In September 2007, the airline was in advanced stage of planning for its international operations. In fact, a team went to Belgium to finalise the crockery and cutlery to be used on flights. The airline applied for slots, counters and other necessary infrastructure at the San Francisco airport.
But despite heavy lobbying with the government, Mallya couldn't secure permission to fly overseas in time for the arrival of his A 330-400s (the first of which should be here this April).
His merger with Deccan, according to sources, is the new key to flying international (Deccan will be eligible to fly this August, as per government rules), but it's not clear how he will use Deccan's rights while maintaining both brands and using different aircraft.
Says a senior Kingfisher airline official, "Certainly, our plans have been thrown out of gear but when one is launching international, a few months here and there won't matter in the long run." He argues that Jet is yet another player Kingfisher will compete with, just as it will with Air India, British Airways, Emirates, Singapore Airlines and all the other international carriers.
Image: A member of Jet Airways cabin crew (L) assists a passenger on the innaugural flight of Jet Airways service from London to Ahmedabad
Photograph: Sam Panthaky/AFP/Getty Images
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