Date:21/09/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/09/21/stories/2006092103120500.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Air Deccan proposes expansion of operations

Staff Reporter

A team of airline officials calls on the Chief Minister and apprises him of its future plans

HYDERABAD: Air Deccan, the low cost airline, unveiled plans to expand its coverage and improve air connectivity to more Tier II and Tier III cities in Andhra Pradesh.

A three-member delegation of the airline, headed by its Managing Director G.R. Gopinath, called on Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy here on Tuesday and informed him about the future plans.

In a power-point presentation, Capt. Gopinath outlined the airline's plans to improve infrastructure in existing airports in the State in addition to having low-cost airports, even those with `bush' airstrips.

The focus of the Air Deccan's presentation was said to be on improving instrumentation while reducing costs on buildings.

For better connectivity

The delegation also included the airline's Chief Revenue Officer John Kuruvilla and Principal Sales and Marketing Officer Samyukth Sridharan. Before meeting the Chief Minister, the delegation also met Tourism Minister J. Geeta Reddy and explained what the airline could do to improve connectivity and give a boost to tourism potential in Andhra Pradesh.