'Our Next Goal Connecting Other Gulf Sectors to Mangalore' - NRI Forum

Daijiworld News Network - Mangalore - Pics Dayanand Kukkaje






Walter Nandalike, Jerome Saldanha, Rajesh Sequeira, Dr B R Shetty, James Mendonca and Sudhir Shetty at the press conference

Mangalore, Oct 5: After the success of the 'Mission Mangalore Airport', said Rajesh Sequeira, co-ordinator of Karnataka NRI Forum, 'Our immediate goal is connecting flight and direct flights to Mangalore from other centres of the Gulf'.

Speaking at a press conference in the Mangalore Press Club on Thursday, October 5 evening, Rajesh thanked all the people who helped the cause of Dubai - Mangalore direct flight.
New Medical Centre UAE chairman Dr B R Shetty, Daijiworld editor-in-chief Walter Nandalike, Mangalore Konkans UAE president James Mendonca, Kanara Entrepreneurs Limited UAE president Jerome Saldanha and UAE Exchange general manager Sudhir Shetty were present at the press conference.

Dr Shetty spoke at length of a master plan for Mangalore which included a project to build a bridge next to the terminal building under which a railway station will be built. This would enable air passengers to alight and immediately travel by train. Another feature of the master plan would be to build a 'Mangalore Ring Road' from Ullal to Sasihitlu, via Bengare, Sultan Battery, Tannirbavi, Panambur and Suratkal. The Sheikhs of UAE have shown keen interest in investing in this project. This was a way of showing one's gratitude and attachment to one's native place, he added.

Dr Shetty further promised to promote the produce of undivided Dakshina Kannada like jasmine and vegetables so that they would reach the Gulf countries within hours as as result of the introduction of a direct flight to Dubai.

Kanara Entrepreneurs Limited president Jerome Saldanha spoke of the proposed Mangalore International City on a 50-acre plot near Deralakatte on the outskirts of the city at an initial cost of Rs 50 crore. Various infrastructure like IT and BT would come under this project, he said.
Earlier, Rajesh Sequeira, as one took keen interest in pursuing the project devoting a large amount of energy, own funds and time and resources, said May 3, 2006 was indeed a very memorable day for every Mangalorean as the Mangalore airport achieved the status of Customs clearance. Exactly 5 months later, once again it was yet another day of rejoicing when the first international flight lands directly from Dubai on the home land sweet homeland of Mangalore. This long and ardent journey, or struggle one could say, also began precisely on September 3, 2004 – the day when the Karnataka NRI Forum was launched in Dubai mainly to pursue this cause. Ever since the forum is continuously taking up almost on day-to-day basis with various agencies like the Ministry of civil aviation, Airport Authority of India, Principal Secretary of infrastructure, Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the local government authorities and politicians. These, needless to say, have added the required momentum in seeing the end of the tunnel and a long-cherished dream of Mangaloreans and our neighbourly fellow-passengers from Kasargod and Kannur finally coming true. All this was made possible due to the silent and relentless support of the efficient airport director, M R Vasudeva and his whole team who have cooperated. Vasudeva has left no stone unturned towards the realization of this mission. He has indeed played a very vital rold in pursuing this task. It was his initiative and drive that has seen through and added lustre to the moves of KNRIF which has triggered off speedy action in the matter that followed later.

Experience of Dubai-Mangalore Journey - On a Flight of Fancy...

by Walter NandalikeEditor-in-chief (Daijiworld.com) Pictures: Vivek Sequeira Mangalore & Alex Correa Dubai An atmosphere of a picnic pervaded the entire journey Announcements in English, Kannada, Tulu, Konkani and Malayalam Multilingual fare of songs and entertainment Mangalore, Oct 4: Today, I am feeling proud to be a Mangalorean as much as anyone around the world, who is delighted to hear of the very first ever international flight landed safely on October 3, 2006 at 6.10pm. The journey from Dubai to mangalore has just suppressed the pain and insult we have received in the past several years, especially over the past three years. Around the evening hours of September 15, when we received the information about the online availability, the first thing I did was to book a ticket. Later we flashed the news and what happened later is is history. The first flight was booked within 36 hours of announcement, followed by all flights until October 28 fully booked. It was a pleasant surprise to me and indeed a great honour when I came to know from Air India Express that I was the first person to book the online ticket to Mangalore! Soon after reading the news on daijiworld, many people started sending congratulatory messages, a few still could not believe and quite a few of them sent abusive email to us "Daijiworld, don't mislead us. Every time you have published the news about a direct flight, it never came true. Stop publishing false news. The flight is never going to take off!" Though aimed at us for no fault of ours, such demoralizing comments hurt us, it did not stop us from doing a better job from our side! October 3 finally arrived and it was a very special day. Many still did not believe that the flight would take off after all. There was a feeling that the news of cancellation would be announced any moment at the eleventh hour ! But it never happened. When we arrived at Dubai International airport, Terminal 2 prior to the take-off, the feeling was different. We felt as if we are entering the venue of a major Mangalorean cultural event in Dubai! Even the local authorities were very helpful, and going out of the way, allowed people to click the pictures. Thre was a large posse of media community. At leats 12 members of newspapers and TV channels (all from Kerala) travelled along with us just to cover the event. Cameras were mainly focusing on our prominent entrepreneur and community leader B R Shetty. It was a eye-pleasing scene to see a group of beautiful girls and handsome boys of the Mangalorean community, from all religions, including Kodava community, dressed up in traditional attires and accorded a heart-warming welcome to every passenger of AI Express to Mangalore. Immediatley after the check-in, some of the business community members and community leaders were ushered into one of the lounges where Air India Express organized the launching ceremony. Local airport officials, prominent among them being UAE nationals, B R Shetty and Rajya Sabha member Abdul Wahab (representing Kerala) were the guests of honour. Captain of the flight Pushpendra Singh was the special guest along with his crew members. For Daijiworld, a moment of honor was when B R Shetty in his speech highlighted the combined effort of the dynamic NRIKF convener Rajesh Sequeira and Daijiworld.com (which published a massive series of airport-related articles in the past three years, especially the last six months.) When he recognized and commended Daijiworld in the presence of such an elite gathering, I was indeed touched and felt extremely honoured. The flight was on the dot. A huge round of applause from the passengers marked the historic take-off. Passengers were feeling just emotional as a whole and this was something they would not believe that has really happened. Apprehension of rains at the destination As the flight took off, news arrived from Mangalore there were rains. Gosh ! What a day to rain, we thought. There was no other option but just pray. though, the Bajpe airport currently better equipped to handle flights despite of rains, the fear among some passengers that they could be deprived of being the maiden flight passengers landing in Mangalore on the scheduled day, October 3. But we kept our chins up..we did not lose heart. Multi-lingual affair Soon after the Hindi and English announcement by the crew, there was another surprise when we heard an announcement in Tulu! There was yet another huge applause for this announcement in Tulu. Then everybody realized that the microphone was in the hand of Rajesh Sequiera, who took up all the roles inside the flight except being a captain!. He was in full josh, and thereafter made some regular announcement in Tulu. Needless to say it added spice to our flight experience. Sarvothama Shetty, Bunt community leader from Abu Dhabi, was in a different mood. He entertained the passengers with his humour and singing talents. The passengers followed his songs and joined him by providing him with a chorus. Perhaps our Malayali friends felt like left out when proceeding was dominated by the coastal Kannadigas. Beleive it or not, out of the 168 passengers that travelled, as many as 55% were from Kerala!. But the picture was complete when some announcements were made in Malayalam also, followed by songs. Now James Mendonca, president of Mangalore Konkans sitting next to me said, "After Tulu and Malayalam, why should Konkani be left out?" Jerome Saldanha, president of Kanara Enterprenuers Limited, Frank Fernades of Mosaco and Mark Denis D'Souza of Fortuna, urged me to speak a few words in Konkani. My request to the crew to fulfil their request was honoured. Then it was an announcement about landing procedures, in-flight regulations and thanksgiving for the people who worked for the cause. We could see appreciative smiles on the Konkani-speaking people's faces. The hectic proceedings indeed had a touch of variety with the inauguration of a website. Adolph Lobo, a well-known organizer, entrepreneur and a man who always tries to do something for South kanara has hosted his web portal oordhar.com. He was very proud to say that the portal was inaugurated in the sky, by none other than B R Shetty. Landing Moments - Sentimental ... When around 6 pm IST the announcement from the captain the flight was about to land at Bajpe airport, oh, the feeling around was simply unbelievable. Tears of happiness may have rolled from many eyes. Loud whistles and appplause that began never seemed to stop until the flight landed! Who thought that one day we could really reach Mangalore from Dubai within 210 minutes? This is one of the finest moments of my life like anyone else in the flight. The only disappointment we had at the landing was despite landing on the dot at 6.10pm, we had to wait for 27 minutes in the aircraft before setting our foot the Mangalore soil! The reason was the VIPs were not ready to relieve the audience from the flurry of their speeches! The punishment of staying aboard for 27 minutes for nothing too is perhaps another thing that we would long remember ! Finally when we disembarked from the aircraft, the feeling was overwhelming for us as some new experience, dignitaries including Praful patel, Oscar Fernades, Blossom Fernandes, Nagaraj Shetty, V S Acharya, Ivan D`Souza, B S Yediyurappa, Vinayakkumar Sorake, Ramanath Rai and many other well-wishers received us. The welcome was as if we were the heroes returning home after winning a battle! Indeed, the journey was a memorable one. Air India service was too good. Though it was budget airline, everyone was served food free of cost as inaugural offer. The Captain was too kind, crew were not only charming and but very courteous. It was certainly an experience which will be long cherished.

Aviation Minister Praful Patel Promises Daily Flight to Mangalore

http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=26612&n_tit=Aviation+Minister+Praful+Patel+Promises+Daily+Flight+to+Mangalore

Dubai: History Created - Maiden ‘Flight’ of Delight Takes off in Style

Daijiworld News Network - DubaiReporting from Dubai International airport - Terminal 2
Dubai, Oct 3: The long cherished dream of lacs of Mangaloreans residing in the Gulf countries was finally realized at 13.10 pm (Dubai local time) when maiden Air India Express flight took off into skies at Dubai airport on Tuesday October 3. There were shouts of jubilation and cries of celebration as the mighty metal bird touched the skies within few minutes of take off.
Civil Aviation ministry officials, prominent NRIs and family members of the passengers who travelled in the maiden flight cheered greatly as Boeing 737-800 Air India Express flight (IX 802) commanded by senior training pilot-in-command, Captain Rahul Sahani left the Gulf shores.
Earlier a press conference was held which was addressed by senior official of local Civil Aviation Ministry, Rajya Sabha MP and NRI businessman Abdul Wahab and entrepreneur B R Shetty.
B R Shetty in his speech thanked all the persons who have contributed their might in realizing this dream. He made a special mention about Rajesh Sequeira and Daijiworld.com for the relentless efforts in pursuing the cause to the end.
Abdul Wahab expressed his special gratitude towards union civil aviation minister Praful Patel for speeding up the entire process and granting necessary clearances.
The maiden take off was marked by the ceremonial cutting of ribbon by Civil Aviation Ministry chief.
Captain and crew of the maiden flight, Air India Express staff, Civil Aviation ministry officials and some passengers were present on the occasion.

Mangalore: VIPs Arrive in City to Herald the Maiden Flight

Report and pics by Rons Bantwal in Mangalore (GA)
Mangalore, Oct 2: Countdown has begun for the landing of the maiden international flight at the Bajpe airport on Tuesday
While the entire region is eagerly awaiting to witness this historic moment, the VIPs who are to participate in the event have already started arriving.
Former union minister George Fernandes arrived a day earlier in order to participate in a programme at Bantwal. He was welcomed at the airport by the people and airport taximens' association. Jaya Shri Krishna Parisara Premi Samiti's office-bearers, land development bank president Sudarshan Jain and others were present on the occasion.
Founder president of Jaya Shrikrishna Parisara Samiti Tonse Jayakrishna A Shetty, Vishwanath U Mada, Felix A D'Souza, Roland Salins, Frederick D'Sa and Jagdish Adhikari too were present on the occasion. Immediate information was not available on whether Fernandes would attend the function at the airport on Tuesday.
Later George Fernandes left for the residence of Clarence Pais, his close friend and senior advocate and Notary in the city. After relaxing for a while, he left for Bantwal to participate in the Dr Ammembal Balappa felicitation programme. He would arrive back in the evening and will stay overnight at Clarence Pais. said informed sources.
Veerappa Moily and Oscar Fernandes Arrive in Advance
Former chief minister and National Administration Reforms Commission chairman M Veerappa Moily and union minister Oscar Fernandes too arrived at the airport on Monday morning. They were warmly welcomed by airport director M R Vasudeva, former minister Ramanath Rai, Congress leaders Tejomaya, Sudarshan Jain and others.

Mangalore: Airbus A320 from Mumbai Lands at Bajpe Airport

The Hindu
Mangalore, Sep 21: The Bajpe (Mangalore) airport handled an Airbus 320 with passengers on board for the first time in 51 years, on Wednesday.
The Airbus 320 of Kingfisher Airlines from Mumbai arrived at 2.25 p.m. and departed for Mumbai at 3 p.m. The 134-seater aircraft is very spacious and has facilities such as music and television. While the economy class was full, a few business class seats were vacant, sources said.
The aircraft landed on the new runway that was the first complete concrete runway of an airport in the State. This runway was opened for aircraft operations recently.

Dubai: Maiden Direct Flight to Mangalore to Go Full

Daijiworld News Network - Dubai
Dubai, Sep 19: This is an apt example to the entire Mangalorean diaspora that that how curiously, yet patiently Mangalore-bound people have been long waiting for the direct flight.

On Friday, September 15 evening around 10.45 pm Daijiworld flashed the news about availability of on-line booking, and since then it took just less than 36 hours for the seats on the inaugural flight to be a total sell-out ! (Total 180 seats)

As this report is being filed, tickets of not only October 3, but also October 19 and 21 have been entirely booked.

"The response has been superb. People are simply waiting to see the first flight. Everywhere the people have been talking about the first flight," says an Air India Express official in Dubai while speaking to daijiworld.

"We never knew daijiworld to be such a powerful medium. It made our task easy. We are looking forward to servng Mangalore destination. Hope we will have a good beginning," he adds.

Currently on-line booking is opened until October 28. Booking for the winter session will be opened soon. There may be a change in the timing also.

It is very important for passengers who are flying Air India Express to note that all the flights will take off from Terminal 2, at Dubai International Airport.

Rajesh Sequeira, who took the lead in the direct flight mission has said, "Our responsibility does not end here. The operation should move smoothly and continuity is very important. However, our immediate goal is to see that all other Gulf countries too should be connected by direct flights or at least for the time being there should be convenient connecting flights. We will work in that direction once the Air India Express operation begins," he asserted.

Several travel agencies and related business houses are now lined up for encashing the opportunity of direct flight. One of city's noted travel house Caesar Travels has wasted no time to announcing free transport from Bajpe Airport to Udupi and Mangalore region for those who book the tickets through them. (Tel: 04-3599669 Irshad / Abbu)

There are others lined up with various offers. Even some travel houses are planning to offer holiday packages to Mangalore.

The current fare starts from Dhs 1208 including taxes (Return) which is quite affordable and it is expected to remain same for a longer period.

The inaugural flight is expected to take off at 2.10pm UAE time and expected to arrive at Mangalore airport at 7.10 pm IST

AI Express Opens Mangalore - Dubai Online Flight Booking

AI Express Opens Mangalore - Dubai Online Flight Booking
Daijiworld News Network - Dubai / Mangalore
Dubai, Sep 15: Finally, the news has come which would delight each and every Mangalorean living in the UAE that direct flying dream has is said to be drawing closer, as Air India Express opens its online booking for direct Dubai - Mangalore sector, a 210-minute non-stop journey.

The inaugural flight (Flight NO IX 802) is on October 3, 2006, departure time in Dubai is 1410 hrs and arrival at Bajpe at 19.10 hrs.

The return flight from Mangalore is at 2100hrs IST and arrival at Dubai is 2300hrs UAE time

Air India Express will fly THREE times a week Monday, Thursday and Saturday. Inaugural flight on Tuesday is an exception as several VIPs are expected to fly on this flight.

Though all the formalities have been completed, the Air India Express and Mangalore Airport authorities as well as schedule is approved by AAI in New Delhi, AI express specified a clause in its online booking "Schedules are subject to clearances from relevant Government Authorities. Please check and confirm with our Call Center at least 24 Hours before Departure"

Daijiworld has learnt that it is a standard clause for covering the last moment risk, as anything may happen until first flight takes off.

Readers who are following daijiworld.com closely may be aware that since year 2003 July a special initiative has been taken by Rajesh Sequeira who formed a Karnataka NRI forum, many had laughed at him saying "The work which could not take place over the last 33 (from 1970 to 2003 for international airport efforts) will never happen and this forum will be just around only for be the name's same sake.

When Rajesh took enormous efforts towards this goal, UAE's well entrepreneur B R Shetty and other few entrepreneurs Supported him. Mangalore airport director put his special efforts despite of his government position and commitment. Daijiworld has left no tone unturned in highlighting the news and updating the status time to time, since last one year more people became active in this direction and around the Gulf NRI organizations have come up. Sincere efforts by West Coast NRI forum in Daharan Dammam was to be mentioned specially in this juncture and they put tremendous pressure without seeking the name and publicity.

If flight flies as scheduled on Oct 3, it will be a historic day for Mangaloreans worldwide and those who fly on first flight will remember the day as most remembered day.

For online booking Click - http://www.airindiaexpress.in

More details in this regards will be updated as and when it comes

Mangalore: Dharna Staged at Bajpe Airport

The Hindu
Memorandum submitted to Union Civil Aviation Minister
Union Government urged to start international flight services
Facilities to handle international flights are ready

Mangalore, Sep 14: Members of the Indian Muslim Cultural Centre (a wing of the Indian Nation League), a UAE-based organisation, staged a dharna in front of the Bajpe airport here on Wednesday.
It urged the Union Government to upgrade the airport to international standards and start flights to international destinations at the earliest.
They submitted a memorandum to Union Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel through M.R. Vasudev, director, Bajpe airport, Airports Authority of India. The memorandum said that of the total passenger traffic handled at the Bajpe airport annually, approximately 30 per cent was bound for international destinations via Mumbai airport. In 2004-05 Mangalore airport handled 2,68,424 passengers, 18.58 per cent more than the previous year.
Customs and immigration counters, a runway and four parking stands are ready at the airport. But nobody knows the reason behind delaying the commencement of the international flights.
The memorandum said that it was the long cherished dream of people of North Malabar (in Kerala) and Dakshina Kannada to have direct flights to West Asian countries from Mangalore airport.
The people from these areas working in West Asia will be benefited if direct flights operated from Mangalore. It is suspected that the authorities fear that other zones may be marginalised if international flights start operation from here.
P.M.A. Salim, Kozhikode MLA, N. A. Suleman, secretary, Federation of International Air Transport Agents' Association, and others led the dharna.

Mangalore: Air India Express Awaits Approval of Flight Schedule

Raviprasad Kamila / The Hindu
Mangalore, Sep 13: Air India Express, the low cost airline of Air India, which is to start a service between Mangalore and Dubai from October 2, has sent a three-phase schedule (timings) of the proposed service to the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
But the Director General of Civil Aviation is yet to approve the schedule, according to sources in Air India. The airline would operate its service between the two destinations thrice a week, on Monday, Thursday and Saturday.
Schedule
According to the schedule, the first flight from Dubai will arrive here at 6 pm and depart to Dubai at 9 pm. These timings will be in force till October 28.
The flight will arrive at 6.15 pm and depart at 9 pm from October 30 to December 23. In the third phase, from December 25 till February 2007 the flight will arrive at 9.15 pm. and depart at 1 am. However, the confirmation of the timings will depend on the approval from the Director General of Civil Aviation.
Air India Express has already set up its check-in counter at the Bajpe (Mangalore) airport. This flight service is expected to benefit a number of non-resident Indians in West Asia having their roots in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada.

Mangalore Airport: AI Express Counter in Place - Flight in the Air?

Daijiworld News Network - Dubai UAE / Mangalore Pictures: Praveen Tauro - Daijiworld.com Mangalore

The Mangalore international airport project will go down in history as one marked by the most number of hurdles like indecision, lack of initiative and political will, empty promises, boastful claims, lack of leadership, passing the buck, blame game and many others
In this sordid drama, only a very few individuals stand apart as having done something concrete, quietly and without fanfare
Come the inauguration day, there will be dozens of persons to take the credit, share the dais and hog publicity
A reader survey by daijiworld reflects frustration, anger but hope too
September 3: The hopes of NRI Mangaloreans for flying direct from Gulf countries keep getting shattered but never seem to go dead.
The breach of promises by various authorities and individuals has clearly hurt their sentiments, but the dawn of each day brings in a new hope "One day or other, we will fly direct. That's for sure, " a majority of people say in a determined and hopeful mood.
Last week Mangalore airport director Vasudeva announced that Air India Express has allotted a slot for Dubai-Mangalore direct flight in winter season. Though he has given the date as October 2, for many NRIs it is just another date, not because of him, but other factors.
"I have given the information based on a letter received from Air India Express; it may vary at any time. You cannot consider this as firm until they open the booking," he said while speaking to daijiworld correspondent at Bajpe airport on Friday.
But Mangaloreans in the UAE have all the reason to keep their hopes alive, as Gulf News daily has confirmed the news, based on a press release issued by Air India Express' top executive Sanjiv Talwar in Dubai
"The board of Air India has approved the October schedule for direct flight from Dubai to Mangalore and Amritsar," quoted Gulf News.
"It would be most likely from October 2, but we still need a clearance from Mangalore airport," Talwar was quoted as saying.
When daijiworld contacted Mangalore airport authority, they said "That is true; but there are no hurdles from Mangalore airport. It is just a matter of paper work"
Sanjiv Talwar also said: "At the moment Air India is planning to fly three times a week to Mangalore and Amritsir separately. Also Air India is waiting for the delivery of 10 Boeing 737-800s and once the delivery is completed, it may increase the frequency of flights to Mangalore and Amritsar."
Let us keep our fingers crossed then and wait for the news, as we are all desperate to see direct international flights landing in Mangalore.
When daijiworld correspondent visited the Bajpe airport on Friday, a lot of preparations were seen taking place to usher in the maiden international flight. Arrangements for a separate, extended arrival hall, though temporary, are under way. The construction work of a new, permanent arrival hall has already begun, according to Vasudeva, who is equally eager to see the direct International flight from any country. He is leaving no stone unturned to convert the hopes of NRIs into a reality.
"Air India Express counters are ready. The counters for Customs have just arrived. Security measures are being set up," he said.
During the past week, Daijiworld reporting team carried out an extensive survey among some regular readers, prominent leaders and other NRIs, as well as Mangaloreans back home.
Out of 65 persons contacted on a representative basis, some presented a few interesting questions. But more than 50% of NRIs still refuse to believe that the first flight is going to land in October 2006, solely in the wake of their experience with recent promises and deadlines not being met.
54% say:
"We are tired of hearing such promises. We do not blame anyone except our political leaders. If they had helped in these matters, we would have flown long back. A majority feels that since the NRIs do not have voting rights, the politicians are not bothered about the NRI problems and also they think that NRIs have a lot of money and therefore are capable of handling the problems on their own!
To impress the NRIs, the politicians visit the Gulf countries on holidays or 'official' trips, and simply give false promises and never had them fulfilled in any way.
About 80% of the interviewees blame Oscar Fernandes for this delay. "He has such huge influence in the government. He has excellent political rapport with Sonia Gandhi, but never has had a will to help the NRIs. It is very sad and most NRIs regard Oscar as kind of 'Villain no. 1' in not helping in any way."
About 90% of readers whom we contacted say, all the boastful claims notwithstanding, Veerappa Moily, Bangarappa, Siddaramaiah, and 'Son of the Soil' Deve Gowda as well as his son Kumaraswamy have done NOTHING for the betterment of Mangalore Airport.
Some of the businessmen say the work should have been executed 10 years ago. They are very cynical about the flight taking off this year at all.
According to some senior readers, the airport mission can be accomplished faster if only Oscar Ferandes wields his influence with Sonia Gandhi. The main person to do this job is Praful Patel, the union civil aviation minister. To convince the aviation minister, only Sonia Gandhi is the right person, they say.
However, 46% of the readers still hopeful, and they deem the news of new date announcement as a 'positive' development and we should fly by October 2006, they say with confidence.
"We don't need politicians to get a direct flight. Our dynamic airport director and the unity of overseas NRI organizations are enough to get a flight"
"The real movement was started since year 2003 when Rajesh Sequeira floated the Karnataka NRI Forum in Dubai. His initiative thereafter motivated several organizations in other countries. If at all we have reached this stage now, a few people / organizations should be given credit. They are airport director Vasudeva, NRI entrepreneurs B R Shetty, NRI Karnataka Forum UAE leader Rajesh Sequeira, NRI Forum based in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, Hassan Yusuf, Pascal Pinto and their group in Kuwait and other supporters."
A few readers angrily vented their frustration. "Stop the politicians from coming here to the Gulf. Don't invite them at all," commented an angry reader, being unable to hide his emotions.
A very enthusiastic reader from Saudi Arabia was more outspoken. "Come what may, we are hopeful and our dream will come true. If it does not happen, let all NRIs during the next holiday season - probably in December - get into the streets in Mangalore and protest and protest until someone listens to us. We will gather in the airport and show the NRIs' unity..We will win,' said he.
But another reader from Dubai says, "We are good when there is a free forum to write our comments in. But actually when it comes to the matter of protest or unity, we are nowhere. In reality, practically all support is on paper. Hardly a 100 people from all Gulf countries will come to support during their holidays. Because 'others' do not have the time for such things!"
Regarding the entire process of international flights to Mangalore, a prominent leader in Dubai, has a very interesting comment
"Now it is almost sure that the flight will take off...but you have to wait and see who will take the credit for this!..It is just like a bus which has a starting trouble and needs to be pushed by some people to get going with a jerk. No one will come to push the bus to get it started..but once with the help of 2-3 people it gets started, then everyone will run and climb the bus to travel!'
He couldn't have put it better.
Conclusion:
The above comments are all based on the reader feedback received as part of the survey conducted by daijiworld, and the opinions are purely of the individuals or groups concerned and they do not represent Daijiworld.
The Mangalore international airport project will go down in history as one marked by the most number of hurdles like indecision, lack of initiative and political will, empty promises, boastful claims, lack of leadership, passing the buck, blame game and many others.In this sordid drama, only a very few individuals stand apart as having done something concrete, quietly and without fanfare. Come the inauguration day, there will be dozens of persons to take the credit, share the dais and hog publicity.
By the way, we fully realize the eagerness and despair of the NRIs when we receive letters over letters, asking us, "When are you starting the flight?". When we have every sympathy for their frustration, we would like to point out that flying is not our cup of tea, only conveying news and information is. And, as usual, daijiworld will keep you informed about every development. We will wait for the official announcement. As a media we can relay the news, help form public opinion and exert pressure...but can't charter a flight to Mangalore !

Mangalore: Air India Express sets up Counter in Bajpe Airport

Daijiworld News Network – Mangalore (VM)

Mangalore Aug 29: The Air India Express Dubai-Mangalore flight is likely to take off in the first week of October.

While sources have informed Daijiworld that the international flight will begin operations on October 2, Air India Express on Tuesday, Aug 29 has already set up its counter at the Bajpe Airport.

Air India Express took over the counter two months back and on Tuesday they have set up a counter and have also put up a board at the airport.

The flights will operate on three days a week (Monday, Saturday and Thursday).

Airport officials have also expressed that the flight operations is likely to begin on October 23, however no official correspondence has taken place between the airport authorities and Air India Express.

Mangalore:International Flights to Mangalore Likely in October, says Vasudeva

Daijiworld News Network – Mangalore (VM)
Mangalore Aug 25: Air India Express is likely to begin international flight operations between Dubai-Mangalore in the first week of October informed according to airport director M R Vasudeva.
This was announced during programme organized by Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on Sky Bus Project at the KCCI Exim Facilitation Centre here on Thursday Aug 24.
Aiming at beginning international flights to Mangalore in the first week of October, Air India Express has been preparing the ground, said Vasudeva, adding that the exact dates for the flight operation will be announced in a week’s time.

Mangalore Airport: A Dream Never Come True?

by Walter NandalikeEditor-in-chief

Dubai, : Reading the above headline you may feel a little disappointed, but that is not the intention of this write-up. The dream would have come true long back if leaders of Dakshina Kannada had worked honestly towards the benefit of the NRIs. Sadly, it did not happen.
As widely expected, H D Kumaraswamy, the honorable Chief minister of Karnataka, while on a private picnic to Dubai about three months ago, had said, even before being posed the question, that "within 30 days I will see that Mangalore will have direct flight from Dubai!" Some thirty days!
Mangaloreans did not see the direct flight, but within a month Kumaraswamy saw ‘Ganikappa!’ (the mining bribery scandal).
The hopes were already bleak because daijiworld readers were fed up with such promises having come earlier right from former PM Deve Gowda, former CM Bangarappa, former CM Veerappa Moily, former deputy CM Siddaramaiah...and many others.
Aviation specialist and NRI Karnataka Forum coordinator Rajesh Sequeira, with no political support and no godfather has burnt a hole in his own pocket by spending quite a large amount on this mission (No sponsors!), and an enormous amount of resources, time and energy.
An important breakthrough was declaration of Mangalore Airport as a Customs Airport. Indeed this was a big victory on the way for the fight for an International status for the Bajpe airport.
Rajesh, who does not want to break the silence for a few days, has strongly hinted that a remarkable breakthrough has been achieved and it will be disclosed just at the right time so that no one will foil the plan, and even if it does not materialize due to some reason, no one will blame him for giving 'false hopes'. He has learnt to be diplomatic these days.
Now hopes have been kindled in the hearts of Mangaloreans in Dubai with the thought that Air India has given a slot to Mangalore airport during the winter season. Air India does not want to confirm this news officially now, because they have been embarrassed with the earlier announcement of dates which were unfortunately not realized. On the other hand they do not want to deny either that they are ready to fly from Winter season
A private chartered plane was set to fly from Sharjah some time ago. A leading Dubai FM radio advertised extensively for a month about this news. Finally this too could not take off. The reason was that the plane was too old to fly. Thank God, it did not fly!
Well, the purpose of this update is, we at Daijiworld are being flooded with a number of messages every day. Some people ask questions as if Daijiworld is responsible for operating the flights! But we feel proud because they depend on us for the authentic and latest information and they place immense trust in us.
In the meantime, we would like to remind the readers that efforts are on, and no one has lost hopes. And our hopes are very much alive. And the day first flight hovers over Mangalore, perhaps a long-awaited mission will have been completed.
Just start counting days from today on !

Bhatkal: NRI West Coast Fourm (Dubai) Demands International Status for Mangalore Airport

Daijiworld News Network - Uttara Kannada (GA)
Bhatkal, Aug 2: "Considering the needs of NRIs the union government should take adequate and immediate steps to upgrade the Mangalore airport to international status at least by the end of August, 2006," said Mohammad Farook Shabandri, president of NRI West Coast Forum, Dubai.
He was speaking at a press conference at the Rabita Society here recently. He said that upgradation of Mangalore airport to international status would be beneficial to more than 2 lac NRIs working in Gulf and Middle-East countries.
He also disclosed that the forum had submitted an appeal to the union government last year which was signed by more than 10,000 NRIs. "Moreover, a delegation of the forum had met the Prime Minister, civil aviation minister and the chief minister of the state in this regard and had appealed them to upgrade the Mangalore airport. But nothing much is done in this regard either by the union or state government," he regretted.
He added that while the neigbouring state of Kerala has 4 international airports, Karnataka does not have a single international airport. "Kerala is all set to get one more international airport. Mangalore airport is ready, technically as well as traffic wise, to get international status. But owing to some unknown factors airport is not being granted international status," he said.
Rabita society secretary Zaheed Ruknuddin and Aftab were also present at the press conference.

Mangalore: KIOCL Hands Over its Hangar at Bajpe Airport to AAI

Raviprasad Kamila / The Hindu
AAI is awaiting the Customs authority’s decision to declare the airport fit for handling cargo
Good potential for export of perishable and non-perishable goods from Mangalore region
AAI to use the hangar exclusively for its cargo operations AAI to use it exclusively for cargo operations
Mangalore, Jul 31: The Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Limited (KIOCL) has handed over its hangar at the Mangalore (Bajpe) airport to the Airports Authority of India (AAI), according to sources in Bajpe airport.
The company was using the hangar for stationing its helicopter that has been shifted now. Sources said that the Airports Authority of India would use the hangar structure exclusively for handling cargo operations.
Till recently there was no suitable place in the airport for handling cargo.
At present the customs authorities have permitted the handling of baggage at the airport but have not declared the airport fully fit for handling cargo.
Airports Authority of India has reserved the hangar for handling cargo but is awaiting the customs authority’s decision to declare the airport fit for handling cargo, sources said.
According to sources, a requisition from exporters and importers will enable Airports Authority of India to provide the facilities required by the exporters and importers.
The Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) might convene a meeting of exporters and importers to consider their requirements at the airport for handling cargo. The KCCI has a greater role to play to convince the customs authorities on the need to declare the airport fit for cargo operation considering potential for export of perishable and non-perishable goods from the Mangalore region.
There is also scope for the air transportation of cargo in the domestic sector.
In the perishable commodity segment there is immense potential for the export of "Mangalore jasmine'' and "Shankarapura jasmine'' to West Asia.
The Mangalore Special Economic Zone (SEZ), Export Promotion Industrial Park (EPIP) and Information Technology Park that are coming up in Mangalore would open up the potential for exports and imports through air route, sources said.

Mangalore: SP Dayananda Inaugurates Gym at Airport Housing Complex

Daijiworld News Network - Mangalore (MB) - Pic Geekay
Mangalore, Jul 27: Any institution or organization must provide suitable basic facilities like housing and children's education to its employees. In this direction, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) had done a commendable job in providing its staff with residential quarters, a gymnasium etc., said DK's superintendent of police B Dayananda on Wednesday.
He was speaking after inaugurating the new gymnasium set up in the new residential colony of the AAI at Bajpe.
He also hoped that all employees of the AAI would be provided with housing very soon.
Airport director M R Vasudeva detailed the facilities provided like housing, computer and the Internet.

New Delhi :Aviation Minister Briefs Rajya Sabha on Progress of Mangalore Airport

Ministry of Civil Aviation - Press Release
New Delhi July 25:The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is working to upgrade the Mangalore Airport in Karnataka. This information was given to the Parliament by Shri Praful Patel, Minister for Civil Aviation in the Rajya Sabha today.
A new runway of dimension 2450 metre x 45 metre for operation of AB-310-300 class of aircrafts has already been constructed at the Mangalore Airport. There are plans to construct a new integrated terminal building complex with all modern facilities for handling 500 passengers at a time. This can be done only when the required additional land is handed over to the AAI by the State Government of Karnataka. Menawhile AAI has taken up renovation/modification of the existing terminal building and has initiated action for providing space for customs and immigration.
At Mangalore Airport Instrumental Landing System(ILS), has already been installed. Promulgation of the ILS is contingent on completion of flight trials, nominated check points, evaluation of let down procedure and approval by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.
On completion of all the above works and when all relevant requirements are met, the Ministry of Civil Aviation will examine the possibilities to upgrade Mangalore Airport into an international airport.
Upgradation of an airport into an international airport is considered from time to time based on various factors such as projections of requirements by airlines, availability of land, customs , immigration plant and quarantine facilities etc.

Mangalore: Railway Link to Bajpe Airport needs Station at Maravoor Porkodi

The Hindu

Railway station can be set up at Porkodi or Maravoor It can be set up at Porkodi or Maravoor

Mangalore, Jul 24: The State Government has proposed a new rail link from Bayappanahalli to Bangalore international airport at Devanahalli.
However, the suggestion given by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to build a station for the existing railway line passing through the proposed new Mangalore (Bajpe) airport has not been taken up.
The railway line from Mangalore to Mumbai passes through Maravoor and Porkodi, which are on the way from Mangalore city to Bajpe airport.
Air India is planning to connect Mangalore and Dubai this year by introducing its low cost airline Air India Express. Air India has begun setting up its facilities at the Bajpe airport. The rail link will be particularly useful for cargo operations once the international flight service begins.
In case of Bangalore international airport a new railway line has to be laid. But in case of Mangalore the Union Government has to take a decision to set up a railway station either at Porkodi or Maravoor, official sources said. There is already a road link to Maravoor and Porkodi, which connects the city with the Bajpe airport.
There is a need to construct a station for the existing railway line, sources said.

Mangalore:Dubai-Mangalore Low-budget Flight Still Away from Couple of Months

• by Raviprasad Kamila for THE HINDU
  The airliner has deposited money with Airports Authority of India
  The Union Government has declared Bajpe airport a customs airport
  The Police department has provided training to the staff to be deployed for immigration clearance

MANGALORE, July 16: Air India is likely to launch its low-cost airline Air India Express between Dubai and Mangalore in a couple of months as it has deposited money with Airports Authority of India (AAI) to set up facilities at the Bajpe Airport.
Airport sources told The Hindu here on Friday that Air India was expected to start work on setting up facilities such as check-in counter and office and duty manager's room at the airport in a few days. Although the AAI had earlier allotted space for the airliner to set up its facilities at the airport, the latter had not deposited the amount needed for the purpose. But the amount was deposited on Thursday, they said.
Air India had proposed to start its Air India Express flight service between Mangalore and Dubai in May. But it did not materialise so far. It was said that the airline is facing shortage of aircraft.
The Union Government has declared Mangalore airport as the customs airport. The Police department has provided training to the staff to be deployed for immigration clearance at the Bureau of Immigration, Mumbai.
Directorate of Customs has also trained its manpower needed for customs clearance. The AAI has provided all basic facilities needed for starting service to international destinations.
Aviation policy
Only Air-India could start services to the Gulf according to the civil aviation policy, sources said.
But Air India had not begun any promotional activities for the proposed service. Hence it was not sure when exactly it would start it, sources said.