NEW
DELHI: Restarting operations this winter has been ruled out for near-bankrupt Kingfisher
Airlines that has not
operated a single flight since October 1. Airlines owner Vijay Mallya met aviation authorities, including
secretary K N Shrivastava, on Monday for the first time after clinching a
multi-structured deal with UK-based Diageo Plc to sell 53% stake in another
group company United Spirits for about Rs 11,167 crore.
Sources say that because of getting funds from this deal, Mallya
was upbeat about restarting operations 'soon' but was given a reality check.
"Even if Kingfisher gets fit enough to fly again, that can happen only
next summer and not in the ongoing winter schedule. There are a number of
issues that Mallya needs to resolve before the airline can operate again,"
said sources. Mallya's close aides were trying to restart operation from
December 18 as a 'birthday' gift to the troubled
billionaire-turned-millionaire.
In fact, the troubles of Kingfisher are mounting by the day.
While FDI by foreign airlines has been allowed
and Jet is close to a deal along with others like SpiceJet,
IndiGo and GoAir being eyed keenly by potential investors, there is so far no
word of any overseas airline looking at Kingfisher.
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