The Ministry of Tourism has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Alliance Air Aviation Limited (AAAL), a subsidiary of Indian Airlines, for boosting tourism throughout India. The aim is to position India as a preferred tourism destination, and Alliance Air, which primarily operates domestic routes as part of the government’s UDAN regional connectivity scheme, is a suitable partner for the mission. AAAL has a vast domestic network across India.
“The MoU was signed with a view to achieving the common purpose of joint domestic promotion, considering the need to synergise the activities of Ministry of Tourism and AAAL in the tourism markets,” the Ministry revealed in an official press release.
Additional Director General in the Ministry of Tourism Rupinder Brar and the Chief Executive Officer of AAAL Vineet Sood signed the MoU. The objectives of the MoU include the provisions to meet an integrated marketing and promotional strategy and a synergised campaign in association with AAAL.
“Several promotional events are planned, including advertising in the print and electronic media, participation in fairs and exhibitions, organising seminars, workshops, road shows, printing brochures and collaterals, brochure support and joint advertising,” the Ministry said.
Alliance Air Expands Its Fleet With Two ATR-42s
Meanwhile, Alliance Air, India’s regional carrier, is due to acquire two new ATR 42-600s aircraft. The additional planes are being added to the carrier’s fleet in order to operate under challenging airfields in North India’s mountainous regions. The deliveries will begin by the middle of the year.
The duo signed the deal of purchase at this year’s Singapore Airshow. The aircraft will be taken from an Amsterdam-based lessor TrueNoord. Alliance Air’s existing fleet consists entirely of ATR-72s, and the smaller ATR-42s will allow the carrier to expand its network to areas currently inaccessible.
Airports in the Himalayan region have constraints that prevent a few models of ATR planes from landing. These airports have short runways as they are located at high altitudes and are exposed to harsh temperatures. The smaller ATR-42s provide an appropriate balance of size and cost, allowing Alliance Air to pursue these routes.
