Fast-growing Indian low-fare carrier Kingfisher is stepping up negotiations with potential foreign partners for a planned maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) operation. It is meanwhile close to selecting engines for some of the Airbus widebodies that it has on firm order.
Chief operating officer Nigel Harwood says Kingfisher is discussing with “two or three interested partners” from outside India plans for an MRO joint venture and “we intend to firm up on our MRO plans by the middle of this year”. He adds: “We have been looking at land …and we are looking to have it up and running next year.”
Kingfisher launched domestic services in May last year using leased Airbus A320s, but plans to expand into the international market. Harwood says the carrier wants to have a maintenance capability up to C checks. He says initial bids have been received from engine manufacturers General Electric, Pratt & Whitney and Rolls-Royce for its future fleet of five A330-200s and the carrier has asked for “best and final offers” by 24 January. Kingfisher, which also has five A350s and five A380s on order, is currently only interested in ordering engines for the A330s, he adds.
NICHOLAS IONIDES/SINGAPORE
Source: Flight International
