Kingfisher plans daily UK-India flights

Kingfisher Airlines has appointed its first UK and Ireland general manager in preparation for scheduled services between the UK and India planned for later this year.

Subject to regulatory approvals, the Indian airline plans to merge with its partner airline, Air Deccan, and start daily services from the UK and the US to India.

In the new GM role, Sarah Built will lead a sales and marketing team for the region, generating brand awareness, spearheading the airline's launch and building partnerships with key trade, travel and corporate organisations.

She joins Kingfisher with more than 18 years experience in the aviation industry, including nine years with Swissair/Swiss and senior roles at American Airlines, KLM and Jet Airways.

Kingfisher and Air Deccan currently operate 550 domestic flights a day and claim a 30% share of the Indian market.

Owned by the $4 billion conglomerate United Breweries Group, Kingfisher currently has 20 widebody aircraft on order, including five Airbus A380s.

With permission from Travelmole