Kingfisher to offer top-of-the-line onboard services on international routes
16 Aug 2008
New Delhi: Private Indian full service provider, Kingfisher Airlines, may well become India's first airline to provide mobile phone services onboard flights. The carrier has sought permission from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for offering in-flight mobile services as current rules do not permit use of cell phones once the aircraft readies for take-off.
According to airline executives, the carrier has made provisions in its new aircraft for all high-tech features. To provide mobile services, it has changed the configuration of the aircraft to allow use of cell phones in such a way that they do not interfere with navigation controls. Each mobile emits 100 watts of power, but the new technology incorporated in the aircraft will allow them to emit only 1 watt, which will allow all kind of seamless operations in the aircraft, they said.
If permission is forthcoming then onboard use of cell phones will likely be introduced on the airlines' Bangalore-London flight scheduled for launch on 3 September. The airline also plans to offer internet connectivity on this flight.
Kingfisher's international operations will also include an array of luxurious offerings for high-end customers, including flat-bed massage seats, stand-up bars and chefs who will serve gourmet meals.
Deccan Aviation, which is being merged with Kingfisher, has received permission from the country's aviation regulator to operate flights on the Bangalore-London route starting 3 September. The carrier is also expected to start services on India-Hong Kong and India-Singapore routes soon.
The Bangalore-based airline has already been granted in-principle approval to operate on various routes in the lucrative Gulf sector.
The carrier has also announced its intention to launch services to San Francisco in the US.
The airline will receive four Airbus 330s and three Airbus 340s soon and it will deploy the A330s on international sectors. Airline executives said they had already secured parking slots at London's Heathrow airport.
The carrier will begin booking seats for international routes once preparations are complete.