Raipur: Air Odisha, the regional air carrier, launched its first flight on the Jagdalpur-Raipur-Vizag route under the UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, which aims at making air travel affordable. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the flight over a live video from Bhillai.
A ticket from Raipur to Jagdalpur would cost just Rs 1,670. Raipur to Jadalpur is 288 km by road and takes around 6-7 hours. The flight will take only 40 minutes to cover the distance.
Shaishav Shah, Managing Director of Air Odisha said, “We are happy to announce the launch of our new routes in Chhattisgarh connecting with Andhra Pradesh. The UDAN scheme is an excellent scheme initiated under the flagship of our Honourable Prime Minister, Narendra Modi which would aid to the growth of the economy where it is affordable and convenient for the common man and we are delighted to be a part of this historic moment of nation’s aviation sector.”
Air Odisha is also expected to start operations at Jharsuguda and Bhubaneswar airports soon. The airline will use the Beechcraft 1900 D, a 19-seater aircraft.
In the north, Jet Airways has also started flights under the UDAN scheme. Jet Airways will connect Allahabad with Lucknow, Patna, Nagpur and Indore. Lucknow to Allahabad will have a starting price of just Rs 1,177. The flights will operate six days a week.