CM launches Imphal-Tezu-Guwahati flight
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR
Imphal, September 26 2022:
Chief Minister N Biren inaugurated the Flybig's ATR aircraft flight from Imphal to Guwahati via Tezu at Bir Tikendrajit International Airport, here, on Monday.
The CM welcomed officials and crew of the airline on its maiden flight from Arunachal Pradesh to Imphal airport and flagged off the same.
Speaking on the occasion, Biren maintained that under UDAN Scheme, which is an initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the state will be connected with Arunachal Pradesh by the Flybig flight.
The flight will directly fly to Tezu in Arunachal Pradesh and then to Guwahati.
With such an initiative, the distance between people of different northeast states will become closer, he said.
The CM also expressed that operation of the new flight route would not only increase people-to-people contacts but also bring growth in businesses as well as in the tourism sector.
Earlier, people of both the states faced many difficulties in travelling but the flight service has resolved this issue as Arunachal Pradesh denizens can visit Imphal for the forthcoming Sangai Festival easily due to the flight service, he said.
Regarding the Imphal to Bangkok flight service, the CM said that the proposed flight via Guwahati will start its operation soon.
However, the direct flight from Imphal to Bangkok is still under consideration especially on the expected volume of passengers from the state, he said, while assuring that the same will also be started in due course.
The inaugural programme was also attended by works minister Govindas Konthoujam, transport minister Khashim Vashum and BJP Manipur Pradesh president A Sharda.
Flybig CMD Sanjay Mandaviya expressed appreciation to the chief minister and his team for the warm welcome in Imphal, which is known for its culture.
He also said that the company is planning to introduce Imphal-Silchar and Imphal-Kolkata direct flight services within a short period.
Imphal International Airport director Rajesh Sinha assured all possible support to Flybig for smooth operation of their flight services.
He also pledged Airports Authority of India's support in enhancing regional air connectivity between Imphal and its neighbouring countries under UDAN scheme.
Flybig's maiden flight from Tezu to Imphal's Bir Tikendrajit International Airport was welcomed with a water cannon salute.
Flybig will operate Guwahati-Tezu-Imphal-Tezu-Guwahati flight, all days (except Mondays) on its ATR aircraft.
While inaugurating Flybig's check-in counter in the departure hall, the.
Chief Minister also presented the first boarding card to the first passenger of the Imphal-Tezu flight.
He also met with the artistes of the Government Dance College, Imphal, who showcased Manipur's traditional Radha Krishna dance at the Bir Tikendrajit International Airport terminal, welcoming flybig passengers.
Also present on the occasion were SG Panicker, GM(E-E) NER; Mohammed Danish, MoCA; L Nivedita Devi, Director of Transport; and Michael Acham, Secretary Transport.
The flybig officials who welcomed the guests at the event included Chief Commercial Officer Sanjay Bhatnagar, Senior Director Ground-ops and Chief Security Officer Rajiv Sharma and Director Corporate Affairs Ajay Sahai Jasra.
The flybig started its operations in May 2021 with state-of-art ATR 72-500 & ATR 72-600 aircraft which is one of the safest and reliable aircraft for regional connectivity with comfortable cabin space.
The flybig operates 18 daily flights and is the only airline in India having Guwahati as its main hub, where it is connecting Guwahati to eight destinations namely Tezu, Pasighat, Rupsi, Agartala, Dibrugarh Kolkata, Patna and Imphal.