The Hindu Business Line : There's no business like air-biz for Vijay Mallya

LIQUOR king Vijay Mallya, whose airline Kingfisher Airlines is all set to take off on Monday, has sought to turn airline business into a showbiz of sorts, offering passengers an opportunity to rub shoulders with the glitterati and have an image makeover from the best in the business - all for free.

In his address posted on the airline's Web site www.flykingfisher.com, Mallya says, "I am often referred to as the `King of Good Times' and I truly believe that you should share this experience with me."

Calling the company aircraft `Kingfisher Funliner', Mallya says he has personally ensured that "every Kingfisher Funliner meets global standards that I have set for myself in terms of safety and I am proud of our brand new fleet incorporating the latest technology available." He says he has instructed the crew to treat every guest "in the same way as if they visited my home."

"I insisted upon an individual in-flight entertainment system for our guest's personal viewing and listening pleasure." Since he demands individual attention, Mallya says, "I suppose the guests (passengers) would do too!"

The crew aboard the Kingfisher Funliner has been handpicked by Mallya himself, who has also approved the training programme. Mallya says he had spent a lot of time to ensure that the airline is "truly world-class in every sense." He says passengers who wish to convey something could e-mail their views to him at chairman@flykingfisher.com.

As part of the in-flight entertainment, Kingfisher Airlines offers five video channels and ten audio channels, with personalised screens and headphones.

Ever the showman, Mallya can hardly miss an opportunity to conjure up something involving the glitterati.

The company says a special celebrity guest - Yana Gupta, Vidisha Pavate or Atul Kasbekar - will hop onto any one of Kingfisher Airlines' flights at random.

The celebrity guest will mingle with the guests on board and "pick out the one who has made the greatest impression."

The lucky passenger will be crowned the `High Flyer of the Month.'

This is not all.

The chosen passenger will receive a free makeover at the expert hands of Cory Walia, a portfolio shoot by master lensman Atul Kasbekar and a wardrobe from Manoviraj Khosla.

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