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| One of many kingfisher airline's Aircrafts waiting to be scrapped/leased back to the owners. |
What is the first thing that befalls your mind, when you hear “kingfisher” airlines?
Yes, that is correct, the beer, sounds familiar?
On 9th May 2005, kingfisher airlines initiated its operation with a fleet of 4 new Airbus A320-200s, serving one of the busiest routes in the world, Mumbai to Delhi, India.
By 2011, Kingfisher airlines had the 2nd highest share in India’s domestic air travel market.
However, they ceased their services in 2012, So what went wrong?
History of kingfisher Airlines
Having established in 2003, Kingfisher airlines was owned by the Bengaluru based United Breweries group with a 50% stake.
The CEO/Owner of the airlines Vijay Mallya, an Indian businessman, started its primary operations on 9th May 2005.
Besides a fleet of just 4 Airbus A320, Vijay Mallya was keen on expanding its routes and fleet of the newly established airline.
By 2007, the airline had expanded its fleet to a whopping 20 Airbus A320, connecting to about 26 destinations across India, thereby controlling major domestic slots.
Moreover, during September 2008, Kingfisher airlines launched its first long-haul destination to London, further reaching the dream of being an international dominated airline.
At its pinnacle, the Vijay Mallay's airline had a fleet of 69 aircraft, the majority of them being the Airbus A320/21 - 200, ATR 42, and 72s.
The airline's international routes were mostly operated with the 5 Airbus A330s and A340-500, thereby providing its passengers the "Fly the Good Times" by Kingfisher First and Kingfisher class seating.
Moreover, the airline had also placed orders for five Airbus A350-800s and the five mighty A380s aircraft for intercontinental services.
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The Fall of Kingfisher Airlines
Unlike all the budget airlines nowadays, Kingfisher airlines were given a 5-star rating status by Skytrax.
Moreover, they had also owned state-of-the-art aircraft's with inflight entertainment services, good inflight catering services, and 1st class passengers with lounge access.
Amidst losses being reported since it had commenced operations, the real turning point came after 2007, when kingfisher airlines bought Air Deccan.
Having a vast domestic network, Air Deccan had issues of its own.
By merging with Air Deccan, Kingfisher airlines of Vijay Mallya could fly internationally, Thus bypassing the Indian Rule of no international flights for airlines in the existence of fewer than five years.
By 2008, and with the global financial crisis hindering the aviation demand, the airline had suffered a loss of over US$140 million for 3 consecutive years, and in 2012, with losses over US$980 million, and half of its fleet grounded, the once 5-star rating status airline had slipped to the last.
On 20th October 2012, Kingfisher airline's license was suspended by the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation ) after it failed to address the Indian regulators about its operations.
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| Kingfisher airline's ATR 42/72 used for domestic routes |
Where are the Kingfisher planes
As per air fleets, the airline in all consisted of 54 planes, ranging from the Airbus A319/A320/A321/A330 and ATR 42/72.
On ceasing of operations, the jets have been either dismissed or leased back to various lessors, making the airlines active/current fleet to 0.
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