Kingfisher to ink slew of interline contracts

The Vijay Mallya-promoted Kingfisher Airlines is all set to ink major interline agreements with over 20 foreign carriers to expand its reach.

A source close to the development said Kingfisher was targeting major carriers from Europe, Middle East and US, contribute over 60 per cent of international traffic from India.

A senior executive of the airline said, "We would ink agreement with in a couple of months." However, the company declined to divulge more details adding "we are in advanced stage of discussion with top 50 airlines in the world".

Kingfisher Airlines, which is keen on launching international operations, would thus have access to international passengers of other major airlines and in return provide them access to the Indian consumer from cities they do not operate in, they added.

At present, the airline is operating in 15 destinations with 72 flights a day.

Kingfisher has an interline agreement with international low-fares carrier Air Arabia LLC.

"Kingfisher's passengers from Kolkata, Goa, Kochi, Bangalore and Delhi are taking advantage of low fares to Sharjah and beyond as a result of this alliance," sources added.

They said that the airline was also developing better ticket distribution strategy in wake of mega interlining agreement on the anvil.

"We have already tied up with Reliance Webworld for tickets in addition to other sources including travel agents, internet options and call centre facilities," a senior executive said.