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He manufactures Indias favorite beer, owns the most exotic beach villas and
yachts in the world, and has been a role model for quite a few wannabe playboys
in the country. A few months after he acquired Indias first budget airline, he
is set to redefine luxury air travel for the IT executive. Dr Vijay Mallya talks
on the strategies for Kingfisher Airlines international sectors, and more
Ive been told that the IT industry in the city is one the reasons you
launched Kingfisher Airlines international operations from Bangalore. Is that
correct?
You are right. IT industry is the biggest driving force for the airlines in
Bangalore. See, we now fly international and it is the IT industry which flies
regularly to destinations like London and San Francisco. Before starting
Kingfishers international sectors, Ive had multiple rounds of discussions with
senior executives and managers of top IT companies to understand their travel
needs better. Everything from flight timings, on-board Internet and SMS access
has been designed as an offshoot of these discussions. We will start
international operations from Mumbai soon.
Spectacle cleaning, fully reclining beds, mood lightinginteresting frills
to have on board an aircraft. Are you sure to find takers?
There was time in Indian aviation history when everybody thought I would need to
sell off my airplanes because the Indian traveler needed budget flights, and
no-frills travel. I survived that phase and its on record that I didnt lose a
single penny. Ive had no doubts that the corporate Indian traveler will pay to
be pampered with reclining chairs, increased seat pitch, a full-fledged thali
meal on board, and a stand up bar with an impressive collection of wines. If you
still doubt, my first flight to London had 70% paid ticket holders, and my fare
was Rs 1,000 higher than British Airways.
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Vijay Mallya,
Chairman, UB Group |
Have you extended technology to the executive traveling on board your
aircrafts?
Heres something youd love to know. Where we stand today, it is utter bogus to
say that you cant operate your mobile phone on board an aircraft when you are
taking off or landing. My new set of aircrafts that Im taking delivery of, will
allow you to operate your GSM phones at anytime during your flight. I have also
made it a point to use in flight entertainment, mood lighting and GSM phone
usage.
Are you a connoisseur of technology?
Yes it is, and like many others in the country, I feel the need to be connected
at all times to my official emails, news, stocks and executives.
Your message to the budding entrepreneurs and businessmen out there?
Spend your money on the right things. Taking Kingfisher Airlines as an example,
Ive invested a lot on lavish comforts inside my aircrafts, but my cost of
operations is the lowest in the country. I do not waste money flying
unprofitable routes and plan my fleet well. The moment you spend where you need
to, fat bank balances are not too far away.
Vishnu Anand
Living Digital
maildqindia@cybermedia.co.in
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