Journalism of Courage
Vijay Mallya is back in the news with the Debt Recovery Tribunal on March 7 expected to pass orders on State Bank of India’s application on how to use the $75-million payout from Diageo to his UB Group. The beleaguered liquor baron has over the past few years been selling off most of his assets, among them his priced Airbus A319 jet. (Source: Express Photo)
The 2006 Airbus A319, which had the registration VT-VJM after his initials, is expected to be auctioned by the Service Tax to recover over Rs 370 crore in dues and penalty. (Source: Express photo)
The aircraft can reportedly seat 22 passengers plus two crew and is owned by C J Leasing (Cayman) Ltd and is on lease to Kingfisher. (Source: Express photo)
Mallya was known to fly to London and the US, with a single refuelling halt, on his jet which along with plush interiors offered 6,000 cubic foot of living space. (Source: Express photo)
A brand new Airbus A319 aircraft will cost around $90 million just for the shell. Mallya’s aircraft is a decade old and will be a bit cheaper. However, he had splurged on customisations, which usually cost a maximum of $90 million. (Source: Express photo)
Though a personal aircraft, VT-VJM was operated and maintained by Kingfisher airlines. The aircraft has at least one full bedroom and shower. (Source: Express photo)
According to some reports, the plane now uses just the UB Group logo without any Kingfisher branding. It has also stopped using the radio call sign “Kingfisher 11”. (Source: Express photo)
This personal jet and five ATR planes and two helicopters had been impounded by the Service Tax Department in 2013. (Source: Express photo)
Kingfisher Airline's dues have been pending since 2011 adding up to over Rs 370 crore now. (Source: Express photo)
Mukesh Ambani, CMD of Reliance Industries, is the only other Indian to own a private Airbus A319. Ambani’s Airbus 319 reportedly has a custom-fitted office and cabin with game consoles, music systems and satellite television. (Source: Express photo)
