AI to be official carrier of Commonwealth Games

Air India was designated on Tuesday as the official carrier of the Commonwealth Games 2010 and said it is mulling to run special charter services to accommodate visitors and sportspersons during the mega event next year.

The airline signed a memorandum of understanding on Tuesday with the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee to be the official carrier during the Games, which is scheduled to be held between October 3 and 14, 2010.

"Air India has become the first company to be associated with the Commonwealth Games, and we will put our best foot forward as an official carrier," Air India Chairman and managing director Arvind Jadhav said at the signing ceremony.

He said that the national carrier would consider re-routing and upgrading of aircraft as per the requirement depending on the size of foreign delegations.

"Air India will also consider deploying the Air India charter services rather than commercial flights to accommodate large contingents from certain countries or regions," he said.

The airline will also come up with special holiday packages and other value added services for tourists visiting the country during the Games.

Chairman of Organising Committee Suresh Kalmadi termed the signing of the MoU as a significant step towards ensuring a 'great Games experience' for all athletes, officials and fans who would visit the national capital during the sports event next year.