Kingfisher Airlines orders Five Airbus A340-500

Kingfisher Airlines, the carrier headquartered in Mumbai, India signed a contract for five Airbus A340-500 and an option for five more, on Monday, 24 April 2006, in Hannover, Germany. The aircraft are scheduled for delivery in 2008. The aircraft are the latest high gross weight versions, allowing higher payloads to be transported.

All five A340-500 in the Kingfisher fleet will be powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 500 engines, which burn up to 20% less fuel than older generation engines, whilst providing excellent range and payload performance.

"With the A340-500 ultra long haul aircraft, we will open up a completely new market. For the first time, we will be able to offer direct non-stop services between India and the USA and our A340-500 will have a unique configuration giving passengers extra space and comfort on their long flights" said Dr Vijay Mallya, Chairman of Kingfisher Airline’s parent company UB Group.

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