Kingfisher Airlines ACtual

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Kingfisher Airlines (section A)

Submitted by:-

Submitted to:- FMG 18 A

Abhishek Aggarwal (91002)


Prof. Freda J Swaminathan
Divanshu Kapoor (91017)

Gokul Nath (91019)

Neha Kasturia (91037)

Manish T. N. Singh (91053)


SBM Brand Audit Assignment 2
Kingfisher Airlines (section A)

Table of Contents
Different Brand elements of the brand................................................................................................... 4
Brand elements............................................................................................................................................ 4
1. Brand names and URL.................................................................................................................. 4
2. Logos and symbols......................................................................................................................... 5
3. Brand Ambassadors...................................................................................................................... 6
4. Slogans and jingles......................................................................................................................... 7
5. Packaging and Signage................................................................................................................. 8
Has the history of the brand made a difference to its success?..................................................10
Lineage of the Kingfisher Brand..................................................................................................... 10
Effect on brand from the takeover of Air Deccan:...................................................................10
Effects on Brand image due to Mr. Vijay Mallay’s image......................................................11
What are the Points of Parity (POP) & Points Of Difference (POD)..........................................12
Points of parity........................................................................................................................................... 12
1) Good connectivity and wide coverage................................................................................. 12
2) Standard quality fleets............................................................................................................... 12
3) Safe and comfortable travel experience............................................................................. 12
4) Low Cost Carrier.......................................................................................................................... 13
Points of Difference.................................................................................................................................. 13
1) Lifestyle Image.............................................................................................................................. 13
2) In-flight entertainment.............................................................................................................. 13
3) Exclusive services........................................................................................................................ 14
4) Premium Service.......................................................................................................................... 14
What are the Product related attributes?............................................................................................ 15
Tangible Attributes:................................................................................................................................. 15
1. Coverage and connectivity....................................................................................................... 15
2. Fleets................................................................................................................................................. 15
Intangible Attributes............................................................................................................................... 16
1. Safety................................................................................................................................................ 16
2. Services............................................................................................................................................ 17
3. Comfort............................................................................................................................................ 17
4. Cuisine.............................................................................................................................................. 17
SBM Brand Audit Assignment 3
Kingfisher Airlines (section A)

5. In-flight entertainment.............................................................................................................. 18
6. Punctuality..................................................................................................................................... 18
Other services........................................................................................................................................ 18
What is the Brand Portfolio?..................................................................................................................... 19
In Domestic market:................................................................................................................................ 19
A. Kingfisher First............................................................................................................................. 19
B. Kingfisher Class............................................................................................................................ 20
C. Kingfisher Red............................................................................................................................... 20
In International Market:......................................................................................................................... 21
A. Kingfisher First............................................................................................................................. 21
B. Kingfisher Class............................................................................................................................ 21
Some other category................................................................................................................................ 22
I. Kingfisher Elite............................................................................................................................. 22
Ambush Marketing by Kingfisher Airlines.......................................................................................... 22
What is the competition doing?............................................................................................................... 27
Explore the brands in terms of customer knowledge, sources of brand equity, role of
celebrities, sports and culture and philanthropy.............................................................................34
Customer Knowledge.............................................................................................................................. 34
Sources of brand Equity......................................................................................................................... 35
Role of Celebrity........................................................................................................................................ 36
Role of Sports and Culture..................................................................................................................... 37
Role of Philanthropy................................................................................................................................ 37
What is your Brand’s Mantra?.................................................................................................................. 39
Brand Mantra.............................................................................................................................................. 39
Work out a CBBE pyramid for your brand.......................................................................................... 42
1 – Level: Salience..................................................................................................................................... 42
2 – Level: Performance (Left-hand side) & Imagery (Right-hand side)..............................43
3 – Level: Judgments (Left-hand side) & Feelings (Right-hand side)..................................43
4 – Level: Resonance................................................................................................................................ 43
Recommendations........................................................................................................................................ 44
SBM Brand Audit Assignment 4
Kingfisher Airlines (section A)

Different Brand elements of the brand


Brand elements:
1. Brand names and URL

The brand name Kingfisher was already an established brand in the liquor industry.
Kingfisher beer was positioned as a lifestyle beer owned by the UB group. The same
name was extended to the Kingfisher airlines and the name “Kingfisher” remains
constant to all the offerings made by Kingfisher airlines e.g.: The four classes offered by
the airlines have the name:

a) Kingfisher Red
b) Kingfisher First
c) Kingfisher Elite
d) Kingfisher Class

For cargo the airlines operates under the brand name:

e) Kingfisher Cargo

The brand name “Kingfisher” has a very strong brand image and high recall amongst the
customers. Other forays of the UB group into different industry or sector also carry the
brand name “Kingfisher” with it e.g.:

Kingfisher :Tourism and Travels Sector


Holidays
Kingfisher
Calendar ,
Kingfisher :Print \ Media
Explocity

Kingfisher Cargo :Logistics \ Supply Chain


SBM Brand Audit Assignment 5
Kingfisher Airlines (section A)

The brand name is so strong that even when the company was posting negligible losses
the equity analysts KPMG valued the group very high after factoring in the premium
commanded by the brand name “Kingfisher”. The brand name is so strong that it has
been successfully extended to several other industries in which UB group has interests.

The company operates its many websites with the brand name Kingfisher e.g. :

http://www.kingfisherworld.com/
http://www.kingfisherholidays.com/
www.flykingfisher.com/
www.kingfishercalendar.com
www.kingfisheracademy.com/

The emphasis on the brand name “Kingfisher” is clear in the web URL’s.

2. Logos and symbols

The Logo consists of a kingfisher bird hovering above a water body with the word
Kingfisher written in capital letters below it. The bird is shown in bright colours most
prominent being the blue \ violet and orange colour.

The background of the logo is red in colour. The focus on red colour is very high during
the promotions and advertising campaigns. The logo is a combination of red and white
colours with red occupying most of the space in it. The capital letters shown in the logo
depict the loud and clear message conveyed.
SBM Brand Audit Assignment 6
Kingfisher Airlines (section A)

Red is the main colour adopted by the Kingfisher airlines and all the advertisements,
airlines office interiors as well as aeroplane interiors have a high stress on the colour
red. The airlines seats are all covered with the red coloured cloth covers.

The logo depicts:

a) Youthfulness: With choice of bright and contrasting colours


b) Fun-filled: Choice of kingfisher bird at the top which is colourful, vibrant yet
agile and fast
c) Flamboyant lifestyle: The bold capital letters, loud and bright colour
combinations and bigger fonts with respect to the space of the logo show the
flamboyant and outgoing lifestyle image of the airlines.

The name Kingfisher in the web URL of the airlines and allied websites is highlighted in
bold to emphasise on the name Kingfisher.

3. Brand Ambassadors

The chairman of the group Mr. Vijay Mallya himself spearheads the brand. Mr. Mallya is
known as the Richard Branson of the East due to his flamboyant, luxurious and outgoing
lifestyle.
SBM Brand Audit Assignment 7
Kingfisher Airlines (section A)

The airlines also have Deepkia Padukone as brand


ambassador and involve celebrities like Yana Gupta and other
top models in the bollywood for its promotions and
marketing.

Deepika Padukone was selected as the brand ambassador for


the Kingfisher. She was a successful debutant in the Bollywood
after her very successful blockbuster movie Om Shanti Om.
She was liked a lot by the young generation and had a huge fan
following.

Vijay Mallya has built a reputation for splurging his money in


the public. He is the key sponsor to many of India's top derby championships, he owns a
yacht once owned by Elizabeth Taylor, flies a personal Boeing business jet, owns super
stylish homes in London, US, Dubai and India. Vijay Mallya is a diehard party animal,
and is seen as the personification of a luxurious life!

A great part of the personality of the Kingfisher brand is based on Mallya's personality.
He is credited with having single handedly changed the image of his beer brand from a
commodity to a lifestyle brand.

Vijay Mallya's associations with the rich, trendy and the luxurious have rubbed on his
business venture and the brands. Kingfisher Airlines draws a lot of its brand equity from
Mallya himself.

4. Slogans and jingles

There is no jingle for the Kingfisher airlines but during the cricket world cup Kingfisher
beer came with its most famous jingle “Oola la la la eeee ooooo Oolalala eee OOOO ”. The
advertisement with this jingle was advertised extensively and major cricket players
were used for its screening which made it a very famous ad and with a very high recall
amongst the viewers. The name “Kingfisher” was made further famous due to this jingle
which also helped the Kingfisher airlines in making its own image \ identity easily
recognisable amongst the customers.
SBM Brand Audit Assignment 8
Kingfisher Airlines (section A)

Kingfisher Airlines is has a very welcome and appealing slogan of “Fly the Good
Times”. This slogan appears in all its communications. The slogan depicts high level of
service, comfort and convenience. The best services and high class treatment are the
brand promises of the Kingfisher airlines which is reflected in the slogan. Kingfisher is
always associated with a lavish, flamboyant and outgoing lifestyle

Other notable words used by the airlines are “Guests”, “Fun liners” and “Flying Models”.
Kingfisher airlines never call its customers as passengers but address them as “Guests”.
This adds to the hospitality and warmth of the travel.

The aeroplanes are called “Fun liners” by the Kingfisher airlines to depict the fun and
liveliness experienced during flight. This also communicates and strengthens the brand
promise of a lifetime experience when flying by Kingfisher.

Kingfisher selects its air hostesses though the top modelling agencies of India and they
are called “Flying models” instead of air hostess. The beautiful and smart girls are
appealing, courteous and attractive for the customers.

5. Packaging and Signage

The airplanes have the logo of the flying bird in its tail and the name Kingfisher written
across its body horizontally. The interiors of the airlines are well designed and stress is
on the red color. All the communications in print, media or promotions etc carry the
brand logo on top of it.
SBM Brand Audit Assignment 9
Kingfisher Airlines (section A)

The attire of KFA's cabin crew was designed by noted fashion designer Manoviraj
Khosla and again the emphasis has been on the colour red.

Has the history of the


brand made a difference to its success?

Lineage of the Kingfisher Brand:

Yes the history of the other brands of the UB group has had a significant effect on the
brand image of the Kingfisher airlines. Before the airline was launched the Kingfisher
beer from the UB group was positioned as a lifestyle brand. The name Kingfisher was
already into existence and was associated with fun, partying, youthfulness and high
class. This had the bran rub-off effect on the Kingfisher airlines. The UB Group
SBM Brand Audit Assignment 10
Kingfisher Airlines (section A)

commanded more than 40% of the liquor market with Kingfisher beer being one of its
top brands.

Several of the commercials of the Kingfisher beer brand like the one telecasted in the
cricket world cup had a far reaching effect on brand recall and establishing brand
identity which further benefited the airlines.

Effect on brand from the takeover of Air Deccan:

After the launch of the Kingfisher airlines in 2005 there emerged a fierce competition in
the low price segment market in the aviation industry with many players offering
competitive prices and successfully converting the rail passengers to air passengers.
Thus Kingfisher airlines needed a flank product \ offering to insulate itself from price
attacks. Kingfisher took over the low cost carrier “Air Deccan” to start its own low cost
carrier “Kingfisher Red”. Air Deccan was a well known brand and was preferred
amongst the low cost preference customers.

The challenge to Kingfisher was that its own image was that of a luxury and
flamboyance and did not go well with the low cost image where quality of service could
be compromised to keep costs low. But Kingfisher positioned itself as a budget carrier
and not as a low cost carrier and managed to separate its offerings by bifurcating it’s
into 4 classes’ viz. Red, Class, Elite, First. Thus Kingfisher was viewed as a reasonably
priced yet offering the best of the services in its class.

KFA, on its merger with Air Deccan, retained the name 'Deccan' in the new entity
because of its tremendous recall value in the LCC segment; hence the tag 'Simplify
Deccan'. Instead, had they directly changed the name to Kingfisher Red, it may have
eroded the 'loyal' customer base that Air Deccan enjoyed due to its 'emotional connect'
with its customers. At the same time, KFA changed the logo to the Kingfisher
bird depicting vibrancy and activity. Kingfisher's red and white replaced Deccan's
yellow and blue.

After a period of ten months, when Kingfisher had established the fact that people could
associate 'Simplifly Deccan' with Kingfisher by means of the image makeover of the
SBM Brand Audit Assignment 11
Kingfisher Airlines (section A)

former's crew and fleet, Simplifly Deccan was rebranded to Kingfisher Red, eliminating
the Deccan name altogether, and establishing the movement of the airline towards the
Kingfisher 'flying experience'. While Simplify Deccan was a no-frills low cost carrier,
Kingfisher Red highlighted the 'delight of flying' in spite of offering low fares, keeping
up Kingfisher's brand promise. Kingfisher Red offered new features like web check-in,
in-flight reading material, and frequent flier programs.

Effects on Brand image due to Mr. Vijay Mallay’s image

Vijay Mallya has built a reputation for splurging his money in the public. He is the key
sponsor to many of India's top derby championships, he owns a yacht once owned by
Elizabeth Taylor, flies a personal Boeing business jet, owns super stylish homes in
London, US, Dubai and India. Vijay Mallya is a diehard party animal, and is seen as the
personification of a luxurious life!

A great part of the personality of the Kingfisher brand is based on Mallya's personality.
He is credited with having single handedly changed the image of his beer brand from a
commodity to a lifestyle brand. Vijay Mallya's associations with the rich, trendy and the
luxurious have rubbed on his business venture and the brands. Kingfisher Airlines
draws a lot of its brand equity from Mallya himself.

What are the Points of Parity (POP) & Points Of


Difference (POD)

Points of parity

1) Good connectivity and wide coverage

Kingfisher operates close to 400 daily flights to 71 destinations, with regional and long-
haul international services. Kingfisher Airlines serves 63 domestic destinations and 8
SBM Brand Audit Assignment 12
Kingfisher Airlines (section A)

international destinations in 8 countries across Asia and Europe. Kingfisher's short haul
routes are mostly domestic apart from some cities in South Asia, Southeast Asia and
Western Asia. Kingfisher has its medium, long-haul destinations in East Asia, Southeast
Asia, and Europe.

2) Standard quality fleets

Every Kingfisher aircraft meets the global standards that have been set in terms of
safety; moreover, they have set of brand-new fleet which incorporates the latest
technology available. Kingfisher currently operates a fleet of 11 brand new A320
aircrafts and connects 15 key business and leisure destinations with more than 70
flights daily across India. Kingfisher Airlines' fleet currently consists of ATR 42, ATR 72
and Airbus A320 family aircraft for domestic and short haul services and Airbus A330-
200s for international long-haul services. The average age of its fleet as of January 2009
was 2.3 years. All ATR's and a few aircraft from the A320 family are used for Kingfisher
Red service.

3) Safe and comfortable travel experience

Kingfisher Airlines main vision is to deliver safe, value-based and enjoyable travel


experience to all its passengers based on its core values of 'safety', 'service',
'accountability' and 'teamwork'. It provides desired or expected hospitality with basic
facilities like comfortable seats, food, roaming space and appropriate baggage handling
to all its passengers.

4) Low Cost Carrier

With acquisition of Air Deccan (largest low cost carrier in India) Kingfisher Airlines
forayed into Low cost carrier segment as Kingfisher Red. Kingfisher Red is the low fare
service of KFA focused on the growing middle class who are price conscious. With
Kingfisher Red, it caters to the low price need of the passengers.

Points of Difference
SBM Brand Audit Assignment 13
Kingfisher Airlines (section A)

1) Lifestyle Image

Kingfisher Airlines has carved a distinct position for itself by its flamboyant lifestyle
image and by offering a great flying experience with comfort seating, personalized
entertainment and services to its passengers. It is one of the finest luxury airlines of
India. It promises you a smooth and stress free air journey, which is truly world class in
every sense. Kingfisher airlines sold the concept of lifestyle through its glamorous
airhostesses, red-the color of vibrancy, and added hospitality which made every
passenger feel like a guest on board-a-craft. It marketed itself as a budget airline
targeting the middle of the market. It used multiple promotional campaigns, from
having India's top model Yana Gupta on flight, to schemes on discounted tickets,
initially, to invite people to experience the 'good flying' concept.

2) In-flight entertainment

Kingfisher's IFE system is the Thales TopSeries i3000/i4000 on-board the Airbus A320
family aircraft, and Thales TopSeries i5000 on-board the Airbus A330 family aircraft
provided by the France-based Thales Group. Kingfisher was the first Indian airline to
have in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems on every seat even on domestic flights. All
passengers were given a "welcome kit" consisting goodies such as a pen, facial tissue
and headphones to use with the IFE system. Kingfisher Airlines also provide
personalized entertainment in the form of audio and video on-demand accompanied
with extra-wide personalized screens in the aircraft. It also includes in-flight reading
material.

3) Exclusive services

Kingfisher Airlines offers many exclusive services to its passengers that include
personal valet at the airport to assist in baggage handling and boarding, personal and
exclusive lounges with private space, refreshments and music at the airport,
comfortable Sleeperette seats and a delicious three-course gourmet meal at aircraft.
Further, under King Club, the Frequent-flyer program of Kingfisher Airlines members
earn King Miles every time they fly with Kingfisher or its partner airlines, hotels, car
rental, finance and lifestyle businesses. There are four levels in the scheme: Red, Silver,
SBM Brand Audit Assignment 14
Kingfisher Airlines (section A)

Gold and Platinum levels. Members can redeem points for over a number of schemes.
Platinum, Gold and Silver members enjoy access to the Kingfisher Lounge, priority
check-in, excess baggage allowance, bonus miles, and 3 Kingfisher First upgrade
vouchers for Gold membership. Platinum members get 5 upgrade vouchers.

Lastly, with the launch of King Mobile, Kingfisher Airlines becomes the first Indian
Airline to launch a range of services on the mobile platform. Now you can check for
flight updates, buy tickets through SMS or access a world of services through a simple
mobile application - anytime anywhere.

4) Premium Service

Kingfisher Airlines is India’s first and only Five Star airline, rated by Skytrax (A United
Kingdom-based consultancy that conducts research for commercial airlines) and the
only one to offer a premium first class. By elevating its customers to a level of being
‘guests’ and not just passengers, Kingfisher Airlines has endeared itself to consumers.
Kingfisher Red, the low cost carrier of Kingfisher Airlines is the only airline that offers
additional services compared to other traditional low cost carriers and yet economical
compared to full service carriers. Kingfisher Red has carved for itself a straddle
position: low fare flying with the experience of a premium one.

What are the Product related attributes?

Tangible Attributes:
1. Coverage and connectivity

Kingfisher operates close to 400 daily flights to 71 destinations, with regional and long-
haul international services. Kingfisher Airlines serves 63 domestic destinations and 8
SBM Brand Audit Assignment 15
Kingfisher Airlines (section A)

international destinations in 8 countries across Asia and Europe. Kingfisher's short haul
routes are mostly domestic apart from some cities in South Asia, Southeast Asia and
Western Asia. Kingfisher has its medium, long-haul destinations in East Asia, Southeast
Asia, and Europe.

2. Fleets

Every Kingfisher aircraft meets the global standards that have been set in terms of
safety; moreover, they have set of brand-new fleet which incorporates the latest
technology available Kingfisher Airlines' fleet currently consists of ATR 42, ATR 72 and
Airbus A320 family aircraft for domestic and short haul services and Airbus A330-200s
for international long-haul services. It is the first airline in India to a have signed a
contract with Airbus for A380 and A350. The average age of its fleet as of January 2009
was 2.3 years. All ATR's and a few aircraft from the A320 family are used for Kingfisher
Red service.

Kingfisher's fleet consists of the following aircraft as of 15 August 2010:

Kingfisher Airline’s fleet

Passengers
Option
Aircraft Total Orders Notes
s Tota
P Y
l

14
Airbus A319-100 3 — — 0 144 All 3 dry-leased
4

Airbus A320-200 67 — 11 11 dry-leased


10 20 134
4 Deliveries through to 2016

17
3 0 174
4

10 0 18 180
SBM Brand Audit Assignment 16
Kingfisher Airlines (section A)

11
6 32 151
9
Airbus A321-200 — — Two dry leased.
19
2 0 199
9

18
Airbus A330-200 5 15 — 30 217 Deliveries through 2015
7

Airbus A350-800 — 5 — TBD Deliveries starting 2015

Airbus A380-800 — 5 5 TBD Deliveries starting 2014

ATR 42-500 2 — — 0 48 48 Both aircraft dry leased

17 0 66 66
15 new aircraft to be dry
ATR 72-500 38 20
leased
8 0 72 72

Total 66 130 25

Intangible Attributes

1. Safety

Kingfisher Airlines places guest safety and comfort above everything else. Kingfisher
Airlines assures passenger safety with state-of-the-art technology and world class
service. With the latest in-flight system and a brand new fleet of aircraft they ensure
that passengers reach their destination safe, secure and relaxed.

2. Services
SBM Brand Audit Assignment 17
Kingfisher Airlines (section A)

As a Kingfisher Airlines guest you will always be welcomed in style. Courteous smiles
greet you as you arrive at the airport. To make your journey relaxing airline provides
personal valets to assist you with your baggage and guide you through check-in at their
exclusive check-in counters. They ensure you feel like a special guest at all times.

A warm and thoroughly professional cabin crew is on call to anticipate your every need
and take care of your every whim. Their truly dedicated crew will make you feel at
home with their personalized and multi-award winning service

3. Comfort

When you fly Kingfisher Airlines, you will feel the difference in every little detail. The
expansive legroom, the fully lie flat bed in Kingfisher First and the widest seat pitch in
the skies, allows you to stretch those tired muscles to the fullest. Thought delights like
touch screen seat controls, sensuous mood lighting, unique starry sky, in-seat chargers,
in-seat massagers, an exclusive amenity kit and facilities like jacket ironing are all there
to give you a feeling of sheer luxury

4. Cuisine

A fine dining experience like no other, complete with a five course, multi-cuisine spread,
the choicest of wines, spirits and beverages and an exquisite dessert menu; the
Kingfisher Experience will delight your taste buds every moment you spend with us.
Right from the exclusive vegetarian silver thali service, dedicated social area with a
professional bartender, any time dining and every bite created to your taste, we treat
you like nothing less than royalty. As if this wasn’t enough. Expect a walk-in bar with a
dedicated bartender serving you the best sips from around the world, specially crafted
soups and desserts along with a sumptuous meal. All taking your in-flight dining
experience to the next level.

5. In-flight entertainment
SBM Brand Audit Assignment 18
Kingfisher Airlines (section A)

Kingfisher's IFE system is the Thales TopSeries i3000/i4000 on-board the Airbus A320
family aircraft, and Thales TopSeries i5000 on-board the Airbus A330 family aircraft
provided by the France-based Thales Group. Kingfisher was the first Indian airline to
have in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems on every seat even on domestic flights. All
passengers were given a "welcome kit" consisting goodies such as a pen, facial tissue
and headphones to use with the IFE system. Kingfisher Airlines also provide
personalized entertainment in the form of audio and video on-demand accompanied
with extra-wide personalized screens in the aircraft. Air Premiere, the premium
Kingfisher Airlines entertainment show is created to make the most of your moments
on board. With a collection of the biggest Bollywood, Hollywood and World Cinema hits,
best-loved TV shows, exciting games and videos to suit your taste, business bytes and
legendary music concerts, streaming in through Bose noise-cancellation headphones,
you will experience entertainment at its best. Alternatively, give in to your shopping
instinct at their “Air Boutique”. One thing is certain; on board a Kingfisher Airlines flight,
you will never have a dull moment. It also includes in-flight reading material like cine
blitz and little wings magazines.

6. Punctuality

This is one aspect where the airline performs below the desired level; there have been
several cases of delayed flights on part of Kingfisher Airlines. This aspect constitutes the
major area of dissatisfaction for the customers.

Other services

Kingfisher Airlines offers many exclusive services to its passengers that include
personal and exclusive lounges with private space, refreshments and music at the
airport. Further, under King Club, the Frequent-flyer program of Kingfisher Airlines
members earn King Miles every time they fly with Kingfisher or its partner airlines,
hotels, car rental, finance and lifestyle businesses. There are four levels in the scheme:
Red, Silver, Gold and Platinum levels. Members can redeem points for over a number of
schemes. Platinum, Gold and Silver members enjoy access to the Kingfisher Lounge,
priority check-in, excess baggage allowance, bonus miles, and 3 Kingfisher First upgrade
vouchers for Gold membership. Platinum members get 5 upgrade vouchers.
SBM Brand Audit Assignment 19
Kingfisher Airlines (section A)

Lastly, with the launch of King Mobile, Kingfisher Airlines becomes the first Indian
Airline to launch a range of services on the mobile platform. Now you can check for
flight updates, buy tickets through SMS or access a world of services through a simple
mobile application - anytime anywhere. Also, they provide the travelers with the
convenience of e-coupons, discounts on group travel, they have tie ups with
various world class hotels, travel insurance, baggage tracer services etc.

What is the Brand Portfolio?

In Domestic market:

A. Kingfisher First

Kingfisher First is the business class service of KFA focused on business class
passengers who are willing to spend for premium services. The domestic Kingfisher
First seats have a 48 inch seat pitch and a 126 degree seat recline. There are laptop and
mobile phone chargers on every seat. Passengers can avail of the latest international
newspapers and magazines. There is also a steam ironing service on board Kingfisher
First cabins. Every seat is equipped with a personalised IFE system with AVOD which
offers a wide range of Hollywood and Bollywood movies, English and Hindi TV
programmes, 16 live TV channels and 10 channels of Kingfisher Radio. Passengers also
get BOSE noise cancellation headphones.

Domestic Kingfisher First is only available on selected Airbus A320 family aircraft.

B. Kingfisher Class
SBM Brand Audit Assignment 20
Kingfisher Airlines (section A)

Kingfisher Class is the aspirational premium economy service of KFA focused on the
growing middle-class that is trendy, savvy and upwardly mobile. The domestic
Kingfisher Class has 32-34 inch seat pitch.

Every seat is equipped with personal IFE systems with AVOD on-board the Airbus A320
family aircraft. As in Kingfisher First, passengers can access the movies, English and
Hindi TV programmes, a few live TV channels powered by DishTV and Kingfisher Radio.
The screen is controlled by a controller-console on the seat armrest. Earcup
headphones are provided free of cost to all passengers. The default channel shows,
alternating every few seconds, The aeroplane's ground speed, outside temperature,
altitude, distance and time to destination; the position of the aircraft on a graphical map
and one or more advertisements. Passengers are served meals on most flights. Before
take-off, passengers are served bottled Lemonade.

On-board the ATR 72-500s there are 17 colour LCD drop-down screens mounted along
with loudspeakers for audio in the cabin overhead, a head-end unit to handle CDs and
DVDs, and a crew control panel. The screens measure 12.7 cm by 9.3 cm, weigh 0.2 kg
each and are spaced every two or three seat rows along both sides of the cabin.

C. Kingfisher Red

Kingfisher Red is the low fare service of KFA focused on the growing middle class who
are price conscious. After Kingfisher Airlines acquired Air Deccan, its name was changed
to Simplifly Deccan and subsequently to Kingfisher Red. Kingfisher Red is Kingfisher
Airline's low-cost class on domestic routes. Passengers are given complimentary in-
flight meals and bottled water. A special edition of Cine Blitz magazine is the only
reading material provided.

Kingfisher Airlines is the first airline in India to extend its King Club frequent flyer
program to its low-cost carrier as well. Passengers can earn King Miles even when they
fly Kingfisher Red, which they can redeem for free tickets to travel on Kingfisher
Airlines or partner airlines.

In International Market:
SBM Brand Audit Assignment 21
Kingfisher Airlines (section A)

A. Kingfisher First

The international Kingfisher First has full flat-bed seats with a 180 degree recline, with
a seat pitch of 78 inches, and a seat width of 20-24.54 inches. Passengers are given
Merino wool blankets, a Salvatore Ferragamo toiletry kit, a pyjama to change into, five-
course meals and alcoholic beverages. Also available are in-seat massagers, chargers
and USB connectors.

Every Kingfisher First seat has a 17 inch widescreen personal television with AVOD
touchscreen controls and offers 357 hours of programming content spread over 36
channels, including Hollywood and Bollywood movies along with 16 channels of live TV,
so passengers can watch their favorite TV programmes live. There is also a collection of
interactive games, a jukebox with customisable playlists and Kingfisher Radio.
Passengers are given BOSE noise cancellation headphones.

The service on board the Kingfisher First cabins includes a social area comprising a full-
fledged bar staffed with a bartender, a break-out seating area just nearby fitted with
two couches and bar stools, a full-fledged chef on board the aircraft and any-time
dining. A turn-down service includes the conversion of the seat into a fully-flat bed and
an air-hostess making the bed when the passenger is ready to sleep.

Both Kingfisher First and Kingfisher classes feature mood lighting on the Airbus A330-
200 with light schemes corresponding to the time of day and flight position.

B. Kingfisher Class

The international Kingfisher Class seats offer a seat pitch of 34 inches, a seat width of 18
inches and a seat recline of 25 degrees (6 inches). Passengers get full length modacrylic
blankets, full size pillows and business class meals.

Each Kingfisher Class seat has a 10.6 inch widescreen personal television with AVOD
touch screen controls. The IFE is similar to that of the international Kingfisher First
class. It can also be controlled by a detachable remote-control console fitted in the
armrest. This device can be used to control the IFE, reading-lights, play games and even
SBM Brand Audit Assignment 22
Kingfisher Airlines (section A)

has a credit-card swipe for shopping on Kingfisher's 'Air Boutique'. It also has a facility
for sending text-messages, though the service isn't provided by Kingfisher.

Some other category

I. Kingfisher Elite

Kingfisher Elite under Business Travel category is a special charter service that is
designed to offer passengers a flexible flying experience. Flying within the comfort of
their own schedule, they can now travel in an aircraft reserved exclusively for them and
choose where, when and with whom they wish to travel. With access to over 200
airstrips in India, passenger can now travel on his/her own terms. And if his destination
doesn’t have an airport, Kingfisher will operate out of a smaller airport closer to his
departure or destination point.

Be it Business or Leisure, KA offer a range of aircraft that includes the Eurocopter,


Business Jets and Airbus Corporate Jets. And if passengers are looking to charter aircraft
for groups, they can choose from a fleet which includes Airbus 321, Airbus 320, Airbus
319, ATR 72-500 and ATR 42-500 aircraft depending on your requirements.

Ambush Marketing by Kingfisher Airlines

Kingfisher has done it several times. With the entry of low coast carriers in the Indian
Airlines Industry, kingfisher has tried to attack its opponents with some creative ads.
SBM Brand Audit Assignment 23
Kingfisher Airlines (section A)

Innovative advertisement by Kingfisher Airlines here tries to snatch attention from Jet
Airways' ad hoarding.
Jet Airways says, "We've changed." Kingfisher Airlines comes up with a cheeky billboard
above Jet's hoarding that says, "We made them change!" Fly Kingfisher and experience
the finest service in the sky.
SBM Brand Audit Assignment 24
Kingfisher Airlines (section A)

On another occasion kingfisher was seen taking potshots at Indigo, though the


marketing agency handling campaign for Kingfisher airlines said that these are not
really directed to indigo as much as to the consumer who are flying indigo which is
considerably less comfortable. Since this advertisement came out during the times of
slowdown we believe that Kingfisher was finding it difficult to fill their capacity and
they assumed that customers (especially corporates) were swithcing on to low cost
airlines. The campaign was aimed at getting them back. They were perceiving
competition from every airline operator irrespective of their positioning.
SBM Brand Audit Assignment 25
Kingfisher Airlines (section A)

This series of campaigns are focused on the functional attributes of the airlines.
Deviating from the usual flashy ads, Kingfisher here is appealing to the Left- brain of the
consumers. The ads are targeting the three segments of users i.e Children, Ladies and
Males but the ads are talking to Men who are the key decision makers.

The ad for the young travelers talks about special kids meal, wide seats and games. The
ad ends with an appeal to the father that " Your little prince deserves to feel like a King".

The next in the series aimed at the decision maker itself. The ad aimed at male traveler
as usual talks about the ' flying models ", the smile that tastes better than the icecream,
spectacle cleaner and the air-boutique. The ad ends with the message ' Every man's seat
feels like his throne'.

These campaigns aimed to reinforce the service differentiation of this airline. Kingfisher
has humbled Jet Airways through its clever service differentiation. But to sustain the
service differentiation is not easy because the competition can easily emulate or even
make good on your service strategy. Also the brand should keep its costs under control
SBM Brand Audit Assignment 26
Kingfisher Airlines (section A)

when offering service differentiation. That requires a clear understanding on the


consumer expectation regarding the service quality.

With regard to the quality of campaign, it may miss some eyeballs because of not being
an eye catchy ad. But the message surely is smart. The basic premise in this ad campaign
is that Men are the decision makers with regard to this service. May be a campaign
aimed at lady executives may also come in the future.

One strategic reason behind this campaign is to broaden the user base for this brand.
Kingfisher has been a hit with the young (at heart) male fliers and the 'flying models ‘,
in-flight service were well taken by this segment. May be the brand managers feel that
Kingfisher is not perceived as a airline for “Family “. The campaigns, the positioning , the
hostess all make the brand to be perceived as an airline for men. This can create certain
issues in the future and there is a potential problem of the brand restricting itself to a
specific gender. These campaigns try to address this issue and are wooing the non-
business travelers as well as the family members of the TG. By way of addressing the
larger audience , Kingfisher is trying to take on the Jet Airways' main customers.

The television commercial of the Kingfisher Airlines has also been


designed appropriately, as it scores very well on the following parameters:

a. Awareness value: The advertisements of Kingfisher Airlines score very high on


this parameter as it emphasis on most of the features of this airline travel, for
example caring air hostesses, comfortable seats, great food and last but not the
least In-flight entertainment.

b. Connect value: The advertisement posses a very strong connect value with the
customers while emphasizing on its comfort feature. The advertisement
showcases a couple with very satisfied expressions on their face, little girl
smiling, relaxed passengers etc.

c. Recall value: The brand commercials possess good recall value as the
commercial showcases various beautiful locations like beaches, clear open sky
etc.
SBM Brand Audit Assignment 27
Kingfisher Airlines (section A)

d. Attractive: lastly, we would say that brand commercials have a Royal and at the
same time cool quotient to it with very attractive visuals, happy and smiling
people and slick camera work in all their commercials. The song in the
commercials is very soothing and something which captures your attention
immediately and keeps it intact.

What is the competition doing?

As per the latest data from the civil aviation ministry, Passengers carried by domestic
carriers rose 19.3% to 33.9 million passengers in Jan-Aug’10 with Jet Airways recording
the highest market share among domestic carriers, government data showed.

Jet Airways and its budget arm, Jetlite, recorded a combined market share of 27% in
August’10 while Kingfisher Airlines had a 20% share of the aviation market. State-run
Air India had an 18.3% market share and budget airline SpiceJet had a market share of
12.6 for the month. Rest of the segregation is as follows:
SBM Brand Audit Assignment 28
Kingfisher Airlines (section A)

Jet Airways and Jet lite


13% 27%
6%
Kingfisher

NACIL
16%
Indigo

Spice jet
18% 20%

Go Air

Now, since Kingfisher Airlines caters to all segments of the air travel ranging from low-
fare service – Kingfisher Red, to the premium economy service – Kingfisher Class, to the
luxurious Kingfisher First, they have different competitors in each segment.

I. In case of luxurious Kingfisher First, their major competitor is


Jet Airways

Jet Airways is widely regarded as one of India's premium domestic airlines and arguably
the most successful. The airline, which was set up in 1993 after the central government
opened civil aviation to private investment, overtook India's national airline, Indian
Airlines, in the early 2000s in terms of passengers carried. By 2005, Jet Airways had
been listed on India's main stock exchanges and had obtained permission to operate
international flights. It has bases in Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chennai,
and Bangalore.

Jet Airways has won many awards for quality service. In particular, the airline is known
for its outstanding in-flight service, food, punctuality, and baggage handling. Staff are
SBM Brand Audit Assignment 29
Kingfisher Airlines (section A)

extremely efficient and courteous, and will go out of their way to ensure that you're
comfortable and well looked after.

The airline from time to time has come up with new business and marketing
strategies to maintain and increase their market share in Indian as well as global
market. Some of these are as follows:

In 2006 and 2007 – They acquired Air Sahara (now Jetlite) and entered into low fare
service segment.

In Feb 2007 – It entered into a deal with Hutch (now vodafone) to provide Mobile
ticketing solution

In Nov 2007 – They removed a row of seats from some of its planes to increase overall
leg room for passengers and further came up with an effective billboard campaign to
sell the concept.

In Sep 2008 – They came up with three impressive ad campaigns featuring the Super
star Shahrukh Khan

In Jan 2009 - Jet Airways launched an affiliate marketing programme as part of the
airline's new digital marketing strategy. Here in Affiliate partners integrated Jet
Airways' booking engine on their site and allowed visitors to book Jet Airways tickets
online. Apart from getting direct access to the airline's customised booking engine,
affiliate partners also get promotional content and banners on a regular basis. This deal
was one of biggest of its kind in the short history of affiliate marketing in India.

Also, now Jet Airways have perhaps become the pioneers in the Indian aviation
industry to utilize social media for marketing.

Presence of Jet Airways in Social Media

SOCIAL MEDIA NETWORK FANS

Facebook - 64,222 Twitter - 4,348


SBM Brand Audit Assignment 30
Kingfisher Airlines (section A)

Jet Airways regularly updates on Facebook and Twitter about their latest travel deals
and offers new flight announcements interesting places to visit Queries/ Redressal
(about flight timings, luggage allowance)

They have uploaded pictures on image sharing sites such as Flickr and videos on
YouTube to showcase their in-flight features. First-time fliers of this airline can now get
an insight of entertainment and other features offered on their flights.

In Apr 2010 - Jet Airways' Jet Privilege, India's largest frequent flyer programme,
entered into a partnership with twelve new partners across the Retail, Finance,
Lifestyle, Hotels and Publishing categories. This partnership will enable passengers to
earn some number of JP miles (gives you the opportunity to pay a lower fare for your
ticket by using your JPMiles in lieu of cash) by spending certain amount with these
partners.

Lastly, they have special services catering to the needs of kids, like providing them with
puzzles and games on board. They also provide exclusive shopping experience to their
passengers on board.

Jet Airways operates on a code share basis with Kingfisher Airlines.

II. In premium economy service their major competitor is National


Aviation Company of India Limited (NACIL), which, was formed
in 2007 with the merger of two national carriers Air India and
Indian Airlines.

As is to be expected with a state-run airline, Indian Airlines has its share of


inefficiencies. Flights are often delayed, flight attendants and in-flight service leave a lot
to be desired, and the airline has been involved in as many as 12 fatal accidents in its
SBM Brand Audit Assignment 31
Kingfisher Airlines (section A)

history. On the positive side, it has well planned routes and flight schedules, flies to
most destinations in India, and is reliable when it comes to baggage handling.

People prefer Air India and Indian Airlines because of their:

 wide coverage and connectivity


 age old goodwill
 they are state owned so perceived to be more reliable

Apart from that they have got a Frequent fliers programme called Flying Returns for
their passengers under which As a member, you can earn mileage points when you fly
Air India on eligible fare paying tickets, and redeem them for award travel faster than
most programmes. On higher fares, such as full fare economy, and on Business/First
Class, you earn bonus miles, and clock mileage points faster.

You can even earn and redeem mileage points on airline partners, and earn miles on
selected non airline partners. By collecting mileage points one can earn award tickets to
a destination of their choice.

Under Flying Returns only, they offer another service called Premium Clubs which
comprises of The Maharaja Club, Golden Edge Club and Silver Edge club in the
decreasing order of luxuries offered.

However, all said and done things have not been going that good for NACIL, reason for
that has been their mounting losses (in hundred crores) due to high ATF prices, low
load factors on domestic as well as international routes and other operational
inadequacies. To counter this problem a panel was set up in 2008 to discuss a revival
plan.

Now, NACIL management is planning a turnaround strategy for Air India, whose losses
in n the fiscal year ended 31 March 2010 has been estimated at Rs5,400 crore.

III. In the low fare service segment i.e. for Kingfisher Red their
major competitors are SpiceJet, IndiGo Airlines, Jet Lite and
GoAir.
SBM Brand Audit Assignment 32
Kingfisher Airlines (section A)

The growth of these low-cost air carriers has also forced mainstream domestic Indian
airlines to lower their fares.

a) Indigo Airlines is based in Delhi and flies to around 17 destinations all over
India. This privately owned airline started operating in mid 2006, and has a
market share of almost 16%. It's considered to be India's best low cost carrier.

Its airplanes are new and clean, and despite keeping fares low, the airline hasn't
compromised on punctuality, connectivity of flights, safety, or customer service. Of
course, don't expect any frills, but the amount of leg room is decent. If you're looking to
fly with a low cost airline, IndiGo offers good value for money.

b) SpiceJet is another decent, privately owned, low cost carrier. The airline, which
is based in Delhi, started operating in mid 2005. It has just over 12% share of the
market, and services most capital cities in India.

Spice Jet has new and clean planes. However, punctuality on some routes is an issue.
Seats on the older planes can be a bit uncomfortable. Also the limit for check-in baggage
is 20 kilograms, as opposed to 25 kilograms on some other airlines.

c) JetLite used to be Air Sahara until Jet Airways successfully took the company
over in mid 2007. The low cost airline focuses on providing flights that connect
India's capital cities, and it has a 7% share of the market. In addition to its
headquarters in Delhi, it also has bases in Mumbai and Hyderabad.

Unfortunately, what JetLite has in common with its parent airline stops with its brand
name. Many passengers report poor service and baggage handling. Its older aircraft also
have very cramped seating that allows hardly any leg room. The limit for checked-in
baggage is 25 kilograms.

d) Go Air is a small privately owned, low cost airline that started operating in late
2005. It has almost a 6% market share and operates a fleet of brightly colored
airplanes to twelve cities in India. Its remote destinations include Jammu,
Srinagar, and Guwahati. Go Air now has the youngest fleet of aircraft in India,
with the average age of its eight A320 Airbus airplanes being approximately
seven months.
SBM Brand Audit Assignment 33
Kingfisher Airlines (section A)

Go Air has some of the cheapest domestic fares available in India. However, punctuality
has been a common complaint about this airline in the past. These days, it seems to have
greatly improved. The limit for checked-in baggage is 25 kilograms, and 40 kilograms
for international passengers flying within 24 hours of arrival in India.

Our opinion

We feel that KFA is redefining the low cost carrier (LCC) segment by using Kingfisher
Red as a flanker brand. An exhaustive market survey done by Kingfisher revealed that
an average flier even in the low cost segment expects certain basic services. Kingfisher
Red is positioned between a low cost and full service carrier. It is the only airline that
offers additional services compared to other traditional low cost carriers and yet
economical compared to full service carriers. Kingfisher Red has carved for itself a
straddle position: low fare flying with the experience of a premium one - a premium low
cost carrier as it proudly calls itself. It hopes to foster loyalty amongst its customers
through such positioning.

However, at the same time we know that a typical LCC customer would have certain
basic needs: economy, convenience, comfort and luxury. The fact that the customer
chooses a LCC indicates one's sensitivity to price and hence economy seems to be the
first basic need. This is followed by a need for convenience, which would translate into
wants like punctuality, appropriate baggage handling etc. Following this is a need for
comfort, which includes in-flight reading material, food etc. that Kingfisher Red offers.
And finally luxury, which would comprise the entire set of value added services like
personalized entertainment that KFA (Class & First) provides. Perhaps, akin to the
"Maslow's hierarchy of needs" concept, the higher order need might appeal only when
the lower order one has been satisfied.

The Points of Parity comprise basic services like scheduling, connectivity, cleanliness,
low price (especially) whereas Kingfisher Red's point of difference is clearly the
comfort and the delight experience that the airline highlights. While Kingfisher Red has
focused on services like tele-booking, free food etc, it has ignored the lower order needs
of the customer like economy and punctuality.
SBM Brand Audit Assignment 34
Kingfisher Airlines (section A)

People expect basic services from Kingfisher like cheaper tickets and adherence to
schedules before facilities like free food. Indigo is the most preferred choice of
consumers in the LCC segment because it delivers extremely well on the price and
punctuality dimensions. In Kingfisher Red's case, the key to positioning now remains
not so much in highlighting the points of difference as much in focusing on the points of
parity.

Taking the case of meals on the airline, a meal increases the price of a ticket by 300 -
400 INR. Is the price-sensitive consumer ready to bear this for getting a 'free' meal?
With the LCC customer being most concerned about price than any other dimension of
value-added services, increasing fares in order to offer a not-much-sought-after 'free'
meal may not be the best move. Perhaps the Spicejet model of selling food on-flight is a
better answer, as it enables the airline to cater to the needs of both the classes of
customers, those who value economy and those who don't mind paying an extra buck
for grub.

Explore the brands in terms of customer


knowledge, sources of brand equity, role of
celebrities, sports and culture and philanthropy

Primary Research Details


SBM Brand Audit Assignment 35
Kingfisher Airlines (section A)

Research method: Online Survey

No: of respondents: 92

Target sample: Students, Business people, Managers

Customer Knowledge

Ever since its launch in May 2005, Kingfisher Airlines has blazed a trail of innovations
and introduced a range of market-firsts that have completely redefined the whole
experience of flying. The customer knowledge of the brand and the brand recall was
much higher compared to its competitors like Jet Airways, Air India and Indigo which
was evident from the primary survey conducted.

9% 3% Brand Recall
34% Kingfisher Airlines
12%
Jet Airways

Air India

Indigo

18% Spicejet
24%
Go Air
The

brand recall chart of the top domestic players in the airlines industry obtained from the
survey is given above and it is evident that Kingfisher has the highest Brand recall with
about 34% compared to a second highest of 24% for Jet Airways. Typical consumer
brand associations for Kingfisher airlines are glamour, luxury, classy, upclass and high
quality service.

Sources of brand Equity


SBM Brand Audit Assignment 36
Kingfisher Airlines (section A)

60

50

40

30 Tagline
Logo
20

10

0
1 2 3 4 5

Kingfisher is recognized as the most luxurious airline in the country. It’s also the only
airline to be given a 5 star rating by Skytrax (The official world online aircraft star
rating program). By elevating its customers to a level of being ‘guests’ and not just
passengers, Kingfisher Airlines has endeared itself to consumers. With Mr Vijay Mallya
at the helm, who himself creates an image and equity for the brand, customers expect
the ultimate experience in travelling be it domestically or internationally. Kingfisher
airlines changed the face of it from a low cost airline to a big budget low cost airline by
buying Air Deccan (now Kingfisher Red). The tagline ‘Fly the Good Times’ and the logo ‘
Colourful Kingfisher Bird’ are rated highly apt and forms a key source in building brand
Equity.

The high quality services and good in-flight entertainment and food are other prime
sources of brand equity. They are the first ones to introduce in-flight entertainments in
every seats in domestic skies as well as only one to offer LIVE TV with 16 channels of
live and exciting content. Customers rate the quality of services and other in-flight
services very high compared to the competitors.
SBM Brand Audit Assignment 37
Kingfisher Airlines (section A)

45
40
35
30
25
20 Quality of Services
15 In-Flight Entertainment and Food

10
5
0
1
2
3
4
5

Role of Celebrity

On 30th October 2007, Deepika Padukone was appointed as brand new Ambassador for
Kingfisher airlines.  Since Deepika is considered to be a talented individual and thriving
for the best, Kingfisher airlines has picked her up for this particular Job.

The Kingfisher Airlines Brand Ambassador is a young, dedicated and extremely


committed individual who aspires to be the best and typically personifies excellence in
the chosen field in terms of high standards of work. Deepika Padukone, the Kingfisher
Airlines Brand Ambassador, personifies the brand values of Kingfisher Airlines and
what it stands for."

Apart from the official brand ambassador, Deepika Padukone, the company’s chairman
and CEO Mr. Vijay Mallya is a celebrity in himself and his popularity and image also
serves as a source of brand equity. The personality association exercise of the brand
yielded the following results with 56% associating the brand with Vijay Mallya and 41%
associating it to Deepika Padukone.
SBM Brand Audit Assignment 38
Kingfisher Airlines (section A)

3%
Vijay Mallya

41%
Deepika Padukone
55%

Others

Role of Sports and Culture

Kingfisher airlines sponsor a variety of sports and cultural events, thus creating inroads
in the customers mind. Some of the events include the Kingfisher airlines Tennis open,
IPL cricket matches, F1 racing, Tour package offers etc. The Kingfisher Airlines Tennis
Open (known as the Kingfisher Airlines Tennis Open for sponsorship reasons) is a
professional tennis tournament played on outdoor hard courts. It is currently part of the
International Series of the ATP Tour. It is held annually in Bangalore, India. Mr. Vijay
Mallya flagship firm UB group owns the IPL team Banglore Royal Challengers and RCB
in association with Kingfisher airlines have come up with exciting one-day sports
package tour for cricket lovers. Kingfisher Airlines is also the sponsor of F1 racing outfit,
Force India, in which Vijay Mallya also owns.

Role of Philanthropy

 Its keen pursuit of activities in the field of Life Sciences has led to the setting up
of a super specialty hospital - Mallya Hospital at Bangalore

 The Vittal Mallya Scientific Research Foundation was set up in December 1987,
in memory of the Group’s Founder, late Mr. Vittal Mallya. It has been actively
involved with a mission called “Science for Humanity” and is a non-profit
SBM Brand Audit Assignment 39
Kingfisher Airlines (section A)

organization participating with the Government in a Public Private Partnership


on various projects.

 In the field of education, the Group has assisted in the setting up of the Mallya
Aditi International School where the best possible education is imparted.

 There is an ongoing commitment to society by way of sponsorships of various


events which are organized by charitable bodies. The Group has also been
responsible for providing bus shelters in the city and water tankers to villages
around Bangalore facing severe water shortages during summer.

 The Frequent-flyer program of Kingfisher Airlines is called the King Club in


which members earn King Miles every time they fly with Kingfisher or its partner
airlines, hotels, car rental, finance and lifestyle businesses.

 The Next Generation Network (NGN) is a programme run by the UKIBC which
has been in existence since October 2007. It is a network of young people - under
40 years of age -- of all nationalities, interested in the UK India business
relationship.
SBM Brand Audit Assignment 40
Kingfisher Airlines (section A)

What is your Brand’s Mantra?

Brand Mantra

Public relations do a much better job of creating a brand than advertising. That is where
Vijay Mallaya had got it right with Kingfisher. It is very likely that any given person has
heard of the person of Mallaya before his brand Kingfisher, or at least that he or she had
heard about the brand before being exposed to its advertisement.

World class exp, in


flight entertainments

Welcome on-
Touch the customer
board, feel at home
at every point

Style statement, Brand into airline-


redefined values, hospitality
luxury
Buy not customers,
but fans
SBM Brand Audit Assignment 41
Kingfisher Airlines (section A)

Other details

Frequency of travel
12% 9%
17%

20% More than once in a month


Once in a month
3-4 times a year
Once in a year
Very rearly

42%

Here we found out that majority of our respondants i.e. 42% travel 3-4 times an year.

Preference
7% 2% 29% Kingfisher Airlines
20%
Jet Airways

Air India

Indigo

Spicejet
20% 23% Go Air

Here we can see that a large number of our respondants if given an option would like to
travel through Kingfisher Airlines, it is the Airlines’ prominent lifestyle image which
influences such choices of consumers.
SBM Brand Audit Assignment 42
Kingfisher Airlines (section A)

45
40
35
30
25
20 Quality of Services
In-Flight Entertainment
15 and Food
10
5
0
1 2 3 4 5

Price
40
35
30
25
20
15
10 Price
5
0
p
ea p
h ea m
yC Ch iu
siv
e
Ve
r ed n ive
M pe ens
Ex xp
r yE
Ve
SBM Brand Audit Assignment 43
Kingfisher Airlines (section A)

Work out a CBBE pyramid for your brand

CBBE has bottom to top 4-levels as: 

1 – Level: Salience

Salience means awareness. Kingfisher Airlines has high brand awareness among its
customers. The survey results reveal that Kingfisher Airlines occupies the first place in
the brand ladder of 50% population. This is a very high percentage.
SBM Brand Audit Assignment 44
Kingfisher Airlines (section A)

2 – Level: Performance (Left-hand side) & Imagery (Right-hand side)

As far as performance is concerned Kingfisher Airlines offers world-class modern


services on board which has set standards throughout India. The aircrafts of Kingfisher
airline include the first Indian order for Airbus A380s. Most of the flights offered by
Kingfisher Airlines have multi Channel video services, the movies are shown to the
flyers on-demand. Now, Kingfisher stands as a chief player in the luxury airline segment.

Kingfisher believes that ‘a flight is not a journey between two airports but an experience
of a lifetime'. Kingfisher Airlines lives upto that image. Kingfisher Airlines is one of six
airlines in the world to have a five-star rating from Skytrax (A United Kingdom-based
consultancy that conducts research for commercial airlines).

3 – Level: Judgments (Left-hand side) & Feelings (Right-hand side)

Customers judge Kingfisher Airline on its service quality dimension. In our Survey it
secured average 4 (4.36) out 5 in terms of quality of service, the highest by any airline.
Also it has secured the highest rating in terms of the quality of food served and in flight
entertainment. Second judgment they have that it is an expensive airline.

Almost 100% of the target audience stated that it is the brand of the current time, most
innovative, vibrant and feels young while utlising its service. Also the usage of brand
brings the sense of security and comfort.

4 – Level: Resonance

Resonance means the ultimate social status of the brand and how much loyal customers
the brand has. 67% of our target audience had traveled by Kingfisher Airlines and 34%
has expressed repeat purchase.  As it is a glamorous brand and is a quality symbol in
society, people have affiliation with it.
SBM Brand Audit Assignment 45
Kingfisher Airlines (section A)

Recommendations

We believe that Kingfisher Airlines is a wonderful brand, however, it needs to work


upon certain things to gain the top most position. Following are our recommendations:

 As per our study and analysis, Kingfisher Airlines should focus on bridging its
'points-of-parity' before enhancing its points of differences. It must improve its
performance on key parameters like punctuality & air fares and should not
introduce points of differences which increase the air fare of Kingfisher Red.

 KFA should consider implementing a promotional campaign in mass media


which educates people about Kingfisher & Kingfisher Red. While Kingfisher can
continue with flashy ads featuring models depicting exuberance and lifestyle,
Kingfisher Red ads can be more subtle focusing on safety, comfort & experience.
It can be along the lines of "Queen of your heart deserves to fly like one"
campaign10 which Kingfisher launched in December 2007, which focused on
emphasizing a comfortable journey for women.

 The idea is amalgamate the two ends of the spectrum, to keep the consolidated
identify of Kingfisher, while clearly spelling out to customers the differences
between its premium and budget classes.

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