Post-merger Deccan and Kingfisher to maintain separate identities: Capt Gopinath

New Delhi: Air Deccan will maintain its identity as a low-cost carrier and continue to operate as a separate entity even after its merger with UB Group's Kingfisher Airlines, Deccan Aviation executive chairman Captain Gopinath said today.

''Deccan will continue to operate as a low-cost carrier and even after a fare hike in the event of fuel surcharge increase, it will still be a low cost carrier.

Deccan has been a household name since its inception two years back and to attain synergies in operation, post-merger Kingfisher will operate as a premier carrier and Deccan as low fare airline,'' Gopinath added.

''The two airlines will be operative as two separate entities and we will only concentrate on rebranding the two carriers. We are presently focusing on integrating the resources of the two firms,'' added Gopinath.

According to Capt Gopinath, the benefits of the synergy would be visible only after 3-6 months.