The Hindu Business Line : First AI Express flight takes off

AIR India Express, the budget airliner, was formally launched when a distinctively liveried aircraft took off from the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport for Abu Dhabi, almost half an hour behind schedule on Friday morning.

The Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Mr Praful Patel, and the Air India Chairman, Mr V. Thulasidas, were among those who were present on the occasion.

The Governor, Mr R. L. Bhatia, flagged off the first flight that carried a 100-strong contingent led by the Chief Minister, Mr Oommen Chandy. The Union Minister was also among those on board.

Earlier, Mr Patel dedicated Air India Express to the nation at a function held at the international airport. By launching the budget airliner, the country was responding in kind to a long-cherished demand of the average expatriate Indian who had contributed liberally to the cause of nation building when it mattered most.

"Now, it is our turn to thank them and what better way to do so than by launching an airliner that would offer them the cheapest of fares for travel to and fro," Mr Patel said.

"Our mission is to transform aviation sector to one which would touch lives of people in much the same way as telecommunication has managed to do," Mr Patel said.

Support for Kannur airport: The Union Minister extended the Centre's wholehearted support for a new airport at Kannur. "It's our wish that your vision for Kannur will see the light of the day in the shortest possible time," he told the Chief Minister.

Delivering the keynote address, the Chief Minister had committed himself to the development of the Kannur airport. Official caterer: The Muthoot Skychef Flight Kitchen has added Air India Express to its list of clients for providing catering services on board.

Mr Thomas John Muthoot, Managing Director, Muthoot Hotels and Tourism Ventures, said the Muthoot Skychef would also add Air India (regular) to its list that already features Indian Airlines, Qatar Airways and Silkair on it.

The Flight Kitchen has been awarded the HACCP and ISO certifications.

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