Flix, the global provider of affordable and sustainable travel options, announces plans to expand FlixBus operations to India. After the successful development of its services in Europe, the Americas and Türkiye, the company now aims to bring its unique business model to one of the largest bus markets in the world. The first intercity green lines are scheduled to launch in 2024.
To deliver on its long-term vision, Flix is planning to continue its strong growth journey, with the next milestones being the launch of FlixBus operations in Chile in the second half of 2023 and India in 2024. With buses forming the backbone of transport in India and a market size larger than Europe, Türkiye and North America combined, Flix sees immense potential for growth in this region, providing affordable, sustainable and safe long-distance bus services.
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. – says André Schwämmlein, co-founder and CEO of Flix – 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 standardization 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.
Globally Standard
Flix’ scalable business model and commitment to providing consistent quality, safety and a seamless customer experience worldwide, has already delivered success across 40 countries on four continents. The company’s entry into new markets has a proven track record of raising standards, creating a competitive market offering and more reliable choices for customers. India’s increasing demand for sustainable and safe collective travel options, with online travel booking’ systems growing significantly, have been defined as a key proof point for Flix’ success in the market.
Fostering digitalization of the traditional bus industry through Flix-powered technology, FlixBus guarantees the same quality of service on every vehicle in the fleet, providing a high level of safety and a convenient travel experience. The average age of buses in the global Flix fleet is estimated at 4-5 years, and passengers of the green buses are offered free Wi-Fi, comfortable seats with plenty of legroom, air-conditioning, power sockets and overall cleanliness and safety. In most countries, FlixBus also offers a seat reservation system, which is planned to be launched in all FlixBus markets.
Benefits for the local economy
At the heart of Flix’ vision is the belief that sustainable and affordable travel should be available for everyone, which is why the company is committed to growing not only profitably, but also responsibly and sustainably. As a frontrunner in testing long-distance alternative drives, such as biogas, electric or solar panel buses, and with a progressive climate strategy including development projects for electric and hydrogen busses Flix pursues its long-term goal of fully decarbonizing its travel offering.
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. – concludes André Schwämmlein.
By entering the Indian market, Flix aims to create a significant number of jobs and contribute to the economic growth of the entire country, with the company’s business model being a main catalyst for this goal. While Flix handles technology, customer service, quality management, network planning, as well as marketing and sales, trusted local Flix-partners run the day-to-day operations and driver management. With this business model and Flix global network, the local economy benefits not only from the development of local companies and new employments, but also from increased tourism and tax income.
The company has already initiated the process of forming a local team in India and has appointed Surya Khurana as the country managing director, who has vast experience in the mobility industry. In the coming months, Khurana and the local team, located in Delhi, will be looking for more driven employees, as well as local bus partners, to establish Flix as the leading player in the Indian market.
Flix operates in 40 countries, serving a total of more than 5,500 destinations globally, and is employing more than 5,000 people of over 90 nationalities globally, supporting a diverse workplace. 2022 has been the most successful year in the history of Flix, delivering a global revenue of more than 1.5bn EUR, a positive EBITDA as well as over 60 million passengers using Flix services with FlixBus, FlixTrain, Greyhound in North America and Kamil Koç in Türkiye. Since the company’s foundation in 2013, Flix has carried close to 300 million travellers worldwide.