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.