City News

From 9th October 2008, holiday-makers and those wishing to visit friends and family will be able to take advantage of new direct flights between Birmingham and the golden city of Amritsar in Northern India. Brand new operator, ‘Bilga Air’, will allow travellers to visit the world famous ‘Golden Temple’ in Amritsar. The operator is named after the famous historical village within the Sikh faith, located close to Amritsar in India’s Punjab region.
 
Peter Vella, Birmingham Airport’s Business Development Director said, “It is great news that Bilga Air is starting services to Amritsar from Birmingham in October. Bilga Air’s operation will help to fill a very popular market which exists in the Midlands, and following the disappointing news that Air India will temporarily suspend its flights between Birmingham and India from the end October, I’m sure it will be greatly welcomed by the Midlands Asian community. We wish them every success.”
 
UK Charter Airline, Monarch, will operate the direct flights for Bilga Air, departing from Birmingham up to twice a week. Although the schedule will vary at different times of the year, flights are mainly planned to operate on Sunday and Monday evenings from Birmingham. While some flights will have a technical stop for fuelling en-route, over 90% will operate non-stop from Birmingham to Amritsar.
 
The aircraft cabin will be a mixed configuration of economy and a premium economy product. This enhanced offering from Bilga Air will see passengers enjoy bigger leather seats that will boast extra legroom (up to 34 inches compared to 31 in economy) as well as a personal entertainment screen.  In order to service passenger’s needs, Bilga Air has offices in Birmingham as well as India.
 
Surinder Kanwar, Director of Bilga Air said, “We are very excited about launching our new operation and serving both those who want to explore the wonders of Northern India as well as the Asian community who wish to reunite with their families. Despite threats of an economic slowdown, we believe that Bilga Air has the ingredients to sustain a successful operation due to the ethnically diverse region in which Birmingham Airport sits and first class facility it offers.”