New flight is expected to meet demand of more than 6 lakh Indians in Ahmedabad and expatriates in Newark.
National carrier Air India today commenced its first Dreamliner service to the United States with the launch of a flight from Ahmedabad to Newark via London. As of now, Airline services all its European routes with the Boeing 787-800 Dreamliner plane.
"Air India is happy to start this new flight today. It is a dream fulfilled for the people of Ahmedabad on India's 70th Independence day. This is the third international flight introduced by Air India and we shall be launching flights to more international destinations soon," Air India Chairman and Managing Director Ashnwani Lohani, said after launching the flight.
Gujarat Minister for Revenue and Education, Bhupendrasinh Chudasama was the chief guest on this occasion.
The maiden AI Dreamliner flight (AI-171) to Newark took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 0500 hours, according to a release.
The new flight is expected to meet a long standing demand of more than six lakh Indians in Ahmedabad and expatriates in Newark and neighboring cities.
"This flight was eagerly awaited by the people of Gujarat and has evoked an enthusiastic response. Besides, this flight would also be instrumental in attracting people from all over the world to travel to Gujarat and vice-versa," Mr Chudasama said.
AI-171 will operate three days a week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. It will take off from Ahmedabad at 05:00 hours and reach London at 10:15 hours, from where it will depart at 12:30 hours and arrive at Newark at 15:00 hours.
The return flight AI172 will leave Newark at 22:30 hours and reach London at 10:15 hours next day. It will leave London at 12:30 hours and land at Ahmedabad at 02:00 hours, Air India said.