New Delhi: Sixty-eight Air India crew members, who were part of the two special flights that evacuated 647 Indians and seven Maldivians from the coronavirus-hit Chinese city of Wuhan, were given letters of appreciation signed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday.
Air India conducted its first special flight to Wuhan on January 31 using jumbo B747 plane, evacuating 324 Indians. In its second special flight on February 1, the national carrier used another B747 plane, evacuating 323 Indians and seven Maldivians from Wuhan in China.
Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri handed over the letters of appreciation to each crew member in a ceremony held here. “Today’s gathering is unique in many respects. At the least, it represents a template and a new high in professionalism. It presents a very good standard for entities that are commercial in nature but are dedicated to the country. “Air India has always been a first class asset. Today, it is an airline which goes 42 international destinations and 82 domestic destinations…but more important than that, Air India represents quality and excellence,” Puri said. Rajeev Bansal, Chairman and MD, Air India, said,”Air India is a national carrier and serving for the national cause is not something new for it. It is in its DNA.” (PTI)
