Continental launches India-USA non-stop

Jyoti Koul - New Delhi

Continental Airlines became the first airline to fly non-stop between India and the USA thereby reducing travel time by over two and a half hours. It commenced its operations between New Delhi and New York on November 2, 2005 and will operate its Boeing 777 on the route.

Delhi's chief minister, Sheila Dikshit inaugurated the first westbound flight at the Indira Gandhi International airport. Jeffery Smisek, president of Continental Airlines, while addressing the media said that India is a potential market and it expected significant growth here. The launch of this daily service shows how globalisation is creating new opportunities for the travel trade.

When asked whether the airline is looking at expanding its operations to any other destination in the country, Smisek said, "Yes, there is lot of potential in India but it is difficult to say anything at this point of time." The airline officials remained tightlipped on many issues like business plans and strategies but revealed that it has appointed Stic Travels as its GSA.

However, industry observers believe that the airline has out-priced itself and it might have to bring down its prices to stay competitive in due course. Currently, it charges a (return) fare of Rs 45,000 for the economy class and Rs1,25,000 for business class. With a capacity of 283 seats, the aircraft has a capacity of 48 passengers in business and 235 in the economy sectors. With the flight code CO83, Continental flights would depart Delhi daily at 11:45 pm and arrive in New York at 5:05 am. It has appointed Laurent Recoura as its senior director in India, who will be responsible for overall management for the airline’s sales and marketing in India.