SilkAir, the regional subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, is starting three weekly flights to India’s east coast port city of Visakhapatnam from October 28.
“This new route will also give business travellers access to one of the fastest growing commercial cities in India,” said SilkAir’s chief executive, Leslie Thng. “[We are] confident that this direct service will further strengthen the strong economic ties between Singapore and India.”
SilkAir’s flight will be the first direct flight between the two destinations. Flight MI448 will leave Singapore on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 2025 and land in Visakhapatnam at 2205, with the return leg leaving on the same days at 2305 and touching down the next morning at 0620.
Visakhapatnam, also known as Vizag, is located on the east coast of India at roughly the same latitude as Mumbai and 625km east of Hyderabad. It is one of country’s most rapidly developing cities, home to several state-owned heavy industries and a large steel plant, along with a growing number of IT and call-centre companies.
Many multinational companies have established outsourcing centres in the city, including HSCB which has a large office there, while it also hosts international IT companies such as IBM.
“SilkAir believes there is immense potential in Vishakhapatnam that can be tapped on in terms of business, visiting friends and relatives, and to some extent, tourism,” said a spokesperson for the airline. “We anticipate strong demand for this new route amongst our business and leisure travellers.”
SilkAir currently flies to seven other destinations in India: Bangalore, Chennai, Coimbatore, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkota and Thiruvananthapuram.
“We remain committed to our presence in India and believe in the long-term growth potential of the Indian market,” the spokesperson said.
For more information, visit www.silkair.com
Nicholas Olczak
