45-787: The Kingfisher Airlines Tennis Open (known as the Kingfisher Airlines Tennis Open for sponsorship reasons) was a professional men's tennis tournament played on outdoor hard courts . It was part of the International Series of the ATP Tour and was held annually in Asia. The tournament was first created in 1996 in Shanghai , China, on indoor carpet courts and as part of the ATP World Series . The second new tournament started by
90-486: A point-to-point route network from seven base airports. It maintained low turnaround times and often outsourced work to local airport employees, especially at airports that saw few Air Deccan flights and did not require dedicated employees throughout the day. Air Deccan also gained advertising revenue by allowing advertisements both inside and outside its aircraft. For reservations, the airline utilised multiple channels. Passengers could book tickets through travel agents, on
135-494: A Salvatore Ferragamo toiletry kit, pajamas, five-course meals, and alcoholic beverages. In-seat massagers, chargers, and USB connectors were also available. Every Kingfisher First seat had a 17-inch (430 mm) widescreen personal television with AVOD touchscreen controls. It offered 357 hours of programming content spread over 36 channels, including Hollywood and Bollywood movies along with 16 channels of live TV, so passengers could watch their favorite TV programs live. There
180-665: A base at Thiruvananthapuram in April 2006; however, it ended flights to the airport in early 2008. Simplifly Deccan operated a fleet of ATR 42 , ATR 72 and Airbus A320 aircraft. For routes of higher demand between major cities, Simplifly Deccan used its larger Airbus A320s. Simplifly Deccan was operating the following aircraft in September 2007: In 2003, on the planned launch flight from Begumpet airport, Hyderabad to Vijayawada, having onboard guests including Pratap Reddy, M Venkaiah Naidu, Pankaj Abani and other political leaders, one of
225-658: A birthday gift, with a fleet of four new Airbus A320-200s operating a flight from Mumbai to Delhi . It started its international operations on 3 September 2008 by connecting Bengaluru with London . Kingfisher's head office was located in the Kingfisher House in Vile Parle (East) , Mumbai, but later moved to The Qube in Andheri (East), Mumbai . Its registered office was located in UB City, Bengaluru . In November 2005, during
270-533: A disclosure statement to the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), he explained: "The company has incurred substantial losses and its net worth has been eroded. However, having regard to improvement in the economic sentiment, rationalization measures adopted by the company, fleet recovery and the implementation of the debt recast package with the lenders and promoters including conversion of debt into share capital, these interim financial statements have been prepared on
315-455: A few live TV channels powered by DishTV , and Kingfisher Radio. Passengers were served meals on most flights. Before take-off, passengers were served bottled lemonade . Kingfisher offered an international business/first product called Kingfisher First which featured full flat-bed seats with 180-degree recline, a pitch of 78 inches (2,000 mm) and width of 20 to 24.54 inches (508 to 623 mm). Passengers were given Merino wool blankets,
360-511: A fleet of Airbus A320 , ATR 42 and ATR 72 aircraft. The airline appealed to middle class travellers with low fares and a large route network. It employed several innovative methods to ensure the profitability of its business model. Nevertheless, Simplifly Deccan merged with Kingfisher Airlines in April 2008. Kingfisher replaced the Deccan brand with Kingfisher Red in August 2008. Simplifly Deccan
405-843: A number of schemes. Platinum, Gold and Silver members enjoyed access to the Kingfisher Lounge , priority check-in, excess baggage allowance, bonus miles, and Kingfisher First upgrade vouchers. Kingfisher Xpress was a Door-to-Door cargo delivery service launched in February 2010, being the first such service in India promising same-day pick-up in Mumbai, New Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai and Kolkata and delivery in up to 18 cities, namely, Bagdogra, Bengaluru, Chennai, Coimbatore, Delhi, Kochi, Goa, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Indore, Kolkata, Mumbai, Raipur, Ranchi, Lucknow, Nagpur, Pune and Srinagar. A money-back guarantee
450-493: A subsidiary of United Breweries Group. Headquarters were located on Cunningham Road in Bengaluru, the capital of Karnataka . Simplifly Deccan adopted the livery of Kingfisher Airlines following the merger. The tail, engines and underside were painted red, and the kingfisher bird logo was applied to the tail. The former livery consisted of a fading blue cheatline and, on the tail, a blue circle with two yellow hands joined at
495-543: The Airbus A330-200 . On the day of suspension of all international operations, 10 April 2012, Kingfisher Airlines served 25 domestic destinations within India. At that time, all routes were operated with the Airbus A320 family , ATR 42s , and ATR 72 aircraft. Kingfisher Employees had their dues prior to the carrier suspending its operations. Employee dues outstanding are worth approximately ₹ 300 Crore . Prior to
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#1733085919111540-624: The Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) in Asia in three years, after the Beijing Open , created in 1993, the Shanghai event ran as a men's only tournament during four years, seeing the likes of Michael Chang , Goran Ivanišević , Marcelo Ríos and Magnus Norman reaching the finals. In 2000, the Tier IV Women's Tennis Association (WTA) tournaments of Beijing was moved to Shanghai, allowing
585-546: The World economic forum , the airlines CEO Vijay Mallya announced the airlines intention to launch an IPO to raise 200 million dollars for the airlines expansion and possible takeovers (including that of Air Sahara which was being eyed at that time). It later transpired that the airlines was already heavily in debt and going each year in heavy losses. In November 2011, it started to report losses. The acquisition of loss-making Bengaluru-based Air Deccan in 2007 made matters worse. It
630-519: The auto-rickshaw driver and other such people that we would like to cater to. We want them to dream that they too can fly, and we want to make that dream happen. The airline operated a single cabin class, economy, allowing it to pack more seats into its aircraft. Following its no-frills approach, it charged for all food and beverages served on board. Payment was also required for cancellations, and no refunds or accommodations were provided to passengers who had missed their flights. Air Deccan operated
675-535: The IFE system, but later an alliance was formed with Dish TV to provide live TV in-flight. The frequent-flyer program of Kingfisher Airlines was called the King Club in which members earned King Miles every time they flew with Kingfisher or its partner airlines, hotels, car rental, finance and lifestyle businesses. There were four levels in the scheme: Red, Silver, Gold and Platinum levels. Members could redeem points over
720-652: The Indian aviation authorities. In July 2014, Kingfisher Airlines' indebtedness appeared as the country's state-owned banks' top non-performing asset after failing to repay loans of over ₹ 40 billion (US$ 480 million). On 2 March 2016 after nearly four years of the bankruptcy of Kingfisher Airlines, the consortium of 13 Indian Banks led by State Bank of India moved the Debt Recovery Tribunal to recover its dues which included Rs 9,000 crores owed by its promoter Vijay Mallya. By that time Mallya had left India for
765-456: The Internet or through call centres. Each of these channels was connected to a fully web-enabled reservation system, making Air Deccan the first in India to use such a system. Air Deccan also avoided the cost of printing tickets; passengers or travel agents were required to do so off the Internet. In early May 2007, rumours began to circulate that Vijay Mallya , founder of Kingfisher Airlines ,
810-698: The UK despite court proceedings by Indian banks initiated against him. Two years later the British Courts ordered extradition of Mallya after a prolonged legal battle and Mallya could be brought back to India if his appeal against the court order is not turned down. The airline's first long-haul destination was London , England, which was launched in September 2008. It had plans to launch long-haul flights to cities in Africa, Asia, Europe, North America and Oceania with deliveries of new aircraft. All long-haul routes were operated on
855-532: The airline purchased an additional 30 A320s in a US$ 1.8 billion order. It ordered 30 ATR 72-500s in February 2005. The airline underwent rapid growth, witnessing 30% growth in its passenger numbers in 2005–2006. In 2006 it was the third largest airline in India with a 19% market share, flying to 55 destinations with 30 aircraft. It placed an order for 30 more Airbus A320s in December 2006. The airline experienced 42% growth in passenger traffic in 2006–2007, becoming
900-424: The airline's reputation, which had declined because of poor on-time performance. He also wanted to give the airline a premium touch while it remained a low-cost carrier. Simplifly Deccan ended the practice of outsourcing check-in staff, lengthened turnaround times and stopped selling tickets at promotional fares. Simplifly Deccan and Kingfisher continued to operate domestically with their own airline codes . Unless
945-508: The airlines consolidated under a single set of codes, the Ministry of Civil Aviation required Kingfisher to use Deccan's codes on international routes; Mallya, on the other hand, wanted to use Kingfisher's codes. On 29 August 2008, both airlines started using Kingfisher's codes. Simplifly Deccan also migrated to Kingfisher's reservation system and was renamed Kingfisher Red . Through the merger with Kingfisher Airlines, Simplifly Deccan became
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#1733085919111990-488: The basis that the company is a going concern and that no adjustments are required to the carrying value of assets and liabilities." This filing was widely covered by Indian and international print and electronic media and analysts. Kingfisher Airlines Lenders later stated they considered the company viable. On 15 November 2011 the airline released poor financial results, indicating that it was "drowning in high-interest debt and losing money". Mallya indicated that his solution
1035-608: The city to hold both the ATP event, now part of the International Series , and the WTA event. In 2004, as the ATP was increasing its presence in Asia, having brought the Tennis Masters Cup to Shanghai in 2002 , working on moving several events to different new locations, the ATP and WTA Shanghai tournaments were both relocated, with the women's, now a Tier II tournament, returning to Beijing, and
1080-449: The engines caught fire while taxiing for takeoff and the flight was aborted. All passengers survived the incident. On 11 March 2006, Air Deccan Flight 108 made a hard landing and skidded off runway 27 at HAL Airport in Bengaluru. The aircraft was an ATR 72-500 registered VT-DKC flying between Coimbatore and Bengaluru . Five passengers received minor injuries, and the aircraft suffered major damage to its undercarriage. The airport
1125-464: The following, already heavily downsized fleet: At the time the airline ceased operations, it had Airbus A320, Airbus A350 and Airbus A380 aircraft on order. The domestic Kingfisher First, offered on some Airbus A320 family aircraft only, provided seats with a 48-inch (1,200 mm) and 126-degree recline. There were laptop and mobile phone chargers on every seat. There was also a steam ironing service onboard Kingfisher First cabins. Every seat
1170-573: The freezing of the bank accounts of the airline by the Indian Income Tax Department, the airline was in financial disarray. On 20 October 2012, Kingfisher Airlines suspended its operations after its licence was suspended by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation after it failed to address the Indian regulator's concerns about its operations. On 25 February 2013, its international flying rights and domestic slots were scrapped by
1215-402: The men's moving to Ho Chi Minh City , Vietnam . After the 2005 edition, the tournament moved once more to a new country, in India, taking place in the city of Mumbai first, in 2006 and 2007, and then moving again to Bangalore for the 2008 edition. The first event to be held in the new location, though, was cancelled due to security fears, and the first Bangalore Open consequently postponed to
1260-496: The nation's second largest carrier in 2007. As it grew, other low-cost carriers emerged in the Indian market; SpiceJet , GoAir , IndiGo and JetLite were all launched between 2005 and 2007. Air Deccan was the first low-cost carrier in India. Launched amid a booming Indian economy and a growing middle class , the airline targeted middle class travellers with its low fares and extensive route network. Tickets cost around 30% less than those of full-service airlines and cost about
1305-521: The next season. In 2009 a new tournament in Asia was created to replace it, the Malaysian Open , located on Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Kingfisher Airlines Kingfisher Airlines Limited was an airline group based in India. It was established in 2003 and started its commercial operations in 2005. Through its parent company United Breweries Group , it had a 50% stake in low-cost carrier Kingfisher Red . Until December 2011, Kingfisher Airlines had
1350-401: The same as or less than first class rail tickets. Air Deccan focused on providing air service to underserved airports across the country, where competition was low and the airline could acquire a loyal customer base. G. R. Gopinath claimed he wanted to make air travel accessible to every Indian. It is not the elite that I consider as my customers. It is the humble cleaning women of my office,
1395-494: The seat into a fully flat bed and a Flight Attendant making the bed when the passenger is ready to sleep. The international Kingfisher Class seats offered a pitch of 34 inches (860 mm), a width of 18 inches (460 mm) and recline of 25 degrees (6 in [150 mm]). Passengers received full-length modacrylic blankets and full-size pillows. Each Kingfisher Class seat had a 10.6-inch (270 mm) widescreen personal television with AVOD touchscreen controls. The IFE
Kingfisher Airlines Tennis Open - Misplaced Pages Continue
1440-580: The second largest share in India's domestic air travel market. However, the airline ran into continuous losses since its inception, ran high debts and finally closed its operations on 20 October 2012. Its chairman Vijay Mallya subsequently fled to London to allegedly hide from creditors. Kingfisher Airlines was established in 2003. It was owned by the Bengaluru based United Breweries Group . The airline started commercial operations on 9 May 2005, right after Mallya's son Sidhartha's 18th birthday, reportedly as
1485-451: The suspension from IATA, Kingfisher had codeshare agreements with: Kingfisher Airlines' fleet mainly consisted of ATR 42 , ATR 72 and Airbus A320 family aircraft for domestic and short-haul services; and, Airbus A330-200s for international long-haul services. The ATRs and a few aircraft from the A320 family were used for Kingfisher Red services. By October 2012, Kingfisher Airlines had
1530-479: The tax department at the time. By early 2012, the airline accumulated losses of over ₹ 70 billion (US$ 840 million) with half of its fleet grounded and several members of its staff going on strike. Kingfisher's position in top Indian airlines on the basis of market share had slipped from second to last due to the crisis. Mallya was looking for buyers for the Vile Parle Kingfisher House. With
1575-513: The thumb like the wings of a bird. The airline's mascot, R. K. Laxman 's The Common Man , was often incorporated into the old livery. It was chosen in May 2005 to emphasise Simplifly Deccan's goal of making air travel more accessible. At the time it ceased operations, Simplifly Deccan flew to 52 destinations across India. It had bases at seven Indian cities: Ahmedabad , Bengaluru , Chennai , Delhi , Hyderabad , Kolkata , Mumbai . The airline opened
1620-550: The two airlines would continue to function independently. In addition, he needed to raise funds; Air Deccan had lost ₹ 213 crore (US$ 26 million) during the quarter ending 31 March 2007. Air Deccan was rebranded Simplifly Deccan in October 2007 and adopted Kingfisher's livery and flight attendant uniform. In December 2007, the airlines announced that they would merge into a single corporate entity while maintaining separate brands. The airline business of Kingfisher Airlines Ltd
1665-531: Was also a collection of interactive games, a jukebox with customizable playlists, and Kingfisher Radio. Passengers are given BOSE noise-cancellation headphones. The service on board the Kingfisher First cabins included a social area comprising a full-fledged bar staffed with a bartender, a break-out seating area just nearby fitted with two couches and bar stools, a full-fledged chef on board the aircraft, and any-time dining. A turn-down service included converting
1710-592: Was believed that Vijay Mallya and his team failed to follow due diligence with the airline and that it was this deal that brought down his empire; courtesy of N M Rothschild consultants who brokered the deal. An initial name change to Simplifly Deccan, followed by Kingfisher Red, and promotion as the domestic budget Kingfisher airline failed to stem losses and Kingfisher suffered a loss of over ₹ 10 billion (US$ 120 million) for three consecutive years. Its low cost carrier Kingfisher Red shut on 2011 and 2012 employees were not getting salaries so they went on strike. In
1755-547: Was equipped with a personalised IFE system with AVOD which offered a wide range of Hollywood and Bollywood movies, English and Hindi TV programmes, 16 live TV channels and 10 channels of Kingfisher Radio. The domestic Kingfisher Class had 32 to 34 inches (810 to 860 mm) seat pitch. Every seat was equipped with personal IFE systems with AVOD on board the Airbus A320 family aircraft. As in Kingfisher First, passengers could access movies, English and Hindi TV programmes,
1800-463: Was for the government to reduce fuel and other taxes. The government was engaged in assessing whether to bail out the company and other airlines or let market forces determine which survived. In December 2011, for the second time in two months, Kingfisher's bank accounts were frozen by the Mumbai Income Tax department for non-payment of dues. The firm owed ₹ 700 million (US$ 8.4 million) to
1845-545: Was founded as Air Deccan by G. R. Gopinath , a retired Indian Army captain who had gained experience in the aviation industry through his Deccan Aviation venture. Air Deccan became a wholly owned subsidiary of Deccan Aviation. The airline launched operations on 25 August 2003 with a flight from Bengaluru to Hubbali . At that time, its fleet consisted of two ATR 42-320 aircraft. In order to increase capacity on its trunk routes, Air Deccan purchased two Airbus A320-200s and leased five in 2004. In December of that year,
Kingfisher Airlines Tennis Open - Misplaced Pages Continue
1890-558: Was interested in buying Air Deccan. Dispelled the rumours, claiming "[Mallya and I] are from different planets; he is from Venus, I am from Mars". Gopinath believed it was impossible to merge the airlines' separate business models; Kingfisher was a full-service carrier. Nevertheless, negotiations began at the end of the month, and Kingfisher parent United Breweries Group purchased a controlling 26% stake in Deccan Aviation on 31 May. Gopinath had changed his mind upon understanding that
1935-517: Was merged into Deccan Aviation Ltd on 1 April 2008. The charter business of Deccan Aviation Ltd was spun off into a separate company known as Deccan Charters Ltd . The combined company utilized Simplifly Deccan's operating permit , allowing it to launch international flights in 2008; Simplifly Deccan would complete five years of operation that year. Mallya introduced major changes to the Simplifly Deccan brand in order to reduce losses and improve
1980-456: Was offered. Kingfisher Lounges were offered to Kingfisher First passengers, along with King Club Silver and King Club Gold members. Lounges were located in: [REDACTED] Media related to Kingfisher Airlines at Wikimedia Commons Simplifly Deccan Simplifly Deccan , formerly known as Air Deccan , was the first Indian low-cost carrier . Headquartered in Bengaluru , it operated domestic flights from seven base airports using
2025-861: Was similar to that of the international Kingfisher First class. Kingfisher's IFE system was the Thales TopSeries i3000/i4000 on board the Airbus A320 family aircraft, and Thales TopSeries i5000 on board the Airbus A330 family aircraft provided by the France-based Thales Group . Kingfisher was the first Indian airline to have in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems on every seat even on domestic flights. The inflight magazines were special editions of magazines owned by Mallya's media publishing house (VJM Media) viz. Hi! Blitz for domestic flights and Hi! Living for international flights. Initially, passengers were able to watch only recorded TV programming on
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