Aerospace

Air India launches new Dreamliner service to celebrate 65 years in the UK

Posted 11 June 2013

India's premier national airline Air India celebrated 65 glorious years of its operations from India to the UK at a special gala reception held at The Montcalm Hotel, London on on Sunday 9th June 2013, coinciding with Air India's official launch of its new Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft into the UK travel market.

Attending the event to help celebrate the occasion was Shri Ajit Singh, the Minister for Civil Aviation, Government of India, and top officials from Air India, as well as UK VIPs, politicians and other dignitaries.

Mr Ajit Singh (above), Honourable Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Government of India, took to the stage for his keynote address. Mr Ajit Singh said: "On 8th June 1948 Air India launched its first flight to Bombay [Mumbai]. Over the last 65 years we have seen Air India’s fleet of aircraft and its operations expand consistently and successfully.

"Today, India connects London by three daily flights. The key travel, business and tourism hubs of India and the UK are now well connected thanks to Air India.Today, we also mark the official launch of Air India’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner into the UK. The Air India network is expanding its fleet with ‘dreamliners’. The B787s will be a game changer for Air India.The response from the public has been positive. The Dreamliner ushers in a new age in aircraft. It is fuel efficient, uses the latest technology and is passenger friendly. The Dreamliner will improve our performance."

Air India's new Boeing 787 Dreamliner is expected to contribute towards ensuring that essential Indo-British trade and tourism links will be enhanced and developed further.

Rohit Nandhan, chairman & managing director, Air India said: "Due to the growing passenger demand for our flagship aircraft and the route, we are proud to bring the state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliner to the United Kingdom, offering passengers the opportunity to experience this revolutionary aircraft and the best service in the sky first-hand.

"The United Kingdom represents an important market for Air India and ranks in the top three countries on Air India’s global network. Central to this relationship is the on-going support for promoting Indian tourism and trade provided by adding larger capacity aircraft between countries, and this B787 for the UK will further complement our partnership with the United Kingdom.

"Air India would like to thank the loyal support we continue to receive from the UK communities, in sustaining Indo-British relations. We are committed to promoting and strengthening tourism and business further between India and the UK."