Air Deccan launches flight between Jamshedpur, Kolkata

Mumbai, Aug 27 (UNI) Budget carrier Air Deccan today launched its daily flight service, connecting Jamshedpur to Kolkata, to mark the centenary celebrations of Tata Steel.

The Bangalore-based low-cost carrier had earlier launched its special inaugural flight at Jamshedpur airport in the presence of Air Deccan CEO Ramki Sundaram and Tata Steel Managing Director B Muthuraman.

According to an airline's statement issued today, a 48-seater ATR-42 500 aircraft has been deployed to serve this newly-launched sector.

Underlying the importance of the new sector, Mr Sunderam said, ''We have long desired to bring the hub of country's steel and engineering industries on the aviation map. With the launch of our connectivity to Jamshedpur, we are confident that the city will embark on another phase of growth.'' Speaking on the occasion, Mr Muthuraman said, ''The launch of the commercial Air Deccan flight that will now provide air connectivity between Jamshedpur and Kolkata is a momentous occasion for Jamshedpur and Tata Steel. It is our privilege to announce the launch of this flight as we enter our centenary year, and add another admirable facility to the Steel City.'' Located at Chotanagpur plateau in Jharkhand, Jamshedpur, also now known as the steel city, was founded by Jamsedji Tata in 1907.

Today it is a modern and industrial city, housing large industries and manufacturing facilities alongside internationally renowned educational institutions and research centres.

Maintained exemplarily by Tata Steel, the steel city is complete with parks, lakes and a wildlife sanctuary and is one of the greenest industrial cities in the world.

Jamshedpur was adjudged the UN Global Compact City for 2004.

UNI