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http://www.travelbizmonitor.com/north-east-shuttles-starts-operations-as-regional-schedule-airline-12592

North East Shuttles starts operations as regional schedule airline
February 02, 2011

Air connectivity and tourism in North East Region (NER) of India is all set to get a boost with Tripura-based Northeast Shuttles Pvt. Ltd. (NSPL) starting schedule services from February 1, 2011. The company will operate flights to major cities of North Eastern states except Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. North East Shuttles, which commenced operations in January 2009 on a Non Schedule Operator Permit (NSOP), currently operates flights to Imphal, Aizwal, Silchar, Agartala and Guwahati. Started with an initial investment of Rs four crore, the company has a fleet of three aircraft (Cessena Caravan and two Dornier 228s). As a scheduled regional airline operator, the company is expanding its route network and will start flights to Dimapur (Nagaland), Lilabari and Dibrugarh (Assam).

Speaking about the company’s expansion plans Captain Shoba K Mani, Managing Director, NSPL said, “We have received a clean chit by Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to operate as regional schedule airline. Our focus in the North East region is to provide better air connectivity as road and rail transport is not widespread and unpredictable. With recent introduction of the third aircraft we shall connect most states in North East.” According to Mani, benefits like subsidy on fuel prices, free landing and parking, extended airport hours and flexibility to charter aircraft during non-scheduled hours promoted them take the decision of operating as a regional airline.

NSPL’s fares range between Rs 2,500 to Rs 4,000 depending on the route. The airline also offers charter and air ambulance services which are priced between Rs 50,000 to Rs 75,000, depending on the aircraft type and capacity (nine or 18 seater aircraft). Currently, NSPL has a reservation office in Guwahati and sales offices in Aizwal. Apart from this, the airline has ticket counters at all airports and it also has an online system for booking. As per last year’s figure NSPL carried a total of 3,688 passengers. “We are focusing on enhancing the air connectivity in NER and aiming to add three more aircraft in near future, which will need an investment of about Rs ten crore,” added Mani.

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Northeast Shuttles ( http://www.northeastshuttles.com ) seems to be a new private airline operating in the NorthEast.

Interestingly, she is not a former IAC bird, but a newcomer to Indian skies. Former registrations include: 9N-AIY, F-ODYB (for Air Caledonie), D-CORK, and D-CBDA.

Do-228 VT-NER seen at GAU.

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