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Mumbai, May 10, 2006—Kingfisher Airlines, India’s fastest growing private carrier and the first airline in India to introduce a premium First Class service for travelers flying on domestic routes, celebrated its first anniversary with a series of on-board celebrations on various flights across the country, on May 9 2006. Kingfisher Airlines’ Chairman and CEO, Dr. Vijay Mallya addressed his guests on board several flights on the occasion of Kingfisher Airlines’ first anniversary.
Speaking with his guests over the aircraft’s public address system, Dr. Mallya thanked them for their unflinching patronage and support. A visibly elated Dr. Mallya reminisced how Kingfisher Airlines took to the skies on May 9, 2005 with its maiden flight from Mumbai to Bangalore. “Today, Kingfisher Airlines completes one full year of operations and it was on this very route that our first commercial flight was operated. We have come a very long way, and all of this would not have been possible without the overwhelming response that all of you have shown. Our understanding of the emerging new India set us on the path to create a product and service offering designed to truly wow and delight air travelers. My team and I have endeavoured to make your flying experience as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Ladies and gentlemen, I invite you to join me in celebrating one successful and immensely rewarding year of operations of Kingfisher Airlines and promise you that there are many more milestones to achieve together and the best is yet to come!”, according to Dr. Mallya.
Dr. Mallya shared his vision for Kingfisher Airlines and reiterated that aggressive growth plans were on the anvil with a market share of 15% as the target for the coming year. Touching upon the several firsts that set Kingfisher Airlines apart from the flock, he elaborated how his airline was the first private Indian carrier to go in for a brand new fleet of aircraft to ensure on time performance and a technical edge over other players. He explained how the passion of Indians for entertainment was the motivation behind the decision to go in for a state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment system for every single seat, something that even business class passengers of other airlines in India do not enjoy. The airline recently crossed the milestone of having carried its one millionth guest in a short span of less than ten months.
Several other features of Kingfisher Airlines that mark a first in aviation in India are:
The first airline to introduce a premium First Class service for guests traveling on domestic routes in India featuring the plushest Sleeperette seats in the Indian skies with a 48 inch pitch, a 125 degree recline, adjustable headrests and fully extendable footrests, Audio and video on-demand, three-course gourmet cuisine, host of delightful on-ground and in-flight services
The first airline in India to be equipped with ACARS-Airborne Communications Addressing & Reporting System that intelligently connects the aircraft with ground operations and enables real time monitoring of each aircraft and its condition via transmission of important aircraft data and various flight parameters
The first airline to equip its fleet with an Automated External Defibrillator to potentially revert life threatening heart rhythms in case of a cardiac arrest
International and national awards and accolades earned by Kingfisher Airlines in its very first year include:
`Best New Airline of the Year` award in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East region from Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA).
Voted as the 3rd Most Successful Brand Launch of the Year 2005, in the annual Brand Derby Survey conducted by India’s leading business daily-Business Standard.
In another Survey conducted by agencyfaqs.com and Brand Reporter, Kingfisher was voted as the 7th Buzziest Brand of 2005 amongst 2000 leading national and international brands.
The “Service Excellence for a New Airline” award from Skytrax, a UK based specialist global air transport advisor.
“Best New Domestic Airline for Excellent Services and Cuisine” award from Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA), the biggest travel writers’ organization, representing members from 70 countries across the globe, that conducts independent annual surveys across various industries related with Travel and Tourism in order to select the best in each category.
Since it began operations in May 2005, Kingfisher Airlines has become India’s preferred carrier amongst discerning flyers who look for that extra touch to make their flight, fun. Connecting 15 Indian cities, Kingfisher Airlines operates 70 flights a day.
Kingfisher Airlines recently placed an order for the ultra long haul A340-500 capable of flying non-stop from India to the United States of America. This recent order marks the countdown to the imminent commencement of international operations of Kingfisher Airlines. The first wide body aircraft of Kingfisher Airlines is due for delivery in 2007. Kingfisher Airlines is the only Indian carrier to have placed an order for the world’s largest wide bodied aircraft, the A380, with five A380s on order. Kingfisher Airlines is also the first airline from India to have placed a firm order for the A350. Currently, the aircraft that have joined the fleet of Kingfisher Airlines include 8 brand new A320s, 3 brand new A319s and 2 brand new ATR 72-500s. Ten more aircraft are slated to join the fleet of Kingfisher Airlines during the remainder of calendar 2006. By the year 2010, Kingfisher Airlines will have 69 aircraft in its fleet.
For more information on Kingfisher Airlines log on to www.flykingfisher.com . Fly the Good Times with Kingfisher Airlines.
For further information, members of the media may contact:
In Delhi
Ritu Bararia
Sr. Manager PR and Corporate Affairs,
Kingfisher Airlines Ltd
Handphone +91 93508 66639
Email [email protected]
PR Agency
Prakash Mirpuri, IPAN, Mumbai, Handphone + 91 98210 91715 / [email protected]
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