Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)
Mangaluru, Jan 18: In an initiative aimed at enhancing customer satisfaction, the Mangaluru International Airport on Thursday January 18 launched 'Smile Week' at the airport premises here. The purpose of the event, being held under the aegis of Airports Authority of India, is to re-establish the concept of ‘customer first’, in line 'with the corporate mission of Airports Authority of India to reflect the best side of customer handling and delightful experience during the time air passengers spend inside the airport'.
Director of Mangaluru International Airport V V Rao inaugurated the special week by lighting the lamp along with Mangaluru airport CISF deputy commandant Amith Kumar, general manager of Yenepoya Medical College, Deralakatte Ahamad Bava and renowned magician Kudroli Ganesh.
Addressing the gathering, V V Rao said, "Airports Authority of India has started a tradition of celebrating festivals with passengers. Beside the festivals, there the many other events which we are conducting and ‘Smile Week’ is one of them. We have planned a number of programmes to be held during the course of the week. I request our staff to serve our passengers with a smile so that they enjoy their travel from our airport and feel delighted."
Kudroli Ganesh said, "The Smile Week is a unique concept and I am very happy to be a part of its first day. It is very important to relax one's mind. When we are in relaxed mood we can do anything that is positive. Nowadays we do not get enough time to relax with our family members, friends and colleagues. All are under work pressure and even when we get some free time, we get busy on our cell phones or other electronic devices. We are forgetting to smile and laugh. So events such as these will help bring an awareness on the necessity of smile."
Kudroli Ganesh was honoured with shawl and momento.
Jayashankar rendered the vote of thanks. Senior manager (operations) Sunitha compered the programme.
After the inauguration, a fascinating magic show was performed by Kudroli Ganesh. A large number of passengers and staff witnessed the event.
The Smile Week will be held till January 24. The event is being held in close association with and support of all agencies related to the airport like airlines, CISF, immigration, customs, ground handling agencies, trolley and taxi support staff, and all shops/counters in the airport as well, to unitedly bring up improvement in guest handling experiences.
Other attractions at the airport during the week include Yakshagana and costume display, selfie points, special show by differently-abled children, gifts and sweets to passengers, competition/painting /caricature/cartoon session,
surprise events, and music and song events. The closing day on January 24 will witness a performance by a speed skating national champion.
Ban on visitors to terminal building from January 20-30
The entry of visitors to the terminal building at the Mangaluru International Airport will be banned with effect from January 24 to January 30 due to security reasons in view of the forthcoming Republic Day on January 26. Entry tickets will not be sold to visitors during this period.