Kingfisher expands international network

Kingfisher expands international network    India-based Kingfisher Airlines said last week it has received regulatory approval to expand its international network, including a range of long-haul flights from the capital New Delhi.
   The Indian government has granted Kingfisher rights for seven new sectors: from New Delhi to London, Bangkok, Hong Kong and Dubai; and from Mumbai to Colombo, Bangkok and Dubai.
   The airline, which began as a domestic carrier but started international operations two years ago, previously only served international routes from Bangalore, Mumbai and Chennai. Kingfisher has also expanded its cargo operations, and has enlisted the help of aviation consultant Seabury to advise it on operations.
   'We may even look at inducting new aircraft into our fleet sooner than planned so that we are fully geared to capitalize on the upturn,' said Vijay Mallya, Kingfisher chairman and chief executive. 'We are actively pursuing various options for fundraising and our plans are on track. Given the tremendous equity that Seabury enjoys with global investors, Kingfisher Airlines is benchmarking itself against the best in the world. At a time when the industry is facing difficult challenges to becoming profitable, the appointment of Seabury is a proactive step taken towards ensuring that the leadership team is supported by and has access to seasoned advisors with proven expertise in aviation.'
   All of the new sectors will be operated with single-aisle aircraft, with the start dates for the services to be announced later.