Low-cost Indian carrier GoAir has kicked off its operations from Kannur International Airport in the south Indian state of Kerala to the UAE capital Abu Dhabi with four new weekly flights on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

 

Abu Dhabi Airports (AUH) welcomed the inaugural flight from Kannur, a popular leisure and business destination within Kerala, with much fanfare when it touched down today (March 2) at 00.40 local time.

 

The Indian subcontinent remains one of the most popular destinations for travellers departing from AUH. 

 

Abu Dhabi Airports CEO Bryan Thompson said: "India is a key travel market for Abu Dhabi International Airport, and we are always eager to strengthen our connectivity to the Indian Subcontinent, enhancing further our services extended to our dear customers."

 

GoAir Managing Director Jeh Wadia said: "This is a historic moment for GoAir as we enter the Middle East region with our maiden flight taking off from Kannur to Abu Dhabi, thereby strengthening the India – UAE relationship."

 

"GoAir is world’s fastest growing airline and Abu Dhabi is our 4th international destination after Phuket, Male and Muscat, and 28th destination sequentially speaking. We are delighted to partner with AUH. It is heartening to note that both GoAir and Abu Dhabi Airports were established in 2006 and are celebrating 13th anniversaries this year."

 

"I welcome aboard passengers from Kannur and Abu Dhabi on four direct flight services per week at an attractive all-inclusive one way fare starting from Dh435 ($118). Fly smart, fly GoAir," he added.

 

AUH Chief Commercial Officer Maarten De Groof said: "As one of our most promising new partners, we are pleased to welcome GoAir’s flights to Abu Dhabi."

 

"India has always been one of our largest and most important areas of operations, and we look forward to ensuring GoAir’s guests enjoy a comfortable and efficient experience throughout Abu Dhabi International Airport where we continue to deploy world-class smart travel solutions, attractive retail offerings, and relaxing lounge spaces," noted de Groof.

 

“This additional service to Abu Dhabi reflects the Capital’s status as a key destination and transit hub, and forms a part of our strategy to attract new airlines to our network,” he added.

 

The flight G8 53 will take off from Kannur International Airport on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 10.10pm and land in AUH at 00.40 and on return, the flight G8 54 will leave AUH on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 1.40am and 7.10am.

 

Wadia lauded the UAE government as well as General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) for the succssful AUH launch. 

 

"Also our special gratitude to our partners Safar Emirates Travel LLC Abu Dhabi and Al Ain; Al Naboodha Travel LLC Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman and Arabian Travel Services LLC Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah. Last but not the least, GoAir thanks Abu Dhabi Airports and Etihad Ground and Maintenance services,” he added.

 

GoAir, he stated, was committed to providing travellers value for their money through the highest standards of customer service delivery and affordable air fares. 

 

"With its fleet of 49 Airbus A320 and Airbus A320neo aircraft, the airline offers more than 230 daily flights and approximately 1,600 weekly flights across 28 destinations – 24 domestic and 4 international," he added.-TradeArabia News Service