The Hindu
Mangalore, Jan 1: Peter Abraham has taken charge as Director of Mangalore airport on Wednesday, December 30.
The Union Government has upgraded the post of Airport Director to the General Manager’s level. Mr. Abraham replaces V.N. Chandran, who has been transferred to Thiruvananthapuram. Mr. Abraham has worked at Chennai, Mumbai and Thiruvananthapuram airports and has undergone advanced training in air traffic services at the U.S. Federal Aviation Academy.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Mangalore: Air India Express Debut Flight to Jeddah
Mangalore: Air India Express Debut Flight to Jeddah Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje Daijiworld Media Network—Mangalore (RD/CN)
Mangalore, Oct 25: The first flight of Air India Express (AIE) to Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), from Bajpe Airport, was flagged-off by union minister for external affairs S M Krishna at 12.45 pm on Sunday October 25. The aircraft carried 112 Haj pilgrims.
Krishna presented a rose to each pilgrim before they boarded the flight.
It was indeed a joyous occasion for Haj pilgrims of undivided Dakshina Kannada, Kasargod, Uttar Karnataka, and Malnad regions as they now have an easier means of going on the holy pilgrimage to Mecca.
AIE flight number 1302 will have a stopover at Kozhikode (Calicut) and the onward journey to Jeddah will be by AIE flight number 8036.
AIE city manager Chellam Prasad, local Haj committee members, state minister for Wakf and minority development Mumtaz Ali Khan, Rajya Sabha member Oscar Fernandes, Blossom Fernandes, former union minister Janardhan Poojary, and several dignitaries were present on the occasion.
The Haj training camp for pilgrims and a stage programme were held at Ansari Masjid grounds, Bajpe, on Sunday morning after which Krishna also flagged-off the buses taking the pilgrims to the airport.
Religious leaders under the leadership of Ullal Tangal Assayed Abdul Rehman Musliar performed the rituals related to the pilgrimage.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Mangalore: High Drama Mid Air – AI Inflight Crew Face up to the Challenge
Mangalore: High Drama Mid Air – AI Inflight Crew Face up to the Challenge
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SB) Mangalore,
Oct 13: Air India, India's national carrier’s nightmarish experiences seems to see no end. In the recent past, right from the impact of economic slowdown to employees strike, the company has been going through turbulent times. Air India's most profit making sector Dubai – Mangalore has embroiled itself in endless controversies since last few months. Latest is the erratic behaviour of a passenger aboard Air India Express flight from Dubai that arrived at the local airport on Sunday morning has brought the carrier in the news, especially among the Mangaloreans worldwide. The incident posed quite a challenge and tested the efficiency of the crew to handle pressure.
Official Clarification It was reported that passenger Mohammed Ashraf (28) from Puttur had bitten male in-flight crew. However, Chellam Prasad, area manager, Air India Express, Mangalore clarified that the said passenger did not bite any of the inflight crew, bit in fact had slapped the only male inflight crew Nayan Purohit on board. The other three inflight crew members were females”, she informed. "It was really a challenging job for these young crew members as they really struggled to control the changing behaviour of Ashraf, who seemed disturbed. Through out the incident, Nayan kept his cool and even went up to the extent of feeding the man with some food after the crew managed to tie his hands to the seat, said Chellam Prasad.
However, the most challenging and fearful situation arose when Ashraf rushed to the cabin threatening to open the entrance door of flight. It was exemplary presence of mind show by the crew members to control him at that stage and put him back to his seat, she said adding that at the stage he put the life of the entire 120 passengers at risk.
When queried as to why the flight think of an emergency landing at the nearby airport like it did few weeks back when flight to Dubai landed in Mumbai airport when couple of passengers misbehaved with cabin crew, Chellam Prasad said that Ashraf began creating problems midway and we were left with no option, but reach our destination.
Currently Ashraf from Kinnimajal Atoor in Puttur taluk is in police custody and the investigation is underway. Ashraf had gone to Dubai on a four-year visa to work as car driver there. Reportedly, he sought leave to visit home on September 18, but was mentally disturbed as the same was not granted.
Co-passengers’ Response
When Daijiworld contacted one of the co-passengers, she said that situation had turned tense inside the flight and behaviour of Ashraf was unacceptable. She praised the cabin crew for handling the situation in a polite and professional way. "Service of the cabin crew was pleasant throughout the journey", she said.
Chellam Prasad expressing gratitude to co-passengers, said that few of the co-passengers came to the rescue of the cabin crew, and helped bring situation under control. "We are really grateful to passengers on board, Madhukar, Mahale, Bhasker, M Khan and Ramakrishna for their timely help”, she said. Reading the incident on dajiworld, few readers from Dubai have expressed surprise over the report on the behaviour of Ashraf. A reader Samad writes "Ashraf is a strong person, and has no past history of mental problem. “However he was suffering from Asthama," he adds. Another reader writes, “Ashraf was going through depression and was under medication. Lack of sleep and heavy workload on previous day might have caused the above said behaviour, he adds.
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SB) Mangalore,
Oct 13: Air India, India's national carrier’s nightmarish experiences seems to see no end. In the recent past, right from the impact of economic slowdown to employees strike, the company has been going through turbulent times. Air India's most profit making sector Dubai – Mangalore has embroiled itself in endless controversies since last few months. Latest is the erratic behaviour of a passenger aboard Air India Express flight from Dubai that arrived at the local airport on Sunday morning has brought the carrier in the news, especially among the Mangaloreans worldwide. The incident posed quite a challenge and tested the efficiency of the crew to handle pressure.
Official Clarification It was reported that passenger Mohammed Ashraf (28) from Puttur had bitten male in-flight crew. However, Chellam Prasad, area manager, Air India Express, Mangalore clarified that the said passenger did not bite any of the inflight crew, bit in fact had slapped the only male inflight crew Nayan Purohit on board. The other three inflight crew members were females”, she informed. "It was really a challenging job for these young crew members as they really struggled to control the changing behaviour of Ashraf, who seemed disturbed. Through out the incident, Nayan kept his cool and even went up to the extent of feeding the man with some food after the crew managed to tie his hands to the seat, said Chellam Prasad.
However, the most challenging and fearful situation arose when Ashraf rushed to the cabin threatening to open the entrance door of flight. It was exemplary presence of mind show by the crew members to control him at that stage and put him back to his seat, she said adding that at the stage he put the life of the entire 120 passengers at risk.
When queried as to why the flight think of an emergency landing at the nearby airport like it did few weeks back when flight to Dubai landed in Mumbai airport when couple of passengers misbehaved with cabin crew, Chellam Prasad said that Ashraf began creating problems midway and we were left with no option, but reach our destination.
Currently Ashraf from Kinnimajal Atoor in Puttur taluk is in police custody and the investigation is underway. Ashraf had gone to Dubai on a four-year visa to work as car driver there. Reportedly, he sought leave to visit home on September 18, but was mentally disturbed as the same was not granted.
Co-passengers’ Response
When Daijiworld contacted one of the co-passengers, she said that situation had turned tense inside the flight and behaviour of Ashraf was unacceptable. She praised the cabin crew for handling the situation in a polite and professional way. "Service of the cabin crew was pleasant throughout the journey", she said.
Chellam Prasad expressing gratitude to co-passengers, said that few of the co-passengers came to the rescue of the cabin crew, and helped bring situation under control. "We are really grateful to passengers on board, Madhukar, Mahale, Bhasker, M Khan and Ramakrishna for their timely help”, she said. Reading the incident on dajiworld, few readers from Dubai have expressed surprise over the report on the behaviour of Ashraf. A reader Samad writes "Ashraf is a strong person, and has no past history of mental problem. “However he was suffering from Asthama," he adds. Another reader writes, “Ashraf was going through depression and was under medication. Lack of sleep and heavy workload on previous day might have caused the above said behaviour, he adds.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Mentally Challenged Passenger Injures Dubai - Mangalore Flight Crew
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SP)
Mangalore, Oct 12: A mentally challenged passenger aboard the Air India Express flight from Dubai that arrived at the local airport on Sunday morning injured two of the flight crew by biting them during the flight.
Mohammed Ashraf (28) from Kinnimajal Atoor in Puttur taluk, is facing the charge of using his teeth to inflict injuries on two of the in-flight crew. Ashraf had gone to Dubai in the year 2007, on a four-year visa, to work there as car driver. Reportedly, he sought leave to visit his home on September 18, but was mentally disturbed as the same was not granted.
Ashraf, who boarded the Air India Express flight from Dubai that reaches here at 6 am, suddenly turned violent half way through the flight. He reportedly injured the chief crew Kuyal Kalari and crew member, Nayana Purohit, by biting at their ears and hands. The crew members then tied him down to his seat. As soon as the flight arrived here, he was handed over to the policemen of Bajpe station. On a complaint filed by Sunil V Bhat representing Air India, the Bajpe policemen have registered a case.
The injured crew members however, returned by the same flight, it is learnt.
Mangalore, Oct 12: A mentally challenged passenger aboard the Air India Express flight from Dubai that arrived at the local airport on Sunday morning injured two of the flight crew by biting them during the flight.
Mohammed Ashraf (28) from Kinnimajal Atoor in Puttur taluk, is facing the charge of using his teeth to inflict injuries on two of the in-flight crew. Ashraf had gone to Dubai in the year 2007, on a four-year visa, to work there as car driver. Reportedly, he sought leave to visit his home on September 18, but was mentally disturbed as the same was not granted.
Ashraf, who boarded the Air India Express flight from Dubai that reaches here at 6 am, suddenly turned violent half way through the flight. He reportedly injured the chief crew Kuyal Kalari and crew member, Nayana Purohit, by biting at their ears and hands. The crew members then tied him down to his seat. As soon as the flight arrived here, he was handed over to the policemen of Bajpe station. On a complaint filed by Sunil V Bhat representing Air India, the Bajpe policemen have registered a case.
The injured crew members however, returned by the same flight, it is learnt.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Dubai - Mangalore AI Express Drama : Two Passengers Offloaded in Mumbai
Dubai - Mangalore AI Express Drama : Two Passengers Offloaded in Mumbai
By Naveen Frank, On Board IX 811Daijiworld Media Network
On Board IX811, Jul 31: Two unruly passengers travelling from Mangalore to Dubai by Air India Express IX811 were offloaded at Mumbai's Chatrapati Shivaji Airport after 45 minutes towards Dubai.
These passengers were sitting on one of the last rows of the aircraft. The captain announced that the flight will be diverted to Mumbai and the passenger handed over to the authorities.
Meanwhile our correspondent who was on the same flight spoke to the flight attendant, who said that the said passenger were agitated because alcohol was not served on this particular flight.
They demanded that they be served liquor which was refused.
The captain finally decided to divert the plane to Mumbai.
Flight Landed at Dubai Airport at 4.30am, UAE time
IX811 finally took off from Mumbai airport at 0230 hrs IST and reached its destination Dubai after a 4 hr 30 minute delay.
What needs to be asked is, was the captain justified in diverting the flight back to India, and that too Mumbai a busy airport.
The flight took off smoothly from Mangalore at aroung 2136 hrs and all was well until about 45 minutes of flying towards its destination Dubai.
The captain made a strange announcement stating that alcohol and food will not be served due to the behaviour of some passengers and the security of the crew, pssengers and athe aircraft was of absolute importance. Not many understood the seriousness of the announcement as there was no commotion nor was there any sign of any argument or raised voices. Another announcement soon followed which suggested that we were heading back to Mumbai to offload the unruly passengers. Only then did all heads turn to the back to see what had actually happened. Again, there was no sign of any verbal fight or anyone showing signs of any agitation. What made the flight attendants to complain to the captain and what made the captain take the ultimate decision to divert the aircraft to Mumbai and have the 2 passengers arrested. The 2 passengers in question were in no position to talk. The flight attendendants were tight lipped except that the 2 men demanded alcohol which was refused. They did not turn physical nor did they raise their voices. Speaking to the passengers closest to the men in question, it was learnt that initially it started with a friendly verbal conversation between the passengers and the flight crew. Somehow the flight crew could not take the constant pestering and hence must have taken a stern stand that further agitated the inibriated passengers. Would it have died down if the cabin crew just ignored them and went on to serve dinner as planned ? Nobody really knows what the passengers talked to the crew that made them approach the captain. Similar incidents are common in many flights. Normally the cabin crew pacify or control the passengers . If it goes out of hand, they normally hand him over to the authorities at the port of call. Why did not the AIE captain do the same ? Why could he not alert the Dubai authorities and hand them over on arrival ? All the other passengers would have reached on time. Why did he decide to turn around and return to India. In fact he took him more time to return and find a landing slot in the busy Mumbai airport . If security was his concern, then he ought to have headed straight to Dubai and land as quickly as possible. At the end of the day, a flight full of passengers with many small children were holed up on the aircraft for 5 hours with no food and water, limited air conditioning on the tarmac, overused toilets and a further 2 hours 30 minute flight to Dubai. Air India Express is duty bound to tell their passengers as to why they took such a drastic step for what seemed to be a simple case of unruly behaviour !
By Naveen Frank, On Board IX 811Daijiworld Media Network
On Board IX811, Jul 31: Two unruly passengers travelling from Mangalore to Dubai by Air India Express IX811 were offloaded at Mumbai's Chatrapati Shivaji Airport after 45 minutes towards Dubai.
These passengers were sitting on one of the last rows of the aircraft. The captain announced that the flight will be diverted to Mumbai and the passenger handed over to the authorities.
Meanwhile our correspondent who was on the same flight spoke to the flight attendant, who said that the said passenger were agitated because alcohol was not served on this particular flight.
They demanded that they be served liquor which was refused.
The captain finally decided to divert the plane to Mumbai.
Flight Landed at Dubai Airport at 4.30am, UAE time
IX811 finally took off from Mumbai airport at 0230 hrs IST and reached its destination Dubai after a 4 hr 30 minute delay.
What needs to be asked is, was the captain justified in diverting the flight back to India, and that too Mumbai a busy airport.
The flight took off smoothly from Mangalore at aroung 2136 hrs and all was well until about 45 minutes of flying towards its destination Dubai.
The captain made a strange announcement stating that alcohol and food will not be served due to the behaviour of some passengers and the security of the crew, pssengers and athe aircraft was of absolute importance. Not many understood the seriousness of the announcement as there was no commotion nor was there any sign of any argument or raised voices. Another announcement soon followed which suggested that we were heading back to Mumbai to offload the unruly passengers. Only then did all heads turn to the back to see what had actually happened. Again, there was no sign of any verbal fight or anyone showing signs of any agitation. What made the flight attendants to complain to the captain and what made the captain take the ultimate decision to divert the aircraft to Mumbai and have the 2 passengers arrested. The 2 passengers in question were in no position to talk. The flight attendendants were tight lipped except that the 2 men demanded alcohol which was refused. They did not turn physical nor did they raise their voices. Speaking to the passengers closest to the men in question, it was learnt that initially it started with a friendly verbal conversation between the passengers and the flight crew. Somehow the flight crew could not take the constant pestering and hence must have taken a stern stand that further agitated the inibriated passengers. Would it have died down if the cabin crew just ignored them and went on to serve dinner as planned ? Nobody really knows what the passengers talked to the crew that made them approach the captain. Similar incidents are common in many flights. Normally the cabin crew pacify or control the passengers . If it goes out of hand, they normally hand him over to the authorities at the port of call. Why did not the AIE captain do the same ? Why could he not alert the Dubai authorities and hand them over on arrival ? All the other passengers would have reached on time. Why did he decide to turn around and return to India. In fact he took him more time to return and find a landing slot in the busy Mumbai airport . If security was his concern, then he ought to have headed straight to Dubai and land as quickly as possible. At the end of the day, a flight full of passengers with many small children were holed up on the aircraft for 5 hours with no food and water, limited air conditioning on the tarmac, overused toilets and a further 2 hours 30 minute flight to Dubai. Air India Express is duty bound to tell their passengers as to why they took such a drastic step for what seemed to be a simple case of unruly behaviour !
Dubai - Mangalore AI Express Drama : Two Passengers Offloaded in Mumbai
Dubai - Mangalore AI Express Drama : Two Passengers Offloaded in Mumbai
By Naveen Frank, On Board IX 811Daijiworld Media Network
On Board IX811, Jul 31: Two unruly passengers travelling from Mangalore to Dubai by Air India Express IX811 were offloaded at Mumbai's Chatrapati Shivaji Airport after 45 minutes towards Dubai.
These passengers were sitting on one of the last rows of the aircraft. The captain announced that the flight will be diverted to Mumbai and the passenger handed over to the authorities.
Meanwhile our correspondent who was on the same flight spoke to the flight attendant, who said that the said passenger were agitated because alcohol was not served on this particular flight.
They demanded that they be served liquor which was refused.
The captain finally decided to divert the plane to Mumbai.
Flight Landed at Dubai Airport at 4.30am, UAE time
IX811 finally took off from Mumbai airport at 0230 hrs IST and reached its destination Dubai after a 4 hr 30 minute delay.
What needs to be asked is, was the captain justified in diverting the flight back to India, and that too Mumbai a busy airport.
The flight took off smoothly from Mangalore at aroung 2136 hrs and all was well until about 45 minutes of flying towards its destination Dubai.
The captain made a strange announcement stating that alcohol and food will not be served due to the behaviour of some passengers and the security of the crew, pssengers and athe aircraft was of absolute importance. Not many understood the seriousness of the announcement as there was no commotion nor was there any sign of any argument or raised voices. Another announcement soon followed which suggested that we were heading back to Mumbai to offload the unruly passengers. Only then did all heads turn to the back to see what had actually happened. Again, there was no sign of any verbal fight or anyone showing signs of any agitation. What made the flight attendants to complain to the captain and what made the captain take the ultimate decision to divert the aircraft to Mumbai and have the 2 passengers arrested. The 2 passengers in question were in no position to talk. The flight attendendants were tight lipped except that the 2 men demanded alcohol which was refused. They did not turn physical nor did they raise their voices. Speaking to the passengers closest to the men in question, it was learnt that initially it started with a friendly verbal conversation between the passengers and the flight crew. Somehow the flight crew could not take the constant pestering and hence must have taken a stern stand that further agitated the inibriated passengers. Would it have died down if the cabin crew just ignored them and went on to serve dinner as planned ? Nobody really knows what the passengers talked to the crew that made them approach the captain. Similar incidents are common in many flights. Normally the cabin crew pacify or control the passengers . If it goes out of hand, they normally hand him over to the authorities at the port of call. Why did not the AIE captain do the same ? Why could he not alert the Dubai authorities and hand them over on arrival ? All the other passengers would have reached on time. Why did he decide to turn around and return to India. In fact he took him more time to return and find a landing slot in the busy Mumbai airport . If security was his concern, then he ought to have headed straight to Dubai and land as quickly as possible. At the end of the day, a flight full of passengers with many small children were holed up on the aircraft for 5 hours with no food and water, limited air conditioning on the tarmac, overused toilets and a further 2 hours 30 minute flight to Dubai. Air India Express is duty bound to tell their passengers as to why they took such a drastic step for what seemed to be a simple case of unruly behaviour !
By Naveen Frank, On Board IX 811Daijiworld Media Network
On Board IX811, Jul 31: Two unruly passengers travelling from Mangalore to Dubai by Air India Express IX811 were offloaded at Mumbai's Chatrapati Shivaji Airport after 45 minutes towards Dubai.
These passengers were sitting on one of the last rows of the aircraft. The captain announced that the flight will be diverted to Mumbai and the passenger handed over to the authorities.
Meanwhile our correspondent who was on the same flight spoke to the flight attendant, who said that the said passenger were agitated because alcohol was not served on this particular flight.
They demanded that they be served liquor which was refused.
The captain finally decided to divert the plane to Mumbai.
Flight Landed at Dubai Airport at 4.30am, UAE time
IX811 finally took off from Mumbai airport at 0230 hrs IST and reached its destination Dubai after a 4 hr 30 minute delay.
What needs to be asked is, was the captain justified in diverting the flight back to India, and that too Mumbai a busy airport.
The flight took off smoothly from Mangalore at aroung 2136 hrs and all was well until about 45 minutes of flying towards its destination Dubai.
The captain made a strange announcement stating that alcohol and food will not be served due to the behaviour of some passengers and the security of the crew, pssengers and athe aircraft was of absolute importance. Not many understood the seriousness of the announcement as there was no commotion nor was there any sign of any argument or raised voices. Another announcement soon followed which suggested that we were heading back to Mumbai to offload the unruly passengers. Only then did all heads turn to the back to see what had actually happened. Again, there was no sign of any verbal fight or anyone showing signs of any agitation. What made the flight attendants to complain to the captain and what made the captain take the ultimate decision to divert the aircraft to Mumbai and have the 2 passengers arrested. The 2 passengers in question were in no position to talk. The flight attendendants were tight lipped except that the 2 men demanded alcohol which was refused. They did not turn physical nor did they raise their voices. Speaking to the passengers closest to the men in question, it was learnt that initially it started with a friendly verbal conversation between the passengers and the flight crew. Somehow the flight crew could not take the constant pestering and hence must have taken a stern stand that further agitated the inibriated passengers. Would it have died down if the cabin crew just ignored them and went on to serve dinner as planned ? Nobody really knows what the passengers talked to the crew that made them approach the captain. Similar incidents are common in many flights. Normally the cabin crew pacify or control the passengers . If it goes out of hand, they normally hand him over to the authorities at the port of call. Why did not the AIE captain do the same ? Why could he not alert the Dubai authorities and hand them over on arrival ? All the other passengers would have reached on time. Why did he decide to turn around and return to India. In fact he took him more time to return and find a landing slot in the busy Mumbai airport . If security was his concern, then he ought to have headed straight to Dubai and land as quickly as possible. At the end of the day, a flight full of passengers with many small children were holed up on the aircraft for 5 hours with no food and water, limited air conditioning on the tarmac, overused toilets and a further 2 hours 30 minute flight to Dubai. Air India Express is duty bound to tell their passengers as to why they took such a drastic step for what seemed to be a simple case of unruly behaviour !
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Dubai - Mangalore AI Express Drama : Two Passengers Offloaded in Mumbai
Dubai - Mangalore AI Express Drama : Two Passengers Offloaded in Mumbai
By Naveen Frank, On Board IX 811Daijiworld Media Network
On Board IX811, Jul 31: Two unruly passengers travelling from Mangalore to Dubai by Air India Express IX811 were offloaded at Mumbai's Chatrapati Shivaji Airport after 45 minutes towards Dubai.
These passengers were sitting on one of the last rows of the aircraft. The captain announced that the flight will be diverted to Mumbai and the passenger handed over to the authorities.
Meanwhile our correspondent who was on the same flight spoke to the flight attendant, who said that the said passenger were agitated because alcohol was not served on this particular flight.
They demanded that they be served liquor which was refused.
The captain finally decided to divert the plane to Mumbai.
Flight Landed at Dubai Airport at 4.30am, UAE time
IX811 finally took off from Mumbai airport at 0230 hrs IST and reached its destination Dubai after a 4 hr 30 minute delay.
What needs to be asked is, was the captain justified in diverting the flight back to India, and that too Mumbai a busy airport.
The flight took off smoothly from Mangalore at aroung 2136 hrs and all was well until about 45 minutes of flying towards its destination Dubai.
The captain made a strange announcement stating that alcohol and food will not be served due to the behaviour of some passengers and the security of the crew, pssengers and athe aircraft was of absolute importance. Not many understood the seriousness of the announcement as there was no commotion nor was there any sign of any argument or raised voices. Another announcement soon followed which suggested that we were heading back to Mumbai to offload the unruly passengers. Only then did all heads turn to the back to see what had actually happened. Again, there was no sign of any verbal fight or anyone showing signs of any agitation. What made the flight attendants to complain to the captain and what made the captain take the ultimate decision to divert the aircraft to Mumbai and have the 2 passengers arrested. The 2 passengers in question were in no position to talk. The flight attendendants were tight lipped except that the 2 men demanded alcohol which was refused. They did not turn physical nor did they raise their voices. Speaking to the passengers closest to the men in question, it was learnt that initially it started with a friendly verbal conversation between the passengers and the flight crew. Somehow the flight crew could not take the constant pestering and hence must have taken a stern stand that further agitated the inibriated passengers. Would it have died down if the cabin crew just ignored them and went on to serve dinner as planned ? Nobody really knows what the passengers talked to the crew that made them approach the captain. Similar incidents are common in many flights. Normally the cabin crew pacify or control the passengers . If it goes out of hand, they normally hand him over to the authorities at the port of call. Why did not the AIE captain do the same ? Why could he not alert the Dubai authorities and hand them over on arrival ? All the other passengers would have reached on time. Why did he decide to turn around and return to India. In fact he took him more time to return and find a landing slot in the busy Mumbai airport . If security was his concern, then he ought to have headed straight to Dubai and land as quickly as possible. At the end of the day, a flight full of passengers with many small children were holed up on the aircraft for 5 hours with no food and water, limited air conditioning on the tarmac, overused toilets and a further 2 hours 30 minute flight to Dubai. Air India Express is duty bound to tell their passengers as to why they took such a drastic step for what seemed to be a simple case of unruly behaviour !
By Naveen Frank, On Board IX 811Daijiworld Media Network
On Board IX811, Jul 31: Two unruly passengers travelling from Mangalore to Dubai by Air India Express IX811 were offloaded at Mumbai's Chatrapati Shivaji Airport after 45 minutes towards Dubai.
These passengers were sitting on one of the last rows of the aircraft. The captain announced that the flight will be diverted to Mumbai and the passenger handed over to the authorities.
Meanwhile our correspondent who was on the same flight spoke to the flight attendant, who said that the said passenger were agitated because alcohol was not served on this particular flight.
They demanded that they be served liquor which was refused.
The captain finally decided to divert the plane to Mumbai.
Flight Landed at Dubai Airport at 4.30am, UAE time
IX811 finally took off from Mumbai airport at 0230 hrs IST and reached its destination Dubai after a 4 hr 30 minute delay.
What needs to be asked is, was the captain justified in diverting the flight back to India, and that too Mumbai a busy airport.
The flight took off smoothly from Mangalore at aroung 2136 hrs and all was well until about 45 minutes of flying towards its destination Dubai.
The captain made a strange announcement stating that alcohol and food will not be served due to the behaviour of some passengers and the security of the crew, pssengers and athe aircraft was of absolute importance. Not many understood the seriousness of the announcement as there was no commotion nor was there any sign of any argument or raised voices. Another announcement soon followed which suggested that we were heading back to Mumbai to offload the unruly passengers. Only then did all heads turn to the back to see what had actually happened. Again, there was no sign of any verbal fight or anyone showing signs of any agitation. What made the flight attendants to complain to the captain and what made the captain take the ultimate decision to divert the aircraft to Mumbai and have the 2 passengers arrested. The 2 passengers in question were in no position to talk. The flight attendendants were tight lipped except that the 2 men demanded alcohol which was refused. They did not turn physical nor did they raise their voices. Speaking to the passengers closest to the men in question, it was learnt that initially it started with a friendly verbal conversation between the passengers and the flight crew. Somehow the flight crew could not take the constant pestering and hence must have taken a stern stand that further agitated the inibriated passengers. Would it have died down if the cabin crew just ignored them and went on to serve dinner as planned ? Nobody really knows what the passengers talked to the crew that made them approach the captain. Similar incidents are common in many flights. Normally the cabin crew pacify or control the passengers . If it goes out of hand, they normally hand him over to the authorities at the port of call. Why did not the AIE captain do the same ? Why could he not alert the Dubai authorities and hand them over on arrival ? All the other passengers would have reached on time. Why did he decide to turn around and return to India. In fact he took him more time to return and find a landing slot in the busy Mumbai airport . If security was his concern, then he ought to have headed straight to Dubai and land as quickly as possible. At the end of the day, a flight full of passengers with many small children were holed up on the aircraft for 5 hours with no food and water, limited air conditioning on the tarmac, overused toilets and a further 2 hours 30 minute flight to Dubai. Air India Express is duty bound to tell their passengers as to why they took such a drastic step for what seemed to be a simple case of unruly behaviour !
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Mangalore: It’s Smooth Ride to Airport Down the Road Come September
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (RS/SB)
Mangalore, Jul 7: The new integrated terminal building of the Mangalore Airport at Bajpe here is all set to be inaugurated in the first week of September. And now the two-way road via Kenjar connecting airport that reduces the distance to the airport by eight kilometres is almost ready and will be opened for traffic at the time of terminal’s inaugural.
The major works of the newly constructed road are almost finished with electrification works pending, which will render the roads more convenient. It is the state government’s project which has been implemented using the Asian Development Bank loan and the work contract was given to Karnataka Urban Infrastructure Development and Finance Corporation (KUIDFC). The new road, which was planned as a four-way, is now a two-way lane after innumerable controversies and alleged private excavations in hillock, where the road project was framed.
According to Syed Elyas Pasha, KUIDFC executive engineer the road will open for traffic from September after it is handed over to Airport Authority of India (AAI). The minor works related to the new road, which includes place markings on the road and power supply to the lights, are pending, added Pasha. The existing road via Dakkan Park will be used as an entry to airport, whereas the new road will be to exit from the airport, as per the sources in AAI. But nothing in this regard has been finalized as yet.
Mangalore, Jul 7: The new integrated terminal building of the Mangalore Airport at Bajpe here is all set to be inaugurated in the first week of September. And now the two-way road via Kenjar connecting airport that reduces the distance to the airport by eight kilometres is almost ready and will be opened for traffic at the time of terminal’s inaugural.
The major works of the newly constructed road are almost finished with electrification works pending, which will render the roads more convenient. It is the state government’s project which has been implemented using the Asian Development Bank loan and the work contract was given to Karnataka Urban Infrastructure Development and Finance Corporation (KUIDFC). The new road, which was planned as a four-way, is now a two-way lane after innumerable controversies and alleged private excavations in hillock, where the road project was framed.
According to Syed Elyas Pasha, KUIDFC executive engineer the road will open for traffic from September after it is handed over to Airport Authority of India (AAI). The minor works related to the new road, which includes place markings on the road and power supply to the lights, are pending, added Pasha. The existing road via Dakkan Park will be used as an entry to airport, whereas the new road will be to exit from the airport, as per the sources in AAI. But nothing in this regard has been finalized as yet.
The total cost of the project is estimated at Rs 8.89 crore that includes strengthening of the existing road of 1.25 kilometres which was under the supervision of public works department. These works apart, a new 875-metre long road from Kenjar village junction to new airport terminus too has been laid.
The project that was conceptualized two years ago is now finally ready. Initially, the project faced hurdles as far as acquisition of land was concerned with few landowners refusing to part with their land. After the issue was resolved, the KUIDFC took up the works of construction of the road.
Meanwhile, another interesting fact is that Mangalore City Corporation had begun road works from KPT circle to Maravoor bridge in the name of airport connectivity road. After finishing works on one-kilometre stretch, the work gained a sluggish pace and is yet to be completed though MCC has received both central and state government grants. The contractors have been blamed for the slow progress of work. Once the project is completed then the way to the airport is all smooth.
The project that was conceptualized two years ago is now finally ready. Initially, the project faced hurdles as far as acquisition of land was concerned with few landowners refusing to part with their land. After the issue was resolved, the KUIDFC took up the works of construction of the road.
Meanwhile, another interesting fact is that Mangalore City Corporation had begun road works from KPT circle to Maravoor bridge in the name of airport connectivity road. After finishing works on one-kilometre stretch, the work gained a sluggish pace and is yet to be completed though MCC has received both central and state government grants. The contractors have been blamed for the slow progress of work. Once the project is completed then the way to the airport is all smooth.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Dubai: Kingfisher Airlines Announces Launch of UAE-India Flights
Report by Shodhan Prasad and Rajesh Sequeira
Pics by Sujay Bendore
Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai
Pics by Sujay Bendore
Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai
Dubai, Jun 25: Kingfisher Airlines, India's only Five Star airline rated by Skytrax, today announced its entry into the Middle East connecting India and the UAE, as part of its strategy of expanding its global footprint and adding new destinations to its international route network.
In a message sent to commemorate the launch of this new international route of Kingfisher Airlines, Dr. Vijay Mallya, Chairman and CEO, Kingfisher Airlines Limited, said, “Ever since its launch, Kingfisher Airlines has raised the bar with many market-firsts and innovations that have completely redefined the whole experience of flying. Given the strong linkages between the UAE and India, the launch of this new route will mean that travelers will now have the option to enjoy the award-winning Kingfisher Experience.”
In a message sent to commemorate the launch of this new international route of Kingfisher Airlines, Dr. Vijay Mallya, Chairman and CEO, Kingfisher Airlines Limited, said, “Ever since its launch, Kingfisher Airlines has raised the bar with many market-firsts and innovations that have completely redefined the whole experience of flying. Given the strong linkages between the UAE and India, the launch of this new route will mean that travelers will now have the option to enjoy the award-winning Kingfisher Experience.”
Addressing the media at a press conference at the launch of its daily direct flights from Dubai to Bangalore, Siva Ramachandran, Vice President-Global Sales, Kingfisher Airlines Limited said: “I am delighted to announce the commencement of flights between Dubai and Bangalore which marks our entry into the UAE market for the first time. Dubai is the airline’s fourth international destination after London, Colombo and Dhaka. The flights between Dubai and Bangalore will be operated using the A320 family of aircraft featuring Kingfisher Class, the premium economy service from Kingfisher Airlines. What is unique to Kingfisher Airlines is that it has one of the largest networks in India connecting over 50 destinations from Bangalore which will assure seamless connectivity to our guests from the UAE who intend to fly to practically any major Indian city.”
Describing the launch of Kingfisher Airlines’ flight as an important development that further solidifies the strong links between the two vibrant and emerging economies and two vital entities, Mr. Richard Talian, Vice President, Strategy, Dubai Airports said, “While Dubai is the business and leisure capital of the region, Bangalore is the heart of India’s multi-billion dollar IT sector. And whereas Dubai Airports is considered one the world’s leading aviation hubs, Kingfisher Airlines is one of India’s fastest growing international carriers.”
The award-winning Kingfisher Experience includes onboard comforts so that guests are able to rest in the roomiest seats in the sky with a wide seat pitch and ample room to stretch their legs. Moreover, the dining options ensure that guests have an ample spread with a choice of mouth-watering options and a perfect accompaniment from a selection of beverages on board. The In-Flight Entertainment system will ensure enthralling world-class entertainment with a personal system on every seat featuring the latest blockbuster movies, English and Hindi TV programmes and Kingfisher Radio.
Ramachandran highlighted that the newly launched flights offer the best-in-class experience amongst the narrow-body products serving this route and this coupled with ideal and convenient timings, will offer travelers on this route a better option. “Our aim is to offer unprecedented convenience and comfort to our customers, both Indian expats as well as tourists from both countries. Thanks to our very competitive fares and Kingfisher Airlines’ vast and unparalleled domestic network in India, the initial response to the launch of these new flights has been extremely encouraging and we look forward to rapidly consolidating our market share on this new international route.”
The flight will take off from Dubai at 10:10 pm and reach Bangalore at 3:45 am, the following day. Kingfisher Airlines flights operate from Terminal 1 of Dubai Airport. The flights are conveniently timed with the flight from Bangalore leaving at 6:15 pm and reaching Dubai at 8:55 pm, local time.
Guests flying in to Bangalore from Dubai on Kingfisher Airlines will now have the added advantage of having very conveniently timed onward connections to many domestic destinations in India with almost immediate connections from Bangalore to Mangalore, Goa, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Pune, Kolkata, Hubli, Belgaum, Nagpur, Guwahati, Bhubaneswar, Hyderabad and all major metros in India. In addition, guests will also have the option of conveniently timed onward connections on Kingfisher Airlines flights to international destinations like Colombo and Dhaka.
Bangalore is ideally placed as a transit hub for travelers flying from Belgaum, Chennai, Calicut, Coimbatore, Hubli, Kochi, Mangalore, Thiruvananthapuram and Vijaywada into Dubai as it offers easy connectivity, thanks to the fact that it has a minimum connect time. Outbound travelers connecting with this flight of Kingfisher Airlines will not have to change or transfer from one airport terminal to another as the domestic and international sections are less than 100 meters away from each other.
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.
Speaking on the subject Rajesh Sequeira of NRI Forum questioned them on the Mangalore sector for which the officials said it would be in their top priority. Rajesh also put up a question on the Hotel connections arrangement they have and they said that they have all these facilities arranged with a good grade hotels. The other feature Kingfisher has as an add on is a baggage allowance of 40 kg. each on both way.
Describing the launch of Kingfisher Airlines’ flight as an important development that further solidifies the strong links between the two vibrant and emerging economies and two vital entities, Mr. Richard Talian, Vice President, Strategy, Dubai Airports said, “While Dubai is the business and leisure capital of the region, Bangalore is the heart of India’s multi-billion dollar IT sector. And whereas Dubai Airports is considered one the world’s leading aviation hubs, Kingfisher Airlines is one of India’s fastest growing international carriers.”
The award-winning Kingfisher Experience includes onboard comforts so that guests are able to rest in the roomiest seats in the sky with a wide seat pitch and ample room to stretch their legs. Moreover, the dining options ensure that guests have an ample spread with a choice of mouth-watering options and a perfect accompaniment from a selection of beverages on board. The In-Flight Entertainment system will ensure enthralling world-class entertainment with a personal system on every seat featuring the latest blockbuster movies, English and Hindi TV programmes and Kingfisher Radio.
Ramachandran highlighted that the newly launched flights offer the best-in-class experience amongst the narrow-body products serving this route and this coupled with ideal and convenient timings, will offer travelers on this route a better option. “Our aim is to offer unprecedented convenience and comfort to our customers, both Indian expats as well as tourists from both countries. Thanks to our very competitive fares and Kingfisher Airlines’ vast and unparalleled domestic network in India, the initial response to the launch of these new flights has been extremely encouraging and we look forward to rapidly consolidating our market share on this new international route.”
The flight will take off from Dubai at 10:10 pm and reach Bangalore at 3:45 am, the following day. Kingfisher Airlines flights operate from Terminal 1 of Dubai Airport. The flights are conveniently timed with the flight from Bangalore leaving at 6:15 pm and reaching Dubai at 8:55 pm, local time.
Guests flying in to Bangalore from Dubai on Kingfisher Airlines will now have the added advantage of having very conveniently timed onward connections to many domestic destinations in India with almost immediate connections from Bangalore to Mangalore, Goa, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Pune, Kolkata, Hubli, Belgaum, Nagpur, Guwahati, Bhubaneswar, Hyderabad and all major metros in India. In addition, guests will also have the option of conveniently timed onward connections on Kingfisher Airlines flights to international destinations like Colombo and Dhaka.
Bangalore is ideally placed as a transit hub for travelers flying from Belgaum, Chennai, Calicut, Coimbatore, Hubli, Kochi, Mangalore, Thiruvananthapuram and Vijaywada into Dubai as it offers easy connectivity, thanks to the fact that it has a minimum connect time. Outbound travelers connecting with this flight of Kingfisher Airlines will not have to change or transfer from one airport terminal to another as the domestic and international sections are less than 100 meters away from each other.
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.
Speaking on the subject Rajesh Sequeira of NRI Forum questioned them on the Mangalore sector for which the officials said it would be in their top priority. Rajesh also put up a question on the Hotel connections arrangement they have and they said that they have all these facilities arranged with a good grade hotels. The other feature Kingfisher has as an add on is a baggage allowance of 40 kg. each on both way.
The press Conference was held at the Spice Ball Room of Atlantis Hotel, Dubai on thursday June 25, 2009.
This is the first daily flight connecting Dubai to the Garden City of India, Bangalore by Kingfisher Airlines.
About Kingfisher Airlines:
Kingfisher Airlines is India's only Five Star airline rated by Skytrax, and the only one to offer premium first class service on domestic routes. Besides being the first and only airline in India to offer in-flight entertainment on every seat, Kingfisher offers LIVE TV on many domestic routes in India with 16 channels of live and exciting content. The airline has received numerous awards for innovation, customer responsiveness and was voted the ‘Best New Airline of the Year’, within months of its launch.
Kingfisher Airlines is a part of the UB Group that is one of India’s largest conglomerates with diverse interests and a global presence. Kingfisher Airlines covers all segments of air travel from low fares to premium service and offers most flights by any single airline network in India. Kingfisher Airlines now connects 69 cities in India with a fleet of 74 aircraft and operates over 400 flights a day in India.
For Booking: http://www.flykingfisher.com/
Kingfisher announced a special return fare of Dhs.1,250/- inclusive of all taxes to the South Indian Sectors. Any one who wish to fly any South Indian Sectors including Mangalore can avail this special opportunity but however the tickets needs to be booked and purchased prior to 31st July, 2009. Once booked the validity of these ticket will be until 31/12/2009.
The press conference was arranged very well in this prestigious hotel of Dubai with a number of correspondents from various Media, Press and T.V. present at the function. The function would have got more glamour if the big boss Vijay Mallya himself would have been present.
We will now have daily direct flights to Bangalore from Dubai and later to other cities including Mangalore. Another sector from Abu Dhabi to Bangalore is in scanner and may be considered at a later date as per the officials.
Kingfisher announced a special return fare of Dhs.1,250/- inclusive of all taxes to the South Indian Sectors. Any one who wish to fly any South Indian Sectors including Mangalore can avail this special opportunity but however the tickets needs to be booked and purchased prior to 31st July, 2009. Once booked the validity of these ticket will be until 31/12/2009.
The press conference was arranged very well in this prestigious hotel of Dubai with a number of correspondents from various Media, Press and T.V. present at the function. The function would have got more glamour if the big boss Vijay Mallya himself would have been present.
We will now have daily direct flights to Bangalore from Dubai and later to other cities including Mangalore. Another sector from Abu Dhabi to Bangalore is in scanner and may be considered at a later date as per the officials.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Mangalore Airport New Terminal - Final Countdown Begins...
by Florine Roche -
Pics by Dayananda Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network
B R Sena, Joint General Manager (CNS) took over the reigns of the Mangalore Airport from the dynamic M R Vasudeva in April this year, who accepted his promotion after dithering for almost 8 months. M R Vasudeva during his tenure had set high standards and gave a new impetus to the Mangalore airport. Naturally, B R Sena had the tough time living up to the expectations set by his predecessor. But the issue of appointing him as the Airport Director is also shrouded in uncertainty depriving him of taking any vital decisions in his news postings.
Pics by Dayananda Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network
B R Sena, Joint General Manager (CNS) took over the reigns of the Mangalore Airport from the dynamic M R Vasudeva in April this year, who accepted his promotion after dithering for almost 8 months. M R Vasudeva during his tenure had set high standards and gave a new impetus to the Mangalore airport. Naturally, B R Sena had the tough time living up to the expectations set by his predecessor. But the issue of appointing him as the Airport Director is also shrouded in uncertainty depriving him of taking any vital decisions in his news postings.
Undaunted by these high expectations Sena has been going about his work with the same tempo and enthusiasm to make the Integrated Terminal Building of Mangalore Airport operational as early as possible. It means that the commissioning of the much awaited new Integrated Terminal Building will succeed in providing international airport status to Mangalore Airport. It will be a major victory for all those who have been trying hard in realizing this dream of many years.
Speaking to Daijiworld Sena said that Chairman of Airport Authority of India had visited and surveyed the work at the new terminal on May 7, 2009. “Based on this assessment the target date for the completion of the building is set as 31st July, 2009. Technical people in charge of the work have been positive about completing the work by this stipulated time. If everything goes as expected the inauguration of the new terminal will be held in the first week of September and at the same time the operations will also be shifted to the new terminal”, he explained.
The Civil and Engineering work will be completed by the end of July this year. Priority will then be given to provide other basic and essential services at the new terminal building. “The day the first passenger of the first flight arrives he has to be impressed and gauge the availability of all the facilities. Within the next seven days the airport terminal should be equipped with all the facilities”, Sena pointed out.
Adhering to the deadline it has set is feasible in an ideal situating assuming that everything goes right and there are no bottlenecks in the way of completing the project. According to Sena the only bottleneck visible at the moment is whether the oil browsers (oil tankers) will be able to move in the approach road or not due to its steepness. If these browsers are not able to move in this steep road then we have to find an alternate road for the purpose of transporting refuel facility for aircrafts. Once the operations are shifted to the new terminal the old building will be used for cargo handling and the continuance of the same will depend on the volume of cargo.
B R Sena who is from Kolkotta has served in different places all over the country including Bangalore. He has opted for serving in Mangalore after a long stint of almost 8 years in HAL airport, Bangalore, handling operations there at the crucial time between 2004 and 2008 when air traffic was at the peak. When M R Vasudeva was transferred Sena opted for Mangalore. Since his family is in Bangalore it makes commuting between Mangalore and Bangalore easier so that he can visit his family when required. He likes everything about Mangalore including its climate which is similar to his native Kolkotta. “The atmosphere is peaceful and people are really nice. I have stayed in many places during my 27 years of service. But this is the one place where all my belongings have remained safe though I was away from Mangalore for more than a month”, he recalls.
For Sena every work is challenging and every challenge is interesting. Let us hope he takes up the challenge of completing the new terminal before the stipulated time giving international status to Mangalore airport.
Having realized that parking contractors were not doing justice by charging car parking fee to every vehicle that came to the airport Sena has come to the rescue of those vehicles that entered the airport just for picking or dropping their relatives or friends. Now a time limit of 10 minutes is given for four wheelers without charging any parking fee once they enter the airport. In the new terminal building the system will be computerized where no vehicles can escape from paying parking fee beyond the 10 minute time frame allowed for vehicles.
Friday, April 03, 2009
Fond Farewell to Mangalore Airport Director M R Vasudeva
Fond Farewell to Mangalore Airport Director M R Vasudeva
Pics: Dayananda Kukkaje Daijiworld Media Network—Mangalore (RS/CN)
Mangalore, Apr 3: M R Vasudeva, Mangalore Airport Director, a down to earth personality, an achiever par excellence, responsible for having Mangalore airport marked on the International map through his dedicated service to the cause finally bade good bye to Mangalore Airport and accepted his promotion as General Manager at Coimbatore Airport.
With the efforts from NRE organizations and others , he managed to delay his departure for about 8 months, thanks to Civil Aviation minister Praful Patel. But due to the forthcoming general elections and not to put his promotion at risk, Vasudeva decided to move from Mangalore as he had no assurances from the Central government that he would be retained as General Manager in Mangalore.
"I am extremely satisfied with my achievement and progress of Mangalore airport. Due to dedicated team work, we have achieved so much within a short span of time" said Vasudev while speaking to daijiworld. He is grateful to daijiworld.com for conveying Mangalore airport updates right from the first step of planning international flights till date, which he described it as a tremendous media coverage.A farewell programme was held for M R Vasudeva, director of Mangalore Airport, on Friday April 3, following his promotional transfer to Coimbatore.
The programme was organized by the staff of the Airport Authority of India (AAI) and held at the arrival hall of the airport. Besides AAI staff, association members and airways staff felicitated Vasudeva with garlands and mementos.
Addressing the function, the new director of Mangalore airport, B R Sena said that Mangalore airport had grown to an international level due to the efforts of his predecessor.
“He faced the challenge of expansion by putting in all efforts to make the airport a sophisticated one”, said Sena. He wished Vasudeva the best in all his future endeavours. T K Thomas, DGM (ATC) said, “A leader like Vasudeva only can achieve such things like the expansion of a tiny airport to a large one”.
A K Khandewal, deputy commandant of CISF, said that Vasudeva’s achievements would stay here for ever irrespective of where he is transferred.
A K Kanrar of the AAI Employees’ Association also echoed these views.
Challam Prasad, Air India, and members from AAI employees’ union, taxi association union and others also spoke on the occasion.
Vasudeva said, “Developments in airports are done by teamwork. We did it by joining hands. Each and every staff member should be congratulated for the work done here.
Development was needed in this airport, be it expansion or the runways or the terminal building; every thing is done with support and co-operation. Hence, we have a state-of-the-art airport”.
Pradeep Kumar Kalkura, who was the chief guest, said that Vasudeva had achieved a lot for the airport during his tenure. “His friendly nature and pleasant words make him beloved to all. This quality of his was a part of his success”, said Kalkura also recognizing Vasudeva’s interest in activities like literature and other programmes.
A J K Radhakrishnan, DGM (Civil) welcomed all. AI employees’ union secretary Shivanna gave the vote of thanks and J C Manjunath was the compere.
Mangalore, Apr 3: M R Vasudeva, Mangalore Airport Director, a down to earth personality, an achiever par excellence, responsible for having Mangalore airport marked on the International map through his dedicated service to the cause finally bade good bye to Mangalore Airport and accepted his promotion as General Manager at Coimbatore Airport.
With the efforts from NRE organizations and others , he managed to delay his departure for about 8 months, thanks to Civil Aviation minister Praful Patel. But due to the forthcoming general elections and not to put his promotion at risk, Vasudeva decided to move from Mangalore as he had no assurances from the Central government that he would be retained as General Manager in Mangalore.
"I am extremely satisfied with my achievement and progress of Mangalore airport. Due to dedicated team work, we have achieved so much within a short span of time" said Vasudev while speaking to daijiworld. He is grateful to daijiworld.com for conveying Mangalore airport updates right from the first step of planning international flights till date, which he described it as a tremendous media coverage.A farewell programme was held for M R Vasudeva, director of Mangalore Airport, on Friday April 3, following his promotional transfer to Coimbatore.
The programme was organized by the staff of the Airport Authority of India (AAI) and held at the arrival hall of the airport. Besides AAI staff, association members and airways staff felicitated Vasudeva with garlands and mementos.
Addressing the function, the new director of Mangalore airport, B R Sena said that Mangalore airport had grown to an international level due to the efforts of his predecessor.
“He faced the challenge of expansion by putting in all efforts to make the airport a sophisticated one”, said Sena. He wished Vasudeva the best in all his future endeavours. T K Thomas, DGM (ATC) said, “A leader like Vasudeva only can achieve such things like the expansion of a tiny airport to a large one”.
A K Khandewal, deputy commandant of CISF, said that Vasudeva’s achievements would stay here for ever irrespective of where he is transferred.
A K Kanrar of the AAI Employees’ Association also echoed these views.
Challam Prasad, Air India, and members from AAI employees’ union, taxi association union and others also spoke on the occasion.
Vasudeva said, “Developments in airports are done by teamwork. We did it by joining hands. Each and every staff member should be congratulated for the work done here.
Development was needed in this airport, be it expansion or the runways or the terminal building; every thing is done with support and co-operation. Hence, we have a state-of-the-art airport”.
Pradeep Kumar Kalkura, who was the chief guest, said that Vasudeva had achieved a lot for the airport during his tenure. “His friendly nature and pleasant words make him beloved to all. This quality of his was a part of his success”, said Kalkura also recognizing Vasudeva’s interest in activities like literature and other programmes.
A J K Radhakrishnan, DGM (Civil) welcomed all. AI employees’ union secretary Shivanna gave the vote of thanks and J C Manjunath was the compere.
Thursday, April 02, 2009
Mangalore: Airports Authority of India Observes Foundation Day
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SN/SP)
Mangalore, Apr 2: The Foundation Day of Airports Authority of India was observed at Bajpe Airport here on Wednesday April 1.
Speaking on the occasion, M R Vasudev, former director of Mangalore Airport, said that the airport has a very important role to play in the development of the district.
Mangalore Airport has now got the international status with its improved service and facilities. It will soon develop further, with the addition of additional new facilities. The challenges and problems during the developmental stage of any airport are common, but care should be taken to ensure that they are properly addressed, he advised.
"M R Vasudev's contribution in the development of the airport is praiseworthy and the person who takes charge of the responsibility of the airport has to carry his good work further,” said Srinivas Kamat, Kanara Chamber of Commerce vice president.
B R Sena, Mangalore Airport director, presided over the function and delivered the introductory speech.
Prem Prasad, deputy general manager, welcomed the gathering. G T Radhakrishnan proposed vote of thanks. Rajan Gopi compered the programme.
Mangalore, Apr 2: The Foundation Day of Airports Authority of India was observed at Bajpe Airport here on Wednesday April 1.
Speaking on the occasion, M R Vasudev, former director of Mangalore Airport, said that the airport has a very important role to play in the development of the district.
Mangalore Airport has now got the international status with its improved service and facilities. It will soon develop further, with the addition of additional new facilities. The challenges and problems during the developmental stage of any airport are common, but care should be taken to ensure that they are properly addressed, he advised.
"M R Vasudev's contribution in the development of the airport is praiseworthy and the person who takes charge of the responsibility of the airport has to carry his good work further,” said Srinivas Kamat, Kanara Chamber of Commerce vice president.
B R Sena, Mangalore Airport director, presided over the function and delivered the introductory speech.
Prem Prasad, deputy general manager, welcomed the gathering. G T Radhakrishnan proposed vote of thanks. Rajan Gopi compered the programme.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Riyadh - Dammam - Mangalore Direct Flight On the Cards
Riyadh - Dammam - Mangalore Direct Flight On the Cards
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore Mangalore, Mar 25: As announced on daijiworld.com last month, Air India Express had confirmed its plan to fly Dammam - Mangalore direct by the end of March, 2009. The plan is still on and is awaiting a green signal from the Civil Aviation department. Owing to the forthcoming general elections, the execution of the plan may be delayed by a few weeks. But there is no second thought on flying directly from Saudi Arabian soil to Mangalore, says AI Express officials.
A senior officer, who did not want to be identified told daijiworld that, after the announcement of Dammam - Mangalore flight, there had been tremendous pressure on AI Express from Coastal Karnataka based organizations in Riyadh to extend the service also to Riyadh as there are a number of potential passengers from both Coastal Karnataka and Kasardgod living there. Bowing to pressure, AI Express is now considering another option of flying Riyadh - Dammam - Mangalore. "The plan is surely on the cards, but I cannot assure you at the moment. But Riaydh bound Mangaloreans have every reason to cheer when the news is confirmed" said the AI Express official.
Meanwhile, AI Express has submitted the approval for thrice-weekly flights from Dammam - Mangalore. Due to the current situation, they might reduce the schedules to twice a week, instead of three times a week. Eventually, depending on the load, the frequency may be upgraded.
Dubai - Mangalore reduced Nine Flights per Week:
Due to certain technical difficulties, the scheduled 10 flights per week from Air India Express between Dubai - Mangalore have been reduced to 9 a week. From March 14 to April 14 the Wednesday morning flight will not be operating, but it will continue to operate after April 14, said an Air India Express official
Airport Director to Finally go ?
Due to tremendous pressure from NRI organizations, the current Airport director Vasudev Rao has been retained until completion of the new terminal. But Vasudev Rao has still not received his promotion . He has decided to move as General Manager to Coimbatore Int Airport in the coming weeks, daijiworld learnt from some reliable sources. When Daijiworld contacted the Airport director, he said that due to request from various organizations and direction from the Civil Aviation minister he had been able to delay his transfer until now.
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore Mangalore, Mar 25: As announced on daijiworld.com last month, Air India Express had confirmed its plan to fly Dammam - Mangalore direct by the end of March, 2009. The plan is still on and is awaiting a green signal from the Civil Aviation department. Owing to the forthcoming general elections, the execution of the plan may be delayed by a few weeks. But there is no second thought on flying directly from Saudi Arabian soil to Mangalore, says AI Express officials.
A senior officer, who did not want to be identified told daijiworld that, after the announcement of Dammam - Mangalore flight, there had been tremendous pressure on AI Express from Coastal Karnataka based organizations in Riyadh to extend the service also to Riyadh as there are a number of potential passengers from both Coastal Karnataka and Kasardgod living there. Bowing to pressure, AI Express is now considering another option of flying Riyadh - Dammam - Mangalore. "The plan is surely on the cards, but I cannot assure you at the moment. But Riaydh bound Mangaloreans have every reason to cheer when the news is confirmed" said the AI Express official.
Meanwhile, AI Express has submitted the approval for thrice-weekly flights from Dammam - Mangalore. Due to the current situation, they might reduce the schedules to twice a week, instead of three times a week. Eventually, depending on the load, the frequency may be upgraded.
Dubai - Mangalore reduced Nine Flights per Week:
Due to certain technical difficulties, the scheduled 10 flights per week from Air India Express between Dubai - Mangalore have been reduced to 9 a week. From March 14 to April 14 the Wednesday morning flight will not be operating, but it will continue to operate after April 14, said an Air India Express official
Airport Director to Finally go ?
Due to tremendous pressure from NRI organizations, the current Airport director Vasudev Rao has been retained until completion of the new terminal. But Vasudev Rao has still not received his promotion . He has decided to move as General Manager to Coimbatore Int Airport in the coming weeks, daijiworld learnt from some reliable sources. When Daijiworld contacted the Airport director, he said that due to request from various organizations and direction from the Civil Aviation minister he had been able to delay his transfer until now.
Sunday, March 08, 2009
Mangalore Airport Revenues On the Upswing
DHNS
Mangalore, Mar 8: Revenues and passenger numbers at the Mangalore airport have not only been steady, but also set for an upswing.
The airport is expected to garner a profit of Rs 8 crore in 2008-’09, only marginally less than the Rs 9-crore profit it had made in 2007-08.
“We are extremely satisfied with the profits, given the sluggish traffic and slowdown of the economy. The new integrated terminal building will be ready by May, and help improve the traffic even more,” M R Vasudeva, Airport Director, Mangalore Airport. One more international plane - the Dammam, to Saudi Arabia - will fly out from Mangalore from March 25.
The flight, which was introduced following public demand, will operate twice a week. “This will also bring in more passengers,” said Vasudeva.
Things have changed
Till 2005, Mangalore airport had made operating losses of up to Rs 2.5 crore per annum. But in 2006, after the introduction of international flights to Dubai, things have changed for the better.
Operating profits touched Rs 9 crore in 2008.
“Prior to 2005, we had handled only 3,500 aircraft movements per annum. But in 2008, we handled 12,000. Air passenger numbers have also gone up from 2.77 lakh to 7.05 lakh in the period,” Vasudeva stated.
Now, the officials want to step on the accelerator - A sum of Rs 147 crore is being spent for airport upgradation.
Two aero-bridges and seven escalators will also be in place from May.
“Once the access road from the city to the airport is built by the government, there will be no looking back,” said Vasudeva.
Mangalore, Mar 8: Revenues and passenger numbers at the Mangalore airport have not only been steady, but also set for an upswing.
The airport is expected to garner a profit of Rs 8 crore in 2008-’09, only marginally less than the Rs 9-crore profit it had made in 2007-08.
“We are extremely satisfied with the profits, given the sluggish traffic and slowdown of the economy. The new integrated terminal building will be ready by May, and help improve the traffic even more,” M R Vasudeva, Airport Director, Mangalore Airport. One more international plane - the Dammam, to Saudi Arabia - will fly out from Mangalore from March 25.
The flight, which was introduced following public demand, will operate twice a week. “This will also bring in more passengers,” said Vasudeva.
Things have changed
Till 2005, Mangalore airport had made operating losses of up to Rs 2.5 crore per annum. But in 2006, after the introduction of international flights to Dubai, things have changed for the better.
Operating profits touched Rs 9 crore in 2008.
“Prior to 2005, we had handled only 3,500 aircraft movements per annum. But in 2008, we handled 12,000. Air passenger numbers have also gone up from 2.77 lakh to 7.05 lakh in the period,” Vasudeva stated.
Now, the officials want to step on the accelerator - A sum of Rs 147 crore is being spent for airport upgradation.
Two aero-bridges and seven escalators will also be in place from May.
“Once the access road from the city to the airport is built by the government, there will be no looking back,” said Vasudeva.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Mumbai: Air India Express Bows to Dammam Demand - Direct Flight by March End
Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai/Dubai
Mumbai / Dubai, Feb 24: Air India Express has finally decided to introduce direct flight from Dammam to Mangalore.
Capt PP Singh, COO of Air India Express in a communication to Rajesh Sequiera, coordinator of Karnataka NRE Forum informed that Air India Express has submitted the proposal with Airport Authority of India to fly at least thrice week on Trivendrum-Mangalore-Dammam and Dammam-Mangalore-Trivendrum route.
Though the exact date of commencing this service has not yet been announced, Capt PP Sigh has assured that maiden flight will fly by the end of March 2009.
Readers can recall that Capt PP Singh has express inability of Air India Express to fly from Saudi destinations owing to long flying hours. But the pressure from various groups and individuals has made AI Express to redesign their strategy.
Further details on this issue will be made available to the readers as soon as possible.
Mumbai / Dubai, Feb 24: Air India Express has finally decided to introduce direct flight from Dammam to Mangalore.
Capt PP Singh, COO of Air India Express in a communication to Rajesh Sequiera, coordinator of Karnataka NRE Forum informed that Air India Express has submitted the proposal with Airport Authority of India to fly at least thrice week on Trivendrum-Mangalore-Dammam and Dammam-Mangalore-Trivendrum route.
Though the exact date of commencing this service has not yet been announced, Capt PP Sigh has assured that maiden flight will fly by the end of March 2009.
Readers can recall that Capt PP Singh has express inability of Air India Express to fly from Saudi destinations owing to long flying hours. But the pressure from various groups and individuals has made AI Express to redesign their strategy.
Further details on this issue will be made available to the readers as soon as possible.
Monday, February 09, 2009
AIR INDIA Express COO Cap PP Singh Answers to the Open Letter
by Walter Nandalike Daijiworld.com
Feb 8, 2009
Dear Readers, Cap P. P. Singh, Chief Operating Officer has kindly replied to our open letter dated Jan 20, 2009 on which we addressing various issues faced by the passengers travelling from and to the gulf destinations.
Though his reply does not fully satisfy us, we must appreciate his efforts to listen our problems and his assurances to solve them.
The good news is that , with immediate effect the fares have been modified and the current fare structure looks much more satisfactory when compared to the previous one.
There is at least about 15 -20% advantage on the revised fares ,specially during the peak season. Those who are booking tickets from Dubai to Mangalore for travel in June can avail the price range of AED 1500/- return including tax as against the earlier price of AED 2200/- of last December Season.
The disappointing news is that there is no immediate plan to start the Mangalore - Saudi Arabia destination flights due to technical reasons.
Cap P P Singh has assured us that he will personally supervise the problems addressed by us. Let us hope that his promise will get the money’s worth for Mangalore-bound passengers.
We reproduce Capt PP Singh’s reply herewith.
Date: 06.02.2009
Dear Sir,
At the outset allow us to extend our sincere thanks to the Mangalorean Community for welcoming our airline with open arms and making our flights a huge success. In a short span two-and-a-half years the number of flights per week from Managlore to Gulf have increased from 3 to 18 . Thank you too for your interest and feedback as these serve as a constant guide to us and encourage us to improve our services and satisfy our loyal customers.
Our comments to the complaints are as under:
Our fares, like most other low cost airlines are dynamic, the general trend being that the fares are higher as the number of bookings increases and we move closer to departure date. Even for peak seasons of July, August, December etc, the fares begin at reasonable levels. It is only closer to departure and for the last few seats that the fares are raised to higher levels.
As these attractive fares are the introductory fares offered on first-come-first-serve basis, we urge you to book well in advance and be a little flexible with respect to the dates so as to get the best deal for your trip. It is only when the bookings are made at the last minute for a flight where only 5-10 seats are available, that the passenger ends up paying a premium amount. Our flights for July-August 2009 are already available for sale and you can see the changes in the fares, and we encourage you to take advantage of low fares which are almost at the same level as Calicut.
I am sorry to learn that our ground staff and cabin crew are not behaving in a manner satisfactory to our esteemed customers. You can rest assured that I will personally look into this issue and corrective steps will be taken to ensure that the staff is well-trained, helpful and committed to make your journey more comfortable, both on ground and in the air.
Baggage allowance, unfortunately, has to stay limited because of engineering and operational reasons. The concept of low cost airline, coupled with payload restrictions of the aircraft does not permit us to allow more baggage or waive off excess baggage. This, I may say, is the policy with most airlines across the world û be it low cost carrier or legacy carrier.
Regarding the Ground Handling at Mangalore, we are informing our Manager to talk to the Handling Agent to ensure that satisfactory service is provided. I am sure that you will see the change in the near future.
As you are aware that right from the beginning, we provide complimentary snack box to the passengers. We do not think that it is a good idea to sell food on board. This has been our Company policy. At the request of some passengers, we have introduced hot meal on our flights from Mangalore. I will talk with the Manager once again to talk to the caterers and if hot meal is not appreciated, than we will revert to snack box to be on both the sectors i.e to and from Mangalore. AI Express is not considering operations to Saudi Arabia primarily because of the length of the flight as we have B737-800 aircraft and payload penalty to operate on this long sector will result in flights being uneconomical. However, the Community in Dammam is served on the flights from Bahrain.
Thanking you once again for having given valuable suggestions.
Cap P. P. Singh
Chief Operating Officer
Feb 8, 2009
Dear Readers, Cap P. P. Singh, Chief Operating Officer has kindly replied to our open letter dated Jan 20, 2009 on which we addressing various issues faced by the passengers travelling from and to the gulf destinations.
Though his reply does not fully satisfy us, we must appreciate his efforts to listen our problems and his assurances to solve them.
The good news is that , with immediate effect the fares have been modified and the current fare structure looks much more satisfactory when compared to the previous one.
There is at least about 15 -20% advantage on the revised fares ,specially during the peak season. Those who are booking tickets from Dubai to Mangalore for travel in June can avail the price range of AED 1500/- return including tax as against the earlier price of AED 2200/- of last December Season.
The disappointing news is that there is no immediate plan to start the Mangalore - Saudi Arabia destination flights due to technical reasons.
Cap P P Singh has assured us that he will personally supervise the problems addressed by us. Let us hope that his promise will get the money’s worth for Mangalore-bound passengers.
We reproduce Capt PP Singh’s reply herewith.
Date: 06.02.2009
Dear Sir,
At the outset allow us to extend our sincere thanks to the Mangalorean Community for welcoming our airline with open arms and making our flights a huge success. In a short span two-and-a-half years the number of flights per week from Managlore to Gulf have increased from 3 to 18 . Thank you too for your interest and feedback as these serve as a constant guide to us and encourage us to improve our services and satisfy our loyal customers.
Our comments to the complaints are as under:
Our fares, like most other low cost airlines are dynamic, the general trend being that the fares are higher as the number of bookings increases and we move closer to departure date. Even for peak seasons of July, August, December etc, the fares begin at reasonable levels. It is only closer to departure and for the last few seats that the fares are raised to higher levels.
As these attractive fares are the introductory fares offered on first-come-first-serve basis, we urge you to book well in advance and be a little flexible with respect to the dates so as to get the best deal for your trip. It is only when the bookings are made at the last minute for a flight where only 5-10 seats are available, that the passenger ends up paying a premium amount. Our flights for July-August 2009 are already available for sale and you can see the changes in the fares, and we encourage you to take advantage of low fares which are almost at the same level as Calicut.
I am sorry to learn that our ground staff and cabin crew are not behaving in a manner satisfactory to our esteemed customers. You can rest assured that I will personally look into this issue and corrective steps will be taken to ensure that the staff is well-trained, helpful and committed to make your journey more comfortable, both on ground and in the air.
Baggage allowance, unfortunately, has to stay limited because of engineering and operational reasons. The concept of low cost airline, coupled with payload restrictions of the aircraft does not permit us to allow more baggage or waive off excess baggage. This, I may say, is the policy with most airlines across the world û be it low cost carrier or legacy carrier.
Regarding the Ground Handling at Mangalore, we are informing our Manager to talk to the Handling Agent to ensure that satisfactory service is provided. I am sure that you will see the change in the near future.
As you are aware that right from the beginning, we provide complimentary snack box to the passengers. We do not think that it is a good idea to sell food on board. This has been our Company policy. At the request of some passengers, we have introduced hot meal on our flights from Mangalore. I will talk with the Manager once again to talk to the caterers and if hot meal is not appreciated, than we will revert to snack box to be on both the sectors i.e to and from Mangalore. AI Express is not considering operations to Saudi Arabia primarily because of the length of the flight as we have B737-800 aircraft and payload penalty to operate on this long sector will result in flights being uneconomical. However, the Community in Dammam is served on the flights from Bahrain.
Thanking you once again for having given valuable suggestions.
Cap P. P. Singh
Chief Operating Officer
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
An Open Letter to Air India Express
An Open Letter to Air India Express
by Walter Nandalike
Jan 20, 2009
Dear readers, In the last few days daijiworld.com has received several letters of complaint against the services of Air India Express which operates direct return flights from Mangalore to the gulf countries. Many of the letters contained harsh comments. Few of them were published, but most others could not be published. Taking the matter seriously, Daijiworld Media Network Team interviewed about 125 passengers who arrived at Mangalore between December 20, 2008 and Jan 10, 2009 from Dubai, Kuwait, Doha, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, and Muscat. Taking it as a social responsibility, Daijiworld.com has decided to address open letter to the Air India Express chief in Mumbai , expressing the grievances of passengers, with a hope that usual problems of passengers would be solved soon and it would also help Air India Express to serve in a better and professional way. This letter is written on the basis of the interviews from passengers and letters of complaint received from readers.
To, Capt P P Singh
Chief Operating Officer
Air India Express
Mumbai _ India
Subject: Inconvenience caused to AI Express passengers of Gulf destination flights from MANGALORE
Sir,
At the outset let us thank you for initiating direct flights from Mangalore to different destinations of the gulf region. Our joy knew no bounds when the first flight was announced by you. Our dream came true because of your initiative and support from Mangalore Airport management, and other respected leaders. But, ever since direct flight operations began, the complains from passengers steadily started to flow in. A few of our concerns were solved at the local level, but following are the problems that could not be addressed or entertained at local level. Hence it is our desire to bring them to your notice:
1. The fare fixed for Mangalore to Gulf destinations is not in line with the ‘Budget Airline' concept. There is an accusation from a large number of passengers that, service quality may be matching with your Budget Airline Concept, but fares certainly do not. It has been observed that fares during the peak seasons of July, August, Christmas, and New Year Season is far higher than normal conventional airlines. To quote you one example, a passenger from Dubai, during December, paid Rs 35,000 for a Dubai - Mangalore return ticket But an Emirates airline ticket to Mumbai with a connection to Mangalore with Jet Airways would have cost lesser than the direct option. Besides the fare, the same passenger further ended-up paying another few thousand rupees on excess baggage as Air India Express allows only 20 kg luggage from out of Mangalore.
There are several readers / passengers who have observed that Air India Express fares to other destinations like Calicut, Cochin and other sectors are much more competitive. Is this because those destinations have other carriers operating there as well? Do we need to wait until other airlines start their operations to Mangalore? Kindly look into this issue before Mangalore-bound passengers unitedly decide to opt for alternate cheaper options. Monopoly is not a justification to charge passengers exorbitantly. We have always regarded and respected our national carrier and we hope Air India Express reciprocates this sentiment by first reducing the fares to an affordable level...
2. When passengers raised their concern on the permitted baggage allowance (20 kg from Mangalore airport to the Gulf, and 30kg from Gulf destinations to Mangalore) officials always give the excuse that, 'Budget Airlines can allow only limited luggage unlike regular airlines’. Does this apply only for Luggage? Why not for fares then? There are several instances where even ONE kilo of excess luggage was not spared and charged Rs 400/- .
Is there no tolerance even for a single kilo when the fares paid are high? The passengers have requested with your airline that you allow at least 30Kilos from Mangalore to Gulf destinations and 40 Kilos from Gulf to Mangalore. If this is not possible due to logistic reasons, then kindly reduce the fares substantially in order to be in par with other budget airlines.
3. About 80% of the passengers interviewed by daijiworld felt that the counter staff at Mangalore Airport are not trained enough, lack professionalism and are wanting in customer friendly attitude. There is no smile on the face, non courteous and lack knowledge in handling international passengers and processing time takes much longer when compared to other international airports. This is a serious issue which might affect the integrity and status of Mangalore International Airport. The official uniform of the counter staff does not rise up to normal airline standards as it is inconsistent and varies from person to person. The same passengers are soaked into seeing well dressed staff of Jet Airways and Kingfisher airlines. We urge you sir, to use your good offices and find out the reason for this poor performance from a presumably untrained staff of Air India Express Mangalore airport.
4. You had announced the catering of a Mangalorean cuisine for the flights leaving late evening from Mangalore. Complains have poured in regarding the food quality on board. We understand that many Budget airlines do not server food on the flight. Instead they sell food on board. If you are not able to manage quality food to the passengers, perhaps selling quality food may also be an excellent idea. This should be food for thought for Air India Express.
5. The general behavior of the airhostesses on board is also questioned. They too lack a smile and give an impression that they are not trained. A large majority of the passengers feel that lack of training and lack of well deserved candidates may be the reason for this slide in service level. There is also a big concern among a few passengers that ALL Airhostesses are from North Indian and they do have a cold blanket attitude towards south Indian passengers. There is nothing like flying with someone who knows our language and understands our ethnic sentiments.
6. We also request you on behalf of thousands of Mangaloreans in Saudi Arabia to update us on the latest status of direct flight from Saudi Arabian destinations to Mangalore.
Although there are many more concerns expressed by the passengers we thought it right to highlight only a few major ones. We trust your judgment and believe in your leadership. We have enjoyed your support when we wanted additional flights or facilities. It is possible that you are unaware of these issues and hence this open letter to you. Your timely action will certainly go a long way in helping thousands of passengers who travel on AI Express and also could give room for improvement to AI Express. This will also be an opportunity for Air India Express to grab the reins and be prepared when the airport becomes fully operational at the new terminal. Thanking you in advance for your consideration and listening to our problems On behalf of all our readers and Mangalore-bound passengers,
Yours faithfully
Walter Nandalike
Editor-in Chief - Daijiworld.com
Managing Director - Daijiworld Media Pvt Ltd
by Walter Nandalike
Jan 20, 2009
Dear readers, In the last few days daijiworld.com has received several letters of complaint against the services of Air India Express which operates direct return flights from Mangalore to the gulf countries. Many of the letters contained harsh comments. Few of them were published, but most others could not be published. Taking the matter seriously, Daijiworld Media Network Team interviewed about 125 passengers who arrived at Mangalore between December 20, 2008 and Jan 10, 2009 from Dubai, Kuwait, Doha, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, and Muscat. Taking it as a social responsibility, Daijiworld.com has decided to address open letter to the Air India Express chief in Mumbai , expressing the grievances of passengers, with a hope that usual problems of passengers would be solved soon and it would also help Air India Express to serve in a better and professional way. This letter is written on the basis of the interviews from passengers and letters of complaint received from readers.
To, Capt P P Singh
Chief Operating Officer
Air India Express
Mumbai _ India
Subject: Inconvenience caused to AI Express passengers of Gulf destination flights from MANGALORE
Sir,
At the outset let us thank you for initiating direct flights from Mangalore to different destinations of the gulf region. Our joy knew no bounds when the first flight was announced by you. Our dream came true because of your initiative and support from Mangalore Airport management, and other respected leaders. But, ever since direct flight operations began, the complains from passengers steadily started to flow in. A few of our concerns were solved at the local level, but following are the problems that could not be addressed or entertained at local level. Hence it is our desire to bring them to your notice:
1. The fare fixed for Mangalore to Gulf destinations is not in line with the ‘Budget Airline' concept. There is an accusation from a large number of passengers that, service quality may be matching with your Budget Airline Concept, but fares certainly do not. It has been observed that fares during the peak seasons of July, August, Christmas, and New Year Season is far higher than normal conventional airlines. To quote you one example, a passenger from Dubai, during December, paid Rs 35,000 for a Dubai - Mangalore return ticket But an Emirates airline ticket to Mumbai with a connection to Mangalore with Jet Airways would have cost lesser than the direct option. Besides the fare, the same passenger further ended-up paying another few thousand rupees on excess baggage as Air India Express allows only 20 kg luggage from out of Mangalore.
There are several readers / passengers who have observed that Air India Express fares to other destinations like Calicut, Cochin and other sectors are much more competitive. Is this because those destinations have other carriers operating there as well? Do we need to wait until other airlines start their operations to Mangalore? Kindly look into this issue before Mangalore-bound passengers unitedly decide to opt for alternate cheaper options. Monopoly is not a justification to charge passengers exorbitantly. We have always regarded and respected our national carrier and we hope Air India Express reciprocates this sentiment by first reducing the fares to an affordable level...
2. When passengers raised their concern on the permitted baggage allowance (20 kg from Mangalore airport to the Gulf, and 30kg from Gulf destinations to Mangalore) officials always give the excuse that, 'Budget Airlines can allow only limited luggage unlike regular airlines’. Does this apply only for Luggage? Why not for fares then? There are several instances where even ONE kilo of excess luggage was not spared and charged Rs 400/- .
Is there no tolerance even for a single kilo when the fares paid are high? The passengers have requested with your airline that you allow at least 30Kilos from Mangalore to Gulf destinations and 40 Kilos from Gulf to Mangalore. If this is not possible due to logistic reasons, then kindly reduce the fares substantially in order to be in par with other budget airlines.
3. About 80% of the passengers interviewed by daijiworld felt that the counter staff at Mangalore Airport are not trained enough, lack professionalism and are wanting in customer friendly attitude. There is no smile on the face, non courteous and lack knowledge in handling international passengers and processing time takes much longer when compared to other international airports. This is a serious issue which might affect the integrity and status of Mangalore International Airport. The official uniform of the counter staff does not rise up to normal airline standards as it is inconsistent and varies from person to person. The same passengers are soaked into seeing well dressed staff of Jet Airways and Kingfisher airlines. We urge you sir, to use your good offices and find out the reason for this poor performance from a presumably untrained staff of Air India Express Mangalore airport.
4. You had announced the catering of a Mangalorean cuisine for the flights leaving late evening from Mangalore. Complains have poured in regarding the food quality on board. We understand that many Budget airlines do not server food on the flight. Instead they sell food on board. If you are not able to manage quality food to the passengers, perhaps selling quality food may also be an excellent idea. This should be food for thought for Air India Express.
5. The general behavior of the airhostesses on board is also questioned. They too lack a smile and give an impression that they are not trained. A large majority of the passengers feel that lack of training and lack of well deserved candidates may be the reason for this slide in service level. There is also a big concern among a few passengers that ALL Airhostesses are from North Indian and they do have a cold blanket attitude towards south Indian passengers. There is nothing like flying with someone who knows our language and understands our ethnic sentiments.
6. We also request you on behalf of thousands of Mangaloreans in Saudi Arabia to update us on the latest status of direct flight from Saudi Arabian destinations to Mangalore.
Although there are many more concerns expressed by the passengers we thought it right to highlight only a few major ones. We trust your judgment and believe in your leadership. We have enjoyed your support when we wanted additional flights or facilities. It is possible that you are unaware of these issues and hence this open letter to you. Your timely action will certainly go a long way in helping thousands of passengers who travel on AI Express and also could give room for improvement to AI Express. This will also be an opportunity for Air India Express to grab the reins and be prepared when the airport becomes fully operational at the new terminal. Thanking you in advance for your consideration and listening to our problems On behalf of all our readers and Mangalore-bound passengers,
Yours faithfully
Walter Nandalike
Editor-in Chief - Daijiworld.com
Managing Director - Daijiworld Media Pvt Ltd
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Air India Express launches night flights to Dubai
The Hindu Staff Correspondent
Number of flights to Dubai rises to 10 a week
Additional flight to Kuwait planned from January 20
Reduction in fares proposed for high-end flight services
MANGALORE: Air India Express launched daily night-flight services between Dubai and Mangalore from Monday. With this, the number of its flights to Dubai has gone up from seven to 10 a week.
The flight to Dubai from Mangalore airport took off at 9.30 p.m. with 186 passengers on board. “The flight was full,” Station Manager of Air India, Mangalore, Chellam Prasad told The Hindu.
She said that the airline had reduced the daily day-flight services between the two cities to three days a week. Now the day flights would operate on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
“Daily night-flight services have been introduced for the convenience of passengers as per their demand,” she said.
Ms. Prasad said that the daily night flight (flight number IX-811) would depart from here at 9.30 p.m. and reach Dubai at 23.40 hrs (Dubai local time). On its return journey, flight number IX-812 would depart from Dubai at 01.35 hrs (Dubai local time) and arrive here at 6.30 a.m.
The day flight (number IX-383) would originate at Kozhikode at 7.15 a.m. and arrive in Mangalore at 8 a.m. It would leave Mangalore at 9 a.m. and reach Dubai at 11.10 hrs (Dubai local time). The flight (IX-384) would depart from Dubai at 12.10 hrs (local time) and arrive here at 5.05 p.m. It would take off from Mangalore at 5.50 p.m. and reach Kozhikode at 6.35 p.m., she said.
Additional flight
Ms. Prasad said that that the airline would be introducing a flight to Kuwait from here on Tuesdays from January 20, in addition to the existing two flights to that place, which operate on Sundays and Thursdays.
This flight (IX-389) would originate at Kozhikode at 7.20 p.m. and arrive here at 8 p.m. and depart to Kuwait at 8.45 p.m. to reach there at 23.15 hrs (Kuwait local time). The return flight (IX-390) would depart Kuwait at 00.30 hrs (Kuwait local time) and arrive in Mangalore at 7.25 a.m. It would depart from here at 8.10 a.m. and reach Kozhikode at 8.50 a.m.
She said that the airline had suspended its operation to Sharjah early in December last owing to “operational problems”. Earlier, the flight from here to Kuwait was via Sharjah. Henceforth, it would be flying directly between Mangalore and Kuwait, she said.Change in schedules
Ms. Prasad said that Air India Express would change the schedules of flights from here to Bahrain and Doha from January 13.
The flights to these two cities would be rescheduled to Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, instead of the present Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Reduction in fare
To a question, she said that the airline proposed to reduce air fare by this month-end. The fares to some sectors were likely to come down by Rs. 2,000. However, the minimum fares would not be reduced. The reduction in fares would be limited to high-end flights, she said.
Number of flights to Dubai rises to 10 a week
Additional flight to Kuwait planned from January 20
Reduction in fares proposed for high-end flight services
MANGALORE: Air India Express launched daily night-flight services between Dubai and Mangalore from Monday. With this, the number of its flights to Dubai has gone up from seven to 10 a week.
The flight to Dubai from Mangalore airport took off at 9.30 p.m. with 186 passengers on board. “The flight was full,” Station Manager of Air India, Mangalore, Chellam Prasad told The Hindu.
She said that the airline had reduced the daily day-flight services between the two cities to three days a week. Now the day flights would operate on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
“Daily night-flight services have been introduced for the convenience of passengers as per their demand,” she said.
Ms. Prasad said that the daily night flight (flight number IX-811) would depart from here at 9.30 p.m. and reach Dubai at 23.40 hrs (Dubai local time). On its return journey, flight number IX-812 would depart from Dubai at 01.35 hrs (Dubai local time) and arrive here at 6.30 a.m.
The day flight (number IX-383) would originate at Kozhikode at 7.15 a.m. and arrive in Mangalore at 8 a.m. It would leave Mangalore at 9 a.m. and reach Dubai at 11.10 hrs (Dubai local time). The flight (IX-384) would depart from Dubai at 12.10 hrs (local time) and arrive here at 5.05 p.m. It would take off from Mangalore at 5.50 p.m. and reach Kozhikode at 6.35 p.m., she said.
Additional flight
Ms. Prasad said that that the airline would be introducing a flight to Kuwait from here on Tuesdays from January 20, in addition to the existing two flights to that place, which operate on Sundays and Thursdays.
This flight (IX-389) would originate at Kozhikode at 7.20 p.m. and arrive here at 8 p.m. and depart to Kuwait at 8.45 p.m. to reach there at 23.15 hrs (Kuwait local time). The return flight (IX-390) would depart Kuwait at 00.30 hrs (Kuwait local time) and arrive in Mangalore at 7.25 a.m. It would depart from here at 8.10 a.m. and reach Kozhikode at 8.50 a.m.
She said that the airline had suspended its operation to Sharjah early in December last owing to “operational problems”. Earlier, the flight from here to Kuwait was via Sharjah. Henceforth, it would be flying directly between Mangalore and Kuwait, she said.Change in schedules
Ms. Prasad said that Air India Express would change the schedules of flights from here to Bahrain and Doha from January 13.
The flights to these two cities would be rescheduled to Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, instead of the present Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Reduction in fare
To a question, she said that the airline proposed to reduce air fare by this month-end. The fares to some sectors were likely to come down by Rs. 2,000. However, the minimum fares would not be reduced. The reduction in fares would be limited to high-end flights, she said.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Mangalore: Transfer of Airport Director - Long Delay in New Terminal Imminent
Daijiworld Media Network - Pics Prajwal Ukkuda
January 11, 2009
Union Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel has assured the NRI community that he would do his best to retain Mangalore Airport Director Vasudeva Rao till the completion of the new terminal building which is on the verge of completion.
Patel who was on his way to Mumbai from Kerala on a private visit the leaders of the NRI community at Mangalore airport was apprised of the delay that might be caused in completing the terminal project if Rao was to be transferred at this critical juncture. Though it was a private visit Patel willingly met the leaders of the NRI community leaders. Walter Nandalike, Editor-in-Chief of daijiworld.com, met the minister on behalf of the Indian Diaspora and appealed to the Minister to promote and retain Vasudeva in Mangalore as long as possible or at least till the new terminal is commissioned.
Patel accepted the appeal and assured him that he would look into the matter and discuss with the officials concerned on what best he can do to retain Vasudeva in Mangalore. It may be recalled here that Vasudeva was promoted as Airport General Manager and was transferred to Coimbotore. The airport terminal has been his brainchild and he has worked ceaselessly to ensure the Rs 147 crores project is getting completed as scheduled. Due to pressure from various people and organizations, Rao postponed his transfer foregoing the promotion and the monetary benefits that come along with it.
As his replacement to Mangalore Airport was not named Vasudeva Rao chose to continue in Mangalore in the same capacity sacrificing the higher post and the financial benefits and perks that come with it. The new terminal was his baby and he has put his heart and soul in the project. He willingly postponed the promotion just to ensure the supervision of the project and its timely commissioning.
However a stage has come where any further delay by him to accept the promotion would seriously jeopardize his future promotion prospects and also the post-retirement benefits. He may be denied his promotion and with that the status and salary due to an Airport General Manager may also be denied.
The major hitch is that Mangalore is not declared as an International Airport and hence there is no post of Airport General Manager in Mangalore to promote and retain Rao in Mangalore.
Considering his supreme sacrifice to his homeland and his determination to complete the project as scheduled efforts have been made from time to time to put pressure on the government and the authorities concerned on the usefulness of retaining Vasudeva in Mangalore.
Earlier Sudhir Kumar Shetty, COO of UAE Exchange had tried to create awareness among various organizations in the UAE and impressed upon the NRI community leaders to try every possible means of retaining Vasudeva in Mangalore to ensure the progress of Mangalore Airport. Shetty had two-hour long discussion with Rao during his recent visit to Mangalore.
Talking to Daiji World Shetty said “if at all Vasudeva Rao is retained in Mangalore it is only with due promotion and status of Airport General Manager. Rao should be rewarded suitable for his dedication and sincere efforts to take Mangalore to the status of international airport. Shetty gave a clarion call to the NRI community and organizations to unite and fight for this cause.
Karnataka NRI forum coordinator from UAE Rajesh Sequeira has already sent an appeal to Praful Patel requesting him to promote and retain Rao in Mangalore. He also met various ministers and authorities in this regard and impressed upon them on the need to ensure his continuity.
Vasudeva Rao, who hails from Udupi, has been instrumental in ensuring the all-round development of Mangalore Airport. The new terminal project work took off to a flying start due to his consistent efforts. Being a local man he was able to reach out to the local people and take them into confidence and make suitable arrangements for this resettlement and rehabilitation in Kenjar Village, where the new terminal has come up. The central government was willing to start international flights from Mangalore only after the completion of the new terminal. Credit goes to Rao for his unrelenting efforts to have international flights in Mangalore at least a few years ahead.
Any new person coming in his place would take his own time to know and get into the ins and outs of the project, which would cause undue delay of another 8 to 12 months in the commissioning of the project. With general elections round the corner delay would lead to political interference in the project. Finally it is the people who will have to bear the brunt for the imprudence of the political leaders and the authorities concerned.
Even as efforts are on to retain him in Mangalore Vasudeva has decided to move to Coimbotore on January 19, 2009. “I am happy that I could do whatever little I could in the past few years to the growth of Mangalore Airport. It was my dream to complete the terminal project and move. But I have to obey the orders of my seniors. I have postponed my transfer bowing down to the pressures of people and organizations. This has affected my career. But I am happy that I could do something worthwhile for my homeland”, he says modestly.
Mangalore’s loss could be Coimbotore’s gain. But who knows. Things might take a different turn any time. With the active support and co-operation of the people of this coastal region and with the back up of the entire NRI community, the long-standing dream of seeing Mangalore International Airport with Rao at the helm, may just become a reality.
January 11, 2009
Union Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel has assured the NRI community that he would do his best to retain Mangalore Airport Director Vasudeva Rao till the completion of the new terminal building which is on the verge of completion.
Patel who was on his way to Mumbai from Kerala on a private visit the leaders of the NRI community at Mangalore airport was apprised of the delay that might be caused in completing the terminal project if Rao was to be transferred at this critical juncture. Though it was a private visit Patel willingly met the leaders of the NRI community leaders. Walter Nandalike, Editor-in-Chief of daijiworld.com, met the minister on behalf of the Indian Diaspora and appealed to the Minister to promote and retain Vasudeva in Mangalore as long as possible or at least till the new terminal is commissioned.
Patel accepted the appeal and assured him that he would look into the matter and discuss with the officials concerned on what best he can do to retain Vasudeva in Mangalore. It may be recalled here that Vasudeva was promoted as Airport General Manager and was transferred to Coimbotore. The airport terminal has been his brainchild and he has worked ceaselessly to ensure the Rs 147 crores project is getting completed as scheduled. Due to pressure from various people and organizations, Rao postponed his transfer foregoing the promotion and the monetary benefits that come along with it.
As his replacement to Mangalore Airport was not named Vasudeva Rao chose to continue in Mangalore in the same capacity sacrificing the higher post and the financial benefits and perks that come with it. The new terminal was his baby and he has put his heart and soul in the project. He willingly postponed the promotion just to ensure the supervision of the project and its timely commissioning.
However a stage has come where any further delay by him to accept the promotion would seriously jeopardize his future promotion prospects and also the post-retirement benefits. He may be denied his promotion and with that the status and salary due to an Airport General Manager may also be denied.
The major hitch is that Mangalore is not declared as an International Airport and hence there is no post of Airport General Manager in Mangalore to promote and retain Rao in Mangalore.
Considering his supreme sacrifice to his homeland and his determination to complete the project as scheduled efforts have been made from time to time to put pressure on the government and the authorities concerned on the usefulness of retaining Vasudeva in Mangalore.
Earlier Sudhir Kumar Shetty, COO of UAE Exchange had tried to create awareness among various organizations in the UAE and impressed upon the NRI community leaders to try every possible means of retaining Vasudeva in Mangalore to ensure the progress of Mangalore Airport. Shetty had two-hour long discussion with Rao during his recent visit to Mangalore.
Talking to Daiji World Shetty said “if at all Vasudeva Rao is retained in Mangalore it is only with due promotion and status of Airport General Manager. Rao should be rewarded suitable for his dedication and sincere efforts to take Mangalore to the status of international airport. Shetty gave a clarion call to the NRI community and organizations to unite and fight for this cause.
Karnataka NRI forum coordinator from UAE Rajesh Sequeira has already sent an appeal to Praful Patel requesting him to promote and retain Rao in Mangalore. He also met various ministers and authorities in this regard and impressed upon them on the need to ensure his continuity.
Vasudeva Rao, who hails from Udupi, has been instrumental in ensuring the all-round development of Mangalore Airport. The new terminal project work took off to a flying start due to his consistent efforts. Being a local man he was able to reach out to the local people and take them into confidence and make suitable arrangements for this resettlement and rehabilitation in Kenjar Village, where the new terminal has come up. The central government was willing to start international flights from Mangalore only after the completion of the new terminal. Credit goes to Rao for his unrelenting efforts to have international flights in Mangalore at least a few years ahead.
Any new person coming in his place would take his own time to know and get into the ins and outs of the project, which would cause undue delay of another 8 to 12 months in the commissioning of the project. With general elections round the corner delay would lead to political interference in the project. Finally it is the people who will have to bear the brunt for the imprudence of the political leaders and the authorities concerned.
Even as efforts are on to retain him in Mangalore Vasudeva has decided to move to Coimbotore on January 19, 2009. “I am happy that I could do whatever little I could in the past few years to the growth of Mangalore Airport. It was my dream to complete the terminal project and move. But I have to obey the orders of my seniors. I have postponed my transfer bowing down to the pressures of people and organizations. This has affected my career. But I am happy that I could do something worthwhile for my homeland”, he says modestly.
Mangalore’s loss could be Coimbotore’s gain. But who knows. Things might take a different turn any time. With the active support and co-operation of the people of this coastal region and with the back up of the entire NRI community, the long-standing dream of seeing Mangalore International Airport with Rao at the helm, may just become a reality.
Aircraft movement goes up by 37 per cent in 2008
Raviprasad Kamila The Hindu
Passenger traffic at Bajpe airport rises by 7.6 pc
The year witnessed an increase in air fares owing to revision in fuel prices
Air India Express introduced flight services to Sharjah, Kuwait last year
MANGALORE: The passenger traffic at Mangalore airport registered a 7.6 per cent increase in 2008. Aircraft movements went up by 37 per cent in the year, compared to 2007.
This was despite the factors such as rise in airfares, global meltdown, and inconvenience to passengers travelling to Bangalore caused by the shifting of domestic aircraft operations from HAL airport to the distant Devanahalli airport in Bangalore in 2008. Director of the airport M.R. Vasudeva told The Hindu that international passenger traffic registered 34.78 per cent increase and the international aircraft movements, including arrival and departure, went up by 117 per cent. Domestic passenger traffic went up by 0.74 per cent, while the domestic flight movement registered 25.7 per cent growth, he said.
Both international passenger traffic and international flight movements increased as the Air India Express began operating flight services to Sharjah and Kuwait from Mangalore. The number of West Asian cities having air-connectivity to Mangalore went up from five to seven. The other West Asian cities having flight connectivity from here were Dubai, Abudhabi, Bahrain, Doha and Muscat spread across five West Asian countries, the director said.Domestic traffic
The reason for a paltry 0.74 per cent rise in domestic passenger traffic was attributed to suspension of Jet Airways daily flights from here to Bangalore for 30 days in November last. Pramod Nair, Mangalore station manager, Jet Airways, said that the airliner had suspended its daily morning flight and daily evening flight to Bangalore from November 1 to 30, resulting in a loss of 60 aircraft movements.
Sources in the airport said that domestic traffic fell from 50,345 passengers in November, 2007 to 48,301 passengers in the corresponding month of 2008 as there was a reduction in the daily flights to Bangalore. In December, the domestic passenger traffic increased from 52,977 in 2007 to 62,865 in 2008.
Airliners had increased fares to Bangalore and Mumbai last year owing to rise in aviation fuel prices. This was one of the major reasons for the least increase in domestic passenger traffic, sources said.
Passenger traffic at Bajpe airport rises by 7.6 pc
The year witnessed an increase in air fares owing to revision in fuel prices
Air India Express introduced flight services to Sharjah, Kuwait last year
MANGALORE: The passenger traffic at Mangalore airport registered a 7.6 per cent increase in 2008. Aircraft movements went up by 37 per cent in the year, compared to 2007.
This was despite the factors such as rise in airfares, global meltdown, and inconvenience to passengers travelling to Bangalore caused by the shifting of domestic aircraft operations from HAL airport to the distant Devanahalli airport in Bangalore in 2008. Director of the airport M.R. Vasudeva told The Hindu that international passenger traffic registered 34.78 per cent increase and the international aircraft movements, including arrival and departure, went up by 117 per cent. Domestic passenger traffic went up by 0.74 per cent, while the domestic flight movement registered 25.7 per cent growth, he said.
Both international passenger traffic and international flight movements increased as the Air India Express began operating flight services to Sharjah and Kuwait from Mangalore. The number of West Asian cities having air-connectivity to Mangalore went up from five to seven. The other West Asian cities having flight connectivity from here were Dubai, Abudhabi, Bahrain, Doha and Muscat spread across five West Asian countries, the director said.Domestic traffic
The reason for a paltry 0.74 per cent rise in domestic passenger traffic was attributed to suspension of Jet Airways daily flights from here to Bangalore for 30 days in November last. Pramod Nair, Mangalore station manager, Jet Airways, said that the airliner had suspended its daily morning flight and daily evening flight to Bangalore from November 1 to 30, resulting in a loss of 60 aircraft movements.
Sources in the airport said that domestic traffic fell from 50,345 passengers in November, 2007 to 48,301 passengers in the corresponding month of 2008 as there was a reduction in the daily flights to Bangalore. In December, the domestic passenger traffic increased from 52,977 in 2007 to 62,865 in 2008.
Airliners had increased fares to Bangalore and Mumbai last year owing to rise in aviation fuel prices. This was one of the major reasons for the least increase in domestic passenger traffic, sources said.
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Air India Express Revises Dubai - Mangalore Flights to 10 per Week
Air India Express Revises Dubai - Mangalore Flights to 10 per Week
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SP) Mangalore, Jan 8: As the additional flights between Dubai and Mangalore have been finalized and approved, Air India Express will fly 10 flights per week from Jan 12, 2009 between the two cities.
Earlier, the AI Express had announced that two flights daily from Dubai and Mangalore would be operated, subject to final approval from AAI, but it is learnt, that the Airports Authority of India has allowed only three additional flights per week in this sector.
The complete schedule is now available on the Air India Express website: http://www.airindiaexpress.in/
Chellam Prasad, Manager for Air India, Mangalore sector while releasing this news to daijiworld said, that after assessing the actual demand for additional flights in course of time, AI Express may request for further increase in the flight frequency in the coming days on this route.
Chellam Prasad also disclosed that AI Express will serve Mangalorean cuisine on board for the passengers travelling from Mangalore to Dubai and Kuwait from Jan 12, 2009. This facility is offered currently only for two sectors due to the night journey, and this service is available for only the flight taking off from Mangalore. Due to logistic reasons, this food can not be served from the flights that originate from the gulf destinations.
So far, AI Express has been serving snacks and chips along with tea, coffee and soft drinks, but now there will be light dinner meal which will have Mangalorean taste (Pulav rice, lemon rice, curry, pickle, salad etc).
The daily flight from Dubai to Mangalore will take off early morning at 01.05 am from Dubai and land in Mangalore at 6.00 am. Additional flight will take off from Dubai at 12.10 noon and land in Mangalore at 17.05 hrs. This additional flight will operate only on Wedensday, Thursday and Friday.
However, daily flights will take off from Mangalore to Dubai at 9.30 pm and reach Dubai at 23.40 hrs local time.
Additional flight will take off from Mangalore to Dubai at 9.00 am and reach Dubai at 11.10 am local time.
Nagesh Shetty and Sanjay
Nagesh Shetty, area Marketing Mangaer for Air India and Sanjay Lokeshwar, asst Officer, Air India were also present during the briefing of the developments to daijiworld.
When asked about flights to Saudi Arabian destinations, Chellam Prasad said, that as yet, there has not been any confirmation from the head office , but she is optimistic about starting the flight between Mangalore and Saudi Arabian destinations soon.
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SP) Mangalore, Jan 8: As the additional flights between Dubai and Mangalore have been finalized and approved, Air India Express will fly 10 flights per week from Jan 12, 2009 between the two cities.
Earlier, the AI Express had announced that two flights daily from Dubai and Mangalore would be operated, subject to final approval from AAI, but it is learnt, that the Airports Authority of India has allowed only three additional flights per week in this sector.
The complete schedule is now available on the Air India Express website: http://www.airindiaexpress.in/
Chellam Prasad, Manager for Air India, Mangalore sector while releasing this news to daijiworld said, that after assessing the actual demand for additional flights in course of time, AI Express may request for further increase in the flight frequency in the coming days on this route.
Chellam Prasad also disclosed that AI Express will serve Mangalorean cuisine on board for the passengers travelling from Mangalore to Dubai and Kuwait from Jan 12, 2009. This facility is offered currently only for two sectors due to the night journey, and this service is available for only the flight taking off from Mangalore. Due to logistic reasons, this food can not be served from the flights that originate from the gulf destinations.
So far, AI Express has been serving snacks and chips along with tea, coffee and soft drinks, but now there will be light dinner meal which will have Mangalorean taste (Pulav rice, lemon rice, curry, pickle, salad etc).
The daily flight from Dubai to Mangalore will take off early morning at 01.05 am from Dubai and land in Mangalore at 6.00 am. Additional flight will take off from Dubai at 12.10 noon and land in Mangalore at 17.05 hrs. This additional flight will operate only on Wedensday, Thursday and Friday.
However, daily flights will take off from Mangalore to Dubai at 9.30 pm and reach Dubai at 23.40 hrs local time.
Additional flight will take off from Mangalore to Dubai at 9.00 am and reach Dubai at 11.10 am local time.
Nagesh Shetty and Sanjay
Nagesh Shetty, area Marketing Mangaer for Air India and Sanjay Lokeshwar, asst Officer, Air India were also present during the briefing of the developments to daijiworld.
When asked about flights to Saudi Arabian destinations, Chellam Prasad said, that as yet, there has not been any confirmation from the head office , but she is optimistic about starting the flight between Mangalore and Saudi Arabian destinations soon.
Saturday, January 03, 2009
Mangalore Airport New Terminal - Racing Against Time
Mangalore Airport New Terminal - Racing Against Time
by Florine Roche - Mangalore
As we are in first week of new year, a kind of euphoria and despair among all those who have been anxiously looking forward to the commissioning new Integrated Terminal Building of Mangalore Airport। 70% of the civil work at the terminal is complete and the authorities are waiting for the systems and vital components to arrive from different continents and countries so that they can be fitted into their respective places to commission the project by the stipulated date March 15, 2009।
The despair stems from the fact that the dynamic director of the Mangalore Airport M R Vasudeva has been promoted and transferred at a time when his continuance as the Airport Director is crucial for the very commissioning of the integrated terminal building. A change of guard at the helm at a critical juncture like this is like a death blow to all those who are aware of the involvement of Vasudeva in the transformation of this just functional airport into that of handling the arrival and departure of international flights. Credit certainly goes to this easily accessible, workaholic, dynamic man at the top, under whose stewardship developmental activities at the airport received a new momentum.
His promotion transfer to Coimbotore is detrimental to the commissioning of the new terminal building when it is almost on the verge of completion. Though the terminal building might be completed by the stipulated time there is definitely going to be an inordinate delay in commissioning it with a new man at the top. Mr Vasudeva has evinced personal interest to ensure timely completion of the project and infusing his staff with a new force and vigor. Though the new of his promotion transfer was known a few months back he was asked to continue till the project is completed. However, uncertainty is the order of the day and it is believed that he might be transferred any time, probably by the end of this month.
Realizing the significance of his continuing in Mangalore to ensure the completion of the project well begun by him, the Karnataka NRI Forum Dubai has urged Union Minister Sri Oscar Fernandes to do the needful in the matter. The only hitch is that Mangalore Airport needs to be upgraded to facilitate his promotion in Mangalore. By not resuming his new promotional posting Mr Vasudeva has denied himself the financial benefits that come along with the promotion.
Rajesh Sequeira , Co-ordinator of the NRI Forum who has closely monitored the goings on at the Mangalore Airport says “The new integrated terminal building is a baby of Mr Vasudeva who was intently involved in the project from the beginning. His departure at this crucial stage would hamper the progress of the new terminal. But we do not want him to forego the financial benefits for our sake. The problem can be settled by allowing him to accept his promotion at Coimbotore and send him on deputation to Mangalore to oversee the completion of the project”.
Rajesh has also impressed upon the Minister to declare Mangalore Airport as an International Airport. “Tirupathi, which hardly boasts of any facilities that Mangalore Airport has, has been declared as an international airport just a few months back. There is no reason why Mangalore should not be given that status immediately”, he points out.
It can be said that developmental activities at Mangalore Airport gained momentum after Mr Vasudeva assumed charge as Director in 2004. His first and major contribution was completion of the 2.9 km runway for the new terminal which led to the handling of international flights, thus fulfilling the long-awaited dream of NRI’s. The terminal built at a cost of 147 crores has competed 70% of the civil and electrical and work. Mangalore Airport has been in the news recently for reporting highest growth in South India and it is expected that commissioning of the new terminal building and according International Airport status will further accelerate this growth.
The work on the approach roads both entry and exit to the new terminal is going on in a war footing. Work on the 900 meter entry road from Deccan Park area has just begun while the work on the 1100 meter exit road adjacent to Sri Devi College is moving on at rapid strides. The road is elevated to about 6 meters and Karnataka Government has agreed to provide the road in a fit and functional condition. “The gradient level of the entry road is about 8 to 10 percent and we have requested the government to try to make it 10 to 12 percent”, says Vasudeva. When asked whether the road will be ready by the time the terminal is ready for commissioning Mr Vasudeva said “both of us are racing against time”.
The work on the 600metre long parallel taxiway is also going on briskly. Mr Vasudeva has taken the people into confidence and successfully convinced the villagers to handover 56.46 acres of land required for the parallel taxiway. “People have willingly come forward and given the land. Though officially the land is not handed over to the government the process will be completed in due course”, Vasudeva added.
Parallel Taxiway is necessitated so that the runway is vacated to make way for the operations of other aircrafts easier. If there is only one taxiway the aircraft has to be vacated from the runway to make way for the other. This is possible only when there is a parallel taxiway.
Though recession has affected the aviation industry in general Mangalore Airport has witnessed a slight reduction only in domestic flights especially between Mangalore-Bangalore. M R Vasudeva says “The situation will come to normalcy within a few months. The new terminal will give necessary impetus to traffic movement both domestic and international”.
The ever enthusiastic Vasudeva brushes aside all the controversies surrounding his transfer. “I term it as a divine gift if I happen to be here for commissioning the project. If I am transferred I consider it as god’s will. But I am happy to be involved to see the project completed”, he declares.
Vasudeva has been instrumental in taking the work force into confidence by instilling a sense of dynamism in getting the work done at the terminal building on a war footing. With his background in Air Terminal Control (ATC), he is in a better position to understand the entire functioning of the airport, which has given him the necessary edge. No one can hoodwink him by false claims or offer excuses on technical grounds. A new man in his place will take his own sweet time to get acquainted with the project and oversea its implementation. That would entail unnecessary delay in the commissioning of the project. Let us hope the commissioning of the much awaited new Integrated Terminal Building will succeed in providing international airport status to Mangalore Airport.
His promotion transfer to Coimbotore is detrimental to the commissioning of the new terminal building when it is almost on the verge of completion. Though the terminal building might be completed by the stipulated time there is definitely going to be an inordinate delay in commissioning it with a new man at the top. Mr Vasudeva has evinced personal interest to ensure timely completion of the project and infusing his staff with a new force and vigor. Though the new of his promotion transfer was known a few months back he was asked to continue till the project is completed. However, uncertainty is the order of the day and it is believed that he might be transferred any time, probably by the end of this month.
Realizing the significance of his continuing in Mangalore to ensure the completion of the project well begun by him, the Karnataka NRI Forum Dubai has urged Union Minister Sri Oscar Fernandes to do the needful in the matter. The only hitch is that Mangalore Airport needs to be upgraded to facilitate his promotion in Mangalore. By not resuming his new promotional posting Mr Vasudeva has denied himself the financial benefits that come along with the promotion.
Rajesh Sequeira , Co-ordinator of the NRI Forum who has closely monitored the goings on at the Mangalore Airport says “The new integrated terminal building is a baby of Mr Vasudeva who was intently involved in the project from the beginning. His departure at this crucial stage would hamper the progress of the new terminal. But we do not want him to forego the financial benefits for our sake. The problem can be settled by allowing him to accept his promotion at Coimbotore and send him on deputation to Mangalore to oversee the completion of the project”.
Rajesh has also impressed upon the Minister to declare Mangalore Airport as an International Airport. “Tirupathi, which hardly boasts of any facilities that Mangalore Airport has, has been declared as an international airport just a few months back. There is no reason why Mangalore should not be given that status immediately”, he points out.
It can be said that developmental activities at Mangalore Airport gained momentum after Mr Vasudeva assumed charge as Director in 2004. His first and major contribution was completion of the 2.9 km runway for the new terminal which led to the handling of international flights, thus fulfilling the long-awaited dream of NRI’s. The terminal built at a cost of 147 crores has competed 70% of the civil and electrical and work. Mangalore Airport has been in the news recently for reporting highest growth in South India and it is expected that commissioning of the new terminal building and according International Airport status will further accelerate this growth.
The work on the approach roads both entry and exit to the new terminal is going on in a war footing. Work on the 900 meter entry road from Deccan Park area has just begun while the work on the 1100 meter exit road adjacent to Sri Devi College is moving on at rapid strides. The road is elevated to about 6 meters and Karnataka Government has agreed to provide the road in a fit and functional condition. “The gradient level of the entry road is about 8 to 10 percent and we have requested the government to try to make it 10 to 12 percent”, says Vasudeva. When asked whether the road will be ready by the time the terminal is ready for commissioning Mr Vasudeva said “both of us are racing against time”.
The work on the 600metre long parallel taxiway is also going on briskly. Mr Vasudeva has taken the people into confidence and successfully convinced the villagers to handover 56.46 acres of land required for the parallel taxiway. “People have willingly come forward and given the land. Though officially the land is not handed over to the government the process will be completed in due course”, Vasudeva added.
Parallel Taxiway is necessitated so that the runway is vacated to make way for the operations of other aircrafts easier. If there is only one taxiway the aircraft has to be vacated from the runway to make way for the other. This is possible only when there is a parallel taxiway.
Though recession has affected the aviation industry in general Mangalore Airport has witnessed a slight reduction only in domestic flights especially between Mangalore-Bangalore. M R Vasudeva says “The situation will come to normalcy within a few months. The new terminal will give necessary impetus to traffic movement both domestic and international”.
The ever enthusiastic Vasudeva brushes aside all the controversies surrounding his transfer. “I term it as a divine gift if I happen to be here for commissioning the project. If I am transferred I consider it as god’s will. But I am happy to be involved to see the project completed”, he declares.
Vasudeva has been instrumental in taking the work force into confidence by instilling a sense of dynamism in getting the work done at the terminal building on a war footing. With his background in Air Terminal Control (ATC), he is in a better position to understand the entire functioning of the airport, which has given him the necessary edge. No one can hoodwink him by false claims or offer excuses on technical grounds. A new man in his place will take his own sweet time to get acquainted with the project and oversea its implementation. That would entail unnecessary delay in the commissioning of the project. Let us hope the commissioning of the much awaited new Integrated Terminal Building will succeed in providing international airport status to Mangalore Airport.
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