CHICAGO: In a fun filled ceremony, national Indian carrier Air India, Chicago, honored its top selling consolidators in Midwest at Ashiyana Banquet on Friday, January 3.
While top selling consolidators got sales performance awards, other members of Midwest travel fraternity had an evening of fun and dinner. The event was set in motion by Air India Airport Manager Aspi Irani and District Sales Manager Katherine Thorat emceed it.
Air India Chicago Manager Rishikant Singh recalled early aviation days in India when air travel was an elite affair. The travelers were mostly in business attire and flights operating from USA to India over the Atlantic took over two days in-flight and ground time compared to 14 hours non-stop flights to India today. “And you never know if future technology will reduce it to three hours,” he remarked.
Rishikant also pointed out Air India’s role in aviation history since 1932. While many other world airlines have been closed or bought over by others, India’s flag carrier continues flying across the globe. “In Air India we have one of the world’s oldest and youngest airlines,” he said. Contrary to a wrong notion that Air India has old aircrafts, Air India operates with all new 777 wide body Boeings and has acquired 11 Dreamliners. He announced that Air India will soon join Star Alliance network.
Awards for sales performance were distributed by Katherine and Rishikant. Air Tours was top in the list as the Desi Indian travel agent for selling over 9 million, followed by other Indian American travel agents Sky Bird Travel, Devon Travel, Krisbi Travel, Aero Travel, Natraj Travel, Evia Travel, RK Travel and Direct Express. Orbitz as the non-Desi agent remained on top for selling over 11 million.
As the award ceremony was wrapped up, Katherine Thorat announced a travel quiz comprising questions on Indian travel attraction and historical places. All the tables with unique Indian tourist attraction names participated in the Quiz. However none could answer all correct.
Another unique presentation was made by Mrs Rishikant Singh, visual glimpses of last year’s Air India Award Ceremony with comic remarks. All enjoyed it. Air India Chicago office members distributed gift items to agents.
A music program with popular Bollywood numbers pulled the guests to the dance floor and fun filled evening continued for a long time.
Air India operates daily non-stop flights from Chicago to Delhi connecting all major cities. It also operates daily non-stop flights from New Jersey and New York. The Chicago flight however, remains the popular choice among Indian Americans.
A.Q. Siddiqui
India Post News Service
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