'Intnl flight service to M'lore gives impetus to exports'

Mangalore, Oct 6: Launching international flight service from Bajpe airport, near here, has given a fillip to the export of agricultural and horticulture products from Dakshina Kannada district to Dubai, Abu Dhabi-based New Medical Centre (NMC) Managing Director B R Shetty said today.

Talking to newspersons here, he said Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel had assured that daily international flight service by Air India Express between Mangalore and Dubai would commence in 15 days, instead of the thrice-a-week service now. Once the daily direct flight service commenced, cashewnut, vegetables and fruits grown using organic manure, and 'Mangalore mallige' (jasmine) could be exported to Dubai, he added.

Mr Shetty, an NRI, said he was keen to create a Dubai market for purchasing agricultural and horticultural products from Dakshina Kannada, for which on the spot payment facility would be made available. Talks were on for export of jasmine from Shankarapura in Udupi taluk.

He said the upgradation of Bajpe Airport to international standards would not only help in the promotion of economic activities of the district, but also in the flow of huge investment into the district. As the next step, the NRI forum would pressurise the Government to commence direct flights to Bajpe from other Gulf destinations like Kuwait, Doha, Qatar, Bahrain, Muscat, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, he added.

UNI