Air Transport

Kingfisher Airlines will announce the next stage of its breathtaking expansion by placing big orders with Airbus and ATR at the Dubai Airshow, reports the Hindustan Times.

The New Delhi-based airline's intention to order 20 twin-turboprops and about 30 Airbus narrowbodies was revealed yesterday by Air Transport Intelligence, but today the Indian newspaper says ATR has beaten Bombardier to the turboprop deal, expected to be for ATR 72s.

Airline chairman and owner Vijay Mallya, pictured below, declined to confirm the selection of ATR and the manufacturer also is not commenting.

Kingfisher is in the process of accepting 18 previously ordered Airbus narrowbodies and has ordered five of the ultra-large A380 as it pursues its startlingly aggressive expansion plan which includes services to the USA.

Airbus former VP sales for India, Nigel Harwood, is playing a key role in the strategy as chief operating officer.