Press Room
Kingfisher
Airlines wins the CAPA award for “Best New Airline Of The Year”
in Asia Pacific & Middle East
The first Indian carrier to win this accolade; The Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) recognizes Kingfisher Airlines for its significant innovation and outstanding customer experience
Kuala Lumpur, December 6, 2005 – Kingfisher Airlines, India’s fastest growing airline and the first Indian carrier to offer Full Service at True value, including a personal in-flight entertainment system on every seat on domestic routes, today added another feather in its cap with the announcement that it has been recognized and honoured as the “Best New Airline of the Year 2005” in the Asia Pacific and Middle East by the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA).
The award was presented to Kingfisher Airlines at a gala event held in Kuala Lumpur on the sidelines of the second Annual Asia Pacific & Middle East Aviation Outlook Summit 2006. The award was accepted by Dr. Vijay Mallya, Chairman and Managing Director, Kingfisher Airlines Limited in the presence of top executives from the world’s leading airlines and travel companies and a sprinkling of international media.
Commenting on the achievement, Dr. Mallya said, “We are delighted to be named ‘Best New Airline Of The Year’. The award represents a powerful endorsement from the traveling guests who recognize our commitment and service excellence. I would like to thank all our guests for their support. This is also thanks to our remarkable team that has consistently risen to the challenge and delivered a superior product experience that Kingfisher Airlines has received this recognition and the award is an encouragement for them to continue the good work and to do even better now. I have pleasure in dedicating this award to all Kingfisher Airlines employees.”
Dr. Mallya further added, “Kingfisher Airlines has grown at a scorching pace and we intend to continue to delight and pamper our guests and offer them unparalleled levels of service, comfort and convenience to ensure that they keep flying the good times!”
The CAPA Awards are presented annually to Asia Pacific and Middle Eastern personalities and organisations doing the most to influence business and regulatory strategy in ways which will have a lasting and irreversible impact on the evolution of the aviation and tourism industries.
The “Best New Airline Of The Year Award” has been introduced for the first time this year to recognize the significant level of start-up activity in the Asia Pacific region in the last twelve months. Kingfisher Airlines won the award as it emerged as the start up airline that had the most significant impact in the Asia Pacific and Middle East region and for creating an outstanding customer experience. According to CAPA, several new start up airlines were evaluated on various criteria and Kingfisher Airlines has established itself as a key player in its aviation market, with a demonstrated potential to become a significant influence in the broader international aviation market, given its vision for future growth and market opportunities. The award underscores the contribution that Kingfisher Airlines has made to the development of aviation in the region.
The award comes as Kingfisher Airlines continues to expand its network and is a reflection of the airline’s underlying philosophy to constantly innovate and exceed the expectations of traveling guests in the Indian skies. The carrier beat off stiff competition from other airlines to claim this accolade and achieved high scores in all criteria including its excellence in cabin comfort, food, in-flight service, customer service and value.
In keeping with its growth plans, Kingfisher Airlines recently placed a fresh order for 30 Airbus A320 aircraft at the Dubai Air Show 2005 in a deal valued at US $1.9 billion, which follows its purchase of 20 ATR 72-500 Turboprop Aircraft valued at US $ 350 million. Kingfisher Airlines is also the first Indian carrier to have placed an order for five Airbus superjumbo A380s, five A350s and five A330s. The deliveries of A330s are expected to begin in 2007 while the A380s and A350s arrive in 2010 and 2012 respectively.
About CAPA
The Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation is a specialist consultancy group focused on the aviation industry in the Asia Pacific region. It provides advisory and information services to airlines, airports, governments, regulatory agencies and suppliers. CAPA is one of the most highly acclaimed think tanks in the aviation sector. The annual Outlook Summit is the region’s leading aviation event and this year’s summit boasts the highest-level speakers Asia Pacific Aviation has ever seen.
About Kingfisher Airlines
Kingfisher Airlines is India’s first and only private airline to commence operations with a brand new fleet of aircraft. Kingfisher Airlines offers Full Service at True Value and promises an unparalleled experience to the Indian air traveler. For the first time in the Indian skies, Kingfisher Airlines offers world-class in-flight entertainment with personal video screens for every seat. There’s a wide selection of 5 video channels and 10 audio channels available on-board. Also on offer are extra-wide seats and spacious legroom, delicious gourmet meals, international-class cabin crew and a whole host of comforts and delights. Kingfisher Airlines also facilitates doorstep delivery of tickets on guest request. Fly the Good Times with Kingfisher Airlines. For more information on Kingfisher Airlines log on to www.flykingfisher.com
About The UB Group
The UB Group is one of India’s largest conglomerates with net revenues in excess of US $2 billion, with diverse interests in brewing, distilling, real estate, engineering, fertilizers, biotechnology, IT and aviation. In June 2005, The UB Group acquired Shaw Wallace and Company Ltd. This transaction has catapulted The UB Group’s Spirits Division into becoming the third largest liquor company in the world with 15 millionaire brands in its portfolio, and annual sales in excess of 60 million cases. Kingfisher Airlines is a wholly owned subsidiary of United Breweries Holdings limited, the UB Group’s investments holding company. For more information on The UB Group log on to www.theubgroup.com
For further information please contact:
Prakash Mirpuri,
Sr. General Manager-Corporate Media Relations,
The UB Group
[email protected] /
Mobile: +91-98210-91715
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