Kingfisher takes off to London on maiden flight

BANGALORE: India's largest private carrier Kingfisher Airlines made its international debut on Wednesday when its first direct flight to London took off from Bengaluru international airport here amid fanfare despite inclement weather.
 
"The non-stop flight (IT 001) departed at 09:20, 40 minutes behind schedule due to inaugural ceremony and formalities. The Airbus (A330-200) was full," an airline spokesperson said.
 
Prior to the departure, Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel flagged off the flight and boarded the aircraft along with Kingfisher chief executive Vijay Mallya and other dignitaries.
 
The flight is scheduled to land at Heathrow terminal four at 15:30 (London time) and take-off for the return flight at 22:05 (local time) and arrive in Bangalore Thursday 12:35 p.m.
 
Airport operator Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL) chief executive Albert Brunner and other officials were present to see-off Kingfisher's first direct overseas flight.
 
The airline will operate a daily service on the Bangalore-London-Bangalore route, with 217 seats, including 30 in first class and 187 in the premium class.
 
British Airways already operates a daily direct flight to London from Bangalore, while state-run Air India flies via Mumbai.