WASHINGTON, D.C., Nov. 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Pratt & Whitney, a United Technologies Corp. company, and Kingfisher Airlines signed a contract today for engines to power Kingfisher's new fleet of Airbus A330 aircraft. The agreement was signed during a ceremony at the U.S. Department of Commerce in Washington, D.C.
"After a very detailed analysis of all the engine offers for the A330, we decided that Pratt & Whitney gave us the best total solution and met all our technical requirements," said Dr. Vijay Mallya, chairman and chief executive officer, Kingfisher Airlines Limited. "Kingfisher has selected Pratt & Whitney to power our fleet of A320/A319s, ATR72s and A330s because of their ability to support our airline's vision to consistently deliver a safe, value-based and enjoyable travel experience to all our guests."
The deal includes 10 PW4000-100" installed engines, one spare and an option for an additional 10 engines. Pratt & Whitney was also awarded a long- term exclusive fleet management program to overhaul and repair Kingfisher's PW4000 engines. The total transaction is valued at $300 million, plus an additional $200 million if all options are exercised.
Pratt & Whitney and Kingfisher Airlines announced the deal with the signing of a memorandum of understanding earlier this year at the Farnborough International Airshow outside of London.
"We are delighted that Kingfisher Airlines has chosen Pratt & Whitney's PW4168A to power its new A330 aircraft," said Todd Kallman, president, Pratt & Whitney Commercial Engines. "This contract for new engines and long-term engine service offers Kingfisher the best value, as it leverages Pratt & Whitney's unique OEMRO(TM) portfolio. We're excited to expand our partnership with Kingfisher and we look forward to our continued collaboration."
"This agreement is another building block that will strengthen U.S.-India relations, foster greater economic ties and enhance the ability of both companies to compete in the global economy," said U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez, who witnessed the signing.
The Pratt & Whitney PW4000-100" engine - model number PW4168A - was designed specifically for the Airbus A330 aircraft. It provides exceptional reliability, competitive fuel performance and excellent environmental characteristics. Today more than 2,700 PW4000 family engines are in service with 90 million hours of cumulative service experience.
Kingfisher Airlines, one of India's newest and fastest growing airlines, began operations in May 2005 and now has a new fleet of V2500-powered A319, A320, A321 and ATR-72 aircraft. The airline will operate 23 aircraft connecting 21 key business and leisure destinations with more than 160 daily flights across India through its winter schedule. Kingfisher Airline is the only airline in India to have placed orders for five A380s, five A350s, five A340s, and five A330s.
Kingfisher Airlines, India's first full-service true-value carrier revolutionized the Indian skies by offering world class in-flight entertainment with personalized video screens, valet service, extra-wide seats and spacious leg room, welcome gifts, gourmet meals, international-class cabin crew and a whole host of amenities. Kingfisher Airlines has further raised the bar by introducing the Indian business traveler to a premium product, Kingfisher First, the finest experience in the Indian skies. Kingfisher Airlines is available for booking through travel agents, through a 24/7 call center at 1 (866) 4-FLY-KFA and online at http://www.flykingfisher.com/.
Kingfisher Airlines, a 100 percent E-Ticket airline, is currently available for booking and electronic ticketing for domestic travel within India through the 22,000 ARC accredited travel agents in the United States. Kingfisher Airlines has acquired close to a 10 percent market share in India in just 18 months of operation. Kingfisher Airlines plans to be the largest private airline in India by 2010. The airline has garnered numerous awards in the past 18 month including the "Best New Airline of the Year" award in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East region from the Center for Asia Pacific Aviation, "Service Excellence for a New Airline" award from Skytrax, and the "Best New Domestic Airline for Excellent Services and Cuisine" award from Pacific Area Travel Writers Association. In an independent survey conducted by the Indian Market Research Bureau for the Times of India, 46% of the participants voted Kingfisher Airlines "The Best Airline" and "India's Favorite Carrier."
Pratt & Whitney has over 17,000 aircraft engines in service with hundreds of airlines throughout the world. Additionally, Pratt & Whitney is a leading partner in two joint venture companies that manufacture commercial aircraft engines: International Aero Engines, which makes the V2500 for the Airbus A320 family of aircraft, and the Engine Alliance, whose GP7200 engine is FAR 33 certified on the new Airbus A380.
Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines, space propulsion systems and industrial gas turbines. United Technologies is a diversified company providing high technology products and services to the global aerospace and building industries.
Contacts:
Matthew Perra, Pratt & Whitney
+1 (860) 565-8938
