(a) whether Air India(AI) is going to start non-stop flights between Kolkata and New York;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) if not, the reasons therefor; and
(d) the manner in which AI is likely to attract more passengers on this route and compete with other airlines?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION ( SHRI PRAFUL PATEL )
(a), (b) and (c):- The need for operating new services from various cities including Kolkata is regularly reviewed by Air India taking into account demand and availability of aircraft. There is no plan to operate non-stop services from Kolkata to New York at present.
(d): Air India has very attrative market fares between Kolkata and New York. This is due to special Prorate arrangements with domestic carriers on the Kolkata-Delhi/ Mumbai-Kolkata sectors which helps the passengers to connect on to Air India`s direct service between New York and Mumbai/Delhi.