India's Kingfisher Airlines signs order for Airbus A380, A350 and A330

Kingfisher Airlines has become the first Indian carrier to sign a firm contract with Airbus for the A350 and A380 – as well as for the A330. The order is for five A350-800s plus five A380s for intercontinental services, and five A330-200s for regional routes.

Deliveries of Kingfisher’s Airbus A330s are due to begin in the third quarter of 2007, those of the 'Super Jumbo' A380s in 2010, and those of the A350s in 2012.

Kingfisher will use its A330s on regional routes, including flights to Europe, while the A350 and A380 are destined for longer nonstop flights.

“India is one of the world’s fastest growing markets, especially among the younger emerging generation, and these new Airbus aircraft, with their unmatched passenger appeal, economy and commonality, will give us the lead in competing for their business, “ says Dr Vijay Mallya, Chairman of the UB Group, one of India’s largest companies and the parent company of Kingfisher Airlines. “We’ll begin with the Airbus A330, which is a great aircraft and already in widespread service, and then we”ll create a sensation when we become the first Indian carrier with the 21st Century flagship A380, before adding the world’s newest airliner, the A350. Imagine flying the good times, not just in India, but worldwide !”

Kingfisher Airlines has already ordered ten A320s and three A319s, and has options on a further 20 single-aisle aircraft.

See other recent news regarding: Travel News Asia, Airbus, Paris Air Show