The sponsor of the Indian cricket team Air Sahara on Wednesday announced its maiden flight from New Delhi to London. The first flight will take off for London on January 6.
As part of their launch initiative, shaped by the slogan 'travel, explore, learn and excel,' Air Sahara would choose 15-20 underprivileged children every year and fly them between India and all international destinations that they connect.
Earlier Air Sahara took competition from international airlines head on and announced the sale of 2,006 Delhi-London return tickets at the lowest-ever rates of Rs 10,000 on a first-come, first-served basis.
'Salaam Balak' and National Children's Home for Kids NGOs in New Delhi and London have been chosen for the first ceremonial exchange of young people between India and the United Kingdom.
"It is a unique and interesting concept. Travelling has taught me more than anything else," captain Rahul Dravid said at the launch.
"By giving a chance to meet new people and country, Air Sahara is helping the underprivileged children. Sahara has been supporting Indian cricket for a long time. I thank them on behalf of the team," he said.
Dravid, always politically correct in his speeches, concluded by saying, "Sahara Pranam."
Dravid refused to answer questions regarding the forthcoming tour of the Indian Cricket team to Pakistan. "This is a special occasion and I would not like to mix cricket. Tomorrow we are going to hold a big press conference on the Indian tour to Pakistan and there we would talk about it," he said.
"Five Indian children who would be on the inaugural flight are Praveen, Shamshul, Pawan, Sunil and Devanand -- who would act as coordinator. While Praveen is a qualified video editor, Shamshul is a Kathakali dancer and Pawan is a Chawa dancer. These children have excelled in their own fields and have been with the organisation for a long time," said Heenu Singh, director of the NGO.
Seemanto Roy, younger son of Sahara group promoter Subrata Roy, said that this is not going to be a one-time affair and 20 underprivileged children would be on the Air Sahara flights every year between India and all international destinations that the carrier flies to.
Air Sahara also plans to start services to Hong Kong and Bangkok and a second daily flight to Singapore in the next few months, he said, adding that it would launch these services as it inducts seven Boeing 737-800s in the next 12 months.
Additional inputs: PTI
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