Al Khobar: West Coast NRI Forum thanks AI Express, to promote Dammam-Mangalore flight

Media Release

Al Khobar, Feb 20: West Coast NRI Forum, Saudi Arabia office-bearers led by president Farooq Sabandari on Wednesday February 20 met Air India manager (Saudi Arabia) Rinchen Tshering in his office at Al Khobar to express their happiness over the commencement of Air India Express direct flight operation between Mangalore and Dammam.

Air India manager Rinchen welcomed the forum officials and explained the circumstances sequentially which led to the commencement of flight operations, with the untiring efforts made by his team towards feasibility and achievement of the same.

The Forum officials discussed the issues related to all passengers from coastal Karnataka and assured fullest cooperation in patronizing the flight operation by the prestigious national carrier and assured to make use of the flight services to keep up the confidence bestowed on the forum by Air India officials.

The Forum officials proposed to accompany the inaugural flight from Mangalore and hosting a warm welcome in a community celebration to a few of the dignitaries of Karnataka state.

The Forum and Air India officials jointly agreed to promote the operation throughout the Kingdom mutually by awareness through community services including coastal-based media and social organizations like Mangalore Association in Saudi Arabia (MASA), Jubail Kannada Sangha, Jam’iyyatul Falah (Jubail), Karavali Welfare Association, Riyadh and Coastal Karnataka based NRI’s Industrial ventures like Al Muzain, Anabeeb, Plantech, Kanooz, Expertise, Ameco, Al Faris Crane Co etc.

The forum assured to create publicity through Jubail and Dammam schools to avail the benefits of promotional offers for a limited time period provided by Air India Express during the holiday seasons in advance before the flight bookings are closed.

Air India officials reiterated confidence in the Forum officials and sought constant bookings of around 160 seats in flight well in advance to avoid last minute disappointments.

Air India Express officials were urged to give priority to coastal Karnataka passengers in ticket bookings to develop pride in their business objectives and expectations.

West Coast NRI Forum personally thanked P V Devji, senior supervisor and Sukumar Bangera, sales executive for their support and cooperation since year 2006 in realizing the forum members' dream of direct flight between Mangalore and Dammam and being instrumental in recommending to the management the feasibility and aspirations of coastal Kannadigas.

The Forum also thanked Sanaullah Khan, supervisor reservation and ticketing, Abdul Gaffoor Parkar and Dharamveer for their usual excellent support.

Air India manager informed that the ticket booking facility is available through many travel agencies such as Kanoo Travels, Ameeco Travels and Portfolio Travels.

He also expressed his sincere thanks to the Forum members for their proactive approach in extending support to promote national carrier Air India. He assured to enhance the flight frequency in case of positive response from coastal Karnataka passengers from eastern province.

The forum team members Bhasker Palan, Mohammad Ali, Narayana Bhat and Vishwanath Kamath were present at the meeting and participated in the deliberations with Air India officials.

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