by Noel Cutinho, Kuwait
Daijiworld Media Network - Kuwait
Kuwait, Jul 6: It is official now, Air India Express held a press conference on 5th July, at 7.50pm at Crown Plaza, Kuwait announcing the flights between Kuwait, Mangalore and Calicut. Krishan C Bhar, Country Manager (Kuwait/Cypus/Iran) of Air India Express hosted the Press Meeting along with his Air India staff Kuwait.
The Press Meeting was attended by numerous media personnel along with top officials of various associations of Karnataka and Kerala.
Krishan C Bhar was very happy to announce the first flight from Kuwait-Mangalore will start on 17th Jul, 2008 late night. Initially the flight will be twice a week on Thursday and Sunday. Later on, as per the demand the frequency will be increased.
During his speech he presented slide show regarding the new generation aircraft Boeing 737-800 as well other useful information. He also told that fares will be like budget airlines but with added services like on board food packets will be served to the passengers. Drinks (liquor) will be served at extra nominal cost. Baggage allowance from Kuwait-Mangalore will be 30 kilos and Mangalore-Kuwait is 20 kilos. Hand baggage allowed 5 kilos.
Due to Technical reason flight will have a stop over at Sharjah for 50 minutes for refuel purposes. The flying time will be Kuwait- Sharjah 1 hour 30 minutes, stop over at Sharjah 50 minutes and Sharjah to Mangalore will be 3 hours 40 minutes. The total time between Kuwait to Mangalore reduced to six hours whereas earlier it used to take 18 hours. Tickets can be booked online, will have complete transparency. Due to technical reason so far tickets cannot be booked but the problem will be resolved soon.
The Kuwait-Mangalore flight is beneficial to both states Coastal Karnataka and Northern Kerala. He had applauded the relentless efforts of Pascal Pinto, Archie Menezes and all the associations under the banner of UAKK.
Pascal Pinto, (PRO UAKK) addressed the meeting; the golden moment is arrived with the efforts of all. He remembered and thanked numerous associations, various officials of Air India, politicians and government authorities of Kuwait and India for the dream come true.
K Narsing Rao, First Secretary of Indian Embassy and Archie Menezes of UAAK main Co-coordinator of UAAK and top officials of various associations of Mangalore and Kerala addressed the gathering and expressed the happiness.
During the press meeting, Krishan C Bhar, Manager Air India Express well interacted with media as well other dignitaries. The Press meet was concluded with dinner.
During the Press Meet Air India Express officials distributed the information regarding Fare Rules and Policies as follows.
Rescheduling fee of Rs.250/- or its equivalent in local currency will be charged for any postponements / advancements. While rescheduling, if he applicable fare is more than the current basic fare, the difference amount will be charged to the passenger. However, if the applicable fare is less than the current basic fare, the different amount WILL NOT BE REFUNDED to the passenger.
CANCELLATION:
Cancellations over the internet are allowed for passengers who book through the internet or through other modes where the passenger has used credit card for purchase of the ticket. 10% of the basic fare + transaction fee is the cancellation is made 10 days or more prior to the scheduled departure of the flight.
15% of the basic fare + transaction fee is the cancellation charge if the cancellation is made between 9 days and 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure of the flight. No refund if the cancellation is made less than 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure of the flight. Only Taxes will be refunded back.
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