Indian Airways

Travelling in air find place in almost all Hindu epics. The Mahabharata and Ramayana speak a number of times about some sort of an aircraft (Vimana).

The first service carrying mail from London was operated by Puss Moth and flown from Karachi to Bombay. The inaugural commercial air service between London and Delhi was flown by De Havill in 66 Hercules on 30th Dec 1929. This flight made 29 stops during the 12 day flight (flying time of 56 hour 40 minute).

Indian Airlines, private scheduled airlines and air taxis provide domestic air services. Air India and other foreign airlines provides international service. Pawan Hans Helicopters Ltd runs helos to ONGC shore operations, Arunachal Pradesh and to inaccessible areas and difficult terrain.

Air India : In July 1946 TATA Airlines were converted into a public limited company under the name Air India. In 1953, it was declared as the National carrier. India has bilateral air service with around 100 countries and carries more than 3 million passengers a year (www.airindia.com).

Indian Airlines provides service to 14 neighbouring countries. It operates over 72 destinations including 16 abroad. There is 50 % concession for Armed forces personnel, Senior citizens, blind, cancer patients and students for domestic travel. Different unlimited travel plans are also available for tourists.

The four main International airports are at New Delhi (www.delhiairport.com), Kolkata, Mumbai (www.mumbaiairport.com) and Chennai (www.chennaiairport.com). For details visit www.indianairports.com