SME Times News Bureau | 09 Jan, 2012
United Breweries Group chairman Vijay Mallya Saturday said its Kingfisher Airlines was "one thousand percent safe to fly" and that safety was the airline's top priority.

His assurance comes in the wake of reports that the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) was reportedly contemplating cancelling the airline's licence as its financial crisis could have a bearing on safe operations.

"Kingfisher is one thousand percent safe to fly. Safety is our absolute priority. We would never take the slightest chance or compromise," Mallya posted on Twitter.

Taking a dig at the media for the coverage on his beleaguered airline, Mallya said: "Looks like the over supply of Aviation journalists will have to take a pay cut if Kingfisher does not make daily headlines - correct or not!"

His comments come two days after airlines CEO Sanjay Aggarwal claimed that the DGCA had "no concerns with regard to safety" or any significant findings.

Reiterating that safety of passengers was of "paramount importance", Aggarwal also said Kingfisher Airlines had adequate number of pilots and engineers to operate its scheduled services.

"We reassure our valued guests that our scheduled flights will continue to operate with utmost safety in full compliance with regulatory requirements and stipulations in this regard," Aggarwal said.