India, Berlin Direct Flight Underway

Jyoti Koul - New Delhi

With Berlin Tourism Board making its presence felt in the Indian market by the appointment of Bird Group as its representative in India, it is looking at a direct flight between Berlin and India too. Increased connectivity certainly means more tourists. With this in mind, currently, negotiations are on with the ministry of civil aviation and both countries are equally positive about the direct connection. Further, a delegation is expected next month to discuss the matter with the civil aviation ministry.

By summer of 2006, Berlin is hopeful that there will be a direct connection between Berlin and India. Interestingly, Berlin offers many incentives to the new operators. "There is 80 per cent off on everything for the first two and a half years of operation. By that time the airline establishes itself in that particular market. We also see to it that the new entrants gets alternate landing and discounted passenger fee, " informed Burkhard Kieker, vice-president marketing, Berlin International Airports. Initially, there are plans to start a flight between Delhi and Berlin but all of this is just verbal. According to Kieker, "Once we get a clearance from concerned civil aviation authorities in India we would see which airline would provide the link. As of now, there has been an initial dialogue between the two countries and things will be clearer after our meeting next month. India is a must and interesting market and we are of the opinion that there would be reasonably good traffic between India and Berlin," he added. Apart from being a hub for low cost carriers, Berlin has three airports right now and is building a new state-of-the-art airport that will be operational in 2011.