Indian CG Mukta Tomar was presented with a memento by AA Management team L to R Raj Sidhu, Tom Aichele, Ms Mukta Tomar and Ms Lorett Kus
CHICAGO: It was five years ago that a front ranking international airliner, American Airlines announced its plan for the longest non-stop flight from Chicago to Delhi in July 2005 and in less than four months, the mission was accomplished. On November 15, 2005 the world’s largest airline launched its first long-haul non-stop service from O’Hare International Airport for Delhi.
The longest route for nearly 7,500 miles was flown in 16 hours with 236-seat Being 777 aircraft.
The event was recalled by Tom Aicheles, American Airlines’ Vice-President Passenger Sales in Chicago as the Sales Team joined local travel agents to celebrate the 5th Anniversary of Chicago-Delhi non-stop service. Tom Aicheles was addressing a large gathering of travel agents and Indian community members. The 5th Anniversary celebration was hosted by American Airlines Sales team on Monday evening at the Doubletree Hotel Oakbrook.
Tom described the historic beginning of American non-stop service as the result of team work.
The non-stop service has continued since it started five years ago, has improved a lot saving more time, giving more comfort and remaining a top choice among Indian travelers. Tom hailed Indian American organizations in Chicago for supporting American Airlines non-stop service to Delhi and assured American Airlines’ participation in local Indian events. American Airlines has been supporting Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) for India Independence Day celebrations. The successful completion of five years of American Airlines non-stop service to Delhi proved it had survived even the seeming hurdles of cultural and dietary differences.
The Indian Consul General in Chicago Ms Mukta Dutta Tomar congratulated American Airlines for the 5th anniversary of its non-stop flight to Delhi and remarked that the service will continue to foster both trade and cultural ties between India and America. She emphasized the importance of few factors that promote Airline sales such as cabin comfort, time saving schedules and pricing. She felt that AA’s link to India would further cement economic and cultural ties between the two countries. A memento was presented to Ms Tomar by American Airlines.
Earlier, American Airlines Asia & Pacific Sales Executive Raj Sidhu welcomed the guests. He introduced the American Airlines local sales team members. Loretta Kuss, Director Chicago Sales also thanked the Indian community and local travel agents for their support. The 5th anniversary celebration included an entertainment program by Nritya Kala Dance Academy. The traditional Indian dance program was presented by TV Asia host Vandana Jhingan.
Since its beginning in November 2005, American Airlines is operating daily non-stop flight from Chicago to Delhi leaving at 7.45pm and arriving in Delhi at 9.45pm, flying 14 hours 40 minutes with all cabin comforts in economy and Business class. The flight is operated by 777 new Boeing aircraft. All Indian cuisines are offered in meal menu.
According to AA sources, the non stop India operations from Chicago have been very encouraging and that on an average over 8000 passengers have been using this air career for their travel to India from Chicago. Encouraged by this response, the AA management is reportedly considering extending non stop services to more cities in India, Mumbai being on the top of the list.
Prominent Indian community members Niranjan Shah, Mafat Patel, Arvind Shah, Birju Bhagat, Asgar Ali Ukani, Iftekhar Shareef were among those present. American Airlines’ top selling and other loyal travel agents were invited for the celebration dinner. Seen among the agents were Vikram and Umesh from Sky Bird Travel, Abbas and Rachael from Mill Run Tours, Raj from Air Tours, Faizan from Evia Travel, Joseph from Royal Travel and many others.
AQ Siddiqui
India Post News Service
