SilkAir may start Coimbatore operations by '08

SilkAir may start Coimbatore operations by '08

BS Reporter / Coimbatore August 28, 2006

Buoyed by growing passenger traffic and aircraft movement at Coimbatore airport, SilkAir, a subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, plans to introduce its services here.

"Considering the huge outflow of passengers from this region to nations like China and Singapore for textile-related business activities, SilkAir may soon operate from the Coimbatore airport," Sanjay Cherian, passenger sales officer, Singapore Airlines, said here.

Although he remained non-committal on the timeline for the start of operations, sources say it is likely to happen by 2008.

During January-April 2006, tourist arrivals from India to Malaysia stood at 75,740, registering an 18% increase over arrivals during the corresponding period, a year ago. Of the 2.25 lakh Indian tourists who visited Malaysia in 2005, 37% were from non-metro cities, with the highest number of travellers being from Coimbatore., Joseph K Jose, marketing manager, Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, said.

Passenger traffic to Southeast countries Asian like China and Singapore is also gaining momentum, especially in the post quota regime, i.e. after January 2005, for importing textile machinery and placing orders for spindles, he added.