Kingfisher Airline History

The airline is wholly owned by the United Breweries Group, and promises to suit the needs of air travellers and to provide reasonable air fares. Kingfisher Airlines' main "luxury" component is its in-flight entertainment system, a first among Indian airlines.

The Kingfisher airline started operations on 9 May 2005, following the lease of four Airbus A320 aircraft. On June 15, 2005, it became the first (and only) Indian airline to order the Airbus A380. It placed orders for five A380s, five Airbus A350-800 aircraft and five Airbus A330-200 aircraft in a deal valued at over $3 billion. Delivery of the A330s is due to start in late 2007, followed by the A380s in 2010 and the A350s in 2012.

Ever since its launch in May 2005, Kingfisher Airlines has blazed a trail of innovations and introduced a range of market-firsts that have completely redefined the whole experience of flying. By elevating its customers to a level of being ‘guests’ and not just passengers, Kingfisher Airlines has endeared itself to consumers.

As of July 2007, Kingfisher operates only on domestic routes; however it has announced plans to start flights to the USA with Airbus A340 and Airbus A380 aircraft. The airline's in-flight Mobile Phone and Internet Services will be provided by OnAir starting 2008 for long-haul flights.

On December 19th, 2007 Air Deccan and Kingfisher Airlines decided to merge. Kingfisher Airlines’ parent company United Breweries (UB Group) have acquired 46% of Air Deccan’s parent Deccan Aviation, which possesses 52% of the total stakes.