Kingfisher, Deccan to set up MRO arm in Bangalore

Air Deccan and Kingfisher would set up a maintenance, repair and overhaul facility in Bangalore, Air Deccan Managing Director GR Gopinath said in Mumbai.

"Besides Air Deccan and Kingfisher aircraft, the MRO facility would take care of third-party maintenance work of the world," Gopinath said on Sunday night at the renaming Air Deccan to Simplifly Deccan here.

In the next 5-10 years, there would be at least 500 aircraft and 1,000 helicopters flying in India, Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel said. Patel was the chief guest for the function.

"A whole array of aviation work is going to be created in India. Aviation would create 3 million jobs," he said.

UB Group Chairman and promoter of Kingfisher Airlines Vijay Mallya said low-fares

of Simplifly Deccan would continue. Vijay Mallya owns 46 per cent in Deccan.

"I am committed to keep Deccan as a low-fare airline," he said.

Next year, when Deccan completes five years of Indian operations, it would start flying to Gulf countries. Deccan would fly to neighbouring countries and riding on its back Kingfisher would fly to long-haul routes such as the US.

"We are eligible to fly abroad next year. Deccan will service neighbouring countries. Kingfisher would service long-haul routes flying non-stop to India and the US West Coast," Mallya said.

Airfare for Rs 599 and less!