Deccan-Kingfisher gets nod to fly abroad

The Civil Aviation Ministry on Tuesday granted permission to liquor king and Rajya Sabha MP Vijay Mallya owned UB group’s two airlines: Kingfisher and Air Deccan to fly abroad from August 26.

The Ministry has first allowed the Deccan airlines to begin operation to overseas as Air Deccan is going to complete its five year term on August 23. And according to aviation rules, five years of domestic operation is mandatory for any airline firm to be eligible for flying abroad. Besides five-year domestic flight experience, the airlines must also have at least 20 aircrafts in its fleet to be eligible for overseas services.

Kingfisher, which had tied the knot with Deccan airlines last December, has also become eligible to fly abroad due to that joint venture. In general case, Kingfisher would have to wait for another two more years as it has completed only three years of domestic flight operation but now, it can also begin operation for abroad under its ‘Kingfisher’ brand.

Deccan aviation has got the right to fly 13 overseas countries- US, UK, UAE, Singapore, Thailand, Maldives, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Hong Kong.

While Deccan airlines has announced to initiate its soft launch of overseas flight operation to Heathrow airport, London, from Indian IT hub Bangalore viewing less competition as against Delhi-London or Mumbai-London air route from September 03, 2008. This will be only the second direct flight from Bangalore to London after British Airways.

However, the continuous operation for the granted places is likely to begin from winter (November) season while besides Bangalore-London; Kingfisher officials are also considering to begin Mumbai-Singapore and Mumbai-Hong Kong service by the end of October, as per sources.

Viewing the rising prices of aircraft fuels, Kingfisher is analysing the situation to fly within the budget as the soaring prices of aircraft fuel has chopped its thick margin of airlines. That’s why, as per sources, Kingfisher has planned to fly A-330 aircraft for medium-haul flights and A-340 craft for ultra long-haul flights on Indo-US non-stop routes.

There would be two classes in Kingfisher’s Bangalore-London route – First class for businessmen and economy class for others- which tickets would begin from Rs.21,000 for one side travel.

The airline is also considering to add high-end business class in it after scrutinising the situation. Kingfisher-Deccan would be the third private operators to get the overseas flight operation after Jet Airways and Sahara Airlines.