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 Few of them were published, but most others could not be published.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.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Air India Express Announces New Flight Timings for Dubai - Mangalore Sector
Daijiworld Media Network
Mangalore, Dec 10: As announced on daijiworld.com last month, the flight timings of Dubai - Mangalore route have been changed effective January 12, 2009Air India Express, in an official communiqué to daijiworld.com informed that as per the new schedule the flight from Dubai will now leave at 1.05am UAE time and reach Mangalore airport around 6.00 am IST.
The flight from Mangalore will depart at 9.30 pm and is expected to arrive at Dubai airport around 11.30 pm.
New timings will come as a boost to the business community as the entire day at both the destinations can be fully utilized for business or leisure purposes.
Similarly, as announced on daijiworld.com recently with effect from Jan 8, 2009 Kuwait will have a direct flight departing Mangalore 08.45pm and arrival Kuwait at 11.15pm
Departure from Kuwait is at 00.30 am and Arrival at Mangalore 07.30am
Mangalore - Sharjah flight will be delinked due to direct flight operations with effect from Jan 8, 2009
Mangalore, Dec 10: As announced on daijiworld.com last month, the flight timings of Dubai - Mangalore route have been changed effective January 12, 2009Air India Express, in an official communiqué to daijiworld.com informed that as per the new schedule the flight from Dubai will now leave at 1.05am UAE time and reach Mangalore airport around 6.00 am IST.
The flight from Mangalore will depart at 9.30 pm and is expected to arrive at Dubai airport around 11.30 pm.
New timings will come as a boost to the business community as the entire day at both the destinations can be fully utilized for business or leisure purposes.
Similarly, as announced on daijiworld.com recently with effect from Jan 8, 2009 Kuwait will have a direct flight departing Mangalore 08.45pm and arrival Kuwait at 11.15pm
Departure from Kuwait is at 00.30 am and Arrival at Mangalore 07.30am
Mangalore - Sharjah flight will be delinked due to direct flight operations with effect from Jan 8, 2009
Monday, November 24, 2008
Air India Express Plans Kuwait - Mangalore Non-stop Flights
Air India Express Plans Kuwait - Mangalore Non-stop Flights
Media Release
Media Release
Kuwait, Nov 24: Four months after the successful operation of Kuwait - Mangalore direct flight via Sharjah, Air India Express is now planning a non-stop flight from Kuwait to Mangalore.
Pascal Pinto, who was one of the persons behind the effort , told that Air India Express is seriously planning on this , but no final confirmation has yet been received.
"If all goes well, we will have non-stop flights to Mangalore from the first week of January 2009" he said
Earlier, on Thursday, Nov 20, 2008 The Kuwait Konkans on behalf of the Mangalorean community in Kuwait held a special event to felicitate Country manager Air India Kuwait Krishen .C. Bhar and presented a memento as token of appreciation for starting direct flight to Mangalore from Kuwait.
Their long awaited dream turned into reality on 17th of July 2008 when the first flight took off from Kuwait International Airport for Bajpe international airport Mangalore
The Manglorean community comprises luminaries like Lawrence D'souza managing director of Caesars Group, Pascal B. Pinto social worker and considered a strong pillar of the Mangalorean Community in Kuwait , Archie Menezes, Adrian Gomes and many other prominent People from Karnataka
Speaking at the occasion, Pascal Pinto appreciated the efforts of Air India and its dedicated staff who are always eager to assist and help the community at all time. Pinto thanked the Air India Manager and all those involved in putting Mangalore destination on the radar of Air India Express.
Pascal also suggested that renewed efforts must be initiated to make journey pleasant like in-flight service, improvement in the field of food, crew to be well polished and be polite to the passengers.
The community also asked the Air India management to curtail fare as they are sky rocketing. The manager acknowledged and assured Pinto that his views were noted and prompt action would be taken to improve and implement them.
Also speaking at the event Lawrence D'souza in his short speech thanked Air India Manager and the staff for their generosity, support and co-operation extended to them always.
K.C.Bhar Air India Manager, thanked the community and expressed happiness that the relations between the community and the airlines were friendly. He said it was a great achievement for the airline and the community to live in harmony.
Bhar disclosed that Air India Express will fly direct flights to Mangalore from Kuwait without breaking the journey in Sharjah. The disclosure brought surprise waves among the community and their excitement had no boundaries.
Bhar assured the community that the Airlines will work closely with the community and look after their problem. As the community looks forward for the first direct flight to take off from Kuwait to Mangalore in January, the Airline is already taking full load as the Christmas season is around the corner.
Also see:
Friday, November 07, 2008
Mangalore: Bajpe Airport Authority Seeks Possession of ZP Roads
Daijiworld Media Network—Mangalore (RD/CN)
Mangalore, Nov 7: M R Vasudev, director, Airport Authority of India (AAI), Mangalore, has urged Shobha Karandlaje, state minister of rural development and Panchayat Raj, to hand over to AAI the possession of zilla panchayat (ZP) roads at the existing main entrance of the airport and upcoming international terminal at Deccan Park, Kenjar, Malavoor village. The minister has directed the concerned officials to expedite the procedures involved in this. AAI proposes to develop the infrastructure so as to connect the existing terminal and the international terminal before the official commissioning of the latter in March 2009. .
Mangalore, Nov 7: M R Vasudev, director, Airport Authority of India (AAI), Mangalore, has urged Shobha Karandlaje, state minister of rural development and Panchayat Raj, to hand over to AAI the possession of zilla panchayat (ZP) roads at the existing main entrance of the airport and upcoming international terminal at Deccan Park, Kenjar, Malavoor village. The minister has directed the concerned officials to expedite the procedures involved in this. AAI proposes to develop the infrastructure so as to connect the existing terminal and the international terminal before the official commissioning of the latter in March 2009. .
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Mangalore: Flights to Bangalore Reduced to Three
Raviprasad Kamila/The Hindu
Fewer people are opting for flights
The move is stated to be temporary
Services to be restored from November 16
Mangalore, Oct 29: The number of daily flights between Mangalore and Bangalore has come down by 50 per cent in the past ten days. It appears to be the result of the proposed alliance between Kingfisher Airlines and Jet Airways.
The two airline companies were operating six daily flights from Mangalore to Bangalore.
The number has now been reduced to three flights a day. According to a Jet Airways official, it will replace its larger aircraft operating between the two cities with smaller ones by November 16.
M.R. Vasudeva, director, Mangalore Airport, the Airports Authority of India (AAI), told The Hindu that Kingfisher Airlines had withdrawn two flights while Jet Airways had withdrawn one. The Kingfisher Airlines had withdrawn the flights departing at 10.20 a.m. and 9.30 p.m. from here to Bangalore. Jet Airways had withdrawn its flight departing to Bangalore at 7.40 p.m.
"Temporary"
However, Pramod Nair, station manager, Jet Airways, Mangalore Airport, is understood to have informed the AAI that the withdrawal of its evening flight was for a short period between October 20 and October 31 due to commercial reasons.
He told The Hindu that the company had temporarily suspended its evening Boeing 737 flight. “It will remain suspended till November 15 and not till October 31 as planned earlier. It will be re-introduced from November 16. However, the Boeing 737 will be replaced with an ATR aircraft,” he said.
Existing flights
Mr. Vasudeva said that at present the airport was handling three flights between the two cities.
Of them, Kingfisher Airlines was operating two and Jet Airways one. The first flight of Kingfisher Airlines arrived here at 8.30 a.m. and departed at 9 a.m. The Jet Airways flight arrived at 9.05 a.m. and departed at 9.40 a.m. The last flight of Kingfisher Airlines arrived at 6.30 p.m. and departed at 7 p.m.
Mr. Nair said that Jet Airways would suspend its morning flight, also a Boeing 737, from November 1 to November 15. “We will re-introduce the service from November 16 with an ATR aircraft,” he said. Hence Jet Airways will operate only one ATR aircraft between the two cities.
Load factor
He said that Jet Airways was shifting to smaller aircraft considering the load and better yield factors. The passenger traffic between the two cities had declined this year, he said.
Mr. Vasudeva said that the four flights between Mumbai and Mangalore had not been disturbed.
The director said that Air India Express, which operates flights to five West Asian countries from here, had proposed to change the schedules of some of its services for the winter season. It had not said anything about reducing the number of its flights, he said. Sources in the airport said that the air fare between Mangalore and Bangalore had gone up recently. The operators were charging Rs. 8,000, and sometimes more, as one-way fare. There was a concession for tickets booked in advance, though, the sources said.
Fewer people are opting for flights
The move is stated to be temporary
Services to be restored from November 16
Mangalore, Oct 29: The number of daily flights between Mangalore and Bangalore has come down by 50 per cent in the past ten days. It appears to be the result of the proposed alliance between Kingfisher Airlines and Jet Airways.
The two airline companies were operating six daily flights from Mangalore to Bangalore.
The number has now been reduced to three flights a day. According to a Jet Airways official, it will replace its larger aircraft operating between the two cities with smaller ones by November 16.
M.R. Vasudeva, director, Mangalore Airport, the Airports Authority of India (AAI), told The Hindu that Kingfisher Airlines had withdrawn two flights while Jet Airways had withdrawn one. The Kingfisher Airlines had withdrawn the flights departing at 10.20 a.m. and 9.30 p.m. from here to Bangalore. Jet Airways had withdrawn its flight departing to Bangalore at 7.40 p.m.
"Temporary"
However, Pramod Nair, station manager, Jet Airways, Mangalore Airport, is understood to have informed the AAI that the withdrawal of its evening flight was for a short period between October 20 and October 31 due to commercial reasons.
He told The Hindu that the company had temporarily suspended its evening Boeing 737 flight. “It will remain suspended till November 15 and not till October 31 as planned earlier. It will be re-introduced from November 16. However, the Boeing 737 will be replaced with an ATR aircraft,” he said.
Existing flights
Mr. Vasudeva said that at present the airport was handling three flights between the two cities.
Of them, Kingfisher Airlines was operating two and Jet Airways one. The first flight of Kingfisher Airlines arrived here at 8.30 a.m. and departed at 9 a.m. The Jet Airways flight arrived at 9.05 a.m. and departed at 9.40 a.m. The last flight of Kingfisher Airlines arrived at 6.30 p.m. and departed at 7 p.m.
Mr. Nair said that Jet Airways would suspend its morning flight, also a Boeing 737, from November 1 to November 15. “We will re-introduce the service from November 16 with an ATR aircraft,” he said. Hence Jet Airways will operate only one ATR aircraft between the two cities.
Load factor
He said that Jet Airways was shifting to smaller aircraft considering the load and better yield factors. The passenger traffic between the two cities had declined this year, he said.
Mr. Vasudeva said that the four flights between Mumbai and Mangalore had not been disturbed.
The director said that Air India Express, which operates flights to five West Asian countries from here, had proposed to change the schedules of some of its services for the winter season. It had not said anything about reducing the number of its flights, he said. Sources in the airport said that the air fare between Mangalore and Bangalore had gone up recently. The operators were charging Rs. 8,000, and sometimes more, as one-way fare. There was a concession for tickets booked in advance, though, the sources said.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Terminal building likely to be ready by March
Staff Correspondent The Hindu
65 per cent of construction work is said to have been completed
MANGALORE: The construction of the new integrated terminal building at Mangalore Airport may be completed by March next, according to Oscar Fernandes, Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment.
Speaking to presspersons after inspecting the project site at Kenjar near the airport, he said 65 per cent of the work had been completed. It was scheduled for completion by March, 2009. The officials at the airport were hopeful of completing the work ahead of schedule, he said.
Mr. Fernandes said that if Mangalore airport was to be declared an international airport, it had to meet certain requirements for it. The terminal building taken up by the Union Government was part of those requirements, he said.
On the transfer of M.R. Vasudeva from Mangalore airport to Coimbatore airport on promotion as a director, at a juncture when the construction work was half way through, the Minister said: “He has been promoted based on seniority. His contribution to Mangalore airport has been identified.”
Asked if the director would be retained here till the terminal building was completed and commissioned, Mr. Fernandes said it was an administrative matter. “I have spoken to people concerned. Let us see how it works,” he said.
65 per cent of construction work is said to have been completed
MANGALORE: The construction of the new integrated terminal building at Mangalore Airport may be completed by March next, according to Oscar Fernandes, Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment.
Speaking to presspersons after inspecting the project site at Kenjar near the airport, he said 65 per cent of the work had been completed. It was scheduled for completion by March, 2009. The officials at the airport were hopeful of completing the work ahead of schedule, he said.
Mr. Fernandes said that if Mangalore airport was to be declared an international airport, it had to meet certain requirements for it. The terminal building taken up by the Union Government was part of those requirements, he said.
On the transfer of M.R. Vasudeva from Mangalore airport to Coimbatore airport on promotion as a director, at a juncture when the construction work was half way through, the Minister said: “He has been promoted based on seniority. His contribution to Mangalore airport has been identified.”
Asked if the director would be retained here till the terminal building was completed and commissioned, Mr. Fernandes said it was an administrative matter. “I have spoken to people concerned. Let us see how it works,” he said.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Mangalore Airport Director Promoted as GM of Coimbatore Airport
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SP)Mangalore, Sep 27: Though it is a perfect tribute to a man who is largely responsbile for upgrading the Mangalore airport to international level and putting in mammoth efforts for the setting up of the up-coming new airport terminal, it is a matter of disappointment for all the fans of M R Vasudeva, to know that they will be missing his services.
Daijiworld had earlier learnt, that he had been promoted as general manager and posted to Coimbatore international airport, and today, union minister Oscar Fernandes admitted at a press conference, that the airport director M R Vasudev has been transferred, just when the expansion project of the airport is on the verge of completion. He also added, that it was a promotion Vasudev richly deserved for his contribution to the development of this airport. He can be brought back at Mangalore airport once it is declared as an international airport, he explained.
Karnataka NRI forum, headed and founded by Rajesh Sequeira in Dubai, has arleady requested the Airports Authority of India to retain him in Mangalore airport in the promoted status, at least until the new terminal work is completed.
Terminal Will be Ready Soon: Oscar Fernandes
Oscar Fernandes, union minister for labour and employment, said that the new terminal building at the Mangalore airport will be ready soon, as the work pertaining to the foundation has already been completed.
Addressing the media after inspecting the ongoing work on Saturday September 27, Fernandes said, the airport would be declared international, as soon as the work is completed. He added, that 65 per cent of the work has been completed as of now and the remaining 35 per cent would be completed within a few days.
Expressing satisfaction at the progress of the work, Fernandes said, "I am very happy to watch the brisk progress of the work. The work will have to be speeded up further, for the early completion of the project. I thank the NRIs and even localites for showing an interest in having a new terminal for the Mangalore airport".
Daijiworld had earlier learnt, that he had been promoted as general manager and posted to Coimbatore international airport, and today, union minister Oscar Fernandes admitted at a press conference, that the airport director M R Vasudev has been transferred, just when the expansion project of the airport is on the verge of completion. He also added, that it was a promotion Vasudev richly deserved for his contribution to the development of this airport. He can be brought back at Mangalore airport once it is declared as an international airport, he explained.
Karnataka NRI forum, headed and founded by Rajesh Sequeira in Dubai, has arleady requested the Airports Authority of India to retain him in Mangalore airport in the promoted status, at least until the new terminal work is completed.
Terminal Will be Ready Soon: Oscar Fernandes
Oscar Fernandes, union minister for labour and employment, said that the new terminal building at the Mangalore airport will be ready soon, as the work pertaining to the foundation has already been completed.
Addressing the media after inspecting the ongoing work on Saturday September 27, Fernandes said, the airport would be declared international, as soon as the work is completed. He added, that 65 per cent of the work has been completed as of now and the remaining 35 per cent would be completed within a few days.
Expressing satisfaction at the progress of the work, Fernandes said, "I am very happy to watch the brisk progress of the work. The work will have to be speeded up further, for the early completion of the project. I thank the NRIs and even localites for showing an interest in having a new terminal for the Mangalore airport".
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Appeal to Minister to let Director of Mangalore airport continue
Staff Correspondent The Hindu
MANGALORE: Karnataka NRI Forum, United Arab Emirates, has appealed to Praful Patel, Minister of State for Civil Aviation, to let M.R. Vasudeva, Director of Mangalore airport, continue in the post here till the new integrated terminal building which is under construction is commissioned.
It has requested the Minister not to transfer Mr. Vasudeva as Director of Coimbatore Airport till then.Letter
In a letter to the Minister on September 23, a copy of which was released to the press, Rajesh Sequeira, coordinator of the forum, said: “…The news of him being transferred in the midst of a very strategic project is disheartening…”
“As the project is nearing completion and Mr. Vasudeva has been an integral part of it right from the start, it would be better if he is retained in Mangalore till the new integrated terminal is commissioned,” it said.
MANGALORE: Karnataka NRI Forum, United Arab Emirates, has appealed to Praful Patel, Minister of State for Civil Aviation, to let M.R. Vasudeva, Director of Mangalore airport, continue in the post here till the new integrated terminal building which is under construction is commissioned.
It has requested the Minister not to transfer Mr. Vasudeva as Director of Coimbatore Airport till then.Letter
In a letter to the Minister on September 23, a copy of which was released to the press, Rajesh Sequeira, coordinator of the forum, said: “…The news of him being transferred in the midst of a very strategic project is disheartening…”
“As the project is nearing completion and Mr. Vasudeva has been an integral part of it right from the start, it would be better if he is retained in Mangalore till the new integrated terminal is commissioned,” it said.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Mangalore: Airport Affected People Take Out Protest March
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SP)
Mangalore, Sep 10: Villagers of Malavoor, Kenjar and Adyapady took out a huge protest march on Monday September 8, protesting against the failure of the concerned in not properly re-habilitating them, after taking over their lands for the airport expansion.
The protest was led by the Dakshina Kannada District Dalit Sangharsh Samiti(DSS). The protestors came walking in a procession from Muranagar Junction and held a protest meeting at the airport gate.
The protestors said, that the district administration, central government, state government and the Airports Authority of India who took over their lands for upgrading the airport to the international standards, have forgotten about their sacrifice. These people are living under inhuman conditions now. They were paid only Rs 250 per cent of land, they said. The concerned including the deputy commissioner have been doling out promises of meeting our demands, since the last six to seven years. None of the promises have been fulfilled, they rued.
DSS state secretary M Devadas, district convenor Sundar Salian, stany Rodrigues etc., addressed the protestors, who numbered around 250.
Mangalore, Sep 10: Villagers of Malavoor, Kenjar and Adyapady took out a huge protest march on Monday September 8, protesting against the failure of the concerned in not properly re-habilitating them, after taking over their lands for the airport expansion.
The protest was led by the Dakshina Kannada District Dalit Sangharsh Samiti(DSS). The protestors came walking in a procession from Muranagar Junction and held a protest meeting at the airport gate.
The protestors said, that the district administration, central government, state government and the Airports Authority of India who took over their lands for upgrading the airport to the international standards, have forgotten about their sacrifice. These people are living under inhuman conditions now. They were paid only Rs 250 per cent of land, they said. The concerned including the deputy commissioner have been doling out promises of meeting our demands, since the last six to seven years. None of the promises have been fulfilled, they rued.
DSS state secretary M Devadas, district convenor Sundar Salian, stany Rodrigues etc., addressed the protestors, who numbered around 250.
From a scrubby airstrip to an international airport
Sudipto Mondal The Hindu
‘Years ago, it was only a clearing amidst palm trees’
The infrastructure development has kept pace with airline revolution, says a traveller
According to a businessman, its contribution to city’s economy is enormous
MANGALORE: Eulalia D’Souza (45) knows the Mangalore Airport since the time it was a scrubby airstrip. She has witnessed its growth into an “airfield” and then into a full-fledged airport from the time she was just a little girl waving excitedly at the occasional planes that landed there to an independent career woman, who flies as frequently by the aeroplanes as she undertakes shopping.
Ms. D’Souza, who is now the chairperson of the Tourism Sub-Committee (Airlines) of the Kanara Chambers of Commerce and Industry, has managed to preserve vivid memories of how the airport was like and its metamorphosis into its present status of an airport. “As a child I used to often accompany the elders to see off or receive a relative at the airport. In those days, it was nothing more than a clearing in the palm trees,” she said. Early days
According to her, there was nothing to deter people from walking onto the tarmac apart from the fear of being run down by a plane. “There was no wall and not a barricade either,” she said. Apart from a sleepy guard, who would occasionally shoo away children and animals straying on the tarmac, the place was a “yes thoroughfare”. “Those were the days when it was called the table-top airport.” Change
But times have changed and the airport is now being seen as a symbol of the region’s coming of age. “The growth of the airport has mirrored the economic growth of the region and its people,” said General Manager of Corporation Bank B.R. Bhat. More Mangaloreans have taken off in the last decade than ever before.
“But what is significant is the number of people that have flown into the city, bringing along with them, business opportunity and prosperity,” he said.
According to Mr. Bhat, the infrastructure at the airport has kept pace with the airline revolution of the last decade. “In the end, it benefited not only fliers but also the local economy,” he said. Economic advantage
Mohammed Eshaque, proprietor of “Bamson”, a tourism company that owns 12 cabs, said: “Ten years ago, we started with one car and today we have a fleet of 12 besides another 12 cars attached to us. If it were not for the airport, this would never have happened.”
According to Mr. Mohammed, the largest chunk of his business comes from the corporate sector. “In a day, we make at least 20 trips to the airport and back.
While we get several long distance trips too, travelling to the airport is the staple source of revenue,” he said. Carlton Misquith (25), a non-resident Indian, who has been flying into the city since his childhood, however, counts on a few problems with the airport.
“I know it is unfair to compare it to Heathrow or even the Delhi airport, but the infrastructure can be much better,” he said through an e-mail. According to him, the passenger waiting area, hospitality and the appearance of the airport, needed to be improved. Picturesque
However, he feels that the Mangalore Airport is one of the most picturesque in the world.
“One look at the airport after you are airborne makes you forget all the problems you face when you are down there,” he said.
‘Years ago, it was only a clearing amidst palm trees’
The infrastructure development has kept pace with airline revolution, says a traveller
According to a businessman, its contribution to city’s economy is enormous
MANGALORE: Eulalia D’Souza (45) knows the Mangalore Airport since the time it was a scrubby airstrip. She has witnessed its growth into an “airfield” and then into a full-fledged airport from the time she was just a little girl waving excitedly at the occasional planes that landed there to an independent career woman, who flies as frequently by the aeroplanes as she undertakes shopping.
Ms. D’Souza, who is now the chairperson of the Tourism Sub-Committee (Airlines) of the Kanara Chambers of Commerce and Industry, has managed to preserve vivid memories of how the airport was like and its metamorphosis into its present status of an airport. “As a child I used to often accompany the elders to see off or receive a relative at the airport. In those days, it was nothing more than a clearing in the palm trees,” she said. Early days
According to her, there was nothing to deter people from walking onto the tarmac apart from the fear of being run down by a plane. “There was no wall and not a barricade either,” she said. Apart from a sleepy guard, who would occasionally shoo away children and animals straying on the tarmac, the place was a “yes thoroughfare”. “Those were the days when it was called the table-top airport.” Change
But times have changed and the airport is now being seen as a symbol of the region’s coming of age. “The growth of the airport has mirrored the economic growth of the region and its people,” said General Manager of Corporation Bank B.R. Bhat. More Mangaloreans have taken off in the last decade than ever before.
“But what is significant is the number of people that have flown into the city, bringing along with them, business opportunity and prosperity,” he said.
According to Mr. Bhat, the infrastructure at the airport has kept pace with the airline revolution of the last decade. “In the end, it benefited not only fliers but also the local economy,” he said. Economic advantage
Mohammed Eshaque, proprietor of “Bamson”, a tourism company that owns 12 cabs, said: “Ten years ago, we started with one car and today we have a fleet of 12 besides another 12 cars attached to us. If it were not for the airport, this would never have happened.”
According to Mr. Mohammed, the largest chunk of his business comes from the corporate sector. “In a day, we make at least 20 trips to the airport and back.
While we get several long distance trips too, travelling to the airport is the staple source of revenue,” he said. Carlton Misquith (25), a non-resident Indian, who has been flying into the city since his childhood, however, counts on a few problems with the airport.
“I know it is unfair to compare it to Heathrow or even the Delhi airport, but the infrastructure can be much better,” he said through an e-mail. According to him, the passenger waiting area, hospitality and the appearance of the airport, needed to be improved. Picturesque
However, he feels that the Mangalore Airport is one of the most picturesque in the world.
“One look at the airport after you are airborne makes you forget all the problems you face when you are down there,” he said.
AAI to extend new runway at Bajpe
Raviprasad Kamila The Hindu
It will help in handling operations of larger aircraft at the airport
Bajpe airport now handles aircraft with a seating capacity of 186
Concrete runway will be extended to a length of 2. 8 km
MANGALORE: Mangalore Airport is all set to prepare itself to receive larger aircraft by late next year. It will even be able to handle Boeing 747 with limited load.
The airport, which handles aircraft with seating capacity of 186 at present will be able to handle aircraft with 300 seats.
To facilitate this, the Airports Authority of India (AAI ) has allowed the airport to extend the length of the new concrete runway.
The airport at Bajpe has two runways.
The old bituminous (tar) runway having a length of 1.6 km and the new concrete runway with a length of 2.4 km.
Director of the airport M.R. Vasudeva told The Hindu that the AAI had approved the extension of the concrete runway by 350 metres. It will be extended on both the sides to take its length to 2.8 km. A tender would be called within a fortnight.Work
The work will begin in November or December and will be completed in 2009. After due inspection by the AAI authorities concerned and trial runs, larger aircraft will be allowed to land and take off from it.
By late next year, the extended portion of the runway could be put into use. He said that no private land need to be acquired to extend the runway. Mr. Vasudeva said that once the extended portion was ready, Boeing 767 aircraft can operate with full load. “Airbus 330 aircraft can also operate,” he said.
However, Boeing 747 can operate with a “restricted load” up to a maximum of 330 tonnes.
If it is to operate with its full loading capacity of 370 tonnes, the airport should have a runway of 3 km. Mr. Vasudeva said that presently aircraft such as Boeing 737-800, Airbus 321, Airbus 319 and Airbus 320 land at the airport.
He said that once the length of the runway was extended, airlines could operate larger aircraft having more seating capacity especially to West Asian countries.
The airport has flight service to five West Asian countries. Presently Air India Express, budget airlines of the Air India, operates all flights between Mangalore and West Asian airports.
Chellam Prasad, Station Manager, Air India, Mangalore airport, said that if the runway was extended, then Air India could examine operating larger aircraft to West Asian countries.
Pramod Nair, Station Manager, Jet Airways, Mangalore Airport, said that the total number of seats in Boeings 767 and 747 and Airbus varied depending on the number of business and economy class seat ratio.
It will help in handling operations of larger aircraft at the airport
Bajpe airport now handles aircraft with a seating capacity of 186
Concrete runway will be extended to a length of 2. 8 km
MANGALORE: Mangalore Airport is all set to prepare itself to receive larger aircraft by late next year. It will even be able to handle Boeing 747 with limited load.
The airport, which handles aircraft with seating capacity of 186 at present will be able to handle aircraft with 300 seats.
To facilitate this, the Airports Authority of India (AAI ) has allowed the airport to extend the length of the new concrete runway.
The airport at Bajpe has two runways.
The old bituminous (tar) runway having a length of 1.6 km and the new concrete runway with a length of 2.4 km.
Director of the airport M.R. Vasudeva told The Hindu that the AAI had approved the extension of the concrete runway by 350 metres. It will be extended on both the sides to take its length to 2.8 km. A tender would be called within a fortnight.Work
The work will begin in November or December and will be completed in 2009. After due inspection by the AAI authorities concerned and trial runs, larger aircraft will be allowed to land and take off from it.
By late next year, the extended portion of the runway could be put into use. He said that no private land need to be acquired to extend the runway. Mr. Vasudeva said that once the extended portion was ready, Boeing 767 aircraft can operate with full load. “Airbus 330 aircraft can also operate,” he said.
However, Boeing 747 can operate with a “restricted load” up to a maximum of 330 tonnes.
If it is to operate with its full loading capacity of 370 tonnes, the airport should have a runway of 3 km. Mr. Vasudeva said that presently aircraft such as Boeing 737-800, Airbus 321, Airbus 319 and Airbus 320 land at the airport.
He said that once the length of the runway was extended, airlines could operate larger aircraft having more seating capacity especially to West Asian countries.
The airport has flight service to five West Asian countries. Presently Air India Express, budget airlines of the Air India, operates all flights between Mangalore and West Asian airports.
Chellam Prasad, Station Manager, Air India, Mangalore airport, said that if the runway was extended, then Air India could examine operating larger aircraft to West Asian countries.
Pramod Nair, Station Manager, Jet Airways, Mangalore Airport, said that the total number of seats in Boeings 767 and 747 and Airbus varied depending on the number of business and economy class seat ratio.
Bajpe airport ranks among the best in the country
Raviprasad Kamila The Hindu
It secured 86 per cent marks for customer satisfaction among the 25 airports surveyed in March this year
Established in 1951, it has grown tremendously in the last 10 years: official
Mangalore airport was credited with ISO 14,001 certification in 2006
MANGALORE: Once neglected as a “table-top airport”, the Mangalore airport is now counted among the most sought after airports in the country for the infrastructure it has developed. It has certainly given Mangalore a pride of place.
The airport at Bajpe securing 86 per cent “customer satisfaction” score in a recent national survey that covered 25 domestic airports is probably indicative of its growth. The survey undertaken by Spectrum Planning (India) Ltd for the Airports Authority of India (AAI) in February-March this year revealed that only Jammu airport could match Bajpe airport on customers’ satisfaction.
From handling 56 flights a week in 2005, the airport has come a long way. It now handles 280 flights a week – a five fold increase in a short span.Over 50-years old
Although the Mangalore airport was opened in December, 1951 it had remained dormant for several years. It came to limelight about three years ago, after the construction of a new concrete runway was taken up. Other infrastructure and commercial facilities were added subsequently. The airport witnessed a rapid growth after M.R. Vasudeva took over its reins as the director in 2004, according to Rajesh Sequeira, co-ordinator, Karnataka NRI Forum, U.A.E. “The NRIs in West Asia, particularly Dubai, will never forget October 3, 2006, when a passenger flight from Dubai landed at Mangalore airport for the first time,” he said. “The main beneficiaries of the airport are the NRIs of Mangalore and North Kerala origin residing in different countries of West Asia,” he said. According to him, the NRIs now need not fly to West Asian countries via Mumbai. “We can save money and time,” he said and added, “without sacrificing comfort and convenience”. On his part, Mr. Vasudeva attributes the growth of the airport to financial and administrative support given by K. Ramalingam, Chairman, AAI. Evolution
The director said that the AAI deposited Rs. 50 lakh with the State Government in March, 1989 for handing over 186 acre for the construction of new concrete runway and terminal building. The State handed over the land for the runway in September, 2003 after a gap of 14 years. The construction of 2.4-km-long new concrete runway began in April, 2004 and completed in March, 2006. This is in addition to the old 1.6-km-long tar runway. Mr. Vasudeva said that although the State Government handed over the land records, not all the 208 project-affected families had vacated their lands. The airport authorities had to convince people to vacate their land. In addition, the AAI had to face opposition from the Vimana Nildana Vistarana Virodhi Samiti, a forum of people, who opposed the expansion of the airport. “The real challenge was in shifting a church, a mosque and a “daivasthana”, a place of spirit-worship, from Adyapady village for constructing the new runway,” he recalled.
Construction of the new air-conditioned arrival hall to accommodate 250 passengers at a time, expansion of departure hall to accommodate even number of passengers, setting up of visitors’ gallery and anti-hijacking room, strengthening the apron, the parking stand for aircraft, to enable parking of four aircraft at a time, constructing a parallel taxi-way connecting two runways, opening a restaurant, providing two security hold areas to make passengers rest after checking in, are some of the other projects completed after 2005. In addition, the area control centre of the airport extended its air traffic services to over flying aircrafts from 13 hours to 24 hours. This helped pilots flying approximately 200 nautical miles of airspace from the centre of Mangalore Area Control Centre to get clear instructions for safe navigation to avoid collision. The airspace comprised parts of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Goa and Maharashtra.
The AAI changed its Instrument Landing System (ILS) from offset ILS to category I-ILS for safe landing of aircraft during rainy season, cloudy weather and night time. A high-frequency radar was commissioned at the airport. Opening of two currency exchange counters, duty-free shops, ATM and a bank branch, a mini area traffic control tower, barracks for CISF personnel, quarters for employees are some of the other developments that have taken place at the airport.
The airport built a 8.5-km perimeter road around it to enable vehicles to reach any part of the airport premises at any time of emergency. A compound wall was also built.
The airport obtained ISO 9001 certification in 2004 for quality management system and ISO 14,001 certification in 2006 for environment management system. Passenger traffic
The Union Government declared the airport as a Customs airport in 2006.
The passenger traffic at the airport increased from 2.2 lakh in 1998 to 6.7 lakh in 2007.New terminal building
The new terminal building at Kenjar is coming up with associated amenities at an estimated cost of Rs. 147 crore. There will be two aero bridges, five parking stands, separate arrival and departure halls and other mandatory facilities there. It is expected to be completed by this year-end, Mr. Vasudeva said.
It secured 86 per cent marks for customer satisfaction among the 25 airports surveyed in March this year
Established in 1951, it has grown tremendously in the last 10 years: official
Mangalore airport was credited with ISO 14,001 certification in 2006
MANGALORE: Once neglected as a “table-top airport”, the Mangalore airport is now counted among the most sought after airports in the country for the infrastructure it has developed. It has certainly given Mangalore a pride of place.
The airport at Bajpe securing 86 per cent “customer satisfaction” score in a recent national survey that covered 25 domestic airports is probably indicative of its growth. The survey undertaken by Spectrum Planning (India) Ltd for the Airports Authority of India (AAI) in February-March this year revealed that only Jammu airport could match Bajpe airport on customers’ satisfaction.
From handling 56 flights a week in 2005, the airport has come a long way. It now handles 280 flights a week – a five fold increase in a short span.Over 50-years old
Although the Mangalore airport was opened in December, 1951 it had remained dormant for several years. It came to limelight about three years ago, after the construction of a new concrete runway was taken up. Other infrastructure and commercial facilities were added subsequently. The airport witnessed a rapid growth after M.R. Vasudeva took over its reins as the director in 2004, according to Rajesh Sequeira, co-ordinator, Karnataka NRI Forum, U.A.E. “The NRIs in West Asia, particularly Dubai, will never forget October 3, 2006, when a passenger flight from Dubai landed at Mangalore airport for the first time,” he said. “The main beneficiaries of the airport are the NRIs of Mangalore and North Kerala origin residing in different countries of West Asia,” he said. According to him, the NRIs now need not fly to West Asian countries via Mumbai. “We can save money and time,” he said and added, “without sacrificing comfort and convenience”. On his part, Mr. Vasudeva attributes the growth of the airport to financial and administrative support given by K. Ramalingam, Chairman, AAI. Evolution
The director said that the AAI deposited Rs. 50 lakh with the State Government in March, 1989 for handing over 186 acre for the construction of new concrete runway and terminal building. The State handed over the land for the runway in September, 2003 after a gap of 14 years. The construction of 2.4-km-long new concrete runway began in April, 2004 and completed in March, 2006. This is in addition to the old 1.6-km-long tar runway. Mr. Vasudeva said that although the State Government handed over the land records, not all the 208 project-affected families had vacated their lands. The airport authorities had to convince people to vacate their land. In addition, the AAI had to face opposition from the Vimana Nildana Vistarana Virodhi Samiti, a forum of people, who opposed the expansion of the airport. “The real challenge was in shifting a church, a mosque and a “daivasthana”, a place of spirit-worship, from Adyapady village for constructing the new runway,” he recalled.
Construction of the new air-conditioned arrival hall to accommodate 250 passengers at a time, expansion of departure hall to accommodate even number of passengers, setting up of visitors’ gallery and anti-hijacking room, strengthening the apron, the parking stand for aircraft, to enable parking of four aircraft at a time, constructing a parallel taxi-way connecting two runways, opening a restaurant, providing two security hold areas to make passengers rest after checking in, are some of the other projects completed after 2005. In addition, the area control centre of the airport extended its air traffic services to over flying aircrafts from 13 hours to 24 hours. This helped pilots flying approximately 200 nautical miles of airspace from the centre of Mangalore Area Control Centre to get clear instructions for safe navigation to avoid collision. The airspace comprised parts of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Goa and Maharashtra.
The AAI changed its Instrument Landing System (ILS) from offset ILS to category I-ILS for safe landing of aircraft during rainy season, cloudy weather and night time. A high-frequency radar was commissioned at the airport. Opening of two currency exchange counters, duty-free shops, ATM and a bank branch, a mini area traffic control tower, barracks for CISF personnel, quarters for employees are some of the other developments that have taken place at the airport.
The airport built a 8.5-km perimeter road around it to enable vehicles to reach any part of the airport premises at any time of emergency. A compound wall was also built.
The airport obtained ISO 9001 certification in 2004 for quality management system and ISO 14,001 certification in 2006 for environment management system. Passenger traffic
The Union Government declared the airport as a Customs airport in 2006.
The passenger traffic at the airport increased from 2.2 lakh in 1998 to 6.7 lakh in 2007.New terminal building
The new terminal building at Kenjar is coming up with associated amenities at an estimated cost of Rs. 147 crore. There will be two aero bridges, five parking stands, separate arrival and departure halls and other mandatory facilities there. It is expected to be completed by this year-end, Mr. Vasudeva said.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Jet Airways Launches Mangalore - Dubai Through Check in Flight Via Mumbai
Media Release
Mangalore, Aug 24: Jet Airways have successfully launched flights to Muscat, Doha, Bahrain, Kuwait and Abu Dhabi from India and have now extended their services to Dubai from Mumbai and New Delhi from 23AUG 08. Now passengers can fly out from Mangalore to Dubai Via Mumbai. Jet Airways offers a through check in facility and a convenient transfer with minimum connecting time at Mumbai making travel hassle free.
Mangalore, Aug 24: Jet Airways have successfully launched flights to Muscat, Doha, Bahrain, Kuwait and Abu Dhabi from India and have now extended their services to Dubai from Mumbai and New Delhi from 23AUG 08. Now passengers can fly out from Mangalore to Dubai Via Mumbai. Jet Airways offers a through check in facility and a convenient transfer with minimum connecting time at Mumbai making travel hassle free.
Schedule
9W432 Dep Mangalore 1505hrs Arr Mumbai 1620hrs
9W544 Dep Mumbai 1840hrs Arr Dubai 2015hrs
The inaugural flight to Dubai was inaugurated with passengers and agents at Mangalore airport on 23 August.M R Vasudev ,Airport Director ,Mangalore Airport , cut the cake and released the first boarding card for the Mangalore Dubai flight via Mumbai.
The inaugural flight to Dubai was inaugurated with passengers and agents at Mangalore airport on 23 August.M R Vasudev ,Airport Director ,Mangalore Airport , cut the cake and released the first boarding card for the Mangalore Dubai flight via Mumbai.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Dubai: Jet Airways Plans to Introduce Gulf-Mangalore Direct Flights - Naresh Goel
by Sujay BendurDaijiworld Media Network—Dubai (CN)
Dubai, Aug 18: Naresh Goel, chairman, Jet Airways, on Sunday, August 17, announced the starting of a direct flight from Dubai to Mumbai and Delhi. With this, the prospects of a private airline flying to Mangalore from the Gulf region is getting brigther. Jet Airways is already laying the required ground work.
Speaking on the issue with Rajesh Sequiera, co-ordinator, Karnataka NRI Forum, Goel remarked that Mangalore is a very important destination and the airlines is planning to connect Mangalore internationally. He said that with the support of Mangaloreans, Jet Airways should be able to achieve this very soon.
Goel also informed that Jet Airways is planning to fly between Jeddah and Mumbai as well as Riyadh and Mumbai in the coming months. Speaking to Daijiworld, Shakir Kantawala, regional manager, Jet Airways, said that till direct flights begin passenger can use the through check-in and throughfares to Mangalore.
The airlines daily flights from Dubai, the airlines twentieth international destination, to Mumbai and Delhi, will begin on Saturday, August 23. Dubai will be the sixth destination in the airlines Gulf network and the second in the UAE. Jet Airways Dubai flights will complement the airlines daily services to Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Bahrain, Muscat, and Doha, from various points in India.
Jet Airways will deploy its dual-class, state-of-the-art Airbus 330-200 aircraft on these routes, featuring its acclaimed herringbone-configured Première, and its spacious new economy class. On the Mumbai-Dubai sector, flight 9W 544 will depart Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport at 1840 hrs and will arrive at Dubai International Airport at 2015 hrs. On the return leg, flight 9W 543 will depart Dubai International Airport at 2145 hrs and will arrive at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai at 0215 hrs.
On the Delhi-Dubai sector, flight 9W 548 will depart Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport at 1840 hrs and will arrive at Dubai International Airport at 2025 hrs. On the return leg, flight 9W 547 will depart Dubai International Airport at 2255 hrs and will arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi at 0335 hrs.
To commemorate its maiden foray into Dubai, the airline has introduced special return economy class fares on its first three flights only, at AED 860 net, inclusive of taxes, and return première fares of AED 2,200 inclusive of taxes, on its services to Dubai, from Mumbai and New Delhi. After the promotional period, the economy fares start at AED 820 (return) and premiere fares at AED 2,200 (return), excluding taxes.
Besides Goel, Gaurang Shetty, vice-president alliances and interline affairs, Shakir Kantawala, and Abraham Joseph, senior general manager, Jet Airways, were present at the press meet.
Dubai, Aug 18: Naresh Goel, chairman, Jet Airways, on Sunday, August 17, announced the starting of a direct flight from Dubai to Mumbai and Delhi. With this, the prospects of a private airline flying to Mangalore from the Gulf region is getting brigther. Jet Airways is already laying the required ground work.
Speaking on the issue with Rajesh Sequiera, co-ordinator, Karnataka NRI Forum, Goel remarked that Mangalore is a very important destination and the airlines is planning to connect Mangalore internationally. He said that with the support of Mangaloreans, Jet Airways should be able to achieve this very soon.
Goel also informed that Jet Airways is planning to fly between Jeddah and Mumbai as well as Riyadh and Mumbai in the coming months. Speaking to Daijiworld, Shakir Kantawala, regional manager, Jet Airways, said that till direct flights begin passenger can use the through check-in and throughfares to Mangalore.
The airlines daily flights from Dubai, the airlines twentieth international destination, to Mumbai and Delhi, will begin on Saturday, August 23. Dubai will be the sixth destination in the airlines Gulf network and the second in the UAE. Jet Airways Dubai flights will complement the airlines daily services to Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Bahrain, Muscat, and Doha, from various points in India.
Jet Airways will deploy its dual-class, state-of-the-art Airbus 330-200 aircraft on these routes, featuring its acclaimed herringbone-configured Première, and its spacious new economy class. On the Mumbai-Dubai sector, flight 9W 544 will depart Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport at 1840 hrs and will arrive at Dubai International Airport at 2015 hrs. On the return leg, flight 9W 543 will depart Dubai International Airport at 2145 hrs and will arrive at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai at 0215 hrs.
On the Delhi-Dubai sector, flight 9W 548 will depart Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport at 1840 hrs and will arrive at Dubai International Airport at 2025 hrs. On the return leg, flight 9W 547 will depart Dubai International Airport at 2255 hrs and will arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi at 0335 hrs.
To commemorate its maiden foray into Dubai, the airline has introduced special return economy class fares on its first three flights only, at AED 860 net, inclusive of taxes, and return première fares of AED 2,200 inclusive of taxes, on its services to Dubai, from Mumbai and New Delhi. After the promotional period, the economy fares start at AED 820 (return) and premiere fares at AED 2,200 (return), excluding taxes.
Besides Goel, Gaurang Shetty, vice-president alliances and interline affairs, Shakir Kantawala, and Abraham Joseph, senior general manager, Jet Airways, were present at the press meet.
Mangalore: Workshop on Airport Security, Immigration Law Inaugurated
Pics: Dayanand KukkajeDaijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (CN)
Mangalore, Aug 18: A three-day workshop on ‘Immigration Law and Airport Security’, for police personnel, was inaugurated in the city on Monday August 18, by Satheesh Kumar, DK superintendent of police.
He said that police security will be strengthened at the airport and the port. A proposal has been sent to the state government requesting appointment of additional staff to strengthen security in these areas, added the policeman.
Since the number of international passengers at the city airport has increased, the need for tighter security has risen accordingly. The police department has taken this issue seriously, added Satheesh Kumar.
Prasad Rane, in-charge, fraud and forgery prevention in Air India Express and Harbhajan Singh of Bombay immigration bureau, were present on the dais.
Dharmaiah, deputy superintendent of police, welcomed the gathering. Manjunath Shetty proposed the vote of thanks. Harishchandra, deputy superintendent of police, compered the programme.
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