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 Few of them were published, but most others could not be published.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
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
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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