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He was here to announce AI's three extra flights per week on the Amritsar-Birmingham-Toronto route.

these routes were to b flown by IC but due to lack of a/c AI got them

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He said the Amritsar-Dubai flight got pushed back as the focus of AI shifted to Chennai-Kuala Lumpur and Chennai-Singapore routes, where traffic density is more. These two will be started by June 8.

accordin to me AI shuld begin flights to DXB from south india or mumbai or delhi, amritsar wont get them good load cos max people to DXB and SHJ are from south india. for IX the best is they fly routes from south india. cos a dense load of workin class people are the majority to places like DXB SHJ KUW SIN KLM etc

Air India Express delayed
Tuesday June 6 2006 14:37 IST

Indian Express

TIRUCHY: The commencement of operations of Air India’s subsidiary “Air India Express” from Tiruchy to various destinations in the Middle East among others from May 7 has been delayed.

Though several factors are being attributed to the delay, it is widely believed that the non-completion of the extended runway is the main cause. Tiruchy Airport, which has been handling domestic and international flights, is one of the busiest airports in Tamil Nadu, next to Chennai.

Apart from the national carrier Indian Airlines, Sri Lankan Airlines has also been operating from here. Recently, the private player Air Deccan has started offering daily flights between Chennai and Tiruchy. According to informed sources, the annual turnover of the major airline operators, including Air India, Air Lanka and Indian Airlines, is estimated to be around Rs 100 crore.

With a high demand from passengers to fly to different destinations, the aviation sector had been poised for better growth in the coming years, the operators said.

To meet the needs of the airlines, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) authorities have taken up the extension of the runway from 6,000 to 7,500 feet, which would facilitate the smooth landing and take-of bigger aircraft.

Though the work, which commenced in April 2004, was supposed to have been completed by March 2005, it did not happen.

When contacted, Tiruchy Airport Director Sreekumar said the extended runway, measuring 1,500 feet, had been completed. Once the calibration works were over, it would be in a position to handle bigger aircraft, he added.

On Air India’s plans to operate its flights from last month, he said originally the Indian Airlines had planned to take care of the ground- handling activities, but now, the Air India itself would deploy its own personnel.

Though the runway work had been completed and ready for use, airline operators said they had not received any communication in this regard so far from the AAI authorities. “Only when we are informed, we can communicate to our authorities, who, in turn, shall prepare the schedule for flying more planes”, an airline executive said, adding that such delay would severely affect the prospects since June-September was considered to be the peak season.

The airline operators pointed out the need for infrastructure since the airport lacked facilities. For instance, in the event of any delay of flights, there is no refreshment cafe inside the airport.

Similarly, as there is no wayside ticketing counters for Indian Airlines and Sri Lankan Airlines in the airport complex, passengers intending to fly at the last moment or those who have wait-listed tickets, find it extremely difficult. “Last week I had to get into the airport with a visitor’s pass and subsequently purchase the tickets from the airlines office,” a passenger said.

Airline operators said if the extended runway had been opened as per schedule, Silk Air (a subsidiary of Singapore Airlines), Deccan Lanka and Malaysian Airlines would have opened their shops there, which would have upgraded the entire delta region in many ways.

They said all the 13 Union Ministers and the MPs from Tamil Nadu should collectively work out modalities and ensure that such delays were avoided as any neglect would result in neighbouring States grabbing the opportunities.

AI Express website gives a negative for a schedule between Chennai and Singapore.

Are all of these owned by AIX or some are leased?

karatecatman wrote:

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AI Express now has seven aircraft.

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All 7 are leased.

AI's 737-800s (all with winglets) which it has bought (18) will start arriving from November.

There was a picture of two of them on the assembly line with their winglets painted.

But there might be a slight delay as Air India has suddenly deciede that that some of them should be in two-class.  Changes will now have to be made in the IFE arrangements. 

Any idea on what do they have on the menu?

karatecatman wrote:

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The rest of the stock of food is good.

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vivekman wrote:

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Any idea on what do they have on the menu? karatecatman wrote: The rest of the stock of food is good.

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This is the menu per passenger (Non-payment)
Vegetable puff/Patty (80 gms) in aluminium foil 1 
Cheese sandwich (50 gms) wrapped 1        Vegetable cutlet (80 gms) 1

Mixed Fruit Muffin or Sliced fruit cake (70 gms) 1 
Banana or potato chips  (60 gms)
Ketchup sachet   
Mineral water bottle 1 300 ml
Paper napkin  1 
Sugar sachet  1 
Dairy Creamer 1 
Plastic stirrer   1 
Tea/coffee cup  1 
Biscuits 4   
   

Cabin items (Non-payment) are: 
Pillows 
Blankets 
Toilet Rolls 
Tissues
Air sickness bags 
Liquid soap
Headsets for IFE
Paper towels 
Safety cards 
Plastic glasses 

Payment:
Kingfisher  (Cans); Whisky -- Black  Label; Whisky -- Red;

Pepsi cans (all 330 ml); Diet pepsi; Coca Cola; Diet coke; Soda water cans; 7 Up regular; 7 Up diet 
      

Duty free:       
Whisky Black Label; Whisky Red Label; Benson and Hedges cigarettes; State Express 555; Eternity for Men EDT Spray; Harley Davidson; Orlane Be 21; Eternity Moment; Aircraft model 737-800; Pierre Cardin Watch and Jewellery Set; Titan watches
      
   
Complete doctor's kit.       

(IFE is sourced from Air India). 

(Most items are stock from AIR INDIA. Stock items to be upgraded when some 737-800s arrive in J and Y configuration.