'A380 to give Kingfisher competitive edge'

New Delhi, May 7: Kingfisher Airlines said today it will gaincompetitive edge for long-haul flights by deploying Airbus A380, theworld's most modern superjumbo that can seat 555 passengers in athree-class, double decker format. ''There're lots of people who are anxious to fly by A380,'' saidits chairman and CEO Vijya Mallya.

''With customised interiors, ourguests (passengers) can expect something spectacular.'' Kingfisher hasordered five A380s which it will begin receiving by December 2011. Itplans to use them on non-stop routes from India to the United States,capitalising on the plane's fuel efficiency, range, passenger comfortand economics.

Mr Mallya said the operating cost of flying A380 from New Delhi toNew York is 25 per cent less than its competitor (Boeing B747-400).

But that does not necessarily mean cheaper fares, he said whiletalking to reporters before the new generation aircraft took VVIPs foran hour-long demonstration flight around the national capital.

The A380 is expected to enter commercial service with SingaporeAirlines (SIA) in October. Kingfisher has ordered 30 A320s, five A330s,five A340s and A350s as well besides ATR 72-500 turboprops as part ofits expansion plans. It will start receiving deliveries of A330s byDecember and A340s by February next year.

''We'll deploy the A340-500s to connect India and the (US) westcoast. The five A380 will enable us to connect Delhi and Mumbai withtwo (US) east coast destinations,'' said Mr Mallya.

Government rules require that airlines must log in five years ofdomestic operations before flying aboard. Mr Mallya said if currentguidelines are not changed, he will fly the other way round -- from theUnited States to India (as a US airline) and back.

Currently, Kingfisher offers 163 flights per day connecting 26Indian business and leisure destinations. ''We're on track in ourmission to be India's largest private domestic carrier by 2010.'' MrMallya said the maiden visit of the world's largest airplane, which iswidely regarded as the future of aviation, marks a momentous milestonein the history of civil aviation in India.

He ruled out the option of operating A380 on domestic routes toconnect cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore, saying that flyingcheap with dense passenger traffic is not Kingfisher's business model.

UNI

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