Mangalore, Apr 3: Air India Express (AIE) commenced its maiden flight to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) by launching direct flight to Dammam from Mangalore International Airport here at 3.00pm on Wednesday April 3.
Udupi – Chikmagalur MP Jayaprakash Hegde, Mangalore north MLA U T Khader and other dignitaries were among the passengers travelling on the first flight.
AIE – Mangalore deputy general manager Melvyn D’Silva presented the boarding passes to the dignitaries and welcomed them on the inaugural flight.
AIE chief operating officer Ansbert D’Souza conveyed his best wishes to the passengers travelling on the maiden flight.
Addressing the media persons, Ansbert D’Souza said that Mangalore is a major station on the AIE network, with huge potential and has shown tremendous growth. He also conveyed his heartfelt thanks to the people of Mangalore for their support and look forward to the continued support.
Mangalore International Airport director Radhakrishnan and others were present.
AIE will operate flights to Mangalore – Dammam sector twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
AIE had commenced its operations from Mangalore old airport terminal on October 3 2006 with 3 flights per week to Dubai. AIE has grown over years and is presently operating 24 international flights and 13 domestic flights per week from Mangalore connecting Dubai, Kuwait, Bahrain, Doha, Abu Dhabi and Muscat and now to Dammam on international destinations and on domestic sector connected to Mumbai, Bangalore, Cochin offering very competitive fares.
