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'M'lore-Kaula Lumpur Flight Service in the Pipeline'

  •   Sun, Apr 05 2009 10:53:19 AM

Pics: Prajwal Ukkuda 
DHNS
 
Mangalore, Apr 5: Air Asia, the aviation agency of Malaysia, may start flight service between Mangalore and Kaula Lumpur in the near future, said the outgoing director of Mangalore Airport M R Vasudeva.
 
Speaking after receiving felicitation from Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) at the Chamber hall here on Saturday, he said the Malaysia aviation agency is seriously mulling over initiating flights which may be helpful to the Malaysian students studying in the district to a great extent.



 
Vasudeva said some of the senior officials of the Air Asia have discussed with him the matter, and they have been convinced regarding the necessity.
 
He said the airport is fully qualified to be tagged as an international airport, but there is a need to highlight its capacity and readiness to accommodate more international flights. “The government departments negotiating with the foreign aviation agencies have more responsibilities in this regard,” he noted.
 
Expressing his satisfaction and pleasure of the present status of Mangalore airport, Vasudeva said he is totally happy about the level the airport has reached in the recent years. “The Airport Authority of India has provided a wonderful airport which is the need of the hour for a rapidly growing city like Mangalore. From arrival to the departure lounge, the infrastructure provided at the airport is not inferior to any of the prominent airports of the country,” he explained.
 
The customer satisfaction index of Mangalore airport was below 70 which was also below the national average. It is really great to note that the present index is above the national average, Vasudeva informed.
 
The 18,200 sq ft new terminal building will soon be a reality, which will emerge fulfledged with all necessary infrastructure including seven elevators, he added.
 
Railway station
 
Emphasising on the need for making airport the centre of activities, he said providing a railway station near the airport is the need of the hour, which has been pending unrealised for the past many years.
 
Vasudeva noted that the revenue of the airport has slightly come down in 2008-09 due to the implementation of the sixth pay commission recommendations.
 
“The revenue has come down to Rs 7.5 crore from the previous year’s Rs 8.63 crore. As per the sixth pay commission, 30 more staffs have been recruited; the total staff strength is 161 now,” he informed.
 
KCCI President Srinivas S Kamath, office-bearers G G Mohandas Prabhu and Ahmed Bava were present on the occasion.
  

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Comment on this article

  • ibrahim, Mangalore

    Sat, Apr 11 2009

    It is shame for all the higher authorities of Mangalore Airport. Do compare with other airports, which are reached to the highest within a short span of time. Considering the infrastructure of Mangalore, Educational instititutions, Factories, NRIs Mangalore Airport should have obtain all those facilities before other airports in South India. Really it is shame and it is an evidence that the authorities did not strive much, they were relaxed and waiting for the facilities to come to them. Of course, the Director did his best. But it should have been a team work.

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  • Abdul Lathif Pathody, Mangalore/UAE

    Sat, Apr 11 2009

    Mangalore - Kaula Lumpur flight is welcome. Flights between the Mangalore- Gulf Sector is more needed , with more flights with more international and national airlines with lesser fare. . We can fly to Europe with the Mangalore Gulf sector fares. When we compare the fare structure of the gulf to Mangalore and gulf to north Indians destinations, South Indian passengers are paying more that the north Indian sector passengers. AIE is discriminating between South and north. Our aviation authorities must allow more airlines (International and National) to operate between Mangalore - Gulf sector and slash the fares to a much more competitive level. Abdul Lathif Pathody/Mangalore /UAE

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  • Hanik, Mangalore

    Sun, Apr 05 2009

    When we connect our region to the outside world for us to visit that place, why don't our leaders identify few tourist spots around Mangalore & develop them to International Standard. Pillikula Heritage Town can also be upgraded by including lots of our local cultural programmes with high standard & fineness to be located at different area in that campus for tourist attraction. Like Disney World, we may call it Kanara Cultural World, a new concept for tourists.

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  • SATHISH VAS, MANGALORE/ DUBAI

    Sun, Apr 05 2009

    Mr.Bennet you have rightly said AIR INDIA EXPRESS IS A "CATTEL CARRIER".NO TIMINGS. THE FARE THEY CHARGE FROM DUBAI TO MANGALORE YOU CAN GO TO LONDON. I FEEL IT IS BETTER THEY DISCONTINUE SNACKS ON BOARD FOR THREE AND HALF HOURS JOURNEY.

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  • Bennet Vas, Mangalore

    Sun, Apr 05 2009

    The Average AIE Fares on sector KWI / IXE / Return range between KD 120 to 136 depending on demand and supply. Compare this with the KD 80/- fare offered by JET AIRWAYS on sector KWI/BOM/IXE/ return - with excellent connections and the usual 5 Star Jet Airways service in flight as well as by thier ground staff. High time other Airlines are allowed to compete with AIE so that atleast the passengers have a choice. Unless and untill this is done - AIE will continue to be a "Cattle Carrier"

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  • Irfan, Manglore/Cannada

    Sun, Apr 05 2009

    yes its true Lydia Lobo no other flights fly to manglore except AIE............common manglore kuch karo........but its useless to tell.....

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  • Aadil Khan, Mangalore/Saudi Aramco, Dhahran

    Sun, Apr 05 2009

    This is indeed a great news. Air Asia is currently operating only to one destination in India, which is Trichinappally in Tamilnadu. A direct flight between Mangalore and KL will help connect other cities in the fareast, like Bankok, Singapore, Vietnam, China etc. because Air Asia very popular in these sectors and flying too frequently. Also, this will help increase tourism in our coastal cities. We look forward eagerly to happen this pretty soon.

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  • Antony DS, Mangalur

    Sun, Apr 05 2009

    It is now almost 2 years Mangalore airport becoming International status but there is only one airline is operating till date, that too by a low budget airline with high fare and low luggage allowance compared to airlines operating in our neighbouring State. Unless and until other airlines are allowed to operate, AIE will use its monopolistic policies. Now is the election time and the people of Dakshin Kannad and surrounding areas should think before voting the candidates who will redress this issue.

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  • Lydia Lobo, Kadri

    Sun, Apr 05 2009

    Please allow other airlines to operate to Mangalore apart from Air India Express. AIE branded itself budget airline but is chargin much more than other airlines would especially for Middle East routes. AIE also gives very low allowance of baggage and does not let go even one KG of additional weight. Please stop the monopoly of AIE

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