The Hindu Business Line : Kingfisher Air orders 30 Airbus A320s

Kingfisher had already announced purchase of 20 ATR 72-500aircraft, valued at $350 million plus an option of 15 additional aircraft yesterday, bringing the total orders announced at the Dubai air show to 50 aircraft.

The airline currently flies a fleet of seven Airbus aircraft, with one more A320 and three A319s scheduled to join its fleet by January 2006.

The Chairman of Kingfisher Airlines, Mr Vijay Mallya, said in Dubai that the first of the A319s will be received in a couple of weeks time, making it the first carrier in India to use this new aircraft. Plans are also on to launch the airline's First Class by February 2006, he said.

He said that Kingfisher Airlines had enjoyed an accelerated growth and earned a reputation in the industry since its launch.

The Airbus A320 was the widely held benchmark in single aisle aircraft and the preferred choice for the airline, he said. A320 will be powered by the IAEV2500-A5 engine.

Airbus is scheduled to deliver the aircraft ordered today in the period between 2008 and 2010. Kingfisher's earlier orders for five A330s are scheduled for delivery in 2007, the five Super Jumbo A380s in 2010 and the five A350s in 2012.

Mr Mallya indicated that Kingfisher will be ready to operate long haul flights with the US as a target destination when the A380s are delivered.

The purchase orders in recent months were part of a long-term plan to be ready to operate international flights when the mandatory waiting period for private carriers to fly overseas is completed, he said.

The Union Minister for Civil Aviation,Mr Praful Patel, who was present at the air show during the announcement, told the media that the Government intended to stick to its decision to not to permit private carriers to operate international flights till the mandatory five-year period was completed.

The Government's policy has been taken with a view that those airlines, which carry the national flag have the wherewithal to offer a certain minimum level of services, he said.

The Minister also spoke in detail about modernisation of Indian airports.

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