An article form The Hindu. I love it already! Their slogan tantamounts to "fly the good times" which already sounds like a beer commercial! Plus models as FAs...

Airbus 320s in one class and new it seems. Also positioned less than Air Sahara and Jet Airways but more than Deccan. I guess they plan some sort of IFE...and are doing the Air Sahara auction thing.

And Oz in SF was right on re the beer lifestyle sell.

Look forward to seeing the airline.



Kingfisher Air to have models as air hostesses

Our Bureau

Bangalore , July 28

KINGFISHER Airlines, a UB Group enterprise, which plans to start operations from January next year, will have `designer' aircraft complete with models as air hostesses who will be chosen through an all India contest.

The interiors and the uniforms will be designed by the best in the business while passengers will be offered in flight entertainment options and contests like `Kingfisher flying face of the month' and attractive discounts of branded merchandise.

All these at prices lower than the economy class travel on full service airlines but marginally more than the `bus service' type low cost competition.

In a press statement, the airline said it has signed a deal with GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) to take on lease four Airbus A-320s worth Rs 100 crore, which will enable it kickstart its operations. The airline has already signed a deal with Airbus to acquire 12 brand new Airbus A-320 Aircraft with a list price of $750 million.

Firm deliveries of four aircraft will commence in October 2005. Kingfisher has also negotiated competitive deals with Airbus to increase the value proposition. An IPO will be considered at the appropriate time, the statement said.

All aircraft in the Kingfisher fleet will seat 180 passengers in a one class "funliner" configuration. The Airbus A-320's will be powered by CFM 56B engines sourced from CFM International, a joint company of Snecma Moteurs, France and GE, US.

"The UB Group was the first to launch a non-government commercial air service in 1990. We now feel a compelling need to re-enter the Indian civil aviation market which is one of the fastest growing markets in the world," UB Group chairman, Mr Vijay Mallya said in a statement.

He said Kingfisher Airlines will have a `fly the good times' approach and this will reflect in the experience the airline will offer to passengers. With costs lower than economy class travel on full service airlines and marginally more than the "bus services" type low cost competition, Kingfisher Airlines offers a far better value proposition.

The aircraft and service will reflect the Kingfisher lifestyle imagery and credibility that has been built over the years, Mr Mallya said.

Apart from offering in-flight entertainment on demand, "funliners" will also offer in-flight silent auctions for lifestyle products and in-flight sales of dry packaged food and beverages. Kingfisher Airlines would also offer a loyalty rewards' programme for its passengers and would be negotiating bulk deals with the corporate sector.

The statement said Kingfisher Airlines would have the lowest per seat mile cost in India by virtue of a combination of leased and purchased aircraft. It will have maximum capacity utilisation with the lowest turnaround times. It proposes to maintain low operating overheads by maximising outsourcing of ground handling with emphasis on quality of service and competitiveness. Also proposed is the extensive use of IT to lower costs and allow for constant dynamic models on pricing, aircraft utilisation and route planning.



Edited to add in link to screenshot for the "King of Good Times"...http://india.simflight.net/modules.p...rticle&sid=134