'Dinner in Kuwait, Breakfast in Mangalore - That's What Direct Flight Means'
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (GA)
Mangalore, Jul 18: Later briefing the media persons at the airport on behalf of United Karnataka Associations, Pascal Pinto said that 'Friday July 18 ' is not only the Golden Letter day in the annals of Mangalore's aviation circles, but also in the history of Mangalore itself. "A lot of effort has gone through in achieving this feat. A lot of persons have contributed their mite in realizing this great dream. I thank Air India Express commercial manager Ratan Bali, Mangalore operations head Chellam Prasad, Mangalore Airport director M R Vasudeva, all my colleagues Archibald Menezes and office-bearers and members of 14 associations of Mangaloreans in Kuwait, Karnataka NRI Forum convener Rajesh Sequeira and media person for their support," he added.
Archibald Menezes too in his address thanked the media and all those involved in bringing about direct flight to Mangalore. “Earlier we used to take 18 hours to reach our motherland from Kuwait. But henceforth we can have our dinner in Kuwait and can be here in Mangalore for the breakfast. What else can we desire than this bonanza," he exclaimed.
Mangalore Airport director M R Vasudeva in his address said that though the Mangalore airport has achieved a lot in the last couple of years with regard to international flights, infrastructure development, increase in revenue etc, it has yet to travel a great deal in order to be recognized as one of the premier airports of the country. "My dream is to put Mangalore airport firmly in the international arena with all modern facilities. I do not want to sit with these few achievements. Mangalore has the potential to become one of the premier airports in the country. We are already earning good revenue and making profit. Now the onus is on us to continue the good work. I have a vision for this and I seek support from all of you in realizing this mission. I specially want the media to highlight these issues, so that a public opinion is created and work goes on unabated," he said further.
Air India Express Mangalore operations manager Chellam Prasad, Congress leader Tejomaya, Indian Airlines manager Nagesh Shetty, Air India Express commercial manager Ratan Bali were present at the press conference.
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