AI to make T3 its hub

Terming the opening of T3 as part of the national carrier’s turnaround plan, AI CMD Arvind Jadhav said: “With the opening of this terminal, we expect an increase in revenue by 8 to 9 per cent in near future, while 10-15 per cent in long term. We would also be able to cut our (operational) losses by 75 per cent.”

As the carrier’s non-stop flight from New York, AI-102, landed at 4:40 pm, it was given a salute with jets of water being sprayed from fire tenders from both its side as it taxied on the bay to dock at T3.

Speaking on the occasion, Jadhav announced that AI would make T3 its hub and launch new flights to Melbourne, Toronto and Chicago from the winter schedule, starting October. Prior to merger, AI had its operations hub in Mumbai and Indian Airlines in Delhi.

AI would offer hub-and-spoke service by connecting a large number of Indian cities to 22 destinations across the world, providing passengers seamless transfers from domestic to international flights.