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The plan was link the two “Silicon” hubs – Bangalore and San Francisco on this
Faced with huge losses, and a diving economy, Kingfisher Airlines was forced to shelve its plans to procure the ultra long range Airbus A340-500. These aircraft were instead diverted to Nigerian carrier Arik Air.
As per an Airbus press release
Arik Air, based in Lagos, Nigeria, took delivery of its first A340-500 on December 1, 2008, at a ceremony at the Airbus headquarters in Toulouse, France. The ceremony was conducted by John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers, and Arik Air Chairman Sir J.I.A Arumemi-Johnson in the presence of senior government officials from various African states, board members and key business partners of the airline, and other VIP guests.
The new aircraft is the first of three A340-500s ordered by Arik Air for use on international long-haul routes to London, New York and Houston. Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 500 engines, the carrier’s new A340s will offer the best possible passenger comfort in a two-class configuration.
Clearly, Arik saw a good thing in the tremendous effort put in by Dr. Mallya and the team at Kingfisher, in designing the interior of their A340-500, and plans to use the same aircraft configuration, for long-haul services to London, New York and Houston.
Bangalore’s loss is Lagos’ gain.
