Air India to Launch First Non-Stop Flight Connecting Mumbai and Melbourne

Air India, a renowned global airline, is set to inaugurate its first-ever non-stop flight service connecting Mumbai, India, to Melbourne, Australia. This strategic expansion of its international route network marks a significant milestone in the airline's history.

Beginning operations on December 15, 2023, this service will run thrice a week, establishing Air India as the exclusive non-stop operator on this route. The newly introduced Mumbai-Melbourne route is expected to contribute around 40,000 seats annually to the Australian state of Victoria.

With a sizable Indian community of over 200,000, representing nearly 40% of Australia's Indian diaspora, this flight service is poised to meet the rising demand for leisure, business travel, and visits to friends and family in the region.

Global Connectivity Enhancement:

Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial and Transformation Officer at Air India, expressed great enthusiasm for this achievement, underscoring the airline's commitment to expanding India's global connectivity through non-stop flights while maintaining the renowned Indian hospitality experience.

Support from Australian Authorities:

Natalie Hutchins, Minister for Jobs and Industry in the Victoria State Government, Australia, commended the launch of the first direct flights from Mumbai to Australia. She emphasized the positive impact this initiative will have on tourism, job creation, and business opportunities for Victorian enterprises.

Flight Details and Amenities:

This new route facilitates convenient one-stop connections between Melbourne and 17 cities in India via Delhi or Mumbai. It also enhances two-way connectivity between London Heathrow and Melbourne through layovers in Delhi and Mumbai. Air India's Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft, serving the Mumbai-Melbourne route, features 18 flatbed seats in Business Class and 238 spacious seats in Economy Class.

Flight Schedule:

• Flight AI310 operates on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, departing from Mumbai at 0050 Hrs and arriving in Melbourne at 1810 Hrs.

• Flight AI311 operates on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, departing from Melbourne at 2000 Hrs and arriving in Mumbai at 0235 Hrs the following day.

Book Your Flight:

Booking for these flights is available on Air India's website, mobile app, and through travel agents worldwide. Promotional all-inclusive, round-trip fares start at Rs 48,999 for Economy Class. It's worth noting that Air India already operates daily flights between Delhi-Melbourne and Sydney, totaling 28 weekly flights connecting India and Australia.

Relevant and Latest Facts:

• The Indian community in Australia is estimated to be over 200,000, representing around 40 per cent of Australia's Indian diaspora.

• The new Mumbai-Melbourne route is set to contribute approximately 40,000 seats annually to the Australian state of Victoria.

• Air India's Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft is equipped with 18 flatbed seats in Business Class and 238 spacious seats in Economy Class.

• Promotional all-inclusive, round-trip fares for the new Mumbai-Melbourne route start at Rs 48,999 for Economy Class.

Conclusion:

The launch of the new Mumbai-Melbourne route is a significant development for Air India and for international connectivity between India and Australia. The new route will offer travelers more convenient and efficient travel options, and it will further strengthen the ties between the two countries.