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Oneworld puts Kingfisher membership on hold

Originally published on businesstraveller.com 03/02/2012 - Filed under: News »

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The Oneworld airline alliance has announced that it has agreed to defer Kingfisher Airline's entry into the alliance, in order to give the Indian carrier more time to strengthen its financial position.

Kingfisher was due to be implemented into the alliance on Friday February 10 (see online news December 19, 2011) but this will now be put on hold until further notice.

Oneworld CEO Bruce Ashby said, “These are turbulent times for the airline industry in India and many other parts of the world. We have been working closely with Kingfisher Airlines over the past months and it has become increasingly clear recently that the airline needs more time to resolve the financial issues it is confronting before it can be welcomed into Oneworld.

"We wish it well during this process and will work with Kingfisher Airlines with the aim of setting a new joining date once it is through this current period of turbulence."

Kingfisher Airlines Chairman Vijay Mallya added:  "In light of the many priorities centred around Kingfisher Airlines' recapitalisation efforts, we felt it prudent to defer our entry into the alliance for a little while.”

For more information visit oneworld.com.

Report by Scott Carey

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COMMENTS » 

BAGoldcard - 03/02/2012 20:55

According to a post in flyertalk:

"Just heard that IATA Clearing House has suspended IT due to unpaid dues.

And Oneworld has indefinitely suspended IT entry into OW until they sort themselves out.

Check your BA/IT codeshares. I am rebooking some on 9W asap. And don't expect tier points anytime soon!"

gbchotrani - 04/02/2012 01:04

Glad to hear of this suspension in the light of events in Indian aviation industry. I still receive very aggressive promotional literature by email from this airline, despite objections and asked to be taken off their mailing list, and even writing a personal letter to the chairman - and all I get is lame excuses and shabby, worthless apologies. Competition rules!!!

bombayteddy - 08/02/2012 07:29

I am sorry to hear about Kingfisher's problems. I can honestly say they are FAR superior to their nearest rival Jet Airways in every way. Their Airbus A320's are more spacious in Economy, as compared to the Boeing 737's offered by Jet; their Business class seat is close to First Class, while that offered by Jet doesnt even have a proper foot-rest; and their ground-handling of Business Class passengers is second to none.

Like most passionate entrepreneurs, Dr. Mallya has probably bitten off a little more than he can chew in trying to provide a truly superb product, especially considering the crippling restrictions and taxation imposed by the Indian government, and he is to be congratulated for his sincerity and bravery. I hope he is given all the assistance possible to come out of this difficult period; and wish him and the airline all the best.

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