The news desk
Updates, decoded.
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249 of 249 tracker events have stories — the desk publishes hourly. Too fast? Pulse is the monthly rollup →
Kingfisher Completes ₹8,000-Crore Debt Restructuring
In November 2010, 18 banks restructured roughly ₹8,000 crore of Kingfisher Airlines' debt, cutting the average interest rate to 11% and converting part of the loans into equity to keep the airline flying.
Jet Airways Launches Konnect Select, a Premium-Economy Hybrid
On April 26, 2010 Jet Airways added a premium cabin to its low-cost Konnect brand. Konnect Select offers a 40-inch seat pitch, lounge access and priority check-in, with JetPrivilege accrual matching the full-service Club Premiere fare class.
Kingfisher signs MOU to join oneworld alliance
On 24 February 2010, Kingfisher Airlines signs a memorandum of understanding with oneworld's member airlines, targeting alliance entry within roughly 18 months and putting India on track for its first global-alliance airline.
Competition Watchdog Opens Probe Into Jet-Kingfisher Alliance
On August 4, 2009 the Competition Commission of India ordered a full anti-competitive investigation into the Jet Airways-Kingfisher alliance — the deal that promised to link JetPrivilege and King Club into India's first cross-airline mileage pool.
Kingfisher Slams the Brakes on International Expansion
The global financial crisis forced Kingfisher Airlines to defer new long-haul route launches and rework its fleet plans by March 2009, freezing an international expansion that had barely begun. The promised global King Club network started shrinking before it had properly grown.
Kingfisher Airlines launches Bangalore-London route — 14 years too early to matter
Kingfisher Airlines launched a Bangalore-London route in 2008, but the airline is no longer in operation. This development has no impact on current Indian travel credit cards.
Air Deccan Vanishes Into Kingfisher Red
India's original ultra-low-cost carrier stopped existing as Air Deccan and was folded into Kingfisher's reservation system as the no-frills 'Kingfisher Red' fare class. King Club became the only loyalty currency on offer, whether you flew cattle class or Kingfisher First.
Kingfisher and Air Deccan merge — 29% market share
Kingfisher Airlines and Air Deccan merged in 2008, creating a single company with roughly 29% of the domestic market. This merger had significant implications for the airlines' operations and ambitions.
Air India Star Alliance bid stalls — 4 year wait
Air India's application to join Star Alliance was filed in 2007 but put on hold in 2011. This means Air India Maharaja Points holders missed out on a potential global network.
Kingfisher buys 26% of Air Deccan — $135 million
Kingfisher Airlines' parent company buys 26% of Air Deccan for $135.6 million, likely ending Air Deccan's frequent-traveler perks. This move is part of a strategy to control nearly a third of India's domestic market.
Jet Airways buys Air Sahara — ₹1,450 crore
Jet Airways acquired Air Sahara for ₹1,450 crore and renamed it JetLite, creating a integration headache for its frequent flyer program. This historical event has no direct impact on current cardholders but serves as a reminder of the complexities of managing multiple brands and loyalty programs.
Air India merger loses ₹72 billion
Air India and Indian Airlines merged in 2007, creating India's largest airline group, but the merger was plagued by IT chaos and ₹72 billion in losses by 2009. The merger had significant implications for Flying Returns members, who got a bigger route map but faced issues with the booking engine.
IndiGo Launches With Zero Frequent-Flyer Program — On Purpose
IndiGo took off on August 4, 2006 flying Delhi–Guwahati–Imphal with no business class, no free meals, and no frequent-flyer programme of any kind. The bet: on-time departures and rock-bottom fares matter more to Indian flyers than miles.
Jet Airways' $500M Air Sahara Buyout Collapses
Jet Airways' $500 million deal to buy Air Sahara died at the June 21, 2006 deadline after months of disputes over escrow terms and headquarters control, with both airlines suing each other instead of merging. Air Sahara's frequent flyers were left in limbo for another year.
Kingfisher Announces India's First Domestic Business Class
On April 18, 2006 Kingfisher Airlines announced Kingfisher First, India's first true domestic premium cabin — eventually landing at a 48-inch pitch, 125-degree recline and full lounge access. It instantly became the aspirational tier of King Club membership.
Jet Airways Orders 10 Boeing 777-300ERs for $2.53 Billion
Jet Airways signed a firm order for ten Boeing 777-300ERs at $2.53 billion list price, with deliveries from 2007, replacing long-haul flying done on A340s leased from South African Airways. The order underpinned Jet's long-haul strategy across Europe, Asia and eventually the US.
Kingfisher launches King Club — India's first flashy FFP
Kingfisher Airlines launched King Club, a four-tier frequent-flyer program, in 2005, setting a new standard for Indian carriers. The program's introduction marked a significant shift in the industry's approach to customer loyalty.
Jet Airways goes international — 2005
Jet Airways launches first intercontinental route in 2005, marking a significant expansion for the airline. The Mumbai-London route was the first genuine long-haul earn-and-burn route for JetPrivilege members.
HDFC Bank starts credit cards — ₹15,000 minimum limit
HDFC Bank started its credit card business in 2001 with limits of ₹15,000 to ₹3 lakh. This has no impact on current cardholders, who can continue using their cards as usual.
Singapore Airlines launches KrisFlyer — 100% expansion to economy
Singapore Airlines launched KrisFlyer on 1 February 1999, allowing economy passengers to earn miles for the first time. This marked a significant shift in the airline's loyalty program, making it more inclusive for all passengers.