AAI studies feasibility of runway expansion

The Hindu -Raviprasad Kamila
Bajpe airport cannot accommodate large planes such as the Airbus 300 and the Boeing 747SP

MANGALORE 26 Dec : Will Bajpe (Mangalore) airport of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) be able to accommodate larger aircraft such as the Airbus 300 and the Boeing 747SP in the near future? Presently it is not possible as the existing main runway has to be expanded if those aircraft are to be operated. But it is not a Herculean task, provided the State Government takes immediate measures to fill up a 75-ft valley on the eastern and western sides of the main runway and hands over the land to the AAI. The AAI is keen on expanding the runway, and a team of senior AAI officials, headed by Asha Ram, Executive Director, Aviation Safety, AAI, Delhi, arrived here on Wednesday to study the proposal and make an analysis of the risks involved. The team members discussed the aspects related to it with M.R. Vasudeva, director of the airport, pilots and other section heads at the airport. Though the AAI has taken the initiative to expand the runway, the State Government has to ensure that the valley is filled up and the land handed over the AAI.
Sources in the AAI said that at present the length of the main runway is 2,450 metres. Its length had to be extended at least by 350 metres to take the total length to 2,800 metres and more. The portion on the eastern side of the runway had to be extended by 250 metres and the one on the western side by 100 metres.
To operate the Boeing 747SP, the length of the runway should be 2,710 metres. The Airbus 330-200 requires a runway length of 2,700 metres. These larger aircraft could take off with a restricted load of 340 tonnes. The Bajpe airport now handles aircraft such as the Airbus 310 and the Boeing 737, which can take off with a load of 165 tonnes. Cargo flights and larger passenger planes can operate from here if the length of the runway is extended. Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Ram said that the Area Control Centre at the Bajpe airport started providing air traffic services for 24 hours to over flying flights two years ago. This was an important milestone in the development of the airport and safety aspects of aircraft. With this, pilots could fly with more confidence and safety. These air traffic services could be availed of even up to Mumbai. Earlier, the services were restricted to 13 hours. Earlier, Mr. Ram inaugurated the expanded departure hall at the airport which can accommodate 250 passengers at a time.

Mangalore: Deccan Aviation to Start International Flight from Bajpe Next Year

Mangalore: Deccan Aviation to Start International Flight from Bajpe Next Year
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (MM/NR)Pic - Ganesh S Perla
Mangalore, Nov 17: The Deccan Aviation Company will be starting an international flight from Mangalore international airport in 2008, informed Captain G R Gopinath, executive chairman of the company.
Delivering a talk on the topic ‘Opportunities and challenges in aviation industry,’ at Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) office here on Friday November 16 evening, he disclosed the above information. However, he did not say anything about the destination point.
Going back to his earlier days of struggle, he said that, when he had left the defence services, he had just Rs 6,380 which he got as gratuity. He also mentioned about how much he had to struggle in his life after that point. However, he firmly opined that one’s goals could be achieved if a person has commitment, passion and clear vision.
In his speech Captain Gopinath observed that he found billions of hungry consumers around him and he often thought about them. According to him the men on the street are regularly purchasing TV, fridge and other consumer items. However, when it comes to air tickets they were not buying any air ticket, owing to exorbitant rates. Hence, he thought of introducing this cheapest air service especially for the middle class people, he pointed out.
“Linking small towns to big capital cities is essential to increase the total air traffic segment. It is for this reason Deccan then introduced air services to smaller towns. With this in view, Deccan purchased several aircrafts within a few years what Indian Airlines could achieve in 50 years,” he proudly declared.
India and China are representing the dreams and future prospects of the world. India is today within range of such infinite possibilities. The country too is aspiring for such possibilities and this in turn has helped Deccan to achieve a lot to a large extent. Hence in this context he proudly predicted that the country is heading for a “Golden Age”
On the occasion Gopinath was felicitated by Ananthakrishna, chairman of Karnataka Bank, on behalf of KCCI. Ananthakrishna said that a person who takes unconventional decisions is always a successful person. According to him, Captain Gopinath took such unconventional decisions and achieved success in his work. He ensured that, a person from the agricultural field also can fly in aircraft. Nowhere in any other part of the country this kind of attempt has been made, Ananthakrisha eulogized about Captain Gopinath.
KCCI president Kumble Narasinha Prabhu, office-bearers Ahmed Bava, Shrinivas S Kamath, Shekhar Poojary and Mohandas Prabhu were present on the dais.

Mangalore: Non Arrival of Flight Irks Passengers at Bajpe Airport

Mangalore: Non-arrival of Flight Irks Passengers at Bajpe Airport
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (KD/NR)
Mangalore, Nov 13: Due to the non-arrival of the flight, passengers of Mangalore-Dubai flight vented out their ire against the Air India Express staff at Bajpe airport here on Monday, November 12.
For some time there was a tense situation prevailing at the air port premises. However the authorities concerned including the airport director M R Vasudeva quickly took matters in hand and intervened, thereby bringing the tense situation under control.
Vasudeva informed about the reason for delay in the said flight. According to him the flight was scheduled to arrive at 11:15 am from Calicut and expected to leave for Dubai at 12:00 pm, but then it was held up in Abu Dhabi following a technical snag. Hence this rendered the pilot helpless to remedy the situation.
As regards the delay in the flight arrival, this matter was informed to a few passengers but the remaining 75 passengers were not informed that the flight will not be arriving on Monday, leaving them in a lurch.
Vasudeva clarified that the authorities concerned had made all necessary arrangements for the passengers to stay in a hotel and had also paid a sum of Rs 1000 each to the uninformed 75 passengers as compensation.
However, the major grouse of the passengers was that they were not informed in advance, thereby causing a great deal of inconvenience for them.

Airport New Terminal Building Ready by April 2009

The Hindu
Mangalore, Nov 10: The additional premises of Mangalore Airport at Kenjar comprising new runway and terminal building will be completely functional by April 2009, said Transport, Civil Aviation and Tourism Parliamentary Standing Committee Member B Janardhana Poojary.
“As per contract, the works of terminal building will be completed by September 2008. Later, the offices of various aviation companies will also be shifted to the new premises. Thus, the new set up will be totally commissioned by April 2009,” he stated.
Poojary, who is also the member of Rajya Sabha, visited the airport on Friday and inspected the progress of the ongoing constructions. “About 35 per cent of the total construction has been over. A sum of Rs 55 crore has been spent for the new runway. Besides runway, the total project expenditure is Rs 147 crore,” he stated.
The upgradation works of the entire airport will cost Rs 210 crore. If a new proposal is sent for additional amount apart from the already sanctioned money (Rs 147 crore), that will also be provided. There is no scarcity of finance, he noted.
Nearer to Mangalore
The new Integrated Passenger Terminal Building being built at Kenjar for the past 4 months is about 16 km away from the City. The present Bajpe airport is at a distance of 8 km from this new set up. Thus, airport facility will be further nearer to the customers in the days to come. The new runway is 8,038 ft in length; 150 ft in width. The old runway is of 5,330 ft length. There will be 28 check-in counters in the new terminal building.
The State government has owned the responsibility of rehabilitating the displaced as a result of the new project. Most of the residents have already shifted. But there are still 20 families, out of whom many have agreed to be shifted. The set us is being laid in an area of 40 acres. If car parking space included, it will be 70 acres. The overall area to be used for the airport is 47,000 sq km Poojary explained.
Airport Director M R Vasudeva said the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest has just given green signal for the new set up just two days back. He said the present airport at Bajpe will be used for cargo movement, landing and take off of corporate and small flights.
Poojary expressed his satisfaction towards the speed in which the total project is progressing.

First Flight Anniversary: A Year since the Map of Mangalore Changed

Compiled by Melka Miyar - Pictures: Dayanand Kukkaje

October 3, 2007
720 international flights have landed in Bajpe Airport. Now the door is open for Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Muscat from here. About 6 lac passengers have used this airport over the past one year. Out of these, around 1.07 lac are international passengers
It is the first anniversary celebration for all those who are enjoying the benefits of the landing of the first-ever international flight at Bajpe on October 3, 2006.
Mangaloreans back home and abroad were overwhelmed when the historic Air India Express touched the new runway at the airport on that momentous day. Thousands of people, including India's civil aviation minister Praful Patel and a number of other state and union ministers and top officials, had then welcomed the maiden flight's passengers at Bajpe.
A year has passed, with many milestones crossed since then, and the first flight heralded flights to many more destinations. Within five months, Abu Dhabi-Muscat-Mangalore connectivity was introduced, followed by Doha-Bahrain-Mangalore in the following month.
Moreover, on the economic front, Mangalore has seen tremendous growth, with an added advantage of an all-weather international sea-port. Huge investments in the pipeline, multinationals have set their food outlets, property prices shot up and lifestyle has changed. Many new players in commercial activities have shown interest in investing in Mangalore.
In a word, Mangalore has shown signs of a fasting-growing commercial hub of the nation. Except the pathetic roads, many things have shown progress in positive directions.

Air-borne good news
From October 28, 2007 Air India Express will be flying on a daily basis from Dubai to Mangalore.
There are other two destinations under immediate consideration by Air India express. The officials are very hopeful of Kuwait-Mangalore and Salalah-Mangalore flights being launched very soon.
The only destination left out is the Saudi Arabia sector. Pending execution of a bilateral agreement, this destination needs to wait for some more months, unless any private airline takes the initiative of grabbing the opportunity.
On account of the successful completion of the first year of operation, Air India Express COO Capt P P Singh, Mangalore Air India chief Ms Chellam Prasad and indeed Bajpe airport director M R Vasudeva, a Mangalorean and the architecht of tremendous development work, including the international flights, that all Mangaloreans would be proud of, spoke exclusively to daijiworld on this glorious achievement.

"Mangalore has been one of the major sectors for us..." - Captain PP Singh

Mangalore has been one of the major sectors for us. We had begun 3 flights from Dubai and later on we added two from Abu Dhabi-Muscat and another two from Doha-Bahrain.
In the past year, we have had more than 90 per cent load in the Dubai sector, around 80% on the Abu Dhabi-Muscat sector. Doha-Bahrain was not much of an encouraging sector, with around 65-70% load, but we are expecting a higher load factor this winter schedule.
Taking into account all this, we have planned to introduce daily flights to Dubai, 4 to Abu Dhabi-Muscat and 3 to Bahrain-Doha in the coming winter schedule, although we have not published this yet. We will include additional flights at the earliest.
P P singh added that the "latest development is that we have detached the Dubai flights from Amritsar-Delhi route, and instead linked it to Calicut, thereby solving the recurring problem of fog, which inconvenienced a large number of Mangaloreans with the resultant delays last winter. Since initially heavy pressure was exerted on us, we had no option but to introduce these flights from Delhi-based aircraftd because of limited aircraft that time. But now we have enough number of aircraft and we can think of new options.
Mangaloreans are lucky to have someone like Rajesh Sequeira, coordinator of the Karnataka NRI Forum, who has been with us not only to start the operations to Mangalore but to bring in new destinations. His support and suggestions have helped us as an airline, since being in the avaition field, he is well-versed with everything. In accordance with his plea, we are going to introduce the Mangalore-Kuwait flight soon, which is yet another achievement for us. We are planning to operate flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

"It was a golden-lettered day....." - M R Vasudeva, director of Mangalore airport
October3, 2006 was a day, which should be regarded as the golden letter day in the annals of the Mangalore Airport, says M R Vasudeva, director of Mangalore airport.
"This is so because the first international flight landed here on that day. By now, about 720 international flights have landed here. Now the door is open for Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Muscat from here. About 6 lac passengers have used this airport over the past one year. Out of these, around 1.07 lac are international passengers. A total 10% increase has been registered in the air traffic movement and 17% increase in passenger movement after the commencement of international flight here.
"Yes, there was pressure in handling the passengers in the initial stages. But now the pressure has been eased by improving the infrastructural facilities in the airport. Separate offices have been allotted to immigration and customs department. Therefore now there is not as much pressure as seen in the earlier days.
"Earlier, there used to be congestion at the departure zone. Now the congestion has been eased by extending the existing departure hall to the city side. At the same time, the airport authority has already jumped on the bandwagon of a new integrated terminal which is expected to be completed by December 2008 or January 2009. Apron, aerobridges and other necessary infrastructure will be constructed within this time-frame. But the delay in the acquisition of land has hampered the work on the new integrated terminal building. On the other hand, the construction of new road from the terminal building to the city needs to be completed before the terminal building work ends," said M R Vasudeva.

"Mangalore airport has started earning operating profit only after the commencement of international flight service by Air India Express..." - Chellam Prasad, Manager, Air India, Mangalore
When the international flight landed at Mangalore airport a year ago, there were many challenges on hand for the Air India Express officials, says Chellam Prasad, manager of Air India Express here.
Referring to the initial problems, it is quite common that lack of experience resulted in various difficulties. But many problems have been gradually solved over the last one year, she asserted.
International aircraft owned by Air India Express are only operating from Mangalore Airport. Because of the pressure from domestic aircraft during daytime, the Air India Express personnel had to start their work at airport only after 7 pm. Even they experienced the shortage of CISF personnel, immigration and customs problems, limited counter and had to manage with a single x-ray machine for both domestic and international flight customers. But the recent addition of facilities at the airport has created new hope and a sense of relief among Air India Express officials.
No doubt there is a good scope for the development of international passenger movement here. All flights departing from here bring in good amount of revenue for the airport authority and the airline exchequer. The Mangalore airport started earning operating profit only after the commencement of international flight service by Air India Express.
There is a huge demand from customers for Gulf flights. In each Dubai flight, an average number of 180 passengers fly from Mangalore. That is why flights will be increased to Gulf. Even people from Kannur in Kerala and Bhatkal in Karwar (Uttar Kannada) district use Mangalore airport to fly to Gulf countries, says Sanjay Lokeshwar, assistant officer of customer services here.
The Air India Express authorities are hopeful of introducing flight services to Kuwait from Mangalore. Even NRIs are demanding flights to Saudi Arabia. But the diplomatic issues have delayed the commencement of these flights. If the aircraft start flying to these countries, there will be a heavy pressure on Mangalore airport. Hence, the officials are demanding the completion of new terminal building as early as possible. The terminal building will come up soon if a dynamic person like M R Vasudeva will continue as the director of Mangalore airport for the next few years, says Sunil John, security in-charge of Air India Express.

Plea to expand Mangalore airport departure hall

Our Bureau
Mangalore, Sept. 19 The UAE-based Karnataka NRI Forum – a body of 40 different organisations in West Asia – has urged the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to expand the departure hall at Mangalore airport.
In a press release here, Mr Rajesh Sequera, Coordinator of the Karnataka NRI Forum, said the pressure on airport would increase by this year-end, as flights already operating to West Asia from Mangalore would increase their schedules. The space available at the present departure hall may not be enough to handle the passenger traffic. In such a situation, AAI should initiate steps to expand the departure hall, he said.
The forum thanked the AAI for building a new arrival hall at the airport.
Mr Sequera said that international airlines such as Air Arabia, Jazeera Airways and Emirates have shown interest in operating to Mangalore. But they are waiting for clearances from the Centre. If the Government allows other international airlines to operate from Mangalore, there would be more connectivity not only from West Asia but also from far eastern countries.
He said that Customs and Immigration authorities should provide additional manpower at the airport for 24-hour operations. As there is good potential for handling cargo from Mangalore airport, it should be declared as customs airport for cargo handling.
Additional land
Urging the Karnataka Government to sanction additional 300 acres of land to AAI for the overall development of the airport, he said this would help in the extension of the runway. An extended runway would help in landing bigger aircraft at the airport, he added.

Kuwait: 'Direct Flight to Mangalore - Quantum Leap for AI'

Media Release
Kuwait, Aug 24: Kasargod Expatriates Association along with the conglomerate of NRIs from Mangalore submitted a memorandum to Air India requesting flight connectivity between Kuwait and Mangalore, the prominent coastal town in southern part of Karnataka which is adjoining to Kasargod district in northern part of Kerala. The delegation was led by KEA's president Engr Abu Backer who briefed the need to have flight service in Mangalore-Kuwait sector to Air India's country manager Krishan Bhar.
Mangalore airport is traditionally being used by people from Malabar region specifically from Kannur and Kasargod apart from people from Dakshina Kannada and Uttara Kannada district in Karnataka. Kuwait has large expat population from this belt spread over two states that are currently depending Mumbai, Calicut and Bangalore airports for their overseas travel. Obviously the choice of airlines are determined by availability rates and timing which results in using different airlines like Kuwait airways, Air Lanka, Air India, Emirates Airlines etc. Once Mangalore is linked with Kuwait by Air India, the entire expatriate community from this region travelling to Kuwait will avail the services of India's national airlines.
Mangalore was always in Kuwait's airline industry map with prominence, solely for the reason of large population working from the surrounding area in Kuwait since the last 40 years. Kuwait Airways had their operating office in early eighties to service the passengers from Dakshina Kannada and Malabar reigion. KEA executive team (Hari Govind, Khalee Adoor, Balakrishna Udma, Sathar Kunnil and Hassan Mangad) was accompanied by Pascal B Pinto, the community leader from Mangalore fighting for the this cause for the last few years and Lawrence D'Souza, the business magnet of Kuwait hailing from Mangalore and owner of Ceasars Group of Restaurants and Travels and other many companies briefed the need and importance of Kuwait-Mangalore sector. Krishan Bhar, the manager who is in-charge of Kuwait and Cyprus for Air India who has taken charge recently, captured all information related to Mangalore's geographical location and other relevant factors. He also enquired certain specific information related to airport facilities and regional demography. He has assured the delegation that he will take up the case with the management of Air India with due importance furnishing the relevant information. He will justify the need to have the flight in this high-traffic route and he feels that flight connectivity in this sector will be quantum leap for Air India's Kuwait office in its revenue enrichment drive.

Mangalore: More Flights from City to UAE Announced

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (NR)
Mangalore, Aug 12: Briefing media persons at the Bajpe airport, the Airport Authority of India (AAI) airport director M R Vasudeva stated on Saturday, August 11 that Air India Express will introduce as many as four more international flight services between UAE and Mangalore by October 25.
Vasudeva informed that with this additional service, the number of international flights per week between Mangalore and the Gulf countries would increase to 14. There would be a total of 28 international flight movements at the Bajpe airport per week from October 25 from the present 20 flight movement, he added.
He said the contract for the work on the new terminal building at the airport has been awarded and will be completed in the next 18 months period. The required land for the new terminal building has already been acquired by the state government and handed over to the AAI, he added.
Giving further information, he stated that the Bajpe airport had earned a profit of Rs 83 lac during 2006-07. Their target was to earn a profit of Rs six crore during 2007-08. Around 4.58 lakh passengers have travelled during 2006-07.
Answering a query, he agreed that there was great demand for cargo flight service, but the airport had no immediate plans to start the same due to some technical reason, he said. He further stated that AAI has sent a proposal to the railway ministry for setting up a railway station near the new terminal building to facilitate the air passengers to and from Mangalore city.

Kuwait - Mangalore Direct Flight Still Hangs in Balance

By Walter NandalikeEditor-in-chiefDaijiworld.com
Pics: Rons Bantwal - Daijiworld Mumbai

Mumbai, Aug 5: According to the chief operations officer (COO) of Air India Express Captain P P Singh, the possibility of flying Air India Express directly from Kuwait to Mangalore will still have a question mark over it, at least until this year end.
Captain Singh was speaking exclusively to Daijiworld.com editor-in-chief Walter Nandalike in Mumbai at AI Express office, regarding the latest development of Air India Express to Mangalore sector.
"We all are doing our best; there is tremendous pressure from the people of the coastal region of Karnataka and North Malabar living in Kuwait to provide them with a direct flight facility, but we have certain limitations," Singh admitted.
Capt PP Singh and J J Sawjiany
"At the moment, we cannot assure anything. Air India and Indian Airlines (Indian) are capable of flying direct. They have an advantage over AI Express. For AI Express there will be load penalty and at the moment we cannot take off 4-hour non-stop flight from any destination" clarified the COO.
Informing further he stated, "Since the merger of Indian and Air India is under process, there are less possibilities of realizing the direct flight of Kuwait- Mangalore immediately".
"We are looking for other options, like Kuwait- Abu Dhabi - Mangalore or Kuwait - Ahmedabad - Mangalore. But this process too will take some time," admitted Singh.
Captain Singh has acknowledged the memorandum submitted by some organizations in Kuwait.
"Archie Menezes in Kuwait on behalf of some organization shas sent us the memorandum and he is following up the issue. Also, on the other hand, UAE Karnataka NRI forum co-coordinator Rajesh Sequeira is in touch with us regarding this route. Let us hope for the best and we assure of our full support in this regard," he said.
Dubai - Mangalore 7 flights a week:
Conveying his extreme happiness over the Dubai - Mangalore sector, Captain Singh admitted that current 5 flights a week are not serving the entire need of Mangalore-bound passengers. From the current winter season we will have 7 flights a week. This has already been approved by the concerned authority, he informed.
No Sharjah - Mangalore direct flight on the cards:
Though, it was earlier decided to have two weekly flights from Sharjah to Mangalore, for the moment the plan for direct Sharjah - Mangalore flight has been dropped. Due to bilateral seat-sharing issues between Dubai and India, there was very little chance to enhance the current 5 flights a week from Dubai to Mangalore. But, the said issue has been resolved recently and it is agreed to have 7 flights a week. This led to the cancellation of Sharjah - Mangalore sector. "Dubai - Mangalore" route is economical as far as the airline operation is concerned, rather than Dubai - Sharjah, clarified the Captain P P Singh.
Other Gulf sectors gaining momentum:
Captain Singh stated that 'he was earlier worried about the initial result on Abu Dhabi - Muscat - Mangalore and Doha - Bahrain - Mangalore flights. But now things are gaining momentum. Currently we have an average 60% load result. This is a good sign, but still we need to reach 80% capacity, otherwise it will be difficult for us to reach break-even', he averred.
Timing, Luggage problems minimized:
Initially we had some hurdles in operating from Dubai - Mangalore. Timing problem was due to fog conditions. Since Amritsar-bound flights were to come to the Mangalore sector, during the winter season fog has been largely responsible in flight delays. This year we are planning to use Coachin-Calicut-bound flights to Mangalore sector. So fog situation will not affect our operation,' he assured.
Singh also informed that, as of now,' timing and luggage problem has been solved. Once in a while we may have to face any such problem. Look at any major airline; every airline has some problem or other, at some point. But we will take care of such things in future', he assured.
No Indian Rupee for In- flight shopping :
There have been a few complaints from the passengers with regard to the Indian Rupee not being accepted in-flight, while purchasing food or drinks. Only Dirhams and Dollars are being accepted.
J J Sawjiany, deputy general manager of Air India Express, who is responsible for finance too, was also present in the press brief, and he informed daijiworld that "This problem is because of the Reserve Bank restrictions, as things which are sold in-flight are bonded items and are not allowed to be sold in Indian rupee in the sky".
We have been discussing this matter, even Air India shopping has been facing such complaints from passengers. Very soon we will come to an agreement and in future Air India and its subsidiary flights will accept Indian Rupee" he pacified.
Mangalore - a successful destination:
After about 10 months of operation, Capt P P Singh has expressed his satification at the performance and achievement of direct Mangalore flights. He said that the frequency of the flights would be increased in accordance with the needs of the people, he informed in conclusion.

Mangalore: New Arrival Hall at Bajpe Airport Opened to Passengers

Raviprasad Kamila for The Hindu

The hall, covering an area of 14,000 sq ft, can handle 250 passengers at a time

MANGALORE, Jun 18: The Airports Authority of India (AAI) opened the new arrival hall at Bajpe (Mangalore) airport to passengers on Sunday.
The air-conditioned hall, covering an area of 14,000 sq ft, can handle 250 passengers at a time. It has been built in eight months at an estimated cost of Rs. 3.5 crore.
For some time, it will be used to handle passengers of domestic flights only, M.R. Vasudeva, director of the airport, told The Hindu.
The airport handles nine domestic flights a day including five to Mumbai and four to Bangalore.
The new arrival hall would handle approximately 800 to 900 domestic passengers a day, he said.
The arrival hall has two conveyor belts, toilets, drinking water facility, a pre-paid taxi counter, a flight information board and a hotel counter. It has a visitors’ gallery. Visitors have to pay a fee to enter the gallery. They would be allowed to the gallery after a security check, Mr. Vasudeva said.
The structural design of the hall was handled by National Institute of Technology – Karnataka, Surathkal. The planning, interior and exterior designs and the construction were done by the AAI.
Passengers of Jet Airways flight from Bangalore were the first to arrive through the new hall on Sunday at 9.25 a.m. They included Siddaramaiah, former Deputy Chief Minister; V.R. Sudarshan, MLC; Sugunendra Tirtha swamiji of Puttige Math, Udupi; P. Tamilvanan, chairman, New Mangalore Port Trust; and K.L. Gopalakrishna, Executive Director, Corporation Bank.
U.R. Sabhapathi, former Udupi MLA, and Jayaprakash Hegde, MLA of Brahmavar, were present.
Opened
A counter to sell products of Dakshina Kannada Milk Producers’ Union Ltd. (DKMUL) was opened on the premises of the airport on Sunday. Krishna J. Palemar, Surathkal MLA, inaugurated it.
K. Diwakar Shetty, president of DKMUL, was present.

Air India Express Dubai-Mangalore Flights to Resume on June 8

from Rajesh Sequeira in DubaiDaijiworld Media Network - UAE / Mangalore
Dubai, Jun 8: As a result of cyclonic conditions in Oman and south Iran, the flights to Muscat had been suspended from June 6.
A number of passengers of Air India Express flights had been stranded in Dubai and Mangalore. Since this flight is taking its route via Muscat, it was suspended until further notice.
Civil aviation sources said, as already reported by Daijiworld, that permission had been obtained for the flights to overfly Pakistan and Iran en route to Dubai and back.
Rajesh Sequeira after speaking to the officials in Dubai and Mumbai said these flight had been cancelled keeping the safety of the passengers in mind. Although it would mean more expenditure to the airline, the step has been taken for the convenience of the passengers, they said.
The backlog of passengers of flights would be cleared as early as possible, they assured.

Air India Express gets Clearance to Overfly Pak, Iran to reach Gulf

Mumbai, June. 7 (PTI): Low-cost carrier Air India Express has obtained special permission for its flights to the Gulf to fly over Pakistan and Iran as a tropical storm in Oman has damaged radars there, rendering it dangerous to fly on normal routes over Omani airspace.
"The radars there are not yet fully operational and Muscat airport is only now slowly getting back to normal. Under the present conditions, we cannot fly over Omani airspace and we will be flying over Pakistan and Iran to the Gulf," Air India Express' Chief Operating Officer P P Singh told PTI here today.
He said four flights were operated today to the Gulf from Kochi airport and five more would take off from Calicut by 9 pm.
The Mumbai-Bahrain-Doha and Mumbai-Pune-Dubai flights took off this evening, he said.
Two flights, one from Mangalore and the other from Amritsar, were cancelled while two Kochi-Trivandrum-Abu Dhabi flights operated without touching Trivandrum. Passengers in Trivandrum will be accommodated tomorrow. Air India Express' priority is to first resume normal flights before considering any additional flights in the coming days, he said.
According to Singh, Air India Express flights have been particularly affected since its planes have a short range unlike Air India's which are long range and can thus take long detours.
All Air India flights to the Gulf have also been delayed.
An Air India spokesperson said: "We have rescheduled our flights and there are delays on Gulf routes. Until we get an okay from the Omani authorities, the present situation will continue."
He, however, said normalcy should be restored within the next two days.
Omani authorities have partially restored their systems and Muscat airport has re-opened but it will take at least another 36 to 40 hours for normalcy to be restored.
Till then, the circuitous route over Pakistan and Iran will have to be taken by Indian carriers for flights to the Gulf.

Mangalore: Airport Expansion Work Likely to be Delayed

The Hindu
Mangalore, May 25: The commencement of work on an integrated terminal building at Bajpe (Mangalore) airport of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) is likely to be delayed as the State Government has not shifted 66 families from the area where a terminal building, an apron, taxi way and other associated facilities have to come up.
Sources in the AAI told The Hindu that work on the construction of the apron, at an estimated cost of Rs. 19 crore, had begun and 10 per cent of the work had been completed. Work on the construction of the terminal building, taxi way and other associated facilities was yet to begin.
The AAI was finding it to difficult to proceed further with the work on the apron, as the Government had not shifted families from the project site. If the work had to be completed at least some families had to be shifted. The apron would come up in an area of 43,620 square metres, the sources said.
Tender
The tender for Rs. 86 crore (for the construction of terminal building only) was in the awarding stage as the AAI was in the process of giving financial clearance to it, they said. The work had to begin soon after that, they said and added that not shifting the families from the proposed project site would come in the way of starting the work.
The sources said that since rainy season would begin within a fortnight the chances of shifting families from the project site were remote.
Cost
The cost of these projects had been estimated at Rs. 147 crore.
The terminal building would come up in an area of about 18,220 square metres. It has been designed to handle 500 passengers at a time. It can handle four Airbus 310 aircraft and one Airbus 321 aircraft at a time.
Assistant Commissioner of Mangalore, S. Krishnamurthy told The Hindu on Thursday that the Government had made arrangements to rehabilitate the 66 families at Kolambe and Malavoor areas.
The families that would be shifted from the proposed project site had been given sites. Roads had been laid in the rehabilitation colony and provision to supply drinking water had been made. The families had been given compensation. Since they were constructing their homes on the sites provided to them, shifting of families from the project area had been delayed, he said.
All of them would be shifted once they complete the construction, he said.
Not shifting the families from the project site had not come in the way of execution of work by the AAI, the Assistant Commissioner said.

Mangalore: No Scope for Bribe in Bajpe Airport says Customs Commissioner

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (MM/GA)
Mangalore, Apr 26: Speaking at a press conference held in the Custom's Commissionerate here on Thursday April 26 afternoon, Mangalore customs commissioner Dr John Joseph clearly denied charges of bribery levelled against the custom's commissonerate.
"In the last few days some of the newspapers have tarnished our image by publishing the news that the Commissonerate is involved in taking bribes at Bajpe airport. I strongly deny these false charges which are aimed at denigrating us in public's eyes. None of our officers has been involved in bribery and we would not tolerate any kind of bribery," he said.
Dr Joseph requested the passengers to lodge a specific complaint with the higher authorities if anyone demanded bribe from them at any point.
"Our task is to see that smuggled goods should not enter inside India. At the same time, Mangalore Customs Commissionerate is facing shortage of workforce to manage the activities at the airport," he said.
A total of 28 employees are required at the airport. But no employee has been recruited yet to handle customs operations. Hence the staff from the city are managing the airport work too in between their regular schedule. So there are some inconveniences at the airport, he admitted. But he ruled out any possibilities of corruption at the airport.
So far the Mangalore airport has the permission to handle bags and baggage only. Permission has not been given for handling cargo here. "But of late, MSIL has come forward to handle cargo at the airport. If MSIL develops the necessary infrastructure for handling cargo and fulfils the conditions put by Customs department, recommendation would be given for granting permission to handle cargo. For this purpose however 8 more customs staff are necessary," he added.
More details can be had by calling : + 91 824 2408164 (Commissioner), + 91 824 2408311 (Joint Commissioner).

Tips while Flying Air India Express

By Rajesh Sequeira
While making booking contact details of the Origin and Destination should be done (Mobile as well as Residence)
It is a good practice to write down your name and the address as well the contact details on your baggage’s
Carry the E-Ticket along with the passport (with Visa)
Hand baggage 7 kgs And check in Baggage 30 kgs (Gulf) and 20 kgs from Mangalore
Check your Departure timings 2 days prior Departure
Buy your tickets either from the net or from authorised agents

Contact Details

Dubai
Reservation
009714-2666950
Aiport
009714-2165828
09714-2165829
009714-2166666 (General Enquiry)


Abudhabi
Reservation
009712-6322300
009712-6322747
Airport
009712-5757033
009712-5052646

Mangalore
Reservation
0824-2493383
0824-2493875
Airport
0824-2220450
0824-2230451

Muscat
Reservation
00968- 24818488
00968- 24818666
Airport
00968-24510737


Doha
Reservation
00974 4418423
00974 4418424
00974 4411093
00974 4411069
Airport
00974 4622544

Bahrain
Reservation
0097317220787
0097317220788
0097317220789
Airport
0097317321284
0097317321285

Mangalore: Direct Haj Pilgrimage Flights from Bajpe Airport Sought

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (MB)
Mangalore, Apr 21: A memorandum requesting for direct flights from Bajpe airport to Haj pilgrimage centres in Saudi Arabia was submitted to union minister Oscar Fernandes on Thursday, by DK district minorities of Congress party president B A Mohiuddin Bava.
Fernandes assured of suitable steps for temporary arrangements for this purpose. He inspected the work in progress on the new international and domestic arrival halls in the airport complex at Bajpe and gave requisite instructions to the authorities.
Former Suratkal MLA Vijayakumar Shetty, Udupi district Congress president M D Ghafoor and others were present on the occasion.

Saudi Arabia: NRI Forum Presses for Dammam-Mangalore Direct Flights

Media release
Dammam, Apr 21: west coast NRI Forum, Saudi Arabia's office-bearers recently met Air India Al Khobar manager Deepak Anand to impress upon him regarding the need to commence direct flights from Dammam to Mangalore as early as possible.
The delegation led by forum president Farooque Sabandary comprised of organizing secretary Vishwanath Kamath, general secretary Narayan Bhat and lady member Nandita Vishwanath. They urged Deepak Anand to convince the Air India management to introduce direct flights at the earliest.
Deepak Anand responded highlighting the need of upgrading earlier agreement with the Saudi aviation ministry to include its subsidiary Air India Express. Communication with the Saudi avaition ministry is in progress and an NOC to commence direct flight from Dammam was expected soon, Anand said.
Air India management needs to appoint a GSA agent in Saudi Arabia for Air India Express which is under consideration. This would enable Saudi Arabia passengers to avail themselves of the ticketing facility to travel to Mangalore at least via Bahrain flight.
west Coast NRI Forum, Saudi Arabia, has recalled the magnanimity of Air India Express in introducing a direct flight on Bahrain-Mangalore- Bahrain sector every Tuesday and Sunday. Forum members, on behalf of passengers, expressed their desire to catch this flight which is possible only on issue of tickets in Air India Express from Bahrain and by travelling by bus from Dammam to Bahrain by via King Fahad causeway.
Deepak Anand further assured the delegation of impressing upon the Air India manangement to accord facility to avail this provision to travel via Bahrain to Managlore and vice versa. The forum members assured him of its fullest support and cooperation in this regard.
The forum members complimented Deepak Anand who was instrumental along with Mangalore airport director M R Vasudeva in getting the Managore airport survey done. It was with the efforts of both these officials besides others that Mangalore airport acquired international airport status. It has enabled Gulf passengers to enjoy the privileige of direct flights from their respective points of stay.
The forum members expressed the hope that their dream of direct flight on the Dammam-Mangalore-Dammam sector would be realized soon. The role of the West Coast NRI Forum towards the cause was appreciated by the Air India manager.
The West Coast NRI Forum recalled with gratitude the selfless support extended by M R Vasudeva and Karnataka NRI Forum UAE coordinator Rajesh Sequeira, and expressed their sincere thanks to them.
In addition, the forum members expressed their happiness towards the motivation provided by former Karnataka minister R V Deshpande, union civil aviation minister Praful Kumar Patel with their efforts in enhancing the overall development of Mangalore,Udupi and Uttar Kannada districts by linking the Gulf countries and the NRIs' constructive role in general.
The forum has also expressed the media support, especially from daijiword.com at the international level and Udayavani at the regional level, by exerting pressure on the officials concerned, to start direct flights from Saudi Arabia to Mangalore and has fervently requested them to continue their efforts in making their dream a reality.
Organizing secretary Vishwanath Kamath urged all concerned to support the long -waited dream of direct flight from Dammam to Mangalore. He also thanked Sukumar Bangera and Divji from Air India, Al Khobar for their support to the mission.
Besides, the forum has also thanked the Air India management, especially CMD Thulasidas and Air India Express chief P P Singh.

Kuwait: NRIs' Concern over Low Priority to Flights on Mangalore-Kuwait Sector

Media release
Kuwait, April 3: A delegation of Coastal Karnataka NRIs in Kuwait including the representatives from Mangalore have Kuwait's directorate general of civil aviation Fawaz Al-Farrah and congratulated him on his assuming the new assignment.
Delegation coordinator Pascal Pinto submitted a memorandum to him seeking his assistance in regard to the flights on the Kuwait / Mangalore sector. During the meeting Al-Farrah assured his support and positive action if the civil aviation ministry of India communicated with them to seek permission to operate national or private carriers on Kuwait / Mangalore route.
Pinto, who was joined by Hasan Yusuf, John Tauro and Shyamsunder Rao from DGCA Kuwait, thanked Fawaz Al Farrah for his encouraging stand in regard to Kuwait / Mangalore sector flights.
A member from the delegation said that it has been understood from the reliable sources that as a policy matter the government of India did not allow private airlines to operate on routes to Gulf and Saudi Arabia. Pinto highlighted the fact that Air India Express being a government airline was already operating between Mangalore and other major stations in the Gulf like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Doha and Bahrain and expressed happiness that Air India would also operate to Sharjah very soon.
However, the general feeling among the NRI’s of coastal Karnataka and northern Kerala in Kuwait is that their requirements have been given less priority as compared to UAE and other Gulf countries even though there is sizeable passenger traffic from Kuwait. The Mangalorean community keeps wondering, if Air India is capable to operate their flights from other Gulf sectors to Mangalore, why not on Kuwait / Mangalore sector?
Coastal Karnataka NRIs' delegation also said that from May 2005, they have been continuously following up the matter with Aviation Ministry of India, AAI and Air India for flights to Kuwait/Mangalore sector. The request memorandum was presented to the chairman of Air India on October 2, 2006, and the coastal NRIs and North Kerala NRIs in Kuwait are eagerly awaiting a favourable response from the authorities.
A spokesman in Kuwait said that most of the Coastal NRIs in Kuwait are of the opinion that now it is the duty of the civil aviation ministry of India to help the large number of NRI populace of the southern part of Karnataka including Mangalore and surrounding districts and Northern parts of Kerala living in Kuwait. Passengers hailing from coastal Karnataka and surrounding districts including North Kerala, whether families and bachelors, fly to Mangalore from Kuwait through Mumbai airport and other points in India. Passengers including women, children, the elderly and sick have to wait for several hours in connecting airports to get a domestic flight to Mangalore.
The memorandum also points out that the combined airfare of the international and domestic flights creates an additional burden to the NRIs. The basic need of a large number of NRI populace in Kuwait is to have flights on Mangalore / Kuwait sector, either by national carrier of India or national carriers of other countries as feasible or private airlines, if possible.
Coastal Karnataka NRIs from Kuwait are eagerly waiting for flights to Kuwait / Mangalore sector. It is high time that the civil aviation ministry of India and other concerned authorities of the government of India should help a large number of NRIs from Mangalore and surrounding districts who are working in Kuwait.
The supportive assurances given by the president of DGCA Kuwait with regard to Kuwait / Mangalore sector will favour the large number of Coastal NRIs in Kuwait in case the civil aviation ministry of India too join hands in supportive measures in this matter.

Live Video:Status Report on New Arrival Hall at Bajpe Airport

http://www.daijiworld.com/tvdaijiworld/tvhome.asp?tv_id=242

Mangalore: Status Report on Progress of New Arrival Hall at Bajpe Airport

Mangalore: New Dimension to Bajpe Airport
Duty-free Shop, Two Conveyor Belts Highlights of the New Arrival Hall
Report and pics by Viju Mangalore

Mangalore, Apr 1: This is not an April Fool joke, but an interesting fact about Bajpe Airport, which has seen tremendous growth during the last one year. All credit is to be given to the dynamic airport director M R Vasudeva.

Within a span of six months, now 9 international flights per week land on Mangalore soil which has given the much-needed boost to the airport. No doubt, Mangalore is one of the fastest growing cities in India, thanks to major development projects like the upgradation of the airport to international status and projects like ONGC, Nagarjuna and Special Economic Zone.
Now the good news for all domestic and international flight passengers at Bajpe Airport is the new arrival hall of 4000 sq ft area which is getting ready to operate by April end or early May 2007. The specialty of the new arrival hall will be a Duty-free Shop and two conveyor belts for the benefit of domestic and international passengers separately.
Apart from this, there will be a separate arrival gate for International passengers and separate customs and immigration halls.
Mangalore is on a development spree and the Bajpe airport is not lagging behind. The progress here in terms of increase in air traffic, infrastructure facility, upgradation and services is indeed a positive sign that trade, commerce and tourism will bloom shortly.

The work on the new terminal building (arrival hall) for Mangalore airport is progressing smoothly. The construction work began in October 2006 and has gained momentum and is nearing completion. The Rs 4.5-crore project will have a passenger handling facility which will be double the size of the present terminal.
Speaking exclusively to Daijiworld, airport director M R Vasudeva said that the space in the new arrival hall will be a boon to both domestic and international flight passengers.

The growth of Mangalore airport has been tremendous. The airport currently handles around 600 flights every month which is double the number handled last year.
Passenger traffic growth in January 2006 onwards has undergone a sea change. Around 2.77 lac passengers were handled in January 2006 and this doubled by January 2007 (5.8 lac).
The traffic growth, Vasudeva said, was due to increased operation of domestic and international aircraft. International aircraft have increased from 3 flights to 9 flights per week and domestic flights have increased to 10 flights per day.

The new arrival hall which will be ready by the end of April or first week of May will handle 250 passengers.
In case of further growth in air traffic, Vasudeva said, the new terminal will cater to international passengers and the existing will cater to domestic passengers. A new security hold area on the first floor of the present terminal building has been set up.
With the operation of the new arrival hall, the airport will be able to handle the passengers for the coming two to three years period. By the end of three years it plans to construct an integrated terminal building which will cut short the distance to Mangalore city by 8 kms. There is a plan to build three aero bridges. With this the airport will be equipped to handle around 500 passengers.
Bajpe Airport will soon stand along with India's topmost airports, as the existing terminal in the airport will be used for departures and the new hall under construction will be used exclusively for arrivals.

Sharjah- Mangalore Direct : New Destination for Air India Express

Daijiworld Media Network
Dubai, Mar 29: According to reliable information conveyed by officials to Rajesh Sequeira, Co-ordinator NRE Forum UAE, Air India Express are planning to start operating regular flights on the Sharjah-Mangalore-Mumbai route from the first week of May 2007.
During his recent visit to Mumbai, Rajesh had personally met Capt Singh and had requested for flights to Dammam, Kuwait and Sharjah andhe in turn had assured that very soon these sectors would be included in the network.
Regarding Kuwait and Dammam operations, Rajesh said he had been doing his best for operations at the earliest but since Bahrain is closer to Dammam, passengers from Dammam can utilize this sectors until Dammam sector comes into the picture.
According to the latest information available, the proposed timings of the Mumbai-Mangalore-Sharjah flight and return are as follows:
Arrival from Mumbai in Mangalore: 0615 hrs ISTDeparture from Mangalore: 0715 hrs ISTArrival in Sharjah: 0905 hours UAE timeDeparture from Sharjah: 1005 hours UAE timeArrival in Mangalore: 1515 hrs ISTDeparture for Mumbai: 1615 hrs IST
According to tentative plans, flights on this route are likely to be operated on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, effective May 1, 2007 subject to final confirmation.

Bahrain -Doha Mangalore- Live Telecast

http://www.daijiworld.com/tvdaijiworld/tvhome.asp?tv_id=237

Bahrain: Maiden Air India Express Flight Takes off to Mangalore

Ronald Dsouza and Joe Andrade BahrainDaijiworld Media Network
Bahrain, Mar 25: It’s all happening today! Thanks to airindia express! 25th march, 2007 is a red-letter day for all those who are travelling to Mangalore direct from Bahrain with the inaugural flight flagged-off by Ahmed Nemat Ali, the acting undersecretary, civil aviation affairs, Kingdom of Bahrain from the Kingdom of Bahrain’s international airport located at Muharraq Island!
In a crisp but brisk choc-o-block ceremony organised by the Kingdom of Bahrain’s civil aviation affairs authority, at the airport departure lounge premises, gate no.11, Airindia Express launched their first budget-airline flight IX-814 to Mangalore int’l airport. The auspicious occasion was conducted and organised by civil aviation affairs dignitaries in the presence of Bhatnagar, first secretary of indian embassy, Bahrain airport officials, airindia officials including D.Debesh, manager Bahrain & Jordan, Mubarak Jassim Kanoo & Fawzi Kanoo Bahrain, Air India’s sponsor and general sales agent, and many well-wishers from the indian community some of whom had come dressed in traditional indian cultural attire. Mohan Kutty, manager of general sales affairs, Kanoo Travel, co-ordinated the ceremony .
The incoming Airindia Express flight with passengers from Mumbai picked up mangalore-bound passengers from Doha int’l airport and landed at Bahrain at 1520 hours. The flight pilot captain Avinash Chikte and co-pilot captain Ramesh Kumar and air hostesses Manju Pipal and Nidhi Pandey were welcomed on arrival at the departure gate by the C.A.A. authorities, airindia officials and dignitaries. They were then traditionally given the “poorna khamba” welcome by colorfully dressed sari-clad indian ladies with the traditional kalasha and colorfully dressed little children presenting each of the dignitaries with a bouquet of flowers.
The civil aviation authority in a moving gesture, presented a memento on the occasion to Air India manager, Debesh, as well as the pilot and co-pilot of the aircraft.
Mahmood yousuf, manager public relations, civil aviation affairs compered the program and welcomed the gathering.
Ahmed Nemat ali addressed the crowd going down memory’s lane to 1932 when the first imperial airways aircraft landed in bahrain intransit to India and highlighted the fact that Air India was the second airline to land in Bahrain way back in 1960. From just one flight per week since then, it was heartining to note that airindia has increased its frequency to 11 flights today to destinations like mangalore, mumbai, cochin and calicut.
This shows the galloping bonds of friendship between the two countries, India and Bahrain over a period of time.
Ahmed Nemat ali then proceeded to cut the Air India Express inaugural cake along with Mubarak Jassim Kanoo, pilot, co-pilot and the air hostesses to the tumultous applause of the gathering..
Airindia’s manager, Debesh, took the opportunity to thank the minister of transportation & deputy prime minister, Sheikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, the C.A.A. officials, the bahrain airport service authorities, the kanoo family and all those who supported Air India Express and made it possible for launching of airindia express service on schedule. He further mentioned from the current 11 frequencies, few more would be added to new Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai and Bangalore after a short period.
Bhatnagar from the Indian embassy also spoke on the occasion.
The dazzling highlight of the event was a little lad, Master Takshak Pai, decked-up like the Air India Express icon “maharaja”, welcoming the august gathering and two young lads Bharath Jayakumar and Amit Anchan dressed up in typical yakshagana attire who literally otherwise stole the show inviting picturesque photo-opportunity for all who gathered on the auspicious occasion. A number of Indian dignitaries from various clubs and organisations were also invited and present on the occasion.
The nostalgia of it all could best be expressed by an octogenarian lady Carmine Coutinho popularly known in near and dear circles only as “Mamma” and still agile and quick-paced at 83 at the lounge in jubilation to have had the unique privilege to fly on this maiden flight direct to her hometown Bajpe, the airport hillock-seat of mangalore int’l airport. The co-pilot literally embraced her on being introduced to her.
The flight to Mangalore departed to Mangalore at 1630hours Bahrain time and is expected to land at Mangalore around 2200hrs.
The Indian ambassador to Bahrain, Balakrishna Shetty, who hails from Mangalore will be travelling on the inaugural flight from Mangalore to Bahrain on his return journey to Bahrain.

Doha: AI Express’ Mangalore-bound Direct Flight Touches Sky

Reena Castelino for Daijiworld Media Network - Doha

Doha, Mar 25: The first direct flight from Doha, Bahrain to Mangalore has taken off from Doha International Airport.
The direct flight was flagged off in the Doha at 2.30pm local time on Sunday, March 25.
The flight of delight finally made its way into the sky with high hopes for a hassle-free air travel between the two regions. A modest traditional inaugural ceremony was held in Doha wherein the Indian Ambassador in Doha Dr George Joseph cut the cake.
Clad in traditional Indian dance costumes (Bharatanatyam), children accorded a truly Indian honour to the first flight. Community members and representatives of different communities were present for the function. The Mangalore Cricket Club (MCC) was represented by Rocky Fernandes who is also the vice-president of ICC.
Thirtyone passengers have boarded the flight to Mangalore. M S Abdul Salam from Managudde, the first male passenger to check in receiving the boarding pass from the Indian Ambassador. Salam said he was very happy to travel and deemed it a privilege to be on the maiden direct flight. He also said that he had postponed his travel to Mangalore as he wanted to travel on the maiden flight.
At the Doha International Airport, a festive mood was seen. Mangalore-bound passengers were seen eager to step into the maiden direct flight to Mangalore.
People were seen greeting each other as this was a long cherish dream and had finally taken shape. Indeed a red lettered day, the direct flight from the shores of Doha Bahrain has become a milestone in the history of Air India service in the Middle East.
The Andrade family from Ferrar was the first family to check in. Residing in Qatar for the past 10 years the family said that it was a proud moment for all the Mangaloreans.
Seetharam Shetty from Boloor who is residing in Qatar for the past 15 years said that the travel was a dream come true as he can travel to his hometown directly.
The Mendonca family was the first to purchase the tickets from Doha. Brothers Kanar Vishwanath and Jayaram Kadri the owners of the famous Akshaya and Canara Jewellary in Doha also traveled in the direct flight to Mangalore.

Air India Express Set for Maiden Flight to Mangalore on Mar 25

By Ronald D’Souza and Joe Andradefor Daijiworld Media Network
Bahrain, Mar 22: The stage is almost set for Air India Express in Bahrain to flag in and flag off on its inaugural flight to Bahrain on March 25, 2007.
The dream of many an Indian to fly from Bahrain to Mangalore and vice versa from this day will create history.
It will be a day when the Air India Express service to Mangalore from the shores of Bahrain would be made possible on an e-ticket that’s only a sheet of paper giving flight details and confirmation.
Air India Express has gone on-line from March 19, 2007, and air tickets can be booked and confirmed direct on internet when all details are provided.
At the Air India office in Bahrain on Tuesday morning, online e-ticketing training was given to Air India reservations and counter staff and some leading travel agents' representatives on the e-ticket bookings and the modalities of purchase at the Kanoo head office by Air India Express Dubai marketing manager Alka Arora and district sales manager Shankar.
Now on, e-tickets can be purchased from some travel agents directly. Air India manager for Bahrain and Jordan D Debesh and GSA manager for airlines at Kanoo Travel Mohan Kutty were also present during the training session. The briefing concluded with a lunch hosted by Air India Express for all the participants.
All details relevant to the travel and pricing are given online and should passengers need further assistance Air India Express offices or travel agents could be contacted.
“The introduction of Air India Express service will be a milestone in the history of Air India service in the Middle East,” said Debesh, adding that a modest traditional inaugural ceremony was being planned to make the inaugural flight memorable in the presence of various dignitaries and Bahrain civil aviation personnel.
Indian Ambassador to Bahrain Balakrishna Shetty, who is currently on an official visit to India in connection with the Kingdom of Bahrain’s Crown Prince's visit, is also expected to travel on the inaugural flight boarding from Mangalore airport back to Bahrain on the March 25, 2007.

Book your Ticket Online : Air India Express Opens Doha-Bah-M'lore Bookings

Doha, Mar 18: As firmly announced on daijiworld.com yesterday, with a view to linking another two destinations in the Gulf with Mangalore direct, Air India Express has now announced online booking for Doha-Bahrain-Mangalore flights.
In an official release to daijiworld.com, it said that now passengers can book their tickets through www.airindiaexpress.in by paying through credit card.
Due to some technical problems outbound online booking is still not open. It will be available on Monday. However, booking from Mangalore to Bahrain and Doha can be booked online.

After UAE and Oman, Doha and Bahrain will be the third and fourth direct destinations connected to Mangalore.
Upon authentic information from Air India, Reena Castelino, official correspondent of daijiworld.com in Doha, contacted some prominent community leaders and long-time residents of Doha, originally hailing from Mangalore.
Their response was proof to the fact that everyone has been eagerly waiting for this opportunity to travel to Mangalore direct

Bahrain: Air India Awaits Landing Rights for Direct Mangalore Flight

by Ronald D’Souza and Joe Andrade for Daijiworld Media Network - Global
Bahrain, Feb 26: The Mangalorean community in the Middle East can always boast of many firsts to their credit but this one beats it all!
To travel airborne direct from Bahrain to Mangalore with the state-of-the-art Air India Express service that will reach every passenger’s travel convenience and most importantly where it will pinch the least, viz., “the purse”, from either side of the Arabian waters, commencing from March 25, 2007.
Gone are the days for those of us in Bahrain, when we heard stories how our elders travelled to get to the Middle East and back from Mangalore with so many hurdles! Their arduous and tiresome journeys were unpredictable too.
In a few days from now, we could be either in Mangalore or in Bahrain just in a matter few hours. The long story has been turned shorter with Mangalore and Bahrain now brought closer to each other than imagined before – thanks to Air India Express.
Congratulations to Air India Express on the bold step taken in the interests of the common traveller and to the very many compatriots for working behind the scenes to bridge every gap to make this dream a reality.
A long-cherished dream come true for all those travellers based in the coastal belt of Karnataka and parts of Kerala who often transit or begin their journey from Mangalore, now with all its recently developed airport runway and building facilities.
Daijiworld Media Network team comprising Ronald D F D’Souza and Joe Andrade sought the views of D Debesh, Air India Manager, Bahrain and Jordan in the matter. He gave a crisp, brisk and pleasant interview at short notice in the presence of Anand Lobo, president of Mangalore Cultural and Social Association.
Exactly a month before the commencement of the much-awaited Bahrain to Mangalore service, the concept, modalities and time schedule of the new service that have been worked out so far were enthusiastically shared.
Debesh expressed delight that he had been receiving many enquiries from various corners on the modalities of this service and it gave them all the more encouragement to commence the service with a bang.

Here are the highlights of the AIRINDIA EXPRESS Bahrain/Mangalore service known so far, excerpted from the interview with D. Debesh:
Date of commencement of service: March 25, 2007, as already known to the media.
Inaugural Flight will originate from Mumbai. The routing: Mumbai-Doha-Bahrain-Mangalore–Doha–Bahrain- Mumbai
Two flight services from Bahrain per week i.e., on Sundays and Tuesdays
Brand new Boeing 737-800 NG (Next Generation), newly acquired AIRINDIA EXPRESS aircraft with seating capacity of 186 passengers, restricted to intaking 170 passengers because of payload restrictions.
Airindia will operate only as AIRINDIA EXPRESS from Bahrain w.e.f. March 25, 2007. The existing 7 Airindia frequencies will be increased to 11 (eleven) AIRINDIA EXPRESS frequencies per week from Bahrain commencing March 25, 2007, to various destinations including two frequencies per week to Mangalore.
Doha and Bahrain will share seating space equally under Economy Class only.
Ticket costs indicated to be 25% cheaper on the base rate of Bahraini Dinars 150 (taxes extra). Confirmed travel rates will be advised in due course when the computerized bookings open “on-line” on the basis “earlier the booking, cheaper the fare”.
Some special conditions apply in respect of cancellations or changes made from original flight bookings, details of which will be made known and advised to travelers later.
Web based e-ticket travel issuance system - on-line booking facility and also through travel agents - whichever is convenient to the passenger.
Maximum baggage limit 30 kgs per passenger. Excess luggage fees will be charged as per special fee levy to be advised later.
There will be a Summer Schedule of this service from March to October and a Winter Schedule service from October to March, as is customary, the current schedule to be confirmed shortly as soon as all operational modalities are in place both ends.
With the commencement of Winter Schedule in October 2007, the frequencies are expected to increase to 14 from Bahrain per week to include Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai and Bangalore. Furthermore, the game-plan on frequency schedules for AIRINDIA EXPRESS is expected to touch 20 frequencies per week after due study and assessment of the existing frequencies and continued traffic to various destinations.
Airindia is still awaiting permission from the Bahrain Civil Aviation Authorities on the landing rights, exact time slots, etc. for the two BAHRAIN-MANGALORE services and this is expected to be confirmed by end of February 2007. The Bahrain Civil Aviation authorities have expressed shown keen interest in the AIRINDIA EXPRESS service and have assured Airindia all co-operation for the service.
All arrangements are in place at Mangalore airport where AIRINDIA EXPRESS is doing its best to cater to the needs and facilities of passengers who would be arriving or departing from Mangalore. No efforts will be spared to make the journey as economical and comfortable as possible.
There will be an inaugural ceremony on the commencement of service, both in Mangalore and Bahrain.
In Bahrain, with all permissions subsequently being granted, the inaugural flight will be welcomed with vibrant cultural funfare in co-ordination with the, Kingdom of Bahrain’s civil aviation authorities, Indian Embassy, the Indian Ambassador and to add to it perhaps a short dazzling colorful Indian cultural show from the Karnataka community members hailing from and typical to the West Coast India belt.
On the Inaugural flight, both ways, VIPs could be expected to travel to get a taste of the service, first hand. And for all first flight passengers, AIRINDIA EXPRESS assures to give them an unforgettable and eventful first experience with a difference!
Once again our congratulations to AIRINDIA EXPRESS and all those people from the Karnataka community who have worked for this Mangalorean dream come true.

Dubai -Mangalore 5 Flights a Week - Booking Opens

Daijiworld News Network - Dubai
Dubai, Feb 23: As part of Air India's continued efforts to introduce more flights to Mangalore destination, Air India, in an official communication to daijiworld on Friday February 23, 2007, has informed that from March AI Express will fly 5 times a week and bookings have already opened online on www.airindiaexpress.in
In a letter to daijiworld, the Air India official has said that barring Sundays and Tuesdays, AI Express will fly all other 5 days a week to Mangalore from Dubai and back.
"Timing has a minor change from March 25, AI Express will take off from Dubai at 1400 hrs local time instead of current 14.30 hrs and from Mangalore the flight will take off at 2010 hrs instead of 2100 hrs"
Official also said that Doha-Bahrain-Mangalore booking will open online from next week, subject to schedule approval by the Airport authorities
"We are extremely happy with the load going from Mangalore-Dubai sector as almost flights are going full, and we have rectified some loopholes in the luggage system and timings."
Still AI Express has requested the passengers to adhere to luggage limitation while travelling to Mangalore from all destinations.
"Abu Dhabi-Muscat-Mangalore flight is yet to gather momentum as the current booking is not up to our expectations," says the official
Please log in to www.airindiaexpress.in for online booking or contact Al Maha Travels, GSA of Air India Express for alternative booking. Tel: 04 2666950

Direct Flights to Mangalore - the Real People Behind it

Exclusive interview by Rajesh SequieraMain coordinatorKarnataka NRI Forum UAE
As the date February 15, 2007 draws closer and the countdown begins on the maiden direct Abu Dhabi-Muscat-Mangalore flight, there have been few people emerging out of the blues to claim the credit for making the Mangaloreans' dream of first flight from these destinations possible.
It can be recalled here that after several years of dedicated efforts and follow-up by united Karnataka and North Kerala forums, Mangalore airport has become the custom international airport and thereafter the first-ever international flight landed on the Bajpe tarmac.Ironically, those who were least concerned about Mangalore airport, suddenly started claiming credit for direct flights and began giving statements and speeches in public programmes. As mentioned once earlier, it reminds one of the metaphor of a bus with a starting trouble. Not many come forward to push-start it with a jerk, but once the engine starts running and the bus begins to move, there are an umpteen number to catch up with it and board !Daijiworld.com has been receiving several queries about the truth behind it from its readers from all over the Gulf.
Rajesh Sequeira, main coordinator of the Karnataka NRI Forum has been working closely for the cause of Mangalore international airport, had the privilege of communicating with Capt P P Singh, the COO of Air India Express, to seek clarification on this issue and the status of direct flights from other potential Gulf destinations.
Here are excerpts of an exclusive interview given by Cap P P Singh to daijiworld.com
About Capt. P P Singh
Capt P P Singh, chief operating officer of Air India Express has been with the commercial department of Air India for over 30 years. During his long tenure, Capt Singh has held various managerial positions in India, USA, Germany and the UAE. He was till recently the regional director for India, based in Mumbai, and prior to that, regional director - Gulf, Middle East and Africa, with Dubai as headquarters. He took over as chief operating officer of Air India Express in September 2006.

Q: There are certain individuals claiming the credit for Abu Dhabi-Muscat-Mangalore direct flight. Could you please clarify, whether this is an effort by any individuals or it was the part of the plan Air India?
A: On the advice of the Air India offices in Abu Dhabi and Muscat and of the Karnataka Associations, it was decided that we should provide connectivity between Abu Dhabi and Muscat. There is no doubt that Karnataka Associations have been actively following up for flights to Mangalore not only from Abu Dhabi and Muscat but also from Dubai, Bahrain, Doha, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

Q: There are several dates given for introducing daily Dubai-Mangalore flights. Could you please tell us exactly when it will happen?

A: We are proposing to increase the frequency from 3 to 6 flights a week from Dubai to Mangalore with effect from March 25, 2007.

Q: There is a stronger presence of Mangaloreans in Kuwait than Oman, Bahrain or Doha, but tentative dates for direct flights have been given to the latter three destinations. Why is theren't any firm date for Kuwait? Any technical reason?
A: AI Express is proposing to link Kuwait also to Mangalore. It is not possible to link all destinations at the same time. At first, we are linking Dubai, followed by Muscat and Abu Dhabi on February 15, and Bahrain and Doha from March 25, 2007. We hope to link Kuwait with Mangalore by the middle of 2007.

Q: Saudi Arabia is another huge market for potential Mangalorean passengers. Any Plans to start direct flights from Jeddah, Riyadh and / or Dammam?

A: As far as Saudi Arabia is concerned, there are government restrictions because of which AI Express cannot operate from Saudi Arabia to Mangalore. This is the position at present and as and when the restrictions are lifted we could consider operating AI Express flights from Mangalore.

Q: After the service of about 4 months, are you happy about the outcome of first-ever international flight of Air India Express from Dubai to Mangalore
A: AI Express is satisfied with its operations from Dubai to Mangalore and is proposing to increase the flights from 3 to 6 a week from March 25, 2007. However, Mangalore Airport is unable to handle more flights because of its current size. The same terminal is used for both international and domestic flights. Hence the international flights can be operated only after 7 pm as the airport is not open for 24 hours. There are also restrictions on flights arriving and departing after midnight. As and when the Airport facilities improve, we would increase our frequencies and also connect more destinations in the Gulf with Mangalore.

Mangalore: Bajpe Airport to have e-payment Facility Soon

The Hindu
Mangalore, Feb 1: The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has declared 2007 as the year of e-governance. The AAI in association with Syndicate Bank will implement the e-payment facility at Bajpe airport, here, in the next two months, said Durga Shanker Mishra, Chief Vigilance Officer, AAI, on Wednesday.
He was speaking to presspersons at the airport on the sidelines of a function organised to present the national "Best fire station award for 2004" to Bajpe airport.
The airport bagged the award for category five, six and seven fire tender services.
Mishra said that the AAI would make the best use of information technology (IT) in governing its airports in the country from this year. Once the e-payment facility was introduced at Bajpe airport it would help passengers, airline operators, contractors and pilots, he said.
Though the bank had its unit at the airport there was no e-payment facility. It would be introduced in the next two months, he added.
Mishra said that the passenger traffic at the airport recorded 60 per cent growth last year. More flights were likely to operate from the airport in the next a few months, he said. Construction of a new terminal building to be built at an estimated cost of Rs. 147 crore would start soon.
The construction of a new arrival hall and a canopy was under progress. The airport had two runways, he said.
Mishra presented the trophy to M R Vasudeva, director of the airport. He also presented the ISO 14,001: 2004 certificate for "quality environment management" at the airport, to Vasudeva.
He said that aviation sector in the country was booming, and air travel would become accessible to common man in the near future.

Wednesday, January 03, 2007 10:46:16 AM (IST) Air India CMD assures more flights to Mangalore

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (VM/MB)
Air India CMD V Thulasidas was on a private visit to Mangalore on Jan 1, 2007.
Rajesh Sequeira, co-ordinator Karnataka NRI Forum, caught up with him on behalf of Daijiworld.com and sought information on the possibility of increase in the number of international flights to Mangalore and to other destinations.

He was very positive and assured that as and when thenew aircraft are acquired, Air India Express would surely increase its frequency to Mangalore and also start other destinations like Abu Dhabi - Muscat- Mangalore; Kuwait- Mangalore and the like.
Peter Kerkar, Global CEO, Cox & Kings, Urshila Kerkar, CEO for India Cox & Kings and Eulalia D'Souza, chairperson Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry's tourism sub-committee were also present.

The meeting also dwelt on the potential areas of development of Mangalore. Thulasidas however pointed out that the bad roads were a hindrance to quick development of the region.
Expressing his views on the inconveniences caused by fog conditions in Delhi, Thulasidas expressed happiness on how people have been very co-operative inspite of delays in flights to Mangalore. Any in this sector will affect schedules in Mangalore.
Air India is doing its best to ensure smooth movement of flights, he said.