San Francisco welcomes first non-stop Air India flights to Bengaluru
(PTI desk)
San Francisco International Airport has welcomed the decision of Air India to fly the first-ever non-stop flights between San Francisco and Bengaluru to cater to the demand of passengers. Beginning January 9, Air India will operate two non-stop flights per week at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport, departing on Saturdays and Tuesdays. The return flight from Bengaluru arrives on Mondays and Thursdays, the airport stated.
'This will be a gateway providing connectivity to other points'
"This will be a gateway providing connectivity to other points in South India. The non-stop flights will support Air India's mission of providing faster and convenient carriage of passengers to destinations in the hinterland," said Air India Commercial Director Meenakshi Mallik.
Boeing 777-200LR long-range aircraft to be used
Air India will operate the flights using state-of-the-art Boeing 777-200LR long-range aircraft equipped with 238 seats, comprising eight First Class, 35 Business Class, and 195 Economy Class seats. "We are truly honored to be the first airport in the United States to offer non-stop flights to Bengaluru," said Airport Director Ivar C Satero.
The service strengthens the relationship between San Francisco and Bengaluru
"This service links two great centers of technology and innovation and strengthens the cherished sister city relationship between San Francisco and Bengaluru. We thank Air India for their strong commitment to San Francisco since 2015, and for this latest service," Satero said.
San Francisco and Bengaluru have a sister city relationship
In 2009, the City of San Francisco established a sister city relationship with Bengaluru. "Both, the San Francisco-based French American International School, in partnership with the Indus International School of Bangalore, have begun a cooperative education effort through student and faculty exchange programs as well as many other joint initiatives," said San Francisco International Airport.
First non-stop flights from India to US launched in 2015
Air India, the national flag carrier of India, launched the first non-stop flights from India to the US West Coast in 2015. San Francisco will be the fourth US city served by Air India, joining Chicago (O'Hare), New York (JFK), and Newark.
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