain and is a significant addition to the growing basket of value added services offered by HughesNet Fusion.  HughesNet Fusion is a satellite broadband multi service superstore that offers  end consumers multiple services such as speedy broadband internet access, online education programs from premier institutes, mobile top-ups, gaming services, international calling (VoIP) services and purchase of books, music, DVD's & VCD's online.

Sourced From: Text 100 Public Relations Consultancy