Speaking at the Aviation Club in London, Kingfisher Airlines chairman Vijay Mallya said that the airline had aspirations to fly non-stop from India to New York in 2012, when it takes delivery of the first of five Airbus A380s. Assuming that India changes its airline rules, which forbids new carriers from operating international routes until they have been established for five years, New York could be achieved before that date.
Asked why he had chosen the route the flamboyant boss of the UB Group, one of India”s largest conglomerates (and the maker of Kingfisher beer) said: ”The choice was easy. We did not want to compete with the airlines of the Gulf. To New York the competition will be the US carriers, plus any from India that maybe already on the route.” He said that his Airbus A380s would carry around 500 passengers. ”We have plenty of time to see what mistakes other carriers might make and do something better.”
Kingfisher Airlines, one of India's newest and fastest growing airlines, began operations in May 2005 and now has a new fleet of V2500-powered A319, A320, A321 and ATR-72 aircraft. The airline currently operates 23 aircraft connecting 21 key business and leisure destinations with more than 160 daily flights across India through its winter schedule. On order at the present time are the five A380s, five A350s, five A340s, and five A330s, all destined for long haul international services. It still has to receive the balance of 30 A320 series aircraft to which it is committed.
To put things in perspective Vijay said that the Indian economy was growing at a rate of 9%. There were one million students in the various universities, and the country supported 400m people under 20 out of a total population of one billion.
Often referred to as the ”King of Good Times” Vijay was in great form. ”You can”t have ”low cost” in India. Nothing comes cheap. I did believe in creating a fun airline, and that is what we have done with Kingfisher.” He also pointed out that drinks advertising was banned in India. ”We have has 60% of the beer market. Our bright aircraft are being seen around more and more.”