IT News
Imphal, Nov. 23
In a historic move to boost air connectivity between Myanmar and India, Myanmar’s private carrier Air KBZ started its chartered flight service between Mandalay and Imphal today. The inaugural flight which departed from Mandalay landed at the Bir Tikendrajit International Airport at around 11:30 a.m. The maiden flight was welcomed with the traditional water cannon salute.
Minister for Health and Family Welfare L. Jayantakumar Singh, Minister for CAF&PD Karam Shyam, Minister for Education Th. Radheshyam, Chairman of Tourism Corporation Manipur Limited Dr. Sapam Ranjan, Chief Secretary Dr. J. Suresh Babu, Principal Secretary P. Vaiphei, Director of Transport Department Mercina Panmei and others received the passengers with traditional lengyan(shawl).
Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Education Th. Radheshyam said that launching of such chartered flight service would enhance the air connectivity with neighbouring countries especially with Myanmar. The chartered flight will be operational thrice a week, he added. The Minister further maintained that the State government is persuading the Ministry of Civil Aviation for granting regular Imphal-Mandalay flight service.
Th. Radheshyam informed that the first Air KBZ flight carried around 72 passengers from Myanmar and the return flight will depart Imphal with 48 passengers including 5 officials. He appealed to the people of Manipur to support such noble initiative from the Government of Manipur.
It may be mentioned that Chief Minister N. Biren Singh earlier announced that the Imphal-Mandalay flight service would be available from Bir Tikendrajit International Airport in Imphal from23rdNovember 2019 onwards.