AirAsia arrives in J&K, CM flags in first flight

SRINAGAR: Low-cost airline AirAsia started its operations in Jammu and Kashmir today, with Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti expressing hope that it would augur well for the coming tourist season in the state.
"Low cost airline carrier AirAsia started its operations here from today with the launch of its morning and evening flights daily between Delhi and Srinagar.
"The inaugural flight from New Delhi was received by the Chief Minister at the Srinagar International Airport," an official spokesman said here.
He said another flight to New Delhi was also seen-off by the chief minister soon after.
The airline is also planning to connect Srinagar to many other destinations in the country in coming days, the spokesman said.
He said the chief minister welcomed the carrier hoping it would augur well for the coming tourist season in the state and also provide local people with more connectivity to other cities in the country.
The spokesman said the chief minister has been pressing for operation of more morning and evening flights to and from Srinagar to facilitate more air traffic and consequently promote tourism.
She has also been insisting on involvement of local youth in projects being started in the state and on her insistence the airline has decided to recruit all its cabin crew and ground staff locally, the spokesman said.