SilkAir unveils direct services to Visakhapatnam, India

This new route will start on 28 October.

In a release, SilkAir, the regional wing of Singapore Airlines, will launch direct air services between Singapore and Visakhapatnam, India, on 28 October 2012, subject to regulatory approvals.

SilkAir will be the first airline to provide a direct international air connection from Visakhapatnam and it will increase the number of destinations in SilkAir’s route network to 42 in 12 countries. Flights will operate three times weekly, departing on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, with next-day return flights.

The new services will be operated with Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft, featuring both Business and Economy class cabins.

SilkAir’s Chief Executive, Mr. Leslie Thng, anticipates strong demand for the new service and expects the launch of direct flights will provide a further boost to the growth and development of business and tourism in both countries.

“This represents a significant milestone as SilkAir is the first carrier to offer international flights to and from Visakhapatnam. We are extremely delighted to add Visakhapatnam to our network and are confident that this direct service will further strengthen the strong economic ties between Singapore and India.”

Mr. Thng added: “This new route will also give business travelers access to one of the fastest growing commercial cities in India while introducing a great sightseeing destination for the leisure-oriented tourists.”

Popularly known as Vizag, Visakhapatnam is the second largest city of Andhra Pradesh and offers a multitude of cultural, historic and natural scenic sites such as the Dolphin’s Nose, a prominent rock promontory, the world famous Araku Valley, a pleasant hill station renowned for its scenic gardens, and also the greatly revered Borra Caves, famous for its spectacular, million-year-old stalactite and stalagmite formations.

Visakhapatnam will be SilkAir’s eighth destination in India. Together with Singapore Airlines, the SIA Group will serve a total of 11 cities in India.