JET AIRWAYS is to take over Sahara Airlines, subject to regulatory approvals by the Indian government, giving the merged operation an over 50% share of the domestic market.
With both carriers now established at Heathrow, Jet Airways to Mumbai and Sahara to Delhi, this could allow Kingfisher Airlines, headed as chairman and managing director by the redoubtable Dr Vijay Mallya (left), access following a relaxation of the bi-lateral which has given bmi traffic rights into Mumbai and both British Airways and Virgin Atlantic endorsement to expand operations.
Part of the mighty UB brewery group, recently created Kingfisher Airlines is the first Indian carrier to have placed an order for the Airbus A380s, for five. It is also committed to five A350s and five A330s plus 40 A320.
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