The Hindu Business Line : AI Express plans engineering base in Thiruvananthapuram

Mangalore, July 18 Air India Express is planning to set up an engineering base at Thiruvananthapuram by September, according to Mr Rathan Bali, Chief of Operations, Air India Express.

Replying to the queries of the members of the Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) here on Thursday, he said that at present all the AI Express aircraft in the South are going to Mumbai for checks.

All the South-based aircraft of AI Express will be checked at Thiruvananthapuram engineering base after its establishment.

The engineering base is likely to be operational at Thiruvananthapuram by the end of September, Mr Bali said.

AI Express is planning to have a fleet of 25 aircraft by the end of October 2009. Currently, it has a fleet of 19 aircraft.

To a query, he said AI Express is also looking at the possibility of basing an aircraft in Mangalore.

When the KCCI members sought the introduction of a flight to Saudi Arabia from Mangalore, he said Saudi Arabia is on its radar. It is looking at the possibilities of operating flights to Damammam or Riyadh.

The Mangalore station of Air India Express generated revenue of Rs 100 crore in the last year, he said.

Air India Express began its operations to Sharjah and Kuwait from Mangalore on Thursday.

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