Kingfisher Airlines orders five Airbus A 340-500

Vijay Mallya owned Kingfisher Airlines has announced that they have signed a contract for purchase of five Airbus A 340-500 long-haul aircraft. In addition, they have also taken an option to acquire five more in the future if required.

The company has plans to operate direct flights to the United States though this would require them to get approval from the Indian government. The deal for this acquisition was signed on between Kingfisher Chairman, Mr. Vijay Mallya and Airbus Industrie CEO, Mr. Gustav Humbert in the presence of Prime Minister, Mr. Manmohan Singh and German Chancellor Ms Angela Merkel.

These aircrafts would be powered by Rolls Royce Trent 500 engines. Airbus added that these planes were the “latest high gross weight versions” which allow higher payloads for transportation.

Mr. Mallya added that these new planes would help them enter an entirely new market. He said: “For the first time, we will be able to offer direct non-stop services between India and the US and these aircraft will have a unique configuration giving passengers extra space and comfort on their long flights.”

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