Air India launches services between Australia and India
Rohit Nandan ( third from left – Chairman and Managing Director Air India) with Air India officials at the dinner cum launch
Air India launched its service between Australia and India with its state-of-the-art Dreamliner aircraft. The first flight on the Sydney ”“ Melbourne – Delhi route took place on August 30, 2013. A grand launch was organised in Sydney to celebrate this historic event on the evening of 30th August 2013 at the Four Seasons Hotel, Sydney.
The airline has commenced non-stop, direct flights from Sydney and Melbourne to Delhi. It will be the first airline to fly the new Boeing-787 Dreamliner into Australia.
Mr Rohit Nandan, Chairman and Managing Director of Air India arrived in Sydney on board the first flight from Delhi accompanied by senior officials of Air India and the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Govt of India. Earlier speaking on the occasion of launching the flight at Delhi, Mr Nandan said that “The flight is being looked at by both the Australian and the Indian travel market with a lot of enthusiasm and hope as it will not only serve the Indian Diaspora in Australia and other countries like New Zealand and the Fiji islands but also the Indian student community in Australia and holiday travellers between India and Australia”.
The launch function was attended by almost 400 distinguished guests from Air India, Sydney Airport, Destination NSW, NSW Government, High Commission of India, The Indian Consulate, business leaders, community leaders and the media.
Shiamak Dawar Group entertaining the guests at the dinner launch of Air India
Mr. Deepak Brara, Commercial Director, Air India warmly welcomed the guests at the launch dinner and invited the audience to try out the new B787 Dreamliner when travelling to India next. The Chairman of Sydney Airport, Mr. Max Moore-Wilton, AC welcomed Air India in his speech and looked forward to a strong partnership in future years.
Sandra Chipchase, CEO, Destination NSW said “Destination NSW estimates that Air India’s new daily Dreamliner service will add more than 890 extra seats from India each week into Sydney, or more than 46,000 seats per year, which could contribute more than $30 million into the NSW economy per year.”
The High Commissioner of India to Australia, H.E Biren Nanda also welcomed Air India to Australia in his speech and said that he looked forward to strengthening the people to people links and the bilateral relationship between the two countries, with Air India’s direct services.
The new direct service was secured with the support of NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell, Destination NSW, Tourism Australia and Delhi Airport.
The Hon Lisa Singh, Senator for Tasmania represented the Deputy Prime Minister The Hon Anthony Albanese MP. In her speech she said that Air India’s direct flight services are a great step towards progressing the Australia- India bilateral relationship. Mr. Ravi Bodade, Manager Air India, Australia was very appreciative of the strong attendance at the launch event held in Sydney.
Air India’s new service will be operating daily on a triangular route connecting both Sydney and Melbourne.
Air India is offering attractive promotional fares on this route in both directions which will be available for a limited period. For details please visit www.airindia.in.
Short URL: https://indiandownunder.com.au/?p=2568