Mumbai, December 21, 2005 (Business Standard)

The Vijay Mallya-promoted Kingfisher Airlines has announced special fares for all personnel currently serving in the country's Armed Forces under the central government and state governments. The airline has also offered concessional fares to employees of all public sector units in the country.

The immediate families of these personnel - parents, spouse and dependent children - are also eligible for the special fares. These fares are available for travel on all 56 flights connecting 56 destinations on which the airline operates and will start at Rs 1,999 for flights of one hour duration or less.

This excludes the Rs 221 per ticket airport tax. For sectors where the flight duration is more than an hour but less then two hours, the applicable special fare will be Rs 2,999 while a flight of more than two hours the fare will be Rs 3,999.

These special and reduced fares are valid till March 31, 2006. Due of the unique nature of these fares, identity verification, via valid government identity card.Sources said the offer would make travel cheaper than low cost airlines in select routes.

However, representatives of low cost carriers said Kingfisher Airline's move will not affect them.

"Low cost carriers already offers cheaper rates irrespective of defence personnel or government employees," industry analysts said.

"Kingfisher Airlines is committed to delighting its guests and the introduction of special reduced airfares for government employees and the Armed Forces is yet another token of our commitment to innovation and excellence," said Girish Shah, general manager, marketing, Kingfisher Airlines.

Manoj Chacko, Kingfisher Airlines general manager (sales), said, "Every single day, the members of our Armed Forces and their families continue to demonstrate courage, commitment and great sacrifice on behalf of their country and their fellow citizens. Similarly, members of government departments around the country perform a thankless task. Kingfisher Airlines is pleased to extend these special fares in admiration and appreciation of their job."

Kingfisher Airlines is also the first Indian carrier to have placed an order for five Airbus super jumbo A380s along with five A350s and five A330s.