INDIA
The FlixBus brand is set to expand even further after the company announced plans to expand its operations to India. Having gained coverage across Europe, the Americas and Türkiye, the company is now setting its sights on the subcontinent, where it plans to bring its business model to one of the largest bus markets in the world. The first lime green coaches are scheduled to launch in India in 2024. As part of its worldwide growth, FlixBus also plans to launch operations in Chile in the second half of 2023.
With buses forming the backbone of transport in India and a market size larger than Europe, Türkiye and North America combined, FlixBus says it sees immense potential for growth in the region.
“Flix is a growth company and will continue to expand globally. I’m excited to share that India will join the Flix network as the 42nd country worldwide. Our mission is to offer affordable and sustainable travel options for everyone, and we see significant demand for such services in India,” said co-founder and CEO André Schwämmlein. “We are confident that our unique business model to work with small and medium-sized local bus partners and our technology for planning, booking operations and pricing will be a winning match also in India. With our strong focus on standardisation and safety, we will build the most competitive bus network in this region. We are willing to invest substantially in the local market, create jobs and we are targeting market leadership.
“India is committed to alternative drives and is accelerating towards a future where collective transport is electric. This gives the opportunity for Flix to be a key local player in the development of sustainable travel industry, setting up infrastructure and further development in this area.”
FlixBus says it aims to create a significant number of jobs and contribute to the economic growth of the country. The company has already initiated the process of forming a local team in India and has appointed experienced transport professional Surya Khurana as its country managing director. Surya and the local team will be located in Delhi, and will be looking for local bus partners to work with.
