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21-Mar-2012 9:56 AM

Kingfisher to end international services in Apr-2012 until IATA status restored

Kingfisher Airlines CEO Sanjay Aggarwal and chairman Vijay Mallya stated the carrier will end international services by 10-Apr-2012, with services to Dubai, Colombo, Kathmandu and Bangkok to end on 25-Mar-2012, with the carrier also planning to reduce domestic operations as it continues to be suspended from IATA Clearing House and Billing and Settlement Plan and as it seeks funds to support continued operations (DHNS/IANS/NDTV/PTI/Economic Times, 21-Mar-2012). "So long as the BSP suspension is up, we cannot book guests on our international flights. So, it makes no sense to fly empty aircraft. Our teams have gone to Geneva to meet with the IATA and they will meet them today (Tuesday). Our task is to restore the BSP. Until then, it makes no sense to operate international flights," Dr Mallya said. Mr Aggarwal said the carrier will reduce domestic services by up to 37% to between 110 and 125 per day with a 20 aircraft fleet, with a plan to this effect submitted to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The airline will cancel service to eight international destinations by 10-Apr-2012. Dr Mallya said there would be no disruptions and "schedule integrity will be maintained", based on its current network plan, adding, "We are not going with any ambitious target. We will be operating flights with 20 aircraft." The proposal is the second reduction in service in less than a month for the carrier, which operated 340 daily services in Oct-2011. Cancellation of the licence was not discussed at the DGCA meeting, Mr Aggarwal said, adding, "What we have presented is a plan that is sustainable and can be continued without further hiccups".

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