Kingfisher Airlines Flags Off Inaugural Flight from Mumbai to Hong Kong

Mr. AK Ravi Nedungadi, Director, Kingfisher Airlines Ltd presents a model of the airline's brand new Airbus A330-200, widely billed as the best A330 ever built for any airline, to Airport Authority Hong Kong CEO, Mr. Stanley Hui Hon-chung.

The first guest to receive his boarding pass for Kingfisher Airlines' inaugural flight from Hong Kong to Mumbai, Mr. Wong Kwan Lok, is greeted by Mr. AK Ravi Nedungadi, Director, Kingfisher Airlines Ltd and Airport Authority Hong Kong CEO Mr. Stanley Hui Hon-chung.

Mumbai, September 16, 2009 – Kingfisher Airlines today flagged off services between Hong Kong and Mumbai with its inaugural flight taking off from Hong Kong’s Chek Lap Kok Airport at 2:05 pm.  To commemorate the departure of the first flight of Kingfisher Airlines out of Hong Kong, several dignitaries gathered at Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok Airport. Prominent amongst them were Mr. Stanley Hui Hon-chung, the CEO of Airport Authority Hong Kong, Mr. AK Ravi Nedungadi, Director, Kingfisher Airlines Limited, who is also President and CFO, The UB Group and Mr. Siva Ramachandran, Vice President, Global Sales, Kingfisher Airlines Limited. A brief ceremony was held where Mr. Nedungadi and Mr. Hui of Airport Authority Hong Kong handed over the boarding card to the first guest checking in for flight IT 072 to Mumbai.

Addressing media persons who had gathered to witness the flag off the inaugural flight, Mr. AK Ravi Nedungadi, Director, Kingfisher Airlines Limited said, “A growing number of travellers from India to Hong Kong and the South East Asia are demanding more choice, greater luxury and better value for money when choosing flights for business and leisure trips to India. There is tremendous potential for this route which Kingfisher Airlines is committed to developing with its new aircraft and superior service. With our award-winning service, our flights will offer guests who travel on these routes, a truly five-star, world-class flying experience.”

Mr. Siva Ramachandran, Vice President, Global Sales, Kingfisher Airlines Limited added, “Tourism and business between India and South East Asia are growing rapidly, driven by ongoing economic development, growing trade and rising incomes. At the same time, leisure and corporate flyers are demanding more. This is a fantastic opportunity for Kingfisher Airlines as we are pioneers in redefining the flying experience and providing personal service that meets the needs of sophisticated flyers.”

Earlier in the day, the maiden flight of Kingfisher Airlines was welcomed by Mr. Howard Eng, Executive Director, Airport Operations, Hong Kong International Airport. A welcome ceremony was held just outside gate 61 of Hong Kong Airport where guests were welcomed with a traditional Indian aarti tikka ceremony.

Starting today, Kingfisher Airlines will also launches flights between Mumbai and Singapore. Kingfisher Airlines has a fleet of 71 aircraft and flies to 65 cities in India and 7 international destinations. It has over 360 daily departures on its domestic route network with 126 flights a week on its international route network.

About Kingfisher Airlines:

Kingfisher Airlines is India's only Five Star airline rated by Skytrax, and the only one to offer premium first class service on domestic routes. Besides being the first and only airline in India to offer in-flight entertainment on every seat, Kingfisher offers LIVE TV on many domestic routes in India with 16 channels of live and exciting content. The airline has received numerous awards for innovation, customer responsiveness and was voted the ‘Best New Airline of the Year’, within months of its launch.

Kingfisher Airlines is a part of the UB Group that is one of India’s largest conglomerates with diverse interests and a global presence. The UB Group is also the largest Indian alcoholic beverages (beer and spirits) company and the third largest drinks group in the world. Kingfisher Airlines caters to all segments of the air travel ranging from low-fare service-Kingfisher Red, to the premium economy service-Kingfisher Class, to the luxurious Kingfisher First.

Links for photo download:

Photos of the inaugural flight event at the Hong Kong International Airport can be downloaded at
Http://ftp.hillandknowlton.com.hk/Kingfisher/pressevent.zip

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