Kingfisher asks for early A380 deliveries

In a bid to get a headstart on international operations, which it will be eligible to commence in 2008, Kingfisher Airlines Ltd is asking Airbus SAS to advance delivery of the five A380s it has ordered.
Kingfisher has placed five firm orders for the A380, the world’s largest commercial airliner, with deliveries scheduled for 2011-12.
“We have requested Airbus to advance the deliveries of these planes to 2009-end,” said a Kingfisher executive familiar with the development, who did not wish to be identified.
The executive added that the A380s would be used for non-stop flights between India and the US, and on other long-haul routes.
Vijay Mallya, CEO of Kingfisher, confirmed that the company was “trying” to advance the deliveries. Airbus SAS executive vice-president (marketing & contracts, customer affairs) Kiran Rao said he couldn’t comment on the issue at this stage. It is unclear if Airbus could advance deliveries of the A380.
Until October, the aircraft manufacturer had received firm orders for 165 A380s.
21/11/07 P.R. Sanjai/Livemint

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Categories: Foreign Nov 2007, Kingfisher Nov 2007