Daijiworld News Network - Dubai
Reporting from Dubai International airport - Terminal 2

Dubai, Oct 3: The long cherished dream of lacs of Mangaloreans residing in the Gulf countries was finally realized at 13.10 pm (Dubai local time) when maiden Air India Express flight took off into skies at Dubai airport on Tuesday October 3.  There were shouts of jubilation and cries of celebration as the mighty metal bird touched the skies within few minutes of take off. 

Civil Aviation ministry officials, prominent NRIs and family members of the passengers who travelled in the maiden flight cheered greatly as Boeing 737-800 Air India Express flight (IX 802) commanded by senior training pilot-in-command, Captain Rahul Sahani left the Gulf shores.

Earlier a press conference was held which was addressed by senior official of local Civil Aviation Ministry, Rajya Sabha MP and NRI businessman Abdul Wahab and entrepreneur B R Shetty.

B R Shetty in his speech thanked all the persons who have contributed their might in realizing this dream.  He made a special mention about Rajesh Sequeira and Daijiworld.com for the relentless efforts in pursuing the cause to the end.

Abdul Wahab expressed his special gratitude towards union civil aviation minister Praful Patel for speeding up the entire process and granting necessary clearances.

The maiden take off was marked by the ceremonial cutting of ribbon by Civil Aviation Ministry chief.

Captain and crew of the maiden flight, Air India Express staff, Civil Aviation ministry officials and some passengers were present on the occasion.