Thursday, July 21 2005 18:09 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bangalore: The booming private airline industry is all set to have one more player with the former Mysore scion and ex-MP Srikantadutta Narasimharaja Wadiyar chalking out plans to enter the airline service business.

"We are in advanced stage of negotiations", Wodeyar who is planning to tie up with Hong Kong and Dubai based partners for the business, told reporters.

With an initial investment of Rs 30 crore, Wodeyar plans to operate a mix of aircrafts, including small aircrafts and the Boeing. "We are planning to get it on lease basis. Initially we will be going for a Boeing, but plan to take smaller aircrafts later", he said.

The airline would be positioned as an airline service that is 'low' on the pocket but 'high' in quality. "It will be an affordable, cost effective airline service that offers quality and comfort".

Remarking that most of the current airlines cut down on space, making passengers feel cramped, he said his airline would ensure enough space.

Travelling royally would be the key USP of the airlines with quality food being offered. "We won't compromise on comfort or food", Wodeyar said, adding the airline would also have an in-house kitchen to monitor quality of the food and cater to its passengers.

The airline would draw its brand value from its rich legal legacy and passengers would be accorded "royal treatment", he said.

On the economic feasibility of such a proposition, he said, "I have a leftist background and strongly feel the airline should be affordable without compromising on quality", he said.

To be marketed as 'palace on air', the airline would first operate its flights to Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and in Kerala. "Mysore would come into the picture when it has facilities to enable a Boeing to land", he said.

The thrust would be in the southern region with "a lot IT happening down here", he said.

Stating he was also keen in operating flights to smaller cities, he said that it would follow later.

"We will be roping a person to be the CEO of the company", he said adding the CEO however, would not be from the Wodeyar family. The policy decisions would be handled by himself and his partners, he said.

"We will comply by all the Government rules", Wodeyar said adding the entire project was expected to be finalised by the year-end.

On the brand name for the airline, he said that the name would be on the lines of the concept of offering passengers the luxury of being in a 'palace in the sky'.