Kingfisher Airlines of Mumbai takes Delivery of First Airbus

Kingfisher Airlines, a new value-based carrier headquartered in Mumbai, India, has taken delivery of its first A320.

“The delivery of our first Airbus A320 heralds a new era in which the Kingfisher lifestyle - already popular on the ground - takes to the skies,” said Dr Vijay Mallya, Chairman of the UB Group, one of India’s largest companies and the parent company of Kingfisher Airlines. “We have built the Kingfisher brand on values such as quality, value and reliability, all of which are echoed in our brand-new fleet of modern Airbus aircraft, which features the widest seats in its class, personal TV screens for an unparalleled in-flight experience, the most spacious cabin, and the most modern design.”

Kingfisher’s first A320 is the first of four that are being leased from debis Airfinance. The airline has also placed firm orders for ten Airbus A320s, plus 20 options, and for three A319s – for which deliveries begin in September and December, respectively.

“Kingfisher is a strong and vibrant brand in India and is sure to rise to new heights aboard our aircraft,” says Noël Forgeard, Airbus President and CEO. “India is a strongly growing air-travel market with enormous potential for growth, especially among the new emerging generation, for which modern Airbus aircraft and the Kingfisher brand are ideally suited.”

Each of Kingfisher’s A319s and A320s will seat 144 and 174 passengers, respectively, and be powered by International Aero Engines V2500s.

Kingfisher has recently signed a ground-handling agreement for its A319s and A320s with Indian Airlines, in a ground-breaking deal between private and public companies that should bring benefits to both.

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